I’m Shimada, a staff member at FITTWO, an outdoor gear shop in Ueno, Tokyo!
Today, I’d like to share my top five product recommendations for this month. Let’s take a look at some of my personal favorites!
*Prices listed are current as of October 2026.
TOC
5 Staff Picks for October
【CHROME】MICRO KADET
Product Details
The MICRO KADET SLING is the smallest bag in CHROME’s popular KADET sling bag series. It’s designed for those who want to carry just the essentials without being weighed down.
Available in colors such as Black and Coyote.
Price: ¥11,000 (tax included). Some colorways are priced at ¥11,550.
Why I Recommend It
One of the best things about the MICRO KADET is its compact size and lightweight feel. With a 3-liter capacity, it has enough room for everyday essentials like your wallet, smartphone, and earbuds, plus enough space to carry two 500 ml water bottles. Despite its small size, it’s a practical choice for everyday outings.
The main compartment features a PU-coated zipper, helping protect your belongings from unexpected showers. There’s also a zippered pocket on the front, making it easy to keep smaller items like your phone and keys separate and within easy reach.
Another signature CHROME feature is the U-lock holder. It’s handy for cyclists who want to carry a bike lock, and it also adds a distinctive touch that reflects the cycling culture behind the KADET series.
The bag also features a replaceable SM buckle, another detail that gives it CHROME’s distinctive look. The padded shoulder strap adds comfort, making the bag easy to carry even during longer outings.
Compared with the MINI KADET, the MICRO KADET is even more compact. It’s a great option for anyone who wants to travel light and carry as little as possible.
Personally, I think the MICRO KADET is ideal for people who find even the MINI KADET a little too big. Whether you’re heading out for a quick errand, exploring a new city, using it as an extra bag while traveling, or riding your bike around town, it’s a great companion when you want to keep things simple and move freely.
Released as part of CHROME’s Fall/Winter 2026 collection, the RECRUIT 22L PACK is a simple, versatile backpack designed for everyday use.
Capacity: 22L Dimensions: W28 × H46 × D15 cm Weight: Approx. 0.8 kg Laptop compatibility: Fits laptops up to 16 inches
Price: ¥15,400 (tax included).
Why I Recommend It
What I like most about the RECRUIT 22L PACK is its practical 22-liter capacity and clean, understated design. It’s neither too big nor too small, making it a versatile option for everyday essentials, as well as commuting or school when you need to carry a laptop, documents, and other necessities.
It also comes with a padded laptop sleeve that accommodates laptops up to 16 inches. This is especially useful if you regularly carry a computer for work or school. The main compartment also includes an organizer to help keep smaller items neatly arranged.
One feature I particularly appreciate is the two side pockets. They’re convenient for carrying a water bottle or other items, and one side also features a U-lock holder made with stretch cord. It’s a practical addition for cyclists and another detail that reflects CHROME’s roots in cycling culture.
The back panel and shoulder straps feature padded mesh, helping improve breathability. This makes the backpack comfortable to use throughout the day, whether you’re commuting, going to school, or carrying it for extended periods.
Another useful feature is the luggage pass-through sleeve, which lets you slide the backpack over the handle of a rolling suitcase. It’s a convenient addition for business trips and vacations, making the RECRUIT 22L PACK a practical choice for both daily use and travel.
If you’re looking for a backpack that combines a minimalist look with practical features for work, school, and travel, the RECRUIT 22L PACK is definitely worth checking out.
The ROAM WP is a waterproof version of KEEN’s ROAM trail running shoe, featuring KEEN.DRY, KEEN’s proprietary waterproof, breathable membrane.
Available in Black only.
Price: ¥25,300 (tax included).
Why I Recommend It
One of the biggest advantages of the ROAM WP is its versatility. It’s designed to handle a variety of surfaces, from paved roads to dirt paths and light trails.
The KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole features multidirectional lugs that provide reliable traction not only on pavement but also on gravel and easy trails.
Another standout feature of the ROAM WP is its waterproof and breathable KEEN.DRY technology. It’s a great choice for walking around town on rainy days, as well as for outdoor activities like hiking and camping, where weather conditions can change quickly.
The midsole features QuantumFoam cushioning, offering a balance of cushioning, responsiveness, and durability. This makes the shoes a good option for days when you’ll be on your feet for extended periods. The insole also uses resilient foam to help maintain comfort throughout the day.
