7 years since its launch: The functions and development background of the "Hopping Balance Ruck," created from a junior high school student's request.
MAKE ART YOUR ZOO's "Hopping Balance Ruck" celebrates its 7th anniversary this March.
Since its launch, this backpack has been chosen for a wide range of uses, from commuting to work and school to travel.
We would like to reintroduce the story behind its development, its distinctive features, and its production system.
Developed based on specific requests from junior high school students
The development of this product began with a specific request from a junior high school student.
Please make a large-capacity backpack that can hold A4 textbooks + notebooks + documents + a pencil case + a folding umbrella, and preferably a lunch box + a water bottle + gym clothes, with a pocket for a pass case (commuter pass), an additional front pocket, and a zipper closure for easy access.
This is a practical perspective unique to students who carry a lot of items every day.
To create a bag that met all these requirements while reducing the burden on the body, craftsmen and designers familiar with climbing gear production designed it.
Functions for efficiently storing diverse items
It is designed not just to be large in capacity, but also so that each item fits in its proper place.
Exterior Features
Center Big Pocket
The most distinctive feature is the large front pocket that opens and closes with an elastic cord. Inside, there's a vertical separate pocket with Velcro, which can securely hold water bottles ranging from 500ml to about 2 liters in the center.
To prevent the "imbalance of weight" that occurs when heavy water bottles are placed on the side, we adopted a structure that stabilizes heavy items in the center of the body. When items are fixed in the center, they feel lighter than their actual weight. The product name "Balance Ruck" comes from this center-of-gravity design.
The elastic cord also allows for quick opening and closing, making it convenient for storing items you want to access quickly or for jackets.
Side Zipper Pocket
This pocket can store small items frequently used while on the go, such as mobile phones, pass cases, and keys. It also has a loop to prevent items from falling out, and the zipper is vertically oriented so it can be opened and closed while wearing the backpack.
Side Pocket
This pocket is sized to accommodate items such as a folding umbrella. The bottom has a drainage hole, which is useful for storing wet umbrellas or as a pass-through for earphone cords and mobile battery cables.
Interior Features
The main compartment has a depth of approximately 12cm, easily accommodating lunch boxes, change of clothes, books, and textbooks.
Holding Strap Pocket
Equipped with a strap to secure items like PCs and A4 files. Prevents devices and documents from shifting.
Zipper Pocket
Ideal for storing valuables such as wallets and passports that you don't want to lose.
Materials and Structure
Weight-Reducing X-shaped Cushion Straps
We adopted a unique X-shaped structure to distribute the burden when carrying heavy loads.
Water-Resistant & Reflector
The fabric is made of waterproof material. The zipper pulls feature reflective material to ensure visibility at night.
Production Limitations due to Complex Processes
Only skilled craftsmen can produce this item, and it is a time-consuming process, so only about 60 units can be produced annually. If it sells out, it will be out of stock for some time, so please take this opportunity to experience its surprising lightness and innovative ease of use.
