Fairweather Off Pack 18

Allow me to introduce you to a new bag from Fairweather.

FAIRWEATHER “OFF PACK 18″

This is a versatile backpack for those who want to enjoy both everyday life and adventure. I worked with Max through a process of trial and error to bring an idea that originated from my love of bikepacking to life.

This is designed to distribute your gear between your bike and yourself, allowing you to enjoy both the ride and your time off the bike, comfortably. By unloading gear from the bike, you’ll achieve more control of your bike. It works great even when you’re not on the bike. It’s a product that enables a seamless transition from riding to everyday life or hiking.

…That was the starting point, but of course, I also aimed for a look that’s suitable for daily use. Something that feels both contemporary and familiar, as if it’s been around forever. Functionally, it balances sharp, precise features with a deliberately laid-back vibe.

To elaborate on the appearance, a daypack that’s too “everyday” isn’t my style, but for someone like me who also doesn’t want to carry something that you can tell it’s an Ultralight product around town, this is the perfect solution.

This is a bag that I got to design from scratch, called the “OFF PACK 18”.

The name “OFF PACK 18” comes from “taking off” (removing gear from your bike), “getting off the bike”, “backing off” (stepping back from overly functional gear), “off-road. bike riding” and for your “days off.” Basically, a backpack for both daily life and the fun times you spend on the weekends. Combining this with its 18 liter capacity, I named it the “OFF PACK 18″.

In Japan, we depend on public transportation a lot (mainly train), when we go out for a ride in the country side. We need to partially disassemble our bikes and stow them a bag, in order to board trains. This is what we call “Rinko” or “Rinkoing”.

Doing this with bike bags on the bike is so much pain in the ass. If you carry all the gear you need on your back, it’s way easier.

You can even put bulky helmets on the bag with the two traps equipped on the bag.

My favorite thing about the bag out of many features on this bag would have to be the bottom pocket.

Many modern UL packs feature mesh pockets at the bottom for easy access to snacks and drinks, but this one has a completely separate compartment instead of mesh.

I find it convenient to store my rinko bag, repair kit, and other items I don’t use very often in here. There’s also a reflector in this bottom pocket, so it’ll keep you safe at night.

The photos you just saw were taken in one day of riding.

I took the train to a trail outside of Tokyo, hopped on my bike, did some gravel/dirt riding, ate some cup noodles at the park, rode back down, and took the train home again.

Since the bike isn’t heavy, it’s not just easy to take on the train, it’s also really easy to carry when needed. Also, while it’s great to ride in full outdoor gear, it’s nice to just head out in casual clothes like this, too.

When I get back, I’d like to hit up a bath house and then go out for a drink. It’s so easy to move back and forth between nature and the city.

Now, I’m going to write about some details of this bag.

The strap on the bag works as both compression strap and a strap to keep your jackets and stuff outside of the bag.

It’s also got a chest strap and a waist strap. These two straps helps the bag to stay secure when you are riding off-road. If you don’t need them, go ahead and take ‘em off.

Thanks to the large mesh pockets on the front and sides, the capacity isn’t limited to just 18L. It can easily hold stuff like Nalgene bottles.

There are also loops on the bottom that you can use to expand the max capacity with extra straps, such as Voile straps.

By using the loop, I was able to carry a tent. This is the set up I had for hiking.

It’s got a lot of pockets too. The inner pocket also has zippers, which is great because you don’t have to worry about the small items getting lost in the bottom of the main compartment.

It’s also compatible with hydration systems and is sized to neatly accommodate a 2-liter hydration pack.

It fits 13″ Macbooks perfectly, since the bag is designed to use daily as well.

There is a foam padding on the back, but you could remove it and use it as a pad to sit on…maybe?

So far, I’ve shown you some photos with an “outdoorsy” vibes, but I designed this bag hoping you’ll use it a lot in the city too. In fact, I’d love for people to use it mainly in the city.

I really hope this bag will appeal to people who don’t ride bikes or enjoy the outdoors as well.

It’s great that the large mesh pocket can handle a bit more stuff if your load happens to grow. I’d love to see people get creative on this bag, like tucking a reflector inside so it peeks out a little, or adding pins and patches n’ stuff.

I’m very psyched on how this came out. This is really the bag I just happen to grab every time I go to work, out to ride, out for a drink with the boys…just anytime anywhere.