What is Kyle from OUTERSHELL like?

2026/5/1 西出奈未

Well everyone, the season for comfortable cycling is finally here!
The air in the mornings and evenings feels great, and there are more and more days when I feel like just hopping on my bike and heading out.

At this time of year, I'm sure many of you feel the urge to tinker with your bike, whether it's swapping out a few parts or adding a new bag.

We've introduced OUTERSHELL many times before.
While their functionality and build quality go without saying, that’s not the only reason we’ve continued to carry them for so many years.

“Putting a face to the makers”

There is a sense of closeness unique to a garage brand, and a warmth that comes through their handiwork. What heavily influenced us to start carrying them in the first place—even more than just how amazing the products are—was whether we felt drawn to the people behind them. For us, a good feeling is an essential factor.

The charm of the creators naturally flows into their products, and before you know it, you’ve grown to love the brand as a whole.

In fact, I suspect many of you pick up their gear not just because the items themselves are great, but because you think, “I want to use this because those are the people who made it.”

So this time, we’d like to revisit OUTERSHELL’s founder, Kyle.

Many of you may have seen him on social media or our blog, but once you get to know him, your perspective on this brand might change a little.

In the second half, we will also be introducing items that have been restocked, so please take a look at those as well.

That's right! The person in this photo is the owner of OUTERSHELL, the designer, and the super-important figure who takes on every role imaginable.🦸‍♂️

Despite his incredibly busy schedule, when we asked him if we could introduce him again, he kindly agreed to an interview.

We'll be presenting it to you along with photos actually taken by Kyle himself.

Q1: Could you briefly introduce yourself, including where you are from and where you currently live?

I’m from Los Angeles and moved to San Francisco when I was 17.
I’m about to turn 36, so that was 19 years ago. I’ve lived here ever since.

Q2: You serve as the design lead at OUTERSHELL; what does that involve on a day-to-day basis?

As the owner, I manage the various sections of the company to ensure everyone is working together effectively. I delegate tasks to each member and coordinate them to ensure everything is running in sync.

As a designer, I sew prototypes myself, test them in the real world, refine them, create the patterns, and set up the production procedures. In other words, I conceive how the product is made and prepare all the necessary equipment. I am also in charge of designing the structure and functionality of our entire shop.

On top of that, I’m involved in new marketing efforts, and I’m responsible for much of the design and architecture of our website.

Making things and bringing them into reality is what I do.

Q3: How did you get into cycling? Do you remember your first bike or have any memorable episodes?

I started cycling as a way to get out of the area where I lived. I couldn't drive a car yet, so the only way to get out of the suburbs and experience other cultures was by bike.

I remember my first Critical Mass. It was my first group ride, and it was also a political statement against the car-centric culture of Los Angeles.

Q4: What motivated you to start OUTERSHELL in 2015? Also, could you tell us the origin of the name?

OUTERSHELL started because I wanted to make bags for bikes. I wanted to create things that would help myself and others explore the world by bicycle.

It didn’t start as a business from the beginning; it only became one after so many people started asking for those bags.

The logo comes from the book The Tao of Physics. It’s a book that explores the parallels between modern physics and ancient Eastern philosophy.

“Outer Shell” is a term in physics referring to the outermost electron shell (valence shell) of an atom. The idea is that all interactions in the universe happen there and are connected.

Outer Shell Tunitas McNally Sklar Open House

Q5: How did you learn to make products? Are there any people who have influenced you?

I was making products before I even started OUTERSHELL. I kept making things for myself and those around me, and they just kept getting better.

It’s easier to improve when you’re making things for your own use rather than to sell them.

Off the top of my head, I’m influenced by Marie Kondo, Toyota, Evan Kinori, Edward Abbey, and Balenciaga.

Q6: OUTERSHELL products are known for their sophisticated design, high-quality sewing, and functionality that works for everything from daily use to adventure. What do you value most in your product creation?

I want our products to be the most durable bike bags on the planet. And I want them to be as simple and easy to use as possible.

Often, keeping things simple helps achieve both.

I also love the simple look. I think it’s pure, doesn’t demand too much attention, and expresses the joy of the act of cycling just as it is.

Q7: Do you have a favorite product from your lineup, or one you use most often? What was the inspiration behind creating it?

Everyday Tote. I love it. I use it every day, both on and off the bike.

It’s just as tough as all our other bags, but the feature that sets it apart is that it doesn’t look like your typical “bike bag.” It’s incredibly useful for any errand.

