A new perspective—Urban Hike.

〈interview〉

A new perspective—Urban Hike.

“Even in the city, when you add up the walk to the station and the distances between meetings, you end up covering quite a bit of ground. In a way, that might be a kind of ‘hike’ too.”

Introducing the Lithe Pack 16L, REN’s new backpack shaped around the concept of “Urban Hike.”

We spoke with designer Yanagimoto about the story behind this new item.

A jacket, and a form that blends into the city.

The first step was to remove the details typically considered essential in outdoor backpacks.

“When you think of hiking packs, they often come with chest straps, waist belts, or holders for things like trekking poles. But when you carry those as they are in the city, they can disrupt the clean look of business wear. So we removed all the extra straps and holders, keeping the design as simple and refined as possible.”

By intentionally limiting its functions, we arrived at a refined form that blends naturally with a jacket style.

The just-right capacity of 16L

Generally, hiking packs tend to start at around 20 liters or more. But when considered as a tool for work in the city, that capacity can sometimes be excessive.

“Once you go beyond 20 liters, it starts to feel too much like a mountain pack, and the balance no longer feels right. At the same time, we wanted it to hold everything you need for work—a 13-inch laptop, an umbrella, a bottle. After refining that idea of ‘just enough,’ we arrived at 16 liters.”

A smart profile that holds its shape when worn, without being overwhelmed by the body. Even when packed, the silhouette remains intact. By setting limits on capacity, it maintains a refined form that blends into the urban landscape.

Two compartments are all you need.

“Too many dividers or pockets can actually make things harder to use. You lose track of where everything is. So we kept it simple—just what’s necessary. In the end, two compartments felt just right.”

The sleeve on the back side is designed for flat items such as a laptop or documents. The outer compartment is suited for bulkier items like a lunch box, an extra layer, or a pouch. By dividing the space by purpose, your belongings stay organized, and your movements remain smooth and composed. The sleeve is also padded to ensure your digital devices are carried safely.

Embracing the train as part of the urban trail.

In the context of an urban hike, getting around by public transportation is unavoidable. In particular, how you navigate a crowded train is a challenge unique to the city.

“To me, the train is a symbol of the city. So we paid close attention to how easy it is to access your belongings when the bag is carried in front. That relationship—how it sits against the body—was something we refined carefully.”

The Lithe Pack is designed so that when worn in front on the train, opening the zipper and accessing the pockets can be done with natural movements. “Store things too securely and they become hard to reach—but you don’t want to leave them exposed either. We aimed for that fine balance.”

The dual main zippers are positioned for easy access to both compartments. The side pockets are set at a carefully considered angle, making it easy to take out or store a bottle or smartphone—whether worn on the back or carried in front.

The idea of using lining as the exterior.

Then there is the material. Rather than leaning too heavily toward “toughness” or chasing outdoor specs like ultra-lightweight performance, we carefully considered a different approach. We chose 110 twill nylon, a material more commonly used for bag linings. There was a clear reason for bringing a lining material to the exterior.

“The fine texture and refined sheen you get from a lining material blend seamlessly with the look of the city and the feel of business wear. Above all, it’s so light you almost forget you’re carrying it. At just 380 grams, this level of lightness is only possible because of this material.”

The lining material already has a light water-repellent finish, making it suitable for unexpected rain in the city. Balancing the lightness needed for walking with a refined presence— this is REN’s honest approach to functionality.

The leather—an element that can be considered part of REN’s identity—is used sparingly, only on the zipper tabs and tag. By keeping it to this minimum, it becomes a more effective accent.

By stripping away, it becomes refined.

As you add more details, the range of what a product can do expands. At REN, however, we deliberately strip that potential back. “Limitations allow us to truly consider what is necessary and what is not. Within those boundaries, we deepen what we can do—that is our approach to making things.”

Stripped of unnecessary ornamentation, it gives form only to the lightness needed for walking and the practicality required for use. A modern work tool for those who move through the city with quiet intention.