May has arrived and while we are already seeing hot days, the mornings and nights are at the perfect temperature for commuting by bike. The breeze feels so good that it makes me want to keep riding even further.
Well, in this perfect cycling weather, new items have arrived from OUTERSHELL ADVENTURE in San Francisco, California!
What is Outershell Adventure?
Outershell is built on the pillars of function-first design, safety and durability during travel, and the use of high-quality materials derived from simplicity. In terms of manufacturing, they aim to create gear with as few seams as possible, avoid zipper opening systems—the part most prone to breaking on bags—as much as possible, and achieve highly weather-resistant structures.
Outershell stands firmly against throwaway culture, with every step from design to testing and manufacturing managed and watched over by the duo of Kyle Ng and Jim Santos, and all their products are manufactured in San Francisco, California.
Their goal is to create products that allow users to not just be in close contact with nature, but to blend in as part of the natural environment.
This is the meaning they have poured into the word Outershell.
When Kyle first visited Japan last year and came to Nagoya to hang out with us, I was struck by how much he looked forward to meeting everyone and how enthusiastically he spoke about his philosophy on manufacturing.
Because their cycling bags sell out as soon as they arrive, we rarely have the chance to introduce them. However, I want more people to experience these products that are unique and practical, setting them apart from other bag makers while maintaining simple, experience-based designs and functionality. So, this time, I want to focus on the newly arrived items!
A carefully crafted, convenient waist bag
【OUTERSHELL ADVENTURE】
Hip Slinger
Price: ¥13,000 – ¥14,500-
Color : 11 Colors
First of all, there was a heartwarming story in Shige-san’s blog the other day, and it was this very Hip Slinger that he chose as a gift for her.
Actually, there is another story behind this Hip Slinger. We had seen the final sample during a pop-up at Circles and were eagerly awaiting its arrival, but when we saw the actual product, we noticed it had undergone some spec changes.
I immediately asked Kyle about it, and it turns out he had updated it with a cord-lock buckle for compression adjustment, based on an idea from Nagoya’s own Welldone Inocchi.
It was great to see Welldone Inocchi looking so happy participating in RIDEALIVE 2019 Okinawa last year, wearing his favorite bag that inspired the design.
By the way, there is a report of the Oregon Timber Trail tour that Early Birds Breakfast manager Keita-san and Inocchi-san went on exactly two years ago. If you haven't read it yet, please take this opportunity to do so.
This item strongly reinforced my feeling that because they are a small manufacturer, they have a stance of actively making improvements and brushing up their products whenever they feel they can make something better.
The Hip Slinger, which finally took shape after much trial and error, uses a roll-top design that expands and contracts as needed. It can be compressed and adjusted with the cord-lock buckle, allowing it to go from a minimal 1.5L for tools, spares, and food, to 3L for jackets or bottles, making it helpful even when you have extra cargo.
Zippers on the front and back allow access to the main compartment and numerous internal organizer pockets.
It’s a very easy-to-use item for those who want to keep valuables on their person, those who don’t want to mount a bag on their bike, or those riding MTBs who prefer to wear their regular clothes.
A design perfect for riding that we’ve been waiting for
【OUTERSHELL ADVENTURE】
Camera Strap
Price: ¥8,000-
Color : 12 Colors
You can take beautiful photos with your phone, but compared to professional cameras like an SLR, there is a clear difference in the images. We often go for rides carrying cameras, but we hadn’t really found a camera strap that could handle a hard ride.
The great thing about this camera strap is that it has a stabilizer on the chest, keeping it firmly fixed to your back while riding so there's no need to worry about it sliding down to the front. You can easily adjust the length with one hand, so you can tighten it up and then immediately loosen it to take a photo.
When you want to take a shot, you can easily release the magnetic buckle to move the camera into a shooting position.
With 12 colors available—the largest selection in our lineup—you’ll have the fun of choosing one that matches your style, so feel free to agonize over the decision!
Carry only what you need
【OUTERSHELL ADVENTURE】
Zip Wallet Compact
Price: ¥4,500-
Color : 8 Colors
In this age where cashless payment is accelerating, the wallets we carry have become more compact. When riding, many of you likely put cards, cash, coins, and keys into a Ziploc bag and carry them in your jersey or pants pocket. But in that state, there is always the possibility of dropping them or accidentally throwing them away with trash.
I go on rides often, and considering the hassle of swapping things out, I find a compact wallet that I can use in my daily life very useful.
Of course, its simple structure is also very convenient and easy to use when you want to quickly swap things over for a ride. It also comes with a useful cord that lets you hook it onto something or wear it around your wrist, so you don’t have to worry about losing it.
If you are looking for a simple wallet to carry only the bare essentials, why not try the Outershell Zip Wallet Compact?
As a field guide for mushroom foraging.
【OUTERSHELL ADVENTURE】
Wild Mushrooms Bottle
Price: ¥2,400- (excl. tax)
This is the second installment of our Outer Shell water bottle, featuring an original design by Kyle’s friend Max in a vintage woodblock print style. You might feel inspired to go mushroom hunting during your mountain rides, but please make sure you don't accidentally forage for poisonous mushrooms... Always double-check with a mushroom foraging guidebook.
The simple, translucent bottle is easy to match with any bike. Since it’s the perfect size for the serious summer heat that’s coming, you should stock up on two of them now.
As a field guide for mushroom foraging.
【OUTERSHELL ADVENTURE】
Cat Robot T-Shirt
Price: ¥4,800-
This T-shirt was inspired by an anime that Outer Shell’s Kyle grew up watching religiously in Hong Kong.
Just like the cat-shaped robot’s fourth-dimensional pocket in the illustration, the design pays homage to the desire to pack as much as possible—along with our hopes—and lead cyclists who remain children at heart even as adults into a world of travel and adventure.
As the Japanese proverb says, "Send your beloved child on a journey," so it’s not a bad idea to send your own children out on a bike to experience their own adventures as they grow up.
The season for T-shirts is already here, so while it’s great for yourself, it would also make a much-appreciated gift.
We have also received new stock of items I personally love and use for everyday rides, enduro races like the Otaki, and bikepacking: Drawcord Handlebar Bag, Stem Caddy, Rolltop Saddlebag, and Mini Saddlebag. Some colors are already out of stock, so be sure to check them out soon if you're interested!
Not only for the upcoming season or bikepacking, but Outer Shell items are incredibly functional and convenient for anyone looking to switch to a bicycle for their daily transportation, so why not incorporate them into your life?
Click here for online appointment reservations.
To book an appointment by phone,
please call us at 052-331-3232.
We will continue to operate on an appointment-only basis. Upon entry, disinfection at the door and the wearing of a mask are required.
Please note that we will continue to accept repairs for general bicycles on-site as usual. However, because we receive many repairs every day, please understand that we may need to keep your bike and have you pick it up at a later date.
To prevent the further spread of COVID-19, we kindly ask that you refrain from any non-essential visits.
