[tokyobike Collaboration] A Backpack That Feels Natural for Women

〈REN × tokyobike〉
Collaboration Items

A Backpack That Feels Natural for Women

 

“I want to keep both hands completely free.”
The roots of the backpack trace back to packs originally created for German mountaineers tackling steep rock faces and glaciers. Perhaps because that philosophy has been carried through from the early 20th century to the present day, backpacks still tend to be defined by outdoor-oriented details and functionality.

Perhaps because of that, backpacks that truly feel natural for women are surprisingly hard to find.

“I don’t usually carry backpacks. Maybe I’d just never come across one that truly felt right for me—or perhaps I’d never even looked for one.”

These words came from Mr. Ishii, a staff member at TOKYOBIKE TOKYO in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, Tokyo, where the REN POP UP STORE is being held through June 21, 2026.

For this story, we asked her to spend some time with the new Rise Pack 16L from the “Urban Hike” series. “Please be completely honest with us,” we added.

We couldn’t help feeling a little nervous about what we might hear.

 

Balancing Formal and Casual with Accessories

Her style has always leaned toward the refined side of formal. Recently, though, she’s been softening it slightly with casual elements to match the atmosphere of the shop.

“I try to keep the overall look simple. But I like watches, so I change the one I wear every day.”

Wearing more formal accessories helps create balance, and somehow lifts the mood a little. The same goes for bags.
“I tend to carry leather bags most of the time because the texture of leather fits naturally with my style.”

Her commute takes about an hour and a half each way. She bikes from home to the nearest station, takes the train, then walks from the station to the shop.

“I used to carry a crossbody bag, but between my everyday things and my lunch, it would get pretty heavy. The extra weight on one shoulder had started to bother me.”

 

Once I put the backpack on, it almost felt like it wasn’t even there.

The last time she used a backpack was back in university. What was her first impression?

“First of all, I liked how simple the design was. Then once I actually started using it, the lightness really surprised me. I kept thinking, ‘How can it be this light?’ With a tote bag, my usual belongings always end up feeling heavy—but once I put the backpack on, it almost felt like it wasn’t even there.”

“I also really liked the way it looked. Even though the material feels lightweight, the shape still holds nicely. I felt it paired naturally with my style, even with slightly more formal outfits.”

She also shared that it felt comfortable not only while cycling, but on the train and on foot as well.

“I wear it on my back while cycling, but when I get on the train, I move it to the front. It sits neatly against the body and doesn’t shift around.”

It rests naturally between the shoulder and collarbone, offering a comfortable sense of support. She also noted how little strain it causes, even when worn for extended periods.

“Even though the bag keeps its shape, the material itself is soft. So when I sit down and try to take up less space, it still feels comfortable, and I barely notice it afterward when I’m walking again.”

The color sits somewhere between brown and black, leaning gently toward camel. In fact, this shade was created exclusively for the tokyobike collaboration released alongside the current POP UP STORE.

“I tend to wear a lot of brown, black, and navy, so it blends naturally with almost anything I wear. Even with outfits centered around black, it adds just the right touch of warmth and subtle contrast.”

After about a month of use, the initial stiffness had softened just enough, giving the bag a more natural suppleness.

“Lately, I’ve found myself pairing this backpack with sneakers more and more.”

 

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REN POP UP STORE

Lightness and texture.
Alongside the expression of well-worn leather.

2026.05.20 wed – 06.21 sun

 

At this POP UP STORE, we are also displaying bags that have been used over several years. Scuffs, sheen, and shifts in color—each piece reveals the unique character that only well-worn leather can develop over time.

Alongside REN’s signature goatskin and pigskin collections, we will also introduce the new “Urban Hike” series for Spring / Summer 2026.

We hope you’ll take this opportunity to experience the charm of REN’s bags and materials for yourself.

 

TOKYOBIKE TOKYO

Address: 3-7-2 Miyoshi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0022, Japan

Hours:
Weekdays: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Weekends & Holidays: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed: Monday & Tuesday

URL: https://tokyobike.com/tokyobike_tokyo/

Instagram: ＠tokyobiketokyo