Toru Ueda
Toru Ