Size L 28-38L
30D HT Silnylon 46g/m²
3D Mesh 194g/m²
50D PC Coated Ripstop Nylon 69g/㎡
Hip Belt
Reflectable Bungee Cord
Repair Tape
Size L 408g (Without Accessories)
Introduction
UL Backpack for Overnight Hiking
The MINI2 is a slightly modified MINI, optimized for overnight ultralight hiking and fastpacking, and though lightweight, comfortably carries everything you need for one to two overnight stays.
The main fabric is made of our new proprietary 70D HT PC Coated Ripstop Nylon, which is ultralight, strong, and durable. Its polycarbonate-coating is far more hydrolyzation-resistant than regular polyurethane-based coatings*.
The design is inspired by the classic UL backpacks in the 2000s with large front mesh pockets. Weighing just 390g (Size M), it is light but large enough for one to two overnight stays with ultralight items.
*The results of the Tropical Test, aka Jungle Test, showed that the new material will not significantly deteriorate for 10 years.
Product Story
New Buddy for Hiking
To test Yamatomichi’s THREE pack in 2014, I hiked from the Oyashirazu coast of the Japan Sea to Hirayu, passing through the Northern Japanese Alps. I extended my hike further into the very deep alpine area of the Southern Alps from Jizo-ridge, and ultimately reached the Tohyamago area, the southern part of Nagano Prefecture. After this trip, I realized that on my next long hike I wanted to travel much lighter so that I could almost just jump from one mountain to the other.
Illustration: Jerry Ukai
I tried to visualize the ideal backpack for this kind of hiking and came up with an image of a small, simple, and obviously lightweight backpack that I thought would be “just the right thing.” It didn’t have to be either eccentric-looking or technically advanced, but a pack I would just grab without any hesitation—just like the classic silnylon backpack I yearned for in the early days of ultralight hiking.
In those days, technically advanced materials such as X-Pac that we use in the THREE backpack, and Cuben hybrid composite were all the talk, while rip-stop nylon material like silnylon was considered a little outdated. But I was determined to create a new backpack with Skylite that has a similar texture to silnylon, in a kind of homage to the simple backpack that brought about ultralight hiking back in the day.
I also decided that the front pocket should be in a mesh.
Before I made THREE with its mesh pocket similar to the one we use on MINI2, I had been skeptical about adopting mesh for the rainy climate of the Japanese mountains. I initially felt mesh pockets were impractical since the rain could easily soak the contents. Even during my hiking test of the mesh-pocketed THREE, I didn’t like how everything seemed to be getting wet in the beginning, but after several days of hiking, I gradually came to like the function of the mesh pocket. I could stow my still moist tent in the morning without much thought, and the mesh material allowed me to easily see what was inside the pocket.
Sure, things could get wet easily in a mesh pocket, but they would dry quickly too. Hiking became more carefree and natural for me than ever before, and the mesh pocket perfectly synced with my feelings at that time.
With all this in mind, I decided to base the new design on our MINI, but in different materials and with mesh pockets. The original MINI fits your body when you carry it on the upper part of your back, and it is so comfortable that you feel as though you can go on walking forever. The new pack was going to be an updated version of the MINI so I simply called it MINI2.
In 2015, I traveled from the Japan Sea to the Pacific Ocean, traversing through the mountains in a fastpacking style with a prototype of the MINI2.
It was autumn, and the first snow of the season gently covered the mountains. I carried only the bare essentials to minimize the base weight down to 2.2kg, limiting the total weight, including food and water, to under 5kg.
I was in complete harmony with my surroundings. The journey seemed to open up a whole new world. The MINI2 became like a part of me throughout the journey, allowing me to run parts of the trail and jump from one mountain to the other as I had initially dreamed of doing.
I use MINI2 daily now, and I just use waterproof Ziplocs when I stow items in the mesh pocket on a rainy day.
Without a doubt, MINI2 is more of a mountain-oriented backpack than a town-use daypack. And I can’t wait to take it on another long trail soon again. (Originally written in 2016)
Revised in April 2021
The MINI2, originally released in 2016, is updated and now uses “70D HT (High Tenacity) PC (Polycarbonate) Coated Ripstop Nylon”. I loved the previous Skylite material, but now I think I was being too ultralight-oriented at that time;
When we established Yamatomichi, I was thinking, “It’s totally fine to use such a paper-thin fabric.” because lightness mattered way more than durability or strength for UL hikers. I was certain that a single ultralight hiking experience could be life-changing.
