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Sold Out in Just 3 Months! Why Adult Men Are Captivated by the "texnh" Backpack Created by a Designer from PORTER
When it comes to backpacks for adults, durability, comfort when worn, and plenty of pockets are essential. Ideally, the design should also be simple enough to use for both work and weekends.
The "FLYER / WASHER-NY" from the Tokyo-based product brand texnh perfectly fulfills these needs for grown-up users.
As soon as it was released this spring, it became a hot topic among stylists and editors, resulting in a shortage at retail stores.
Let’s hear from designer Rikiya Matsumura to find out the secret behind their popularity.
PROFILE
Rikiya Matsumura
texnh Designer
Born in 1981 in Koto City, Tokyo. After graduating from Bunka Fashion College, he moved to England. In 2006, he joined Yoshida & Co. as a designer. He became independent in 2018 and founded "canall" the following year. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he launched "texnh" and continues to this day.
A Product Brand in Pursuit of "the Value of Objects"
"texnh" launched in 2020, with its first collection for the Spring/Summer 2021 season.The brand’s concept is about 'being.' In this age where reality and virtual worlds are intertwined, we focus on reexamining the significance of products existing, striving to create value in products as physical objects.
We use sustainable materials and technology to offer a wide variety of goods from bags and accessories to apparel."
Matsumura’s previous role was as a designer for PORTER.
"After graduating from Bunka Fashion College, I aspired to attend the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp in Belgium, so I went to London to study language and fashion.
However, after some setbacks and considering the circumstances at the time, I had to return to Japan. While looking for work in Japan, I found that Yoshida & Co. was recruiting designers. After joining, I was assigned to the planning department overseeing designs, including PORTER, and gained valuable experience."
Throughout his 12-year career, he created many series and limited-edition items. However, his aspiration from his student days to make clothing grew stronger. In 2018, he went independent and launched "texnh" in 2020.
"The name 'texnh' is a Greek word that signifies the perfect fusion of intelligence, technique, and art. I chose it for the brand because that fusion is fundamental to making great products, which is my own craftsmanship philosophy."
From blousons, pants, and cut-and-sews to bags, belts, and leather accessories, the brand offers a wide range, but with the designer’s background, the bag collection naturally draws the most attention.
Among them, the daypack, which the designer himself uses daily, is especially popular.
The "FLYER / WASHER-NY"—A Size Upgrade Based on the Standard Model
"In the Spring/Summer 2022 season, we introduced the CLASSIC DAYPACK using nylon for the first time."
The 66 nylon twill features a silk satin-like elegant sheen along with outstanding durability, making it a high-density nylon twill. The classic outdoor-style daypack, arranged for a more sophisticated look, sold far beyond expectations and helped boost the brand’s recognition.
"FLYER / WASHER-NY is a new model based on this standard daypack."
This model was inspired by "the backpack carried by the boy delivering paper flyers" and is a size larger compared to the classic daypack.
"I wanted to create a large daypack not just for commuting or school, but one that can also handle 1-2 night trips."
The minimalist design, stripped of logos and embellishments, is typical of Matsumura’s aesthetic. This bag also channels that, and its crisp nylon material gives it a distinct presence.
"This is a high-density nylon fiber that has undergone a high salt-shrink treatment. By immersing it in an aqueous solution of salts and causing it to contract, it produces a unique uneven surface and wrinkles.
Additionally, it creates a firm, paper-like stiffness, making it resistant to losing its shape and allowing the daypack to stand on its own—another big advantage."
Despite being thin, the material is very durable, and it also features a general water-repellent finish that keeps out a little rain. This wide variety of materials and processing techniques is Matsumura's true forte.
"Salt-shrunk nylon is difficult to sew due to its distinctive firmness and wrinkles, so achieving the right balance between material and structural design for this daypack was a real challenge. We struggled with fine-tuning the sewing and patterns, but thanks to the highly skilled craftspeople, we pulled it off."
Production is handled by a Tokyo-based factory staffed by seasoned craftsmen.
"We standardize stitching at three stitches per centimeter, and pay careful attention to the inside finishing and the smallest details. These are standards I learned in my previous bag-making job."
Details Embodying the Designer’s Aesthetic
The hill-dyed leather used for the openings of the main compartment and the front pocket piping is also a carefully chosen material.
"We deliberately left the inside of the leather undyed to ensure the brown base color appears at the cut edges. Over time, these edges gradually develop into an amber hue, adding character—that’s a key feature."
The coil zipper is a basic YKK product.
"For the main zipper, which is used frequently, we chose a slightly thicker, sturdier No. 8. The long nubuck leather cord attached to the slider improves zipper operability."
When actually worn, the pack fits snugly against your back, almost like it clings to you.
"Daypacks need to hug the body—comfort with no awkwardness when wearing is crucial.
From the design through to load-bearing balance and material selection, we've focused on a natural feel on your back. Both the shoulder harness and the back panel are padded with urethane for cushioning."
This is a subtle point, but at the bottom of the back panel, a tape connecting from the shoulder harness is sewn horizontally. This unique "texnh" detail increases fit around the waist.
"The upper loop is designed to be slightly longer for better hand-carrying, like when you ride a train."
A Collection of Pockets that Balance Storage Capacity & Usability
Matsumura’s attention to pocket design also stands out. The openings of both side pockets are horizontal rather than at the top.
"This design makes it easier to access contents when you swing the backpack to the front while wearing it. Also, the zippers are positioned on the body side for added security."
Open the gusseted front pocket and you’ll find a smaller inside pocket.
"Pocket-within-pocket design feels very Japanese to me. I keep things like wireless earphones, business cards, and charms in mine."
The PC sleeve includes a cushioned urethane lining.
"It's designed to hold a 14-inch laptop with its case on. If you don’t use a case, it can fit a 16-inch MacBook Pro."
Many Shops Sold Out Within 3 Months of Release
Sales have been strong. Since its release in March of this year, select shops and popup stores have seen it sell out quickly."It’s only been three months since launch, but it’s already become our flagship daypack. We’re also introducing derivative models made with recycled nylon, and planning a more compact model in the future."
For future bag development, we aim to balance functionality with sustainability.
"Sustainability is one of our brand’s core concepts. With more eco-conscious materials and production methods available, we want to select those that reflect our values.
That said, for bags, it’s not just about the material. We also emphasize longevity—bags that can be used for many years. Taking care of one bag and using it long-term is another way to be sustainable, I believe."
Great style and comfort—durable, versatile, and perfect for use both on and off duty. We hope you’ll experience the appeal of a daypack that truly fits seamlessly into adult life.
Text by Ryota Osujo
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