This time, I’d like to take a break from wallets and talk about “Baksteen,” a shoulder bag we developed in 2017.
These days, lightweight bags like sacoche bags, smartphone shoulder bags, waist pouches, and chain wallets are standard fare, but Baksteen is an active-use shoulder bag that we spent a full six months developing after first deciding to incorporate “theft prevention, water resistance, and anti-slip features for cyclists.” I believe we were able to create something quite innovative for its time.
1. “Opening from the Back”: Balancing Anti-Theft Security and Style
Unlike typical shoulder bags, we placed the zipper on the “back of the bag (the side that touches your body)” to enhance security. While this design usually results in a round, puffy shape, we aimed for a solid, angular form—true to its name “Baksteen”—which made the design process extremely complex.As a result, the number of parts and production steps increased significantly.
2. “Rain-Resistant”: Waterproofing and Shape Retention
While the exterior uses water-repellent waxed canvas, that alone isn’t sufficient for full waterproofing, so we’ve incorporated a waterproof material called “tarpaulin” on the inside. This material isn’t just waterproof—it also has just the right amount of stiffness, which helps the bag maintain its beautiful, square “brick-like” shape.
3. A “slip-resistant feature” that stays in place even while cycling and looks sleek
When riding a bike, crossbody bags often slide forward and bump against your thighs. While solutions like using a support strap under the arm—as seen on outdoor bags—are common, they don’t look very sleek, so we decided from the start to take a different approach.
Ultimately, we attached a clip to the bottom of the bag via a strap that can be clipped onto clothing or pants. By clipping it into a pocket or similar spot only when needed, we arrived at a design that prevents the bag from slipping down without compromising its appearance.
Looking back now, I can think of a few areas for improvement, but it’s a very distinctive bag that embodies the attention to detail I had at the time.
Actually, we still have a few of these Baksteen bags left in stock. Whether you ride a bicycle or a motorcycle—or are simply looking for a tough companion you can use like a sacoche—please be sure to check out the product page.
