30D Cordura Ripstop, 46g/m²
Pertex®︎21RS-PC, 137g/㎡
TS White
Technoforce®︎ Steel, 98g/㎡
ECOPAK EPX200, 200g/㎡
TS White
Technoforce®︎ Steel, 98g/㎡
3D Mesh, 194g/m²
Pertex®︎ 05RS-PC, 69g/㎡
Size M 425g
Size L 440g
TS White
Size M 413g
Size L 431g
Size L 28-32L
Repair Tape
- Introduction
- The standard Japanese ultralight backpack
- Product story
- From Neighborhood to snowy mountains
- Form and function
- Carry the load
- Versatile carry options
- Anatomy of the MINI
- Integrated Minimalist Pad
- How to wear the MINI
- Accessories
- Material
- Pertex®︎07RS-PC
- Pertex®21RS-PC
- Technoforce® Steel
- ECOPAK EPX200
- Size guide
- Notes before use
- Fabric water resistance
- DEET
- How to use the roll-top
- Instructions
- Care instructions
- Care instructions for Technoforce® Steel
- Repair
- Replacement parts
Introduction
The standard Japanese ultralight backpack
With a maximum capacity of 32L, our MINI delivers everything you need for anything from day hikes to overnight adventures—all at just 413g. Designed to shift the load to the upper body, it frees your waist for unrestricted movement, making it perfect for tackling Japan’s rugged, undulating trails.
The pack is made from two key materials: our proprietary* co-developed fabric with UK-based high-performance textile brand Pertex—featuring a strategic mix of lightweight, supple 70-denier and 210-denier fabrics—and Technoforce® Steel, a 100% ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene material renowned for its exceptional strength, used exclusively on the front pocket and bottom.
Evolved through numerous updates since its launch, the MINI has matured into the standard for ultralight backpacks in Japan.
*Note: The Technoforce® Steel (TS White) model uses a different material and is priced at ¥39,000 (tax included).
Product story
From Neighborhood to snowy mountains
I designed the MINI, Yamatomichi’s second backpack, to be as simple, lightweight, and easy to use as possible.
Photo by Akira Natsume, New Zealand Cascade Saddle Route 2012
Inspired by the classic Ray-Way backpack by ultralight hiking pioneer Ray Jardine, our MINI is designed to carry the main load on the shoulders, leaving the waist free and comfortable. When the weight is properly distributed across the upper body, especially around the shoulder blades and chest, most people can carry up to 8 kilograms comfortably without relying on the waist for support. This freedom around the waist allows for more natural, unrestricted movement and greater comfort while hiking.
Many small to mid-sized backpacks use thin, flimsy shoulder straps that put too much strain on the shoulders. Even if the pack itself is lightweight, it is often not designed to distribute the load evenly across the chest and upper body. In contrast, the MINI’s shoulder straps are designed to prevent the weight from concentrating on the shoulders, even when carrying a heavier load. I tested many different strap designs to find the ideal balance of firmness and thickness.
As soon as you put it on, I think you will notice how the supportive yet comfortable shoulder straps spread the load naturally across the upper body, around the shoulder blades and chest. While the MINI is designed to carry up to 8 kilograms comfortably, I believe it can handle as much as 10 kilograms without putting excessive strain on the shoulders.
Unlike many ultralight packs with the familiar mesh front pocket, the MINI features a zippered front pocket made from X-Pac, better suited to Japan’s rainy climate. It is not fully waterproof, but with its water-resistant fabric and water-repellent zipper, it helps keep the contents dry in light rain.
The MINI has a capacity of about 25 liters, but the spacious roll-top design expands to around 30 liters when needed. This gives you extra room for a tarp or lightweight shelter for an overnight hike, or even a longer trip with careful planning and the right gear.
That is why I believe the MINI is the most versatile backpack in the Yamatomichi lineup. I use it for everything from walks around my hometown to snow hikes, and I will continue testing and refining it along the way.
Form and function
Carry the load
The MINI is designed to carry loads of up to around 8 kilograms, while distributing the weight comfortably across the upper body, around the shoulder blades and chest, without relying on waist support.
This design keeps the waist free from pressure, allowing for more comfortable and natural movement in Japan’s rugged mountains.
Versatile carry options
The MINI features an extended roll-top design, giving it a total capacity of over 30 liters in size M and 32 liters in size L. And when you need to carry more, the top strap, bungee cords, and bottom attachment loops give you plenty of ways to secure extra gear outside the pack.
Anatomy of the MINI
Grab the red loop and use the pull tab to release the roll-top in one motion.
Each side pocket fits up to two 500 ml bottles. Loosen the shoulder strap slightly for easier access.
The front bungee cord can be unclipped in a single action.
A light sleeping pad can be attached to the bottom attachment loops. It can also be fixed vertically where branches are dense for easy walking.
The attachment loops at the top and bottom secure trekking poles or an ice axe without blocking access to the front and side pockets.
The gear and bottom loops secure trekking poles or an ice axe without blocking pocket access.
Rather than using water-repellent zippers, we chose YKK #5 coil zippers for their smoother feel and greater reliability over time.
The front pocket includes a key hook for attaching small essentials like a headlamp or multi-tool.
Tighten the side compression cords to draw the load closer to your back to improve stability.
The sternum strap is designed for one-handed use, so you can fasten the buckle even while holding a pole or bottle.
The sternum strap buckle features a built-in emergency whistle for added safety.
Attach the included hip belt when needed to help reduce sway. To remove it, firmly pinch the arch of the slick clip.
The back panel uses a high-grip mesh that helps the pack stay securely in place against your back.
Integrated Minimalist Pad
We have included a Minimalist Pad (H45cm x W90cm x D0.5cm / 43g) in the back of the MINI. The Minimalist Pad is removable and can be used as a sleeping pad or an emergency pad to keep you warm.
How to wear the MINI
Position the MINI as high as possible on your upper back.
For fastpacking or running, an optional hip belt can be attached for added stability. Please note that this hip belt is not designed to transfer weight to the waist, but simply to help reduce pack movement.
Accessories
We offer a number of options to expand the features and capacity of your MINI.
It can be attached to the removable hip belt. This is convenient for stowing keys, valuables, and other items frequently used during hiking.
It can be strapped onto the top of the MINI. This will add another nine liter capacity that is convenient for carrying something you would prefer to store separately from the main compartment such as a wet tent, rainwear, or an extra couple of days’ worth of food.
Our Yamatomichi Minimalist Pad is installed in the MINI’s back panel. If you feel it is too warm on your back during the summer, consider switching it for our Breathable Pad that offers superior ventilation and cushioning.
The MINI comes with a transparent plastic bag which can be used as a water-resistant pack liner. (Also sold separately)
Material
Known for their ultralight, high-performance fabrics in technical outerwear, we’ve once again teamed up with Pertex—this time to develop their first-ever backpack-specific materials.
Pertex®︎07RS-PC
A carefully engineered weave structure, combined with the natural flexibility of the fabric to disperse impact, achieves both the lightweight performance required for backpacks and strength that surpasses conventional nylon materials. Paired with a hydrolysis-resistant polycarbonate coating, it offers exceptional long-term durability.
Pertex®21RS-PC
A carefully engineered weave structure, combined with a supple construction that helps disperse impact, achieves both lightweight performance and strength that surpasses conventional nylon fabrics. Paired with a hydrolysis-resistant polycarbonate coating, it further enhances overall durability.
Backpack material comparison
As of 2025, we compared the weight and tear strength of the main fabrics used in our backpacks. Fabric weight refers to the weight per square meter, while tear strength indicates the amount of force required to tear the fabric.
Among these materials, Pertex07RS-PC and Pertex21RS-PC are not as strong as fabrics made from 100% UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene), such as TECHNO FORCE STEEL or Ultra 200. However, compared to other fabrics made from 100% nylon, they offer an excellent balance of lightness and strength.
Fabric Strength Relative to Weight (kg per g/㎡)
To highlight the relationship between weight and durability, the materials are ordered by tear strength per gram of fabric.
Why Nylon 6—and its unique performance
Pertex has worked primarily with nylon 6 since its founding, building a deep understanding of the material’s characteristics. While they do use nylon 66 when the application demands it, their fabric development is always based on selecting the right material for the intended function.
Nylon 66 is typically known for its high strength and abrasion resistance, but it tends to be stiff and more prone to sudden failure under stress. Nylon 6, by contrast, offers greater flexibility and can stretch slightly under load, allowing it to disperse impact more effectively. For this project, we chose to embrace the natural suppleness of nylon 6 and designed a fabric that is both lightweight and exceptionally strong.
A balanced weave structure for enchanced durability
To take full advantage of nylon 6’s flexibility, we carefully considered the fabric’s weave. While tighter weaves typically yield higher strength, they can also become overly rigid and more prone to tearing under localized stress. Instead, we adopted a slightly looser “open” weave structure that allows the fabric to better absorb and distribute force.
We also used the same denier of nylon 6 yarn for both the vertical and horizontal threads, giving the fabric consistent strength in both directions. This uniformity helps distribute pressure evenly across the surface and prevents stress from concentrating in a single area.
A coating designed to last
Most nylon backpack fabrics use polyurethane (PU) coatings to improve water resistance and durability. But PU is prone to breaking down over time, especially with exposure to moisture and sunlight, often resulting in peeling or stickiness.
To overcome this, we used a polycarbonate coating—a tougher, longer-lasting option also found in car interiors, architectural panels, and industrial protective gear. It’s far more resistant to UV and humidity, making it a great fit for long-term outdoor use. That said, polycarbonate is more difficult to work with and more expensive than PU, which is why it’s still rarely used in textiles.
Technoforce® Steel
The fabric made from 100% ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHPE) is exceptionally lightweight yet strong; light enough to float on water yet theoretically capable of supporting around 20 tons with just a 10 mm diameter. This high-density woven fabric offers world-class tear resistance, tensile strength, and abrasion resistance. Its hydrolysis-resistant PC coating on the back further enhances long-term durability, with “jungle tests” showing no significant changes after 10 years. UHPE does not retain water, preventing the fabric from becoming heavier when wet.
58kg
ECOPAK EPX200
The ECOPAK EPX200 is a multi-layered material consisting of 200 denier polyester and diamond-patterned blue polyester cross ply, combined with 70 denier ripstop on the back. It is made from 100% recycled polyester, offering excellent strength and waterproofing properties.
Size guide
| Size | M | L |
|---|---|---|
| Weight (kg) | 42~69 | 67~85 |
| Chest (cm) | 78~95 | 92~110 |
| Height (cm) | 150~175 | 170~190 |
| Back Length (cm) | 45~54 | 54~57 |
We offer two sizes of the MINI. In general, we recommend the larger L size if you are over 175cm tall, but as all people are different we recommend you try out the two different sizes before you buy if at all possible.
- The length of the shoulder strap is the straight line from the base of the strap to the end of the core material.
- Please refer to the ONE product page for more information on how we measure the length of the back of our backpacks.
Notes before use
Notes before use
Fabric water resistance
While the fabric used is highly water-resistant, the backpack is not waterproof. We recommend using a waterproof pack liner or a rain cover.
DEET
Insect repellents containing DEET can degrade the coating of the fabric components, so please do not let them come into contact with this product.
How to use the roll-top
When opening or closing the roll-top, always grip the red loop and use the pull tab. Pulling directly on the fabric or may cause the eyelets to come loose. If an eyelet does come loose, please contact us through the repair request form.
Instructions
Care instructions
- Hand-wash only. Do not machine wash.
- Submerge the product in lukewarm water with a correct amount of neutral detergent, and hand-wash it.
- Do not bleach. Do not use fabric softener.
- Remove any optional parts such as pads before washing.
- Wash off any noticeable stains or smudges with a washing brush or soft sponge.
- Rinse well so that no detergent remains.
- Drain the backpack with the mouth down. Keep dry in a shade.
- Store in a dark, well-ventilated place.
- Do not iron.
- Hand-wash the pad gently, rinse well and keep dry in a shade.
Care page
For detailed tips on how to wash, store, and take care of your gear, visit our Care page.