Another feature worth mentioning is the roomy toe box, a signature of KEEN footwear. It allows your toes to spread naturally, while the contoured arch support helps provide a stable, supportive feel when you’re walking longer distances.
The upper is made from durable ripstop mesh, while the mesh lining offers breathability and quick-drying performance. These features help reduce heat and moisture buildup, even in a waterproof shoe.
My personal favorite feature is its lightweight design, weighing approximately 300 g. Despite offering waterproof protection and dependable traction, it’s relatively light for a trail shoe, making it comfortable and practical for everyday wear, too.
If you’re looking for sneakers you can wear on rainy days but want something more capable than a typical waterproof sneaker, the ROAM WP is well worth considering.
With a well-balanced combination of waterproof protection, cushioning, and grip, it’s a versatile pair that can take you from everyday walks around town to travel and hiking adventures.
The Geoface Shoulder is a cushioned shoulder bag from THE NORTH FACE’s popular Geoface series.
Designed to help protect gadgets and other belongings while you’re on the move, it’s a practical choice for everyday outings, travel, and as an extra bag for outdoor adventures.
Capacity: 4L Dimensions: H28 × W22 × D9 cm Weight: Approx. 230 g
Price: ¥13,200 (tax included).
Why I Recommend It
One of the first things I like about this bag is the cushioned construction that’s characteristic of the Geoface series. The exterior is made from cushioned polyester with a geo-embossed texture, helping provide an extra layer of protection when carrying gadgets and other delicate items.
The distinctive textured material also gives the bag a unique look, adding visual interest to its otherwise clean and simple design.
With a 4-liter capacity, it’s just the right size for everyday use. There’s enough room for essentials like your smartphone, wallet, and earbuds, as well as a tablet and other small items. It’s a convenient size for running errands or heading out for a casual day around town.
Inside, there’s a neoprene slip pocket that lets you keep a tablet or other gadgets separate from the rest of your belongings. The bag also features a front pocket and a rear slip pocket, making it easy to organize smaller essentials.
Another convenient feature is the easy-access flap that opens with a single motion. It makes getting your belongings in and out quick and simple, which is especially useful for everyday use.
One feature I particularly appreciate is the removable shoulder strap. You can carry it as a shoulder bag or detach the strap and use the grab handle to carry it by hand. This versatility makes it easy to adapt the bag to your outfit or the situation.
It’s also impressively lightweight at approximately 230 g. Despite offering 4 liters of storage, the bag itself weighs very little, making it comfortable to carry for extended periods while traveling or exploring the city.
Its simple design also makes it easy to pair with casual everyday outfits, not just outdoor clothing.
If you don’t need a large bag but find a small shoulder pouch too limiting, the Geoface Shoulder offers a great middle ground in terms of size and functionality.
The BC LITE DUFFEL 50 is a lightweight, easy-to-carry duffel bag inspired by THE NORTH FACE’s classic BC Duffel series. With approximately 50 liters of storage space, it’s ideal for trips, camping, sports, and other activities that require plenty of gear.
Despite its durable, water-resistant construction, the bag uses soft, lightweight materials to make carrying and handling it easier.
Capacity: 50L Dimensions: H28.5 × W53 × D35 cm Weight: Approx. 890 g Materials: 210D recycled nylon with TPU coating and 840D recycled nylon
Price: ¥23,100 (tax included).
Why I Recommend It
The first thing that stands out is its generous 50-liter capacity combined with a weight of just approximately 890 g. There’s plenty of room for bulky items such as clothing, shoes, and outdoor gear.
When you’re packing for a trip or camping adventure, your belongings can quickly add up in weight. Having a lightweight bag helps keep the overall load down.
Another useful feature is that the bag can be loaded and unloaded in both horizontal and vertical positions.
When placed horizontally, the main compartment opens wide, making it easy to access and organize your gear. You can also retrieve items through the top opening when the bag is standing upright. This flexible design is especially convenient when you’re on the move or working with limited space.
The bag also features a zippered side compartment, allowing you to separate smaller items from the main load and keep everything organized. Inside the main compartment, there’s an additional zippered mesh pocket for storing smaller essentials.
One of my personal favorite features is its packable design. The entire bag can be folded into its own side pocket for compact storage when not in use. This also makes it a great extra bag to bring along on trips, especially if you expect to pick up additional items along the way.
There are also four grab handles around the sides of the bag, making it easier to lift, carry, and load into a vehicle. Four compression straps let you adjust the bag to suit the amount of gear you’re carrying.
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