Perhaps the marquee product in an already extremely impressive range, Yamatomichi's Mini Backpack is one of the most thoughtful and technically accomplished packs we here at Outsiders have ever had the pleasure of coming across. Inspired by Ray Jardine—considered by many to be the forefather of the ultralight hiking movement—and his Ray-Way backpack, the style is astoundingly streamlined, with not so much as a thread present that isn't in service of functionality.

Developed in 2015, the MINI2 is an evolution of the MINI which swaps out the original’s zip front pocket for a large mesh pocket. While this might seem like a small detail to some—it creates the perfect space for that important stuff you want fast access too. It also serves as the ideal place to store damp gear too, allowing you to stow your still-wet shelter easily on rainy mornings and get straight onto the trail.  

Elsewhere all the ingenious MINI details are present and correct. The main body is made from a cutting edge fabric called Pertex®︎07RS-PC that’s seriously light while still reassuringly tough, while the base is made from a hardy polyester weave known as ECOPAK EPX200 which is renowned for its strength. 

While the pack is frameless, the structure comes from the removable Minimalist Pad which can also be used as a seat pad (or an extra layer under your sleeping bag) when you make it to camp. The details don’t stop there—the mesh side pockets each hold two 500ml bottles, there’s a loop on the front pocket for your keys and there’s a built-in whistle in the sternum strap buckle should you wander too far from the path. 

Designed to hold up to 8kg of supplies, if you’re looking for a comfortable, lightweight pack for travelling fast over the mountains, then this might just be the one.