Hello, it’s Eri from the web shop photography team!
Last week, I was finally able to head out to the snowy mountains for the first time this season. I started skiing about eight years ago thanks to the influence of those around me, and these days I feel like my skiing is finally coming together after diligently keeping at it every year (I’m truly uncoordinated, so it took me a while...).
Now, today I’d like to introduce one of the most popular items among the products that arrive daily at the Circles Web Shop: bags.
Starting with OUTERSHELL ADVENTURES, which I introduced the other day, we select unique and highly practical items from a "Circles" perspective. When it comes to practicality, beyond just the shape, I find myself paying close attention to the feel of the material and the inherent characteristics of the fabric itself. This time, I’d like to explore the relationship between materials and their intended use!
RAL WB Loader: Main material 500-denier Cordura nylon
Cordura is a highly durable fiber with seven times the strength of nylon, and its excellent abrasion and tear resistance make it an ideal material for workwear. Because Cordura is polyurethane-coated on the surface, it also has superior water repellency, so you don’t have to worry about sudden rain. Since it’s for everyday use, the material is chosen with an emphasis on toughness over lightness, so it won’t give up even if you treat it a bit roughly.
WELLDONE Chips Bag: Main material X-PAC VX21
X-PAC was developed by applying the know-how of sailcloth required to withstand the harsh environmental conditions at sea. Among the different types, we use VX21, which can be called the most popular. While X-PAC is known for high strength, there is a limit to the weight the fabric can bear as a material, which is why you rarely see backpacks with extremely large capacities (designed for high-altitude mountain climbing, trekking, or ultralight use) made from it, aside from UL gear.
Because X-PAC VX21 is made by layering three components—a nylon face, X-ply, and backing—its only weakness is that the lamination can gradually peel off depending on years and frequency of use. However, given the balance of strength, lightness, and waterproofing, it’s clearly a bag that is easy to use for outdoor sports like Bike-to-Hike, travel, running, skiing, and snowboarding. I always take mine to the snowy mountains, too!
OUTERSHELL ADVENTURES: Main material ECOPAK
ECOPAK maintains the performance of X-PAC while using 100% recycled polyester for the fabric. It is slightly less lightweight than nylon, but the CO2 emissions during the manufacturing process of recycled polyester are 50% lower than those of nylon, which is a similar environmental burden to organic cotton. Furthermore, compared to X-PAC, the fabric is more efficient to work with, resulting in less wasted material during cutting—another factor contributing to its lower environmental impact.
Kyle from OUTERSHELL ADVENTURES speaks out directly against the disposable culture; he aims for manufacturing that builds a positive relationship with "nature," keeping to his motto of eliminating zippers as much as possible—the part of a bag most prone to breaking—and minimizing the number of seams.
It is a natural progression based on his philosophy that he will continue to transition the majority of his products from X-PAC to 100% recycled polyester ECOPAK.
RON’S BIKES Fabio’s Chest: Main material Waxed Cordura or Waxed Canvas
There are three types of materials for the Fabio’s Chest (I will skip X-PAC as mentioned above), each with its own advantages.
First, as the name suggests, waxed canvas is a canvas fabric treated with wax. It’s a classic material and certainly not light, but this fabric is the best match for RON’S. I get the impression that those who choose this fabric are those who prioritize sturdiness, longevity, and enjoying the aging process of the material, knowing that there are other lighter bags available.
Waxed Cordura is a Cordura fabric coated with wax. The style is extremely close to waxed canvas, but this one takes the prize in terms of strength and weight. Also, Cordura comes in many colorful variations, and it's a great benefit to be able to choose bags with happy color schemes like the Japan Limited edition.
ZODIAC BAGGAGE: Main material 1000-denier Cordura nylon
I remember when we were photographing these. They were so heavy and stiff that my hands hurt terribly from stuffing them to shape them. But that’s what a messenger bag is. It doesn’t break. It doesn’t fray. It doesn’t let water in.
The priority here is extreme toughness, regardless of weight. Therefore, the material used is 1000-denier Cordura nylon. While the weave has superior durability and abrasion resistance compared to 500-denier, it is surprisingly less water-resistant, so the inside features a highly waterproof lining to keep contents dry.
Is it because I’m always running around shooting with a full-size SLR camera that I feel the tools I use for work should be like this? Just like a messenger bag, being able to rely on a work partner that never breaks no matter how heavy it gets—that’s exactly what it should be. Am I being a bit "Showa-era" here!?
Even for the same type of bag, creators put their own intentions into the materials just as they do with the shape. I hope you find the perfect partner that feels just right, tailored to the situations you'll be in and the style you choose!