As MINI2 users increased over time, I began to worry about whether the customers are using the MINI2 with no problems, as it focuses way more on lightness than durability. Perhaps I gradually became more flexible than I had been and wanted the MINI2 to be more durable and last longer, to be the hikers’ favorite for many years.
Then, back in 2017, I traveled all over Japan and met many people in the Yamatomichi HLC events, and I realized something. In this country, the UL hikers that I imagined were actually very few.
What is Yamatomichi gear meant for? Was I being too selfish when I chose paper-thin material to create the MINI2? I took a close look at the items we had created over again.
What can we do to make the MINI2 better?
I decided to enhance durability and strength even though it can cause some weight gain. We also adopted polycarbonate-coated fabric, which is supposedly rarely hydrolyzed, for better durability.
The development of this proprietary fabric was more difficult than expected and it has been a long and challenging development. Now, we are happy to announce that the new MINI2 is finally on sale and ready to be shipped to you. I hope that many hikers will enjoy the long hiking trips with our new backpack.
2024 Model Updates
- Compression cord buckles and guyline components are now even smaller.
- Compression cord is now a 2mm cord, and the gear loop is 2.5mm.
- The hydration hose outlet was discarded and discontinued.
- The shoulder straps and the back panel, previously made of 200D Oxford, have been changed to 200D HT PC coated ripstop nylon.
- To enhance durability the sewing method for the sternum strap adjuster has been reassessed. Additionally, an extra gear loop was added, enhancing compatibility.
- The emergency whistle’s color has been changed to black.
- The buckle of the hip belt has been changed.
- The side pocket patterns have been revised for better access while on the move.
- The elastic band for the side pockets are now replaceable.
- The fabric inside the main body has been changed from white to light gray.
Form and Function
*The following photos and videos are products made before the 2024.
Designed for Comfortable Hiking
The MINI2 is designed to carry up to around eight kilograms of total weight and comfortably distribute the load in the upper back part of your torso, as well as around your chest without relying on your waist to support the weight. This frees your waist from the load and makes it easy for you to comfortably walk around the often steep mountain trails in Japan.
High Capacity Mesh Pocket
Suppose you wake up in the morning to find it raining, pack up all your gear inside the tent, or under the tarp, and you are almost ready to leave, but what do you do with the tent you are in? With our lidless MINI2, you just tuck the tent in the front pocket after packing up everything else inside and are ready to go.
Highly Versatile
The MINI2 has a long roll top, large-volume front pocket, and side pockets with a capacity total of over 30 liters. You can be creative and use the top strap, bungee cords and bottom attachment loops to carry even more.
Anatomy of the MINI2
Hold the red tape and pull the tab to close/open the roll top.
Each side pocket has ample room for two 500ml pet bottles. Release the shoulder strap adjuster to easily reach them.
Pull the red tab to instantly open the front pocket. Draw the cord for quick closure.
The front bungee cord can be unclipped in a single action.
The gear loops and bottom attachment loops can hold trekking poles or an ice ax without obstructing the use of the front and side pockets.
A light sleeping pad can be attached to the bottom attachment loops. It can also be fixed vertically where branches are dense for easy walking.
The front pocket has a key hook, where the headlight and multi-tool can be attached.
The back uses a mesh material for better grip and stability.
After packing everything, draw the compression cords on both sides to keep the items closer to your back, increasing the stability.
The sternum strap can be easily opened/closed with a single hand when your other hand is busy.
A small emergency whistle is incorporated in the buckle.
If you intend to use MINI2 for fastpacking or running, an accessory hip belt can be attached. Please note that the hip belt is solely for better stability, not for load distribution to your waist. The Slik Clip can be easily released by pushing the arch part.
Integrated Minimalist Pad
We have included a Minimalist Pad (H45cmxW90cmxD0.5cm/43g) in the back of the MINI. The Minimalist Pad is removable and can be used as a sleeping pad or an emergency pad to keep you warm.
How to Carry
Please make sure to position the MINI2 as high as possible in the upper part of your back. It is designed to carry up to approximately 8kg total weight. The shoulder straps are designed to comfortably distribute the load in the upper part of your torso. By shouldering the MINI2 in this way, you will carry the backpack entirely using the upper part of your torso comfortably.
If you intend to use MINI2 for fastpacking or running, an accessory hip belt can be attached. Please note that the hip belt is solely for better stability, not for load distribution to your waist.
