The Highly-Anticipated Successor to the Hit Shoulder Bag! Putting the Uniqlo 'Multi Pocket Backpack' to the Test!

UNIQLO’s "Multi Pocket Shoulder Bag" became an instant sensation, going viral on social media for its impressive storage capacity and user-friendly design. Now, its successor, the "Multi Pocket Backpack," has arrived, promising to take the much-loved functionality of the original to the next level. We spoke with Masahiro Otomo, Leader of the Men's MD Department in the Product Division at Uniqlo Co., Ltd., to discover what makes it so special.

With the increasing miniaturization of our gadgets—from tablets and laptops to smartphones and earbuds—it's easy for the inside of a bag to become a chaotic mess.

"Our research showed a strong demand for a bag that could keep gadgets neatly organized," explains Otomo.

The True Power of the Multi-Pocket Series for Organized Storage

The "Multi Pocket Shoulder Bag" was created in response to this feedback. With two large front pockets, two side sleeve pockets, and an internal laptop sleeve, its impressive storage capacity, packed into a compact frame, quickly gained a following and ignited its popularity.

"After the success of the shoulder bag, the next most requested item was a backpack, so we decided to apply the same concept to that format," Otomo says.

However, this is more than just a simple redesign. The details have been fine-tuned to align with everyday movements, evolving into an even more user-friendly product. Let's dive in and check out the specifics.

Like its predecessor, the backpack features two large front pockets, but this time they have a rounded zipper design.

"To prevent the zippers from catching on each other, we made the inner track shorter, while the outer track is longer to allow the pocket to open wide. At the same time, we meticulously calculated the depth to ensure nothing falls out when you open it," he explains.

Inside the left pocket, you'll find a detachable key ring.

"Keys are notorious for getting lost inside a bag. With this detachable key ring, you can unclip just the ring itself, so you don't have to awkwardly lift the whole bag. It's a practical design that ensures your keys are always within easy reach," Otomo notes.

The side pockets, a popular feature of the shoulder bag, were also updated with on-the-go use in mind.

"With a backpack, people frequently use the side pockets for things like their phone. So, we made one pocket with a snap button for easy one-handed closure. The other is a deeper pocket, perfect for stashing a foldable umbrella or a water bottle."

And for those times when you're in a crowded space like a train and swing your backpack around to your front, a new zippered pocket has been added to the main flap for quick access to small items.

A Commitment to Practicality, Honed Through Real-World Testing

The main compartment's usability has also been carefully thought out. Beneath the flap is a drawstring closure, and the interior features a padded sleeve that can accommodate a laptop up to 15 inches.

"We opted for a drawstring style for its look, but we also heard from users that loosening the cord every time could be a bit of a hassle. In response, we added a side zipper that gives you direct access to the main compartment. We also got feedback that dangling cords looked messy, so we included an adjuster to keep them neatly bundled," Otomo says, highlighting the balance between aesthetics and ease of use.

Of course, high storage capacity often means a heavier load. To minimize strain on the body, even when the bag is packed full, the shoulder straps are ergonomically designed to curve and fit snugly against your body.

"This design helps distribute the weight evenly across a larger surface area. Plus, the wider straps prevent them from slipping off or digging into your shoulders," Otomo adds.

Functionality was a key consideration in the material selection. The backpack's exterior is made from durable, abrasion-resistant ripstop fabric with a water-repellent finish that can handle light rain. Meanwhile, the interior features a gray lining to enhance visibility, making it easy to find your belongings even in low-light conditions.

"Previously, Uniqlo's designs were primarily geared toward men or business settings. But the last shoulder bag we released was a huge hit with women, so this time we focused on creating a user-friendly, unisex design with a rounded, more casual silhouette."

The development process was all about pursuing ultimate usability from the user's perspective.

"With every new sample, the development team would test it by filling it with our own personal items. We’d all talk about it, saying things like, ‘I would put this here,’ or ‘I’d carry it this way.’ I believe this process was essential to the development."

This multi-pocket backpack was designed to be used freely in any situation, whether for business, leisure, or an outing with the kids. It takes the convenient organization of the original shoulder bag to the next level, and we hope you'll experience its incredible usability in your daily life.