Founded in San Francisco in 2010 by a talented backpack designer who grew up in Alaska, Boreas is one of the backpack brands that deserves to be better known in Japan. The backpacks they create are full of surprise, playfulness, beauty, and practicality, as if embodying the cheerfulness and generosity brought about by the city's warm climate and abundant nature, as well as the open, enterprising spirit nurtured by the diverse cultures of San Francisco ( a visit to the brand's website in the US will immediately convey this vibe).
This time we will be looking at two items from their lineup, including a lightweight backpack of around 30L size that has been highly praised since last year. Both are not only light and simple, but also have a high level of perfection that you would never imagine from their visual impact
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About Boreas
Boreas, whose design director is Kim Tae, was founded in 2010 in the Mission area of San Francisco, home to a diverse range of social groups and cultures. Its outdoor-inspired designs also prove their worth in the street scene. Highly acclaimed for their design, lightness, and functionality, the brand has established itself as a globally recognized brand with a strong sense of originality. Its innovative items continue to amaze in every respect, from function to design
KIM TAE,
founder of Boreas Gear. Growing up in the Alaskan wilderness every day was the origin of his passion for the outdoors. After majoring in product design at university, he joined a famous outdoor brand in 2001, where he served as design director and released numerous masterpieces. He is known as a maverick in the outdoor industry with a strong personality. He is one of the rare talented designers in recent years, creating well-thought-out, innovative ideas such as the new adjustable back frame system.From the Japanese catalog
Main features of each item
Experimental and original, yet practical and versatile: Muir Woods 30
The Japanese version is only available in black (the photo shows the 2015 model)
Named after a national park in California, Muir Woods is immediately eye-catching for its unique design, which is recognizable from any angle. It's surprising, considering that this backpack is on the milder side of the Boreas lineup. However, this seemingly eccentric design isn't merely a show-offy design; it's the result of carefully calculated integration of numerous features, which I'll explain below. That's what makes this backpack so great
The distinctive silhouette is due to the wide opening of the main compartment, allowing for quick access to luggage
There is also a pocket inside that can store a hydration pack (or laptop)
The side straps not only serve as attachment points, but also as compression straps to reduce the pack volume without losing its shape
In addition, a huge number of attachment points, daisy chains, etc. are discreetly placed, and behind the simple surface there is storage capacity that is unimaginable in a typical daypack (although you will need to provide your own carabiners, straps, etc.)
A daisy chain is hidden along the center line on the front and in the center of the shoulder strap on the back
Pole and axe attachments are also securely placed
Of course, there are also plenty of pockets for storing small items, so even inexperienced users can pack smartly
The top left and bottom left photos show the top pocket, while the side pocket (top right) and hip belt pocket (bottom right) are lightly stretchy and easy to use
However, up to this point, this pack is merely a convenient daypack for strolling around town. The biggest factor that makes it feel fully capable of being used in serious outdoor activities is the high-quality back panel system (back panel) backed by experience and technology. Inside, a removable lightweight aluminum frame is placed, and the back panel is made of EVA foam, which has just the right amount of firmness, fit, breathability, and cushioning, providing a stable and comfortable fit even when carrying a heavy load
The back panel is designed with ventilation holes, grooves, mesh fabric, and other features to improve breathability
MONTEREY: Fully waterproof, perfect for both outdoor and urban use
Available in two colors: Canyon Blue (pictured) and Black
The other lightweight backpack is a fully waterproof pack, which, while not absolutely essential, is extremely useful for certain outdoor activities. However, with the recent popularity of commuting by bike and running to work, an increasing number of students and working adults are carrying waterproof backpacks even in town, so it doesn't seem like a particularly niche feature. This pack covers both outdoor and urban use. It's not overly focused on design, making it difficult to use, nor is it overly focused on functionality, making it seem unfashionable. It's a high-quality backpack that's well-balanced in terms of "lightweight, functionality, and style," as you'd expect from Boreas. While this model is a little large at 35L (for everyday use), the lineup also includes the 25L ECHO, which has almost the same specifications, for those who prefer it
The sturdy 210 denier ripstop nylon fabric is waterproof with a TPU coating, and a unique roll-top dry bag is built into the main body at the entrance, preventing water from seeping in even without using a backpack cover
Roll-top entrance with a double structure with nylon on the outside
The main compartment is spacious, but the number of pockets and attachments is a bit limited. There's an elastic pocket on the front, side pockets for storing drink bottles and small items, and a top pocket for storing thin items (although it's not exactly spacious). It's also fully waterproof. However, I would have liked a pocket for a bottle, whatever it might be, on the side of the pack
The interior features a compartment for a PC and reflective print on the front pocket, making it a thoughtful design intended for everyday and nighttime use
The internal sleeve is equipped with shock-resistant cushioning, allowing you to safely store your laptop
Summary: Who is this recommended for?
"Excellent" mountaineering backpacks tend to have somewhat uniform designs. However, there's something magical about the West Coast, where such playful and stylish packs are produced without sacrificing functionality. The MUIR WOODS 30, with its design that blends in with both the city and the outdoors and its ample functionality and comfort for mountain hiking, will meet your expectations for day hikes and overnight stays, as long as the mountain isn't particularly strenuous. It's perfect for those just starting out in the outdoors, those who want a backpack for everyday use or travel, not just weekend trips, and those who prefer to avoid wearing the same pack as others. Meanwhile, the MONTEREY, apart from its waterproof nature, is perfectly suited to similar purposes and scenarios. Even with the limited options for waterproof backpacks, it's perfect for those seeking a particularly stylish option
Check out this article about backpacks
- How to Choose the Right Mountaineering Backpack and 10 Recommended Backpacks for Beginners
- Comparison Test: Comparing Mountaineering Backpacks for Beginners
| item | MUIR WOODS 30 | Monterey |
|---|---|---|
| Here is ◎ | Comfort, lightness, design and versatility | Waterproof, durable, and stylish |
| Here is △ | Few pockets and straps included, and the design doesn't stand upright | Poor pocket attachment and back cushioning |
| Recommended Activities | Hiking, Travel | Commuting to work or school, water sports such as river climbing, travel, hiking |
| Fabric |
|
|
| size | One size (back length 47cm) | One Size |
| capacity | 30L | 35L |
| weight | 1,023g (without frame: 980g) | Approximately 1,000g |
| Weight/capacity | 30.67g/L | 38.33g/L |
| attachment |
|
|
|
|
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| Hydration compatible | ◯ | × |
| Included rain cover | × | × |
| Variations |
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Check out this article about backpacks
- How to Choose the Right Mountaineering Backpack and 10 Recommended Backpacks for Beginners
- 10 Lightweight Backpacks for Beginners in Fastpacking
- 10 New and Recommended Daypacks for Day Hiking and Everyday Use [Classic & Unique]
- Comparison Review: Comparing the best beginner backpacks for those just starting out in mountaineering
- Comparison Review: Comparing lightweight backpacks perfect for light hiking and fastpacking
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