A sophisticated, preppy urban style, achieved by pairing a blazer with jeans and a monochrome palette. The dobby-weave fabric, a hallmark of the Crossover series, complements the hopsack blazer perfectly. This single briefcase is all you need to carry your work essentials.

—Mr. Nakamori, you primarily handle buying for bags and shoes in the dress category. Having seen countless business bags, what led Estnation to carry Thule?

“With the increasing demand for backpacks in business, the trend of sporty mixes is accelerating even in the dress category. However, when it comes to backpacks from outdoor brands, they’re still difficult to pair with suits or jackets. On the other hand, the options for lightweight, durable nylon business bags are limited and lack variety. It was then that someone from our company introduced me to Thule.”

He joined Estnation in 2009. After serving as assistant manager at the Roppongi Hills store, he assumed his current role in 2016. For the introduction of Thule, he tested a PC bag during a recent overseas business trip and vouches for its excellent usability and toughness.

—What were the deciding factors for your buying decision?

“I was dissatisfied with the lack of sophisticated designs among business nylon bags, as they all seemed quite similar. But Thule has a unique atmosphere, characteristic of import brands, which piqued my interest. I particularly liked the dobby-weave nylon polyester material common to the Crossover series. It doesn't look out of place with a suit and also possesses a sense of luxury. The use of metal parts, such as the hooks connecting the shoulder strap and the vertically placed brand logo, reveals the brand's design philosophy.”

—What did you like about it after actually using it?

“It’s incredibly easy to use. On overseas business trips, I carry not only my laptop and stationery but also a lot of documents, and it’s simply convenient to be able to quickly retrieve what I need when I need it. The interior has many dividers, allowing for organized storage of small items. The zippers open and close smoothly, so I experienced none of the usual frustrations associated with bags like this. I also like the striking contrast between the black exterior and the vibrant blue interior, a color combination that feels fresh and innovative.”

The interior of the protection pocket on the front handle side of the briefcase features a resin protective pad. The front main pocket, arranged in a U-shape, is equipped with numerous internal pockets, allowing for neat storage of stationery, notebooks, and more.

—Beyond appearance, usability is paramount for businessmen when choosing a bag, isn't it?

“Indeed. One unique feature of Thule I'd like to highlight is the SafeZone protection pocket, which securely protects fragile items like smartphones and sunglasses from impact. Including the anti-skimming pocket, I truly felt that Thule's brand concept of 'safely and stylishly transporting belongings' is well-integrated into the products. During my stay in London, I encountered heavy rain multiple times, yet the contents remained completely dry. I later learned that this dobby-weave shell material is treated with a highly water-repellent finish, comparable to that used on tents.”

Mr. Nakamori's work essentials, carried alongside his briefcase. In addition to a laptop and two smartphones, he always carries a wallet, cardholder, notebook, and a pouch for stationery. These can be neatly organized and stored in the main compartment and two front pockets.

—How about the size?

“For me, with a lot of work-related items, it was sufficiently spacious and easy to use. The gusset can be expanded by opening a zipper on the side, making it convenient for one-night domestic business trips. The main compartment's capacity increases significantly, so there's no worry even if I bring back more documents from my trip. For business people commuting by train in Tokyo, I recommend the slightly smaller and slimmer 13.3-inch model. For those whose workplaces allow business casual, a backpack is also a viable option.”

Next to the briefcase, Mr. Nakamori is focusing on this backpack (20L). The material is the same dobby-weave nylon polyester as the laptop bag, and details like the laptop sleeve and protection pocket are also common. In addition to black, it is available in navy and olive. A larger 30L size and a 3-way convertible model are also available.

—What do you foresee as Thule's position in the Japanese market going forward?

“First, we will be holding a pop-up event at the Estnation Roppongi Hills store starting July 30th (Tuesday). With Thule now added to the previously limited selection of business bags, I'm excited about the future. By emphasizing the dobby-weave material, common across the Crossover series, as an icon, we can differentiate ourselves from other brands. I recently visited the Thule booth at Pitti Uomo and saw many buyers from around the world. It's undeniable that expectations for Thule are rising globally.”

Two rails on the gusseted front panel reduce impact and abrasion from the front. The back is equipped with a pass-through panel that slides over trolley handles for secure attachment. Thule Crossover 2 Laptop Bag 15.6” [44×15×32cm] ¥25,800

The backpack type is recommended for bicycle commuters and those with casual work attire. Sizes are available to match your capacity needs. The slightly smaller, slim-profile briefcase is ideal for urban professionals. From left: Thule Crossover 2 Backpack 30L [W32×H47×D24cm] ¥29,800, Thule Crossover 2 Backpack 20L [W31×H43×D19cm] ¥25,800, Thule Crossover 2 Laptop Bag 13.3” [W37×H27×D9cm] ¥19,800

THULE POPUP STORE
Tuesday, July 30, 2019 – Tuesday, August 13, 2019
Estnation Roppongi Hills Store
Address: 1F-2F, Roppongi Hills, Keyakizaka Complex, 6-10-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 0120-503-971