Transforms Into a Backpack, Tote, and Sacoche! What Is Workman's Waterproof 3-Way Bag for Every Type of Travel?

What Is Workman's Waterproof 3-Way Bag Built for Every Type of Travel?

Workman has released the "Waterproof World Walk Backpack" for just 3,900 yen, designed to handle any travel scenario—from rainy commutes to trips and emergency situations.

With sudden downpours becoming a regular occurrence, waterproof bags themselves are no longer unusual. So why did Workman choose a 3-way design—transforming into a backpack, tote, or sacoche—and a roll-top closure for this new bag? We spoke with Hisashi Matsushige from the Public Relations Department at Workman Co., Ltd. to learn about the design philosophy and functional features built for all kinds of travel.

Designed for Everything From Sudden Downpours to Disasters

First, what specific challenges inspired the development of the "Waterproof World Walk Backpack"?

It was built on the foundation of our private brand, "WORKMAN BEST," which follows the philosophy of "providing professional-grade quality and functionality at low prices." We developed it with the goal of offering versatility and waterproof performance in a single bag—capable of handling rainy commutes to work or school, cycling, riding a motorcycle, outdoor activities, and even emergency evacuations across various weather conditions and travel scenarios.

In recent years, with the rise of sudden heavy rains and changing work styles, the role expected of a bag seems to have evolved. How do you analyze these trends?

That is absolutely correct. Bags need to respond to increasingly diverse needs beyond simply carrying items. Specifically, that means reliable waterproofing to protect laptops and documents from sudden rain, flexibility to adapt to different situations—like using it as a sacoche on business trips and a backpack for daily use—and mobility to integrate smoothly with luggage. We believe today's bags must seamlessly adapt to every travel style, whether walking, cycling, riding a motorcycle, taking the train, or traveling with a suitcase.

What is the concept behind the name "World Walk"?

This bag can be used on its own as a backpack, tote, or sacoche, and it also features a sleeve to attach it to a suitcase handle. The name reflects our intent to make every "walking and traveling" experience comfortable—from everyday city walks to travel, business trips, and all-weather movement.

Ditching Zippers for a "Roll-Top Structure"

Could you explain the specific structure that achieves such high waterproof performance? How does it differ from a standard backpack?

While both the main bag and sacoche are made of 100% polyester, the biggest difference lies in the top opening. Instead of a typical zipper, we adopted a wide-opening roll-top structure that physically blocks water from entering through the top.

Are there benefits to using a roll-top structure besides waterproofing?

There are two main reasons. The first is, of course, waterproofing—rolling down the fabric and securing it with a buckle physically blocks rainwater out. The second is ease of storage. Because the top opens wide, it's easy to organize items and smoothly pack or unpack bulky gear. It was the optimal choice for combining performance and convenience.

Although it is described as "not completely waterproof," what level of water resistance was targeted during design?

We envisioned scenarios like walking, cycling, or riding a motorcycle to work in the rain, as well as carrying it as an emergency kit. For these situations, we designed it to achieve a level of water resistance that prevents items inside the bag from getting wet.

Water resistance, lightness, and flexibility seem like competing features. How did you strike a balance?

To keep the main body lightweight while ensuring sufficient strength, we used polyester fabric. Additionally, we struck a balance by settling on user-friendly capacities of approximately 21L for the main body and 3L for the sacoche.

A 3-Way Design for Switching Between Backpack, Tote, and Sacoche

What user behaviors inspired the 3-way structure of backpack, tote, and sacoche?

Each style serves a clear role. The "Backpack" leaves your hands free, making it ideal for moving by foot or bicycle. The "Tote" offers quick convenience on trains or when carrying fewer items. The "Sacoche" was designed for business trips or travel—allowing you to leave the main bag at your hotel and move light with just your essential valuables.

The removable sacoche is also a key feature. How do you divide the roles between it and the main body?

The main body, with a capacity of around 21L, holds primary items like spare clothes, documents, and a laptop. Inside, it also features a dedicated laptop pocket attached with hook-and-loop fasteners that can be removed as needed. Meanwhile, the sacoche (approx. 3L capacity) is designed for frequently used valuables and small items like your wallet, smartphone, and keys. It also includes an interior key loop, enhancing its usability as a pouch.

Quality and Durability Testing Behind the ¥3,900 Price Tag

With so many features packed into a ¥3,900 price point, how are quality and durability verified?

We use abrasion- and flex-resistant polyester material designed for daily, repeated use across all seasons. On top of that, only products that pass rigorous durability and waterproofing tests based on Workman's proprietary quality and performance standards are commercialized under the "WORKMAN BEST" brand, ensuring complete peace of mind.

What kind of feedback have you received from customers who purchased it?

We receive many comments such as "It's a lifesaver on rainy days because my belongings don't get wet" and "The included sacoche is super handy for holding valuables." Customers also praise its exceptional cost performance, noting that "Being able to use it in multiple ways—backpack, tote, or carry-on attachment—for just ¥3,900 is incredible value." Some customers even keep it as an emergency preparedness bag in addition to using it for rainy-day commuting or school.

Finally, could you tell us about the future outlook for this bag?

First and foremost, we want to listen closely to customer feedback. For instance, if users mention that items at the bottom of the bag are hard to reach, we could evolve the design by adding a side zipper to improve internal access. Looking ahead, alongside pursuing even more practical waterproof bags, we want to continue taking on new challenges—such as developing unique, Workman-esque features and innovative functional fabrics.

Waterproofing via a roll-top construction, a versatile 3-way design adaptable as a backpack, tote, or sacoche, and a luggage strap feature. Rather than being isolated functions, each element is thoughtfully combined to solve movement-related challenges. A single-bag structure capable of adapting to diverse travel scenarios is the defining feature of the "Waterproof World Walk Backpack".