Honestly, I don’t clearly remember what exactly triggered its creation, but through long-term use and various experiences, it’s like it has become an extension of myself.

Q8: What was the first OUTERSHELL product, and why did you create that one first?

I had made many things one-off, but I believe the first product we officially put up for sale was the Rolltop Saddlebag.

It wasn’t something you saw much on the market back then, and it was relatively easy to produce in small numbers. It was also my first test for mass production.

Q9: Are there any new items you’re thinking about creating next? (Please share as much as you can!)

There are so many things I want to make.

For example, a larger musette that’s more like a fashionable grocery tote. Or something that’s a cross between a rear rack trunk bag and a purse.

I’ve also made quite a few pannier-backpack prototypes, but none have made it to production yet, so I want to refine that idea a bit more. Or perhaps a different type of pannier entirely.

Stay tuned to see what happens.

Q10: This is a bit personal, but what kind of child were you? What did you like back then?

I was a so-called “latchkey kid,” the kind of child raised by television.

I had to figure a lot of things out on my own, which meant I failed a lot and often found myself in trouble.

I really loved Totoro. As for Sanrio characters, Badtz-Maru is my absolute favorite.

Later, I got into cars and started building them myself. At 14, I built my first car from junkyard parts.

Q11: Where is the most memorable place you’ve visited by bike? And do you have any memorable bikepacking experiences?

Riding the Baja Divide was amazing.

It’s not every day you get to snorkel in a World Heritage site during a bike tour and swim with manta rays, is it?

When you’re riding alone for long periods, you have a lot of time to confront your own thoughts, which can sometimes feel overwhelming. You become very introspective, thinking about existence, and it can be difficult to process at times.

Q12: It was a while ago, but your participation in Paris-Brest-Paris was very memorable. Did that experience have any influence on you afterwards?

Starting randonneuring, qualifying for PBP, and competing—all within a single year—was the most challenging experience I’ve ever had.

I hated the idea of giving up, so I powered through it out of sheer stubbornness.

It was a time of immense self-discovery; I learned exactly what I was capable of doing through willpower alone.

Beyond France itself, the culture and history of PBP from around the world were amazing. It was a truly valuable experience.

However, the burnout was real, and for a while after, I didn’t want to ride a bike at all; I stepped away for about a year. Now, I’m in the process of re-evaluating my relationship with cycling in a different way.

Q13: Outside of cycling, do you have any hobbies or interests you’re currently into?

I’m pretty into rock climbing.

I’d like to learn an instrument someday, but I already have too many hobbies.

Q14: What kind of music do you like? Do you have any favorite artists or genres, or music you often listen to while working?

I listen to all kinds of genres, really. Blues, jazz, country, punk, hardcore, etc.

Right now, Vicente Fernández is great.

While I'm working, I play all kinds of different playlists depending on my mood.

Q15: Do you have any favorite books?

Desert Solitaire is a great book that really fuels my desire for the outdoors.

Q16: Do you have any favorite places? Tell us what makes them so appealing.

I think Joshua Tree is one of the best places in the world for rock climbing.

Also, I love the desert. The landscape is so powerful, and I love seeing cacti and other plants thriving in such a harsh environment. I think the desert is a very pure place.

Q17: Do you have any favorite shops or stores? And are there any places you'd recommend to people visiting the U.S. from Japan?

Around San Francisco, I like:

Guerra’s Meats
Grooves Records
Center Hardware

Also, I recommend visiting the Conservatory of Flowers or Lands End, and catching a show at The Knockout.

Q18: You held pop-ups and talk events at Circles and Early Birds back in 2019. You also visited Okinawa and Izu, right? Any plans to come back to Japan? And are there any places you'd like to visit?

I don't have any concrete plans at the moment, but I definitely want to go back.

If you invite me, I'll go anytime!!

I had such a great time traveling with Rie, so I’d love to go together again (even though I know she’s busy).

I’m curious about what Hokkaido is like, and I want to visit the Ghibli Museum. Also, I’d like to go on a tour of a Toyota factory with Shinya.

Thanks, Kyle!

I'd love to hold another pop-up or ride event in Japan! Everyone, stay tuned!!

By the way, some items are back in stock

OUTER SHELL
Mega Bar Bag

Price: 58,850 yen (tax included) ~ 64,350 yen (tax included)

View in Webshop

OUTER SHELL
Top Tube Bag

Price: 17,050 yen (tax included)