RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR JUN OSON × RIDGE "Travel Pouch Plus"

Illustrator JUN OSON and I have been talking for a while about doing something together again. His characters and drawings have a powerful quality that makes them instantly recognizable as OSON's work, and yet they also have a humorous and relaxed atmosphere. I've been a fan of his for a long time, and I've always thought about how RIDGE's craftsmanship and OSON's expression could be combined.

Art is generally something that is appreciated by hanging it on a wall or flipping through the pages of an art book. But we thought, "Isn't there a way to carry art with you more casually, more in everyday life?" Instead of just looking at OSON's paintings, we wanted to incorporate them into daily life and into mountain gear. By doing so, art transforms from something to be displayed into something "usable."

Layering art onto tools means more than just design. For example, when you suddenly catch sight of OSON's motif while hiking. Your fatigue might be eased, or your spirits might lift. We hoped to deliver such small moments.

"What if I could always carry OSON's paintings in my pocket?"
"What if I could spread them out as a tool in the mountains, in nature?"

That idea is the starting point of this project.

Graphic

This graphic has an original painting. It is an oil painting titled "Dance 3," which was unveiled at AFAF in 2024.
This work marked a significant turning point for me, as I had previously been creating works with acrylic paints.
The reason for switching to oil painting was to "paint more intuitively, somewhere between figurative and abstract."
People, neither male nor female, are dancing among trees? flowers?
Are they dancing? I'm not sure, but I wanted to paint something that seems understandable yet isn't.
This time, I redrew the oil painting in a flat style and made adjustments so that it could be repeated.
It's a painting where you can't tell what's depicted, but I hope you enjoy it.

The "Travel Pouch Plus" is the oldest product in RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR, established in 2015. Its origins are rooted in the spirit of MYOG (Make Your Own Gear), and it was created through trial and error with a sewing machine placed on a small table in the apartment I lived in at the time (image below). Its simple design, adhering to the belief of "adding nothing superfluous," possesses the charm of having the bare minimum form while allowing its uses to be infinitely expanded by the ingenuity of the user.

When it was first launched, it was called the "Travel Pouch" and was solely a pouch with no loops for attaching a strap. However, at an event, a user commented, "If it had loops for a strap, it could also be used as a sacoche..." Based on that feedback, we made improvements. Thus, the "Travel Pouch" was reborn as the current "Travel Pouch Plus," evolving into a more versatile item.

Since its launch in 2015, the material used has consistently been "Dyneema® CT5K.18/wov.32c." This lightweight and highly durable material was chosen after testing various fabrics and supports the product's longevity and reliability. The simple design with a single compartment eliminates unnecessary ornamentation and is designed to neatly store essential items.

The "Travel Pouch Plus" is an item that each user can freely utilize and discover their own way of using it. This pouch's story began in 2015 when I was operating a sewing machine on a small apartment table. Please feel its history and passion.

For Hiking

When heading out for a hike, gear organization dictates comfort. The Travel Pouch Plus was created to neatly pack your belongings and provide quick access to essentials.

Its moderate capacity and ideal size are perfect for organizing small items. For summer alpine hiking, I typically store the following items:
https://www.ridge-mountaingear.com/blog/2025/03/05/061036

For Short Trip

I pack my belongings according to the situation, even outside of hiking.
For example, here's what's inside my Travel Pouch Plus for a short trip.
https://www.ridge-mountaingear.com/blog/2025/03/06/183904

Water-resistant Zipper

We use reliable YKK AquaGuard® zippers. These zippers are treated with a polyurethane laminate on the surface, achieving high water resistance. The design ensures that items inside are well protected even when exposed to rain or splashes.

While highly water-resistant, it is not completely waterproof, so care should be taken when storing valuable items that you don't want to get wet. As shown in the image above, we recommend using a Ziploc® freezer bag (size S) as an inner bag. This size fits perfectly, providing a double layer of protection.

Loops are provided at both upper ends. By using the separately sold "Shoulder Strap Tough" https://www.ridge-mountaingear.com/items/2715178, it can also be used as a simple shoulder pouch.

Aging

The material used in this product, "Dyneema® CT5K.18/wov.32c," boasts lightness and high durability, and as it is used, its appearance changes, naturally blending into the owner's life. While initially a firm fabric, repeated use causes wrinkles to form, gradually softening it and changing it to a more subdued texture. This process is like growing together with the owner over time.

As it is used, the entire pouch gradually shrinks, creating a unique texture where the zipper part becomes wavy. This gives the pouch individuality and further enhances the special feeling of being "the user's own." Additionally, the gusset at the bottom gradually loses its creases, and the corners become rounded. This increases the softness in both appearance and feel, allowing you to enjoy the deep character that develops over time.

The charm of this material lies not only in the changes in appearance and feel but also in the ability to enjoy its aging. Despite these changes, its strength and durability remain, allowing for long-term use. It is a characteristic of this material that it becomes more beloved with use.

I personally find this material to be one of my favorites. There are new discoveries every time I use it, and the process of it growing into a "one-of-a-kind item" as years pass brings a joy unlike any other.

Please experience the unique charm of "Dyneema® CT5K.18/wov.32c."

Shrinkage during use

Dyneema® Composite Fabric (DCF) may shrink depending on the usage environment and conditions. Specifically, shrinkage of a few percent has been reported with use or storage in high temperature or high humidity conditions. The specific shrinkage rate varies depending on usage and environmental conditions, but it is generally said to be around 1-3%.
The "six-month used item" in the image above is a product that I personally used daily with a strap attached.

Causes of Shrinkage

Thermal shrinkage: Dyneema® (UHMWPE) has a low heat resistance, and shrinkage gradually begins at temperatures above approximately 60℃. Therefore, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or heat can easily cause shrinkage and deformation.

Internal tension: Dyneema® Composite Fabric is laminated with multiple layers, so internal tension can change due to aging or stress during use, causing the entire fabric to shrink.

Moisture and humidity: While DCF itself is highly water-repellent and does not absorb water, slight shrinkage may occur during drying after prolonged exposure to humidity or use in rainy weather. This is a phenomenon that occurs as the fabric readjusts its internal tension.

Measures to prevent shrinkage

Avoid high temperatures: Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or in hot places like inside a car as much as possible.

Correct storage method: After use, dry it thoroughly and then store it folded appropriately. Compressing it excessively during storage can create internal tension, making it prone to shrinkage.

Care after use: Leaving it wet for a long time can cause shrinkage and deterioration, so dry it promptly if it gets wet.

Material

The material used is "Dyneema® CT5K.18/wov.32c."

This material is composed of a 50-denier polyester woven fabric on the surface, a 0°/90° UHMWPE (※1) fiber middle layer, and a polyester film on the back. It is a lightweight material with excellent durability and waterproofness (water pressure resistance of 20,000mm or more). The hybrid laminate with polyester woven fabric also provides excellent tear and puncture strength, making it a firm material.

(※1) UHMWPE stands for Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene, indicating ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene is a type of polyethylene classified as an engineering plastic with an average molecular weight of 1 million or more, excellent slipperiness, abrasion resistance, and high strength.

While the fabric is very stiff when new, it is also characterized by becoming more supple with creases as it is used. (Due to the nature of the material, creases may be present from the time of purchase.)

Spec

Material: Dyneema® CT5K.18/wov.32c
Surface: 50-denier polyester (73% polyester, 27% polyethylene)
Middle layer: Polyethylene fiber (UHMWPE fiber)
Back: Polyester film

Size: Approximately 14cm (height) x 19.5cm (width) x 4cm (bottom gusset)
Weight: Approximately 14g
Country of origin: Japan
Manufacturers: Uchino Co., Ltd. in Kamisu City, Ibaraki Prefecture, RIDGE Atelier Co., Ltd. in Zushi City, Kanagawa Prefecture

*The pattern placement varies for each product. Please be aware of this.

Care Tips

We will explain how to care for the Dyneema® CT5K.18/wov.32c (DCF hybrid) fabric used in the Travel Pouch Plus if it gets dirty, using a video.

Collaborator

Collaborateur introduces the people involved in the product.

OSON is an artist and illustrator based in Kamakura, who draws characters and landscapes with simple lines and flat colors.
He has presented his work in a wide range of forms, including advertising, book cover design, animation, posters, T-shirts, and small items. He also holds exhibitions in galleries and is expanding his activities both domestically and internationally. His works are not overly busy, yet not weak. A characteristic is that they leave "space" for the viewer's imagination.

OSON is a friend whom the mountains brought into my life.
We met through hiking, and there was a time when we hiked together. Through these accumulated moments, I gradually came to know OSON's art and personality.

OSON's drawings are instantly recognizable.
Clear lines, uncluttered shapes, flat colors. Not too busy, yet not weak. The expressions can look like they're smiling or quiet. That "in-between" quality draws out the viewer's imagination. You can look at them for a long time without getting tired, and you'll suddenly want to see them again. That's what I love about them.

Another good thing is that they "blend in wherever they are placed." They have a strength as works to be hung on a wall, and their charm doesn't diminish when they become posters, T-shirts, or small items. I think it's because the lines are firm and the colors are quiet, so they don't lose their balance even when the shape or size changes.

"I wish I could carry art with me. I wish I could bring it into my tools."
Even when OSON's artwork is on mountain gear, it doesn't feel overdone and is still clearly visible. It's not too flashy in natural light and easy to find when needed. I believe this aligns very well with RIDGE's manufacturing philosophy. The flat colors harmonize with the fabric texture, and the thick lines are legible even from a slight distance. It's not just decorative; it becomes a visually functional aspect that's useful every time it's used.
Having met through hiking and walked in the mountains together, we share the same landscapes. The faint light of morning, the long shadows of afternoon, the way the wind blows. I believe we share those sensations.

JUN OSON

An artist and illustrator based in Kamakura. Began his activities as an illustrator in 2005. His work is characterized by a stateless style that fuses Western elements based on the influence of manga and anime, which he has been familiar with since childhood. In addition to creating works in a wide range of fields such as advertising, animation, book cover design, and merchandise design, he actively holds solo exhibitions. Since 2020, he has held exhibitions in various parts of the world, including Asia, Europe, America, and the Middle East, expanding his range of activities beyond the boundaries of art and illustration.

https://junoson.com/

Size Guide

Attention

Both the fabric and zipper used are waterproof materials, but seam sealing is not performed, so it is not a completely waterproof product.
If the surface gets dirty, please wipe it with a wet cloth to clean it.