How to wash our backpacks
Care instructions for Technoforce® Steel
Technoforce® Steel with hydrophobic properties is naturally a stain-resistant fabric, but due to its white color, dirt becomes noticeable. Here are care methods for three common types of stains.
The longer a stain remains, the harder it is to remove. Clean as soon as possible to keep clean.
Dirt stains
- Spot Cleaning
Gently scrub the stain using laundry detergent and a laundry brush or toothbrush.
*Note: Small particles of sand that have entered the gaps in the fabric may remain.* - Rinsing
Rinse the cleaned area with lukewarm water. Make sure to rinse thoroughly with running water to remove all detergent. - Drying
Hang to dry completely in a well-ventilated, shaded area.
Food oil stains
- Spot cleaning
Use a dishwashing detergent, which is effective at removing grease, and gently scrub the affected area with a laundry brush or toothbrush. For stubborn oil stains that cannot be removed with dishwashing detergent, apply cleansing oil to the stain to lift the oil, then gently scrub with a laundry detergent.
*Oil stains containing strong pigments, such as curry, may leave a faint stain. - Rinsing
Rinse the cleaned area with lukewarm water. Make sure to rinse thoroughly under running water to remove any remaining detergent. - Drying
Hang to dry in a well-ventilated shaded area until completely dry.
Oil stains (eg: bicycle chain oil)
- Spot cleaning
Apply make-up remover to lift the grease and dirt, then scrub gently with a laundry brush or toothbrush using laundry detergent.
*Note: Small particles of sand that have entered the gaps in the fabric may remain.* - Rinsing
Rinse the spot-cleaned area with lukewarm water. Make sure to rinse thoroughly with running water to remove all detergent. - Drying
Hang to dry completely in a well-ventilated, shaded area.
Payment
- We only accept payment by credit card for orders from overseas.
- Bank transfer is available only to customers with a Japanese bank account.
- We accept the following credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and JCB.
- To download your receipt, please click the link included in the dispatch notice email, which will be sent once your order has been shipped.
Delivery
- Order Confirmation will be sent after the order.
- The items will be dispatched within 5 days after the payment is confirmed.
- The dispatch notice will be sent by email as soon as the items are dispatched.
- The delivery may be delayed by unforeseeable reasons such as natural disasters and other logistics issues. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
- We cannot ship multiple orders in one package due to how our delivery system is currently set up.
- We will ship to regions in North America, Oceania, and Europe via DHL. For regions in Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America, Africa, we use EMS (International Express Mail Service) for shipping. We currently cannot ship to Russia due to Japanese postal regulations.
- Shipping fees and delivery times vary depending on the shipping destination as well as the size and weight of the items. To find out how much shipping will cost, please add all of your desired items to your cart and enter your shipping information, the exact amount will be shown.
Size exchange
Choosing the right size online can be difficult. To make your purchase easier, Yamatomichi offers a size exchange program for eligible items. To request a size exchange, please use our size exchange form here. Please review the conditions below before submitting your request.
- We only accept exchanges when the item is unused (except for fitting).
- If you would like to exchange your item for a different size, please contact us within seven days of receiving your order.
- Exchanges are available only for the same color in a different size.
- If your preferred size is out of stock, we may suggest a different color instead.
- If the product is no longer available, we may need to return the original item to you.
- All shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer.
- We will send the exchanged item after receiving payment for the return shipping cost via PayPal.
- Please note that some countries may charge customs duties depending on the value of the item.
- We are unable to advise on local customs regulations. Please contact your local customs office directly.
Repair
We accept repairs for all of our Yamatomichi products. For inquiries on repair services including patching the holes, repairing with extra components, or fixing the items damaged over time, please feel free to contact us from the “Repair” section of the SUPPORT page.
Repair Tape
- For temporary repair, please keep the repair tape in your emergency kit.
- The repair tape should be patched up on both the front and back sides of the fabric. The tape must be larger than the damaged or torn part of the fabric.
- If you round the edges of the patch, it will last longer.
Replacement parts
No worries if you lose or damage any included belts or straps—we also offer replacement parts.
Hip Belt for MINITW$ NaN31gRESTOCK ALERT
Sternum StrapTW$ NaN21gRESTOCK ALERT