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Changing Your Back in the Scorching Heat—A Thorough Breakdown of the Functionality of Descente's "Aerostream Backpack"
With abnormal weather now the new normal, summer in Japan has made "heat countermeasures" a prerequisite for fashion. In a time when comfort is top priority, not only clothing but also bags are evolving.
The renowned sportswear brand Descente has developed the Aerostream, which has gained popularity thanks to its unique airflow structure. Since its debut in 2020, the series has expanded, centering on backpacks, and this summer the line features its most advanced models yet.
What is the secret behind its outstanding breathability? We asked Daisuke Inoue, who is in charge of athletic equipment at Descente Japan, all about it.
Meticulous Ventilation Structure to Prevent Back "Stuffy, Heat, & Sweat"
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"The Aerostream was released in 2020, but the story starts in 2018 with the launch of our internal accessories team. They began by tackling the challenges consumers were facing—and out of that emerged a brand-new backpack designed to eliminate discomfort on the back panel."
Based on feedback from users, they classified the discomfort experienced when carrying a bag into three main categories: "stuffiness," "heat," and "sweat." These became the focus of their research, leading to the unique three-dimensional molded components used in the pack.
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"We developed the backpack with the goal of creating an airflow space between the user's back and the backpack. To make the airflow even more effective, we added protrusions with height and carefully researched their arrangement to minimize contact area with the back. As a result, we've confirmed that compared to our previous backpack models, the new design slows the increase of back temperature and humidity while reducing the amount of sweat—as proven in tests."
The backpack features a patented back panel design with a hollowed-out center and varying elevations at the points where it contacts the shoulder blades and lower back. This is then covered with a highly breathable mesh material, resulting in a noticeable difference compared to traditional products. In walking experiments, clear differences in temperature, humidity, and sweat amount were observed after 20 minutes of use. The tests showed that skin temperature on the back was 1.3 degrees Celsius lower, humidity inside clothing was reduced by 6.6%, and the amount of sweat left on shirts was 3.3g less—a tangible, proven benefit.
This evidence comes from Descente's research and development hub, "DISC OSAKA." Leveraging the strengths of a major brand, their rigorous development system leaves no detail unattended.
"We were particular about the shape and hardness of the EVA resin used for the panel material. There’s no point in improving back ventilation if the wearing experience suffers. If it’s too hard, it causes discomfort, and if it’s too soft, it loses shape. After repeated trial and error, we finally found the sweet spot."
Because Descente dedicated themselves so sincerely to researching proprietary parts, the product launch was delayed by about a year and a half from the original schedule. However, this investment paid off, as the inaugural Aerostream Backpack was well received, becoming the catalyst for a full series.
The Evolution of the “Ultimate Comfort” Backpack: A Popular Series Timeline
The following fall/winter of 2021 saw the release of the upgraded second generation with improved pockets, followed by the third generation in 2023, which featured leather-like fabric. In the fourth-generation model for 2024, the previously orange back panel adopted Descente's signature navy, giving it an even more urban look."With each annual update, we’ve noticed increasing support, particularly from business professionals," says Inoue.
Anyone who’s ever felt awkward because of a sweaty back while commuting, whether at a client meeting or on a train, knows how uncomfortable it can be. With global warming and more people cycling to work post-COVID, a backpack that alleviates this discomfort during business time has become a timely solution.
With the fifth and latest model just announced this summer, the focus is now even more on urban day-to-day use. The series has shifted to a daily-casual design, making the comfort of Aerostream accessible to a broader audience.
The Fusion of Comfort & Premium Design: Transforming into a “Wearable Bag”
"While keeping Descente's high-spec techwear series, Descente Allterrain, in mind, we redesigned the Aerostream with a ‘wearable bag’ concept."For the body fabric, we used super-durable Cordura nylon, treated with a chemical shrinking process called salt-shrinking to create unique wrinkles and texture, giving the surface added character. It’s also finished with a water-repellent coating.
"This salt-shrinking technique is quite complex—depending on the process, the fabric feel changes. We remade it four times until we achieved Descente's signature minimalistic, modern look, and we’re proud of the result."
This hybrid of technology and fashion, accurately reflecting today’s mood, is evident in the series’ signature back panel evolution. Previously hidden behind a mesh cover, the panel is now boldly exposed in the redesigned model, and the visual texture has also been dramatically reinvented.
"It’s been upgraded with new 3D parts. In fact, the inspiration for this shape came from catchers’ protectors. Descente draws from both skiing and baseball heritage, and we wanted to infuse a bit of playfulness into the design."
On the other hand, its inherent functionality is, of course, securely maintained. The structure has evolved so that a thick cushion at the waist creates a space between your back and the bag, allowing air to flow through. Features such as a pocket for your PC, padded bottom, and a main compartment that opens wide for easy access to your belongings are also thoroughly carried over.
As a result, it’s safe to say that this backpack has made significant advances, not only as a fashion item but also as a welcome improvement for business use.
"Function becomes design. Long-lasting, widely usable, comfortable." The Aerostream Backpack is the perfect embodiment of the ideal product envisioned by Descente. Its minimally designed style, reminiscent of a hawk in disguise, has us eagerly awaiting its next destination.
PROFILE
Daisuke Inoue
Descente Japan Ltd. Athletic Category Equipment Representative
Descente EQP Marketing Department, Marketing Division 1, Manager
Joined the company in 2009. Since 2011, he has been engaged in merchandising (MD) for the Descente brand, and from 2013, he has been in charge of accessories and equipment merchandising. In 2020, he launched the Aerostream Backpack, a functional bag that reduces back stuffiness, heat, and sweat, developed through research and development at Descente’s R&D center "DISC," and has focused efforts on developing products addressing environmental challenges. He has been in his current role since 2020. His hobbies are running (ultramarathons) and watching baseball games.
Text by Naoki Masuyama
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