Started in 2011 by Keita Ikeuchi and Mihoko Mori, who used to design for ISSEY MIYAKE, and wander is different. They mix high fashion with real mountain performance. it’s legit, but with a few things to keep in mind.
Great For: City people who hike on weekends, minimalists, anyone who likes well-thought-out design.
Not For: People watching their wallets or those who want super tough, American-style gear instead of more refined Japanese stuff.
The Story: Fashion Meets Use
The and wander story is pretty cool. Co-founder Keita Ikeuchi was planning camping trips with friends and couldn’t find reasonably priced camping gear that was good enough. Sound familiar?
But they did something about it. Instead of just complaining about pricey, ugly gear, Ikeuchi and Mihoko Mori decided to make their own. Their goal: to make fashion in the nature/mountains just as enjoyable as the everyday fashion.
Japanese Design
They were the first to use Dyneema (a strong, waterproof fabric) in their products. They keep coming up with cool new looks and useful details every time they make something new. It’s not just talk – you can tell they do things differently.
American brands often go overboard with pockets, zippers, and colors. But and wander keeps it simple. Every piece has a reason. Nothing’s extra.
- The Ecopak 30L 3Way Tote – The City-Mountain All-Star The Good:
- Goes from work bag to hiking pack easilyEco-friendly materialsComfy straps for a toteWeather protection that works (tested in the rainy Pacific Northwest)
- $355 is a lot for a fancy toteNot as many pockets and compartments as a regular hiking packIt’s good at three things but not amazing at any
- The UL (Ultra Light) Bag Series – Simple Done Right The UL series shows what and wander is all about. What Makes It Special:
- Super light but not cheap-feeling
- Simple look that fits in anywhere
- Smart details like strong stress points
- Different ways to carry it
- Not much padding – your laptop will feel bumps
- Not as much weather protection as hiking packs
- Not great for heavy stuff or long trips
- The Gramicci Edition 2Way Ripstop Backpack – A Great Team-Up Why This Works: This $220 pair-up with Gramicci shows what happens when two popular brands join forces. The ripstop fabric feels tough, and the colors (that black one!) prove that outdoor gear can look good.
The and Wander Look: What Makes Them Different
- Materials That Matter And wander uses tough, light materials that protect from water and wind, with colors that match nature. But here’s what they don’t tell you:
- Their Dyneema makes bags feel super light but strong
- Weather protection is good, but not for serious mountain trips
- The fabrics feel special and easy to spot
- Color Choices Forget bright colors from other outdoor brands. And wander uses Japanese colors – earth tones, grays, and a few pops of color that look planned, not just for show. My Top Picks:
- Off-white (looks better over time)
- Black (always works)
- Gray (goes with everything)
- Details That Show Their Design Skills
- Zippers: YKK (the best), carefully picked and placed
- Stitching: Clean, strong where it needs to be
- Hardware: Well-chosen, not too much
- Looks: You can see the ISSEY MIYAKE influence – every bag looks balanced
How and Wander Stacks Up
- vs. Regular Outdoor Brands (Patagonia, Arc’teryx)
- And Wander Wins: Looks, city use, unique style
- Regular Brands Win: Toughness, weather protection, hiking features
- vs. Fashionable Outdoor (Acronym, Stone Island)
- And Wander Wins: Price, real outdoor use, less trying too hard
- Fashion Brands Win: More wild designs, street cred
- vs. Other Japanese Brands (Snow Peak, Mont-bell)
- And Wander Wins: Looks, can be used in the city
- Other Japanese Brands Win: Price, specific technical features
The Price: Is It Worth It?
- The Truth: And wander isn’t cheap. Bags range from $145 to $350+. Why It Costs So Much:
- Good materials (Dyneema costs money)
- Japanese quality
- Designers from top fashion houses
- Limited numbers made
- Looks matter to you
- You need bags for work and outdoor use
- You like quality
- You’re building a collection
- Price is your main concern
- You need super tough gear
- You like lots of features
- You want the most for your money
Who Should Buy and Wander (And Who Shouldn’t)
- Perfect For:
- People Who Care About Design: You want your gear to look good
- City People Who Hike: Your bag needs to work for meetings and hikes
- Minimalists: You like simple stuff
- Fans of Japanese Design: You like Japanese quality
- Skip If:
- You’re on a Tight Budget: Other options are cheaper
- You Want All the Features: You want lots of pockets
- You’re in Tough Conditions: If you face harsh weather, get specialized gear
- You Buy Often: These bags are worth investment
The Bottom Line: Quietly Great
As the founders said, Rain, wind, sweat, walking on dirt all need to be thought about to make something safe and comfy. They also made some of the best-looking outdoor gear out there.
And wander works because it fixes a problem: gear that works and gear you want to use every day. In a world of loud brands, and wander whispers – which makes it cool.
If you want bags that improve your outdoor trips and city life, and wander delivers. Just be prepared to pay for it.
Where to Buy and Wander
Authorized Retailers:
- SSENSE – Best selection and sizing
- FARFETCH – International shipping options
- GOAT – Authentication guarantee for resale items
- Highsnobiety Shop – Curated selection
Direct from Brand:
- And Wander Official Store – Full collection and newest releases
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