Introduction
Upgrade your backpack
If you’re worried your backpack might be just a little too small for your next hike, this add-on stuff sack could be the solution.
On a long trail, use it to carry bulky food. On rainy days, stash a wet tent or groundsheet inside. In winter, when gear tends to pile up, it gives you extra space without compromise.
The daisy chain design secures easily to your pack’s top strap, while the Ultra TX50 fabric offers an ultralight balance of durability and waterproof protection. With the Stuff Sack XL, your packing possibilities expand even further.
Features of the Stuff Sack XL
- Ultra-light Ultra TX50 fabric with both durability and waterproof protection
- Daisy chain design for secure attachment to your backpack
- Quick open and close with pull tab
- Inner flap on the drawstring closure to keep out water and dust
Updates for the 2025 Model
- Main fabric updated to Ultra TX50
- Weight reduced from 66g to 48g
- Opening redesigned with proprietary pull-tab feature/li>
- Daisy chain width adjusted from 15mm to 10mm
Product story
In 2012, I was hiking in New Zealand for over one month and testing the MINI. During that hike, I used the first prototype of the Stuff Pack XL to add some extra capacity to my MINI.
When my MINI was slightly too small but the framed ONE was a little too big, I attached this Stuff Pack to the MINI for additional capacity. (Please note, THREE was not yet released at this time.)
The added capacity was, of course, great, but I also noticed other advantages of the water-resistant and externally-attachable Stuff Pack: I was able to stow my wet tent, tarp, and groundsheet in the Stuff Pack XL after packing everything else under the tent or tarp, allowing me a smooth departure from the campsite without the inside of my MINI being soaked. Also, it was perfect to keep dirty clothes or a wet towel separated from other items after taking a dip in a hot spring.
Initially, the Stuff Pack XL was made solely for our staff, but we had many inquiries from customers who wanted to buy it and I also noticed that there were no products like this in the same category with a 9-liter capacity, that could be easily strapped on the top of a UL lidless backpack so we decided to add this to our regular lineup.
Form and function
Secure attachment
Side daisy chains allow secure attachment to the top, sides, or bottom of a pack with straps.
Daisy chain can accommodate buckles up to 25mm (the nylon tape shown is 15mm).
Attachment examples
with MINI
with THREE
with Granite Gear BLAZE 60
Smoother opening
The opening now uses the same closure system as the MINI and MINI2 roll-tops, making it quick and easy to open and close.
An inner flap at the drawstring adds extra protection, helping keep out light rain and dust.
Open: Pull the red tab and tape to open.
Close: Grip the red tab and pull the drawcord to close.
The inner flap of the drawstring uses 70D PU-coated ripstop nylon.
How much can the Stuff XL carry?
With a 9L capacity, the Stuff Sack XL has space for more than just snacks or a rain shell. It easily holds bulkier gear like a tent, tarp, or groundsheet. In wet conditions, you can pack everything else inside your backpack under shelter, then store damp gear in the Stuff Sack XL to keep your main pack dry. Out on the trail, it’s also handy for pulling out a wet tent or sleeping bag to let it dry.
With a 9L capacity, there’s ample room for a tent, groundsheet, rainwear, and more.
Review
Paired with the MINI
Photo features the earlier version of the Stuff Pack XL together with the MINI pack.
Shinhotaka – Nishihotaka – Jandarm – Okuhotaka – Yarigatake – Shinhotaka (2 nights / 3 days)
On one of Japan’s toughest established trails, I chose the Yamatomichi MINI for its freedom of movement on rocky sections where climbing takes priority.
For this hike I wanted to bring a full-length sleeping mat. But attaching it outside the pack would have been unsafe — on a route with so much scrambling, the mat could easily snag on rocks. When folded into four, the 175cm mat fit inside the MINI, but it filled most of the main compartment, leaving too little space for everything else.
To solve this, I used the Stuff Pack XL for the overflow — including extra gear and food for three days. Out on the trail, the Stuff Pack XL attached to the MINI firmly and securely. Depending on how it’s packed, it sits tight enough that even while climbing, it never got in the way.
Yamatomichi Founder
Worked in the art and publishing fields until his mid-30s. Became deeply involved in the world of ultralight hiking in the early 2000s. In 2011, Akira and his wife Yumiko started Yamatomichi and have since, opened stores in Kamakura, Kyoto, and Taipei. Akira continues to develop new gear and to spread the philosophy of ultralight hiking to the world, not only through Yamatomichi’s gear but also through creating content, tours and events.
Material
Ultra TX50
A three-layer composite material combining durable 50d triple ripstop polyester, high tear-strength 45° Ultra™ CrossPly yarns, and a 0.006mm PET film. The result is an ultralight fabric with outstanding durability and complete waterproof protection.
Notes before use
- Not completely waterproof. For items you don’t want to get wet, please use additional protection such as a zip-lock bag.
- Due to variations in buckle size, some 25mm buckles may not fit through the daisy chain.
Instructions
Care instructions
- Hand wash only. Do not use a washing machine.
- Wash in lukewarm water with a small amount of neutral detergent.
- Do not use fabric softener or bleach.
- For heavy dirt, gently scrub with a laundry brush or soft sponge.
- Rinse thoroughly to ensure no detergent remains.
- After washing, wipe off excess water with a soft towel and hang to dry in the shade with the opening facing downward.
- Do not iron.
Care instruction page
For more detailed washing, drying and water repellent care instructions, visit our SUPPORT Page. With proper care you can prolong the funtionality of the product.
Payment
- We only accept payment by credit card. We currently do not accept payment via bank transfer from overseas accounts.
- We accept the following Credit Cards: Visa, Master, American Express, and JCB.
- To download your receipt, please click the link included in the Dispatch Notice, which we will send by email as soon as the items are dispatched.
- Bank transfer is only availble for those that own a Japanese bank account.
Delivery
- Order Confirmation will be sent after the order.
- The items will be dispatched within 3 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 (excluding Russia) via DHL. For regions in Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America, Africa, and Russia, we use EMS (International Express Mail Service) for shipping.
- Shipping fees and delivery times vary depending on the shipping destination as well as the size and weight of the items.
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.