I’m Shimada, a staff member at FITTWO, an outdoor shop in Ueno, Tokyo!
This month, I’d like to introduce five of my personally recommended items!
(※Prices are as of September 2026.)
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5 Staff-Recommended Items
【CHROME】INITIATE 26L PACK
Basic Information
A 26L backpack featuring CHROME’s signature roll-top design. It is versatile enough for everything from commuting and school to travel.
It is available in three colors: Black, Coyote, and Steel Blue.
The price is ¥16,500 including tax.
Why I Recommend It
One of the first things that stands out is the CHROME-style roll-top design with a seat belt buckle.
The opening can be adjusted according to the amount of gear you’re carrying, allowing you to make flexible use of the 26L capacity.
It also features a padded laptop sleeve that accommodates laptops up to 16 inches.
The laptop compartment can be accessed from the back, so you can take out your laptop without having to fully open the roll-top. This makes it particularly convenient for commuting, school, and business trips.
With a 26L capacity, it is a practical size for everyday use, travel, and days when you need to carry a little extra.
The interior also features organizer pockets, making it easy to keep your laptop, gadgets, and other small items neatly organized.
The back panel and shoulder straps use mesh material designed for cushioning and breathability.
At approximately 0.9 kg, it is relatively lightweight for a 26L-class backpack, making it easy to carry comfortably even when you have plenty of gear packed inside.
Another attractive point is the accessible price of ¥16,500 including tax.
Despite offering the toughness and functionality CHROME is known for, it is relatively easy to get into, making it a great option for those buying a CHROME backpack for the first time.
If you like CHROME’s signature design but want a backpack that is easy to use every day, this is definitely a model I’d recommend.
We take a closer look at this backpack in the article below!
From CHROME’s popular AXCEL series, this model can be used in two different ways: as a tote bag or a messenger-style shoulder bag.
It is available in two sizes: SM (16L) and MD (23L).
The SM is recommended for those who want to keep their belongings compact, while the MD is a good choice for those who need enough room for a laptop, documents, and even a change of clothes.
The prices are:
SM: 16L / Approx. 1.1 kg / ¥26,400 including tax MD: 23L / Approx. 1.2 kg / ¥30,800 including tax
Why I Recommend It
One of the biggest advantages is that it can be used as either a tote bag or a shoulder bag.
The detachable shoulder strap uses the T-LOK system, so you can carry it by hand as a tote when you’re carrying less, or wear it over your shoulder when you have more gear or want to keep your hands free. Its design works well not only in business situations but also for everyday use.
The impressive storage capacity is another highlight of the AXCEL TOTE MESSENGER.
There is a pocket on the exterior for small items you want to access quickly, while the main compartment offers plenty of space. It also features a fully waterproof pocket from FIDLOCK for items you want to keep protected from moisture. This makes it convenient to use without having to worry too much about sudden rain.
The bag is made from 1680D recycled ballistic nylon. It has the toughness you’d expect from CHROME and is a great choice for anyone who wants a bag they can use hard every day for commuting or school. The exterior is also water-resistant, so it can handle light rain.
The buttons at both ends of the zipper can be undone to expand the opening, making it easier to load and remove your belongings. In addition to being useful as a work bag, it should also have enough room for an overnight trip.
SM vs. MD
If you’re unsure which size to choose, I’d recommend choosing based on how much you normally carry.
SM: 16L / Approx. 1.1 kg A compact size that works well for commuting and everyday use. Recommended for those who want to keep their essentials neatly organized.
MD: 23L / Approx. 1.2 kg With 7L more capacity than the SM, it is easier to carry a laptop, documents, and a change of clothes. Recommended for those who carry more gear or want a bag that can handle both work and other activities.
Personally, I think the easiest way to choose is SM for everyday commuting, and MD if you carry more gear or want to use the bag for business trips and travel as well.
A 2-way shoulder bag from THE NORTH FACE’s new lifestyle series, Ficus.
It is available in two colors: Black and Soapstone.
The price is ¥13,200 including tax.
Why I Recommend It
What I particularly recommend is the 18L capacity, which offers a great balance of size and storage.
It can hold everyday essentials as well as A4 documents and a laptop, making it a practical size for commuting and school.
Another particularly useful feature is the laptop sleeve that accommodates laptops up to 15 inches.
It’s convenient for anyone who regularly carries a laptop for work and works equally well for everyday use and business situations.
There are also pockets on the front, side, and back.
Instead of putting everything into the main compartment, you can separate smaller items such as your smartphone and wallet, making them quick and easy to access. The side pocket can also hold a bottle.
Another feature I personally appreciate is the cushioned knit material used on the shoulder strap.
It helps reduce the strain when carrying a loaded bag over your shoulder, making it a good choice for those who tend to carry a lot of gear every day.
And then there’s the lightweight design at approximately 400 g.
Despite offering 18L of capacity, the bag itself is very light, making it a great option for anyone who wants to keep the weight of their bag to a minimum.
【KEEN】JASPER MERCO
Basic Information
A new addition to the KEEN lineup that combines light weight, flexibility, and everyday usability while maintaining the character of the classic JASPER.
The color options mainly consist of understated shades such as black and gray, making them easy to coordinate with a wide range of outfits.
The price is ¥18,700 including tax.
Why I Recommend It
One of the biggest advantages is that it is a minimalist and lightweight model based on the classic JASPER.
While retaining the outdoor-inspired design that makes the JASPER distinctive, it uses a thin and flexible sole, making it easy to wear for everyday walks around town.
Another distinctive feature is the sole design inspired by contour lines.
It adds a unique visual accent, while the flexible sole follows the movement of your feet, providing a natural feel that is almost like walking barefoot.
Another highlight is the ability to fine-tune the fit with laces running from the toe area all the way up to the instep.
The toe box also provides extra room, while a contoured arch support under the foot makes the shoes comfortable for longer walks.
One feature I personally recommend is the KEEN.FUSION construction.
Instead of using adhesives, heat and pressure are used to fuse the upper and sole together, with durability also taken into consideration. As you’d expect from an outdoor brand, these shoes are a great choice for anyone who wants to wear them hard on a daily basis.
The upper uses suede, while the lining features breathable, quick-drying mesh. It also incorporates the naturally derived antimicrobial and odor-control treatment Eco Anti-Odor.
At approximately 305 g per shoe in the men’s model, they are also relatively lightweight.
With an outdoor-inspired design combined with the lightweight, easy-going feel of a sneaker, they are suitable not only for camping and light outdoor activities, but also for everyday wear around town.
Of course, I recommend them to anyone who already loves the classic JASPER, but also to those who feel that “the JASPER is a little too bulky” and want something lighter and more streamlined.
【MERRELL】VAPOR GLOVE 7 BOA
Basic Information
The latest model in MERRELL’s VAPOR GLOVE series, one of the brand’s signature barefoot shoe lines.
It is available in two colors: Black and Tealas.
The price is ¥19,800 including tax.
Why I Recommend It
With its low-profile, low-to-the-ground design, the sole keeps your feet close to the ground, providing a walking experience that feels close to being barefoot. MERRELL’s unique BAREFOOT 2 construction helps guide your feet into a natural position.
One of the biggest features of the “7 BOA” is the use of the BOA® Fit System.
Simply turn the dial to fine-tune the fit. Compared with traditional laces, this makes the shoes easier to put on and take off while providing a secure hold. The PerformFit™ Wrap construction also wraps around the foot to improve stability while moving.
The upper uses a lightweight combination of synthetic material and mesh.
It also offers good breathability, making it suitable not only for training and outdoor activities but also for everyday wear around town.
The outsole uses Vibram® TC5+.
Developed for MERRELL, this outsole provides reliable grip across a wide range of environments, from city streets to outdoor settings.
The shoes also feature a toe cap that provides additional protection for your toes.
Barefoot shoes are sometimes thought of as being nothing more than simple and lightweight footwear, but the VAPOR GLOVE 7 BOA also offers the protection you need for everyday use and outdoor activities.
Compared with the previous VAPOR GLOVE 6 BOA, the fit and outsole have been significantly updated.
The 7 BOA uses the PerformFit™ Wrap construction to provide a more secure hold while maintaining the natural barefoot feel.
The outsole has also been changed from Vibram ECOSTEP RECYCLE to Vibram TC5+. Combined with the addition of a toe cap, the VAPOR GLOVE 7 BOA has been updated into a model that is even easier to use not only for everyday wear but also for outdoor activities.
Thank you very much for reading to the end!
The items introduced in this article are all recommended new products that can be used in a wide range of situations, from everyday life to outdoor activities.
If there’s a product that catches your eye, be sure to check it out at our store or online shop!
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