Options
We offer a number of options to expand the features and capacity of your MINI2.
It can be attached to the removable hip belt. This is convenient for stowing keys, valuables, and other items frequently used during hiking.
It can be strapped onto the top of the MINI2. This will add another nine-liter capacity that is convenient for carrying something you would prefer to store separately from the main compartment such as a wet tent, rainwear, or an extra couple of days’ worth of food.
Our Yamatomichi Minimalist Pad is installed in the MINI2’s back panel. If you feel it is too warm on your back during the summer, consider switching it for our Breathable Pad which offers superior ventilation and cushioning.
The MINI2 comes with a transparent plastic bag which can be used as a water-resistant pack liner. (Also sold separately)
Packing Tips
In the below section, we will show you a packing example from one of our good friends.
What’s the best way to pack the MINI2? It really depends on each hiker. It depends on when, where, why, and how long you hike. Below is just one example of how you could pack the MINI2.
*In ultralight hiking, a 35L to 45L was the standard volume until a few years ago, but in recent years, mountaineering gear has become even lighter and more compact, and now a 25L to 35L class backpack is usually big enough for overnight hikes.
1. Organize the items according to the purpose and use Ziplocs for items that must be kept dry as follows: 1. Sleeping bag, change of clothes. 2. Items needed when you are on the move such as rainwear and warm clothes. 3. Cookware, cutlery. 4. Emergency kit including pain killer, needle, thread, duct tape, elastic tape, rope.
2. Remove the Minimalist Pad from the inside pocket. The Minimalist Pad is useful as a sit pad when you have a break. It can be attached to the front, or the bottom of the MINI2 with the bungee cord and attachment loops.
3. Roll up the sleeping pad (the photo shows our UL Pad 15, size S) and place it inside the backpack. The pad will act as a frame inside the backpack and stabilize the whole structure, enhancing the comfort when you carry it.
4. Place the pack liner in the backpack and pack something that must not be wet. The sleeping bag should be packed directly in the pack liner*, without its stuff sack.
5. Fold the opening of the pack liner several times and close it. Pack something you need when you are on the move on top of the closed pack liner. Place hard items away from your back for better comfort.
6. In the front pocket, pack items that must be within easy reach when you are hiking including the emergency kit. Attach your headlight, multi-tool, and keys to the key hook. Fix the trekking poles to the gear loops. Strap the Minimalist Pad removed from the inside pocket with the bungee cord or the bottom attachment loops.
1. Organize the items according to the purpose and use Ziplocs for items that must be kept dry as follows: 1. Sleeping bag, change of clothes. 2. Items needed when you are on the move such as rainwear and warm clothes. 3. Cookware, cutlery. 4. Emergency kit including pain killer, needle, thread, duct tape, elastic tape, rope.
2. Remove the Minimalist Pad from the inside pocket. The Minimalist Pad is useful as a sit pad when you have a break. It can be attached to the front, or the bottom of the MINI2 with the bungee cord and attachment loops.
3. Roll up the sleeping pad (the photo shows our UL Pad 15, size S) and place it inside the backpack. The pad will act as a frame inside the backpack and stabilize the whole structure, enhancing the comfort when you carry it.
4. Place the pack liner in the backpack and pack something that must not be wet. The sleeping bag should be packed directly in the pack liner*, without its stuff sack.
5. Fold the opening of the pack liner several times and close it. Pack something you need when you are on the move on top of the closed pack liner. Place hard items away from your back for better comfort.
6. In the front pocket, pack items that must be within easy reach when you are hiking including the emergency kit. Attach your headlight, multi-tool, and keys to the key hook. Fix the trekking poles to the gear loops. Strap the Minimalist Pad removed from the inside pocket with the bungee cord or the bottom attachment loops.
*For the reasons below, it is recommended to pack a sleeping bag directly, without its stuff sack:
1. By packing without the stuff sack, the fill power of the sleeping bag stays fresh.
2. The softness of the sleeping bag enhances the comfort around the hip.
3. The bottom part becomes softer and makes it easier to access the water bottle in the side pockets.
4. The sleeping bag swells and fills the gap inside the pack, thus improving the stability.
5. The light sleeping bag is allocated at the lower part, while the heavy items are at the upper part, providing a good load balance and comfort.
Material
70D HT PC Coated Ripstop Nylon
This 70 denier HT (high-tenacity) ripstop nylon fabric is our proprietary material with enhanced strength and durability compared with conventional nylon. The surface is DWR (durable water repellent) finished, and the backside is polycarbonate coated, achieving a much better anti-hydrolyzation performance than regular polyurethane-based fabrics. The results of the Tropical Test, aka Jungle Test, in which the fabrics are left in a machine with 95% humidity, temperatures at 70°C for ten weeks, showed that the new material will not significantly deteriorate for 10 years.
70D HT PC Coated Ripstop Nylon
Material: 70 Denier High-tenacity Nylon,
Coating: Polycarbonate Coating, DWR
Weight: 106g/m2
Tear Strength (JIS L1096A): Vertical 7kg, Horizontal 4kg
The value of when the test piece with a tear is pulled and torn.
Tensile Strength (JIS L1096A): Vertical 98kg, Horizontal 64kg
The maximum value when the test piece is pulled until tears.
Water Resistance (JIS L1092B): 4079mm
The pressure at which water leakage is observed at three points when the water pressure applied to the test piece is increased at a constant ratio.
ECOPAK EPX200
The ECOPACK EPX2-00 is a multi-layered material consisting of 200 denier polyester and diamond-patterned blue polyester cross ply, combined with 70 denier ripstop on the back. It is made from 100% recycled polyester, offering excellent strength and waterproofing properties.
ECOPAK EPX200
Material: 200D Polyester, Blue Polyester Cross Ply, 70D Polyester (100% recycled polyester)
Coating: C0 DWR (PFAS Free DWR)
Fabric Weight: 216g/m²
Tear Strength (JIS L1096A): Vertical 10kg, Horizontal 10kg
The value of when the test piece with a tear is pulled and torn.
Tensile Strength (JIS L1096A): Vertical 170kg, Horizontal 112kg
The maximum value when the test piece is pulled until tears.
Water Resistance (JIS L1092B): 49300mm or more
The pressure at which water leakage is observed at three points when the water pressure applied to the test piece is increased at a constant ratio.
Size guide
| Size | M | L |
|---|---|---|
| Weight kg |
42~69 | 67~85 |
| Height cm |
150~175 | 170~190 |
| Back Length cm |
45~54 | 54~57 |
We offer two sizes of the MINI2. In general, we recommend the larger L size if you are over 175cm tall, but as all people are different we recommend you try out the two different sizes before you buy if at all possible.
- The length of the shoulder strap is the straight line from the base of the strap to the end of the core material.
- Please refer to the ONE product page for more information on how we measure the length of the back of our backpacks.
- MINI2 made before 2018 are all size M.
Instructions
Notes before use
- We use highly waterproof fabric, but it is not completely waterproof. Please put items you don’t want to get wet in a waterproof pack liner or use a backpack cover.
- Insect repellents containing DEET can degrade the coating of the fabric components, so please do not let them come into contact with this product.
Care Instructions
- Hand-wash only. Do not machine wash.
- Submerge the product in lukewarm water with a correct amount of neutral detergent, and hand-wash it.
- Do not bleach. Do not use fabric softener.
- Remove any optional parts such as pads before washing.
- Wash off any noticeable stains or smudges with a washing brush or soft sponge.
- Rinse well so that no detergent remains.
- Drain the backpack with the mouth down. Keep dry in a shade.
- Store in a dark, well-ventilated place.
- Do not iron.
- Hand-wash the pad gently, rinse well and keep dry in a shade.
For more detailed information on washing and storage methods, please refer to our Care Page specifically the Backpacks page, which includes photos and videos of proper care to help maintain the functionality and performance of the backpack.
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.
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.
Size Exchange
- Overseas customers who need to change the size of their order, should note that the time needed for shipping will vary greatly depending on your country of residence.
- We only accept exchanges when the item is unused (except for fitting).
- If you wish to exchange the size of the item, please contact us within seven days of receiving your order.
- Exchanges can only be made for the same color in a different size.
- If the size you wish is out of stock, we will suggest a different color.
- If the product is out of stock, we may simply have to ship the item back to you.
- All shipping costs to be carried by the customer.
- We will only send the exchanged item to you, upon receipt of return shipping cost via PayPal.
- Please be aware that some countries charge customs duties depending on the price of the item.
- We are unable to answer any questions on local customs. Please contact your local customs bureau.
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.
Repair Tape
- For temporary repair, please keep the repair tape in your emergency kit.
- The repair tape should be patched up on both the front and back sides of the fabric. The tape must be larger than the damaged or torn part of the fabric.
- If you round the edges of the patch, it will last longer.