R47

This product is made to order. Production begins after your order is confirmed (payment completed). Please allow approximately 15 business days (excluding weekends and holidays) from order confirmation to shipment.

The R47 is a compact backpack suitable for day hikes to hut stays (1–2 nights). The name “R47” reflects the idea that it can be used anytime throughout the year — four seasons, seven days a week.

• Capacity: 18L (excluding front and side pockets)
• Height: 630 mm (24.8 in) when the top is fully extended
• Width: 230 mm (9.1 in)
• Bottom Depth: 145 mm (5.7 in)
• Back Length: 430 mm (16.9 in) from the top seam to the bottom
• Weight: 470 g (16.6 oz) including back pad, waist belt, and front reflective cord

Materials

• Main Body: ECOPAK EPX200 / X-Pac VX21
• Top: Sailcloth
• Window: ULTRA 200 (will change to ULTRA 200X when current stock runs out)
• Bottom: X-Pac VX21 or ECOPAK EPX400
• Left Side Pocket: X-Gridstop

*Materials may change with prior notice depending on availability. Plastic hardware and internal materials or colors may change without notice.

Design Story

It was over 20 years ago, when I still didn’t know much about hiking. I injured my knee on Yakushima, and every hike after that became a battle with knee pain. No matter what I tried—doctor visits, strength training, stretching—the pain would come back. At the time, I always carried the fear that it might flare up again while hiking. The only thing I could do was lighten my load.

Back then, sharing and gathering hiking information was mainly through blogs. I regularly read several blogs and followed links from them, and that’s when I came across the Ray-Way Backpack.

I had heard the term MYOG, but learning that I could even make a backpack myself was a huge revelation. My father, who loved hiking, used a Kessler pack, so I had always thought backpacks were very sturdy and heavy. The pack I used while struggling with knee pain weighed about 2 kg.

The Ray-Way Backpack weighed around 300g. At first, I couldn’t imagine hiking with something so light. But a few days after reading a blog about someone who made it and hiked American trails, I ordered my own Ray-Way Backpack and sent my old, broken sewing machine at home for repair.

Sewing with thin nylon fabric was new to me, and nothing went smoothly at first. After much trial and error, I completed the Ray-Way Backpack and carried it on a two-night hike from Oritate to Murodo. I brought needles and thread, but never needed to make any repairs on the trail.

The Ray-Way Backpack is incredibly simple and complete in its design. Once you align your gear and style with it, that’s all you need.

However, the more I used it, the stronger my desire grew: “I want to hike with a backpack I designed myself.” Thinking about materials, colors, and features I wanted filled me with unstoppable excitement.

While making a medium-sized backpack for multi-day hikes, I also worked on a smaller backpack for day trips and everyday use. After receiving feedback from hikers of various ages and styles, the result was the R47.

Top

The top features tucks that allow it to expand upward in a funnel shape when opened. The wide opening makes it easy to see inside and access your gear.

After packing, close the drawcord and roll the top toward the front before securing it with the buckle. The cord lock is designed to be flat and easy to press.

The belt and buckle are large and easy to handle, allowing you to secure items such as rainwear on top. Please do not lift the backpack by the top belt. A grab handle is located on the back panel.

Front Pocket

Perfect for storing quick-access items such as snacks, an emergency kit, hat, gloves, or extra layers.

Front Reflective Cord

A removable reflective elastic cord helps stabilize external gear. By unclipping the center clip, you can open one side to secure items such as wet rainwear or a helmet.

Optional Belt

Can be attached to the four loops used for the reflective cord (sold separately). Useful for carrying snowshoes or traditional Japanese “Wakan” snow gear.

• Tape Width: 25 mm (1.0 in)
• Maximum Length: 520 mm (20.5 in)
• Distance Between Attachment Points: 125 mm (4.9 in)

Side Pockets

The right side features a mesh short pocket, while the left side uses a long X-Gridstop pocket.

The short pocket is ideal for water bottles or snacks and can be accessed while wearing the pack. The long pocket accommodates longer items. A drainage grommet allows water to escape, and a cord lock helps secure the contents.

Front Window

The translucent ULTRA 200X fabric allows light to pass through, improving visibility inside the pack.

Side Compression Belt

Tighten after packing to compress the load, maintain the pack’s shape, and stabilize the contents. Also useful for securing trekking poles or an umbrella.

Optional Loops

Eight 10 mm loops located on the front and back panels. Useful for attaching gear, bear bells, or even mosquito coils.

Shoulder Straps

Designed to keep the pack close to your back for a stable carry. Strap length can be adjusted with the adjusters. The chest strap helps prevent shoulder slip and reduces fatigue during long hikes. Vertical adjustment is possible.

Waist Belt

Helps stabilize the backpack while carrying. Provides slight load support to the hips. Removable.

Inner Pocket

A small internal pocket with a key hook to secure important items.

Back Pad

Helps maintain the pack’s shape and improves carrying comfort. Removable and flexible for easy insertion and removal.

*Depending on the material, wrinkles or chalk markings from the production process may remain. Water may seep through seams, so we recommend using a waterproof bag or rain cover. Plastic parts, cords, and black fabrics may change without notice.

Care

After use, air-dry the backpack in the shade. Minor dirt can be wiped off with a damp cloth. If deeper cleaning is needed, remove the back pad and gently hand wash in lukewarm water. Drain well and air-dry in the shade. Store in a well-ventilated area when not in use to avoid moisture buildup and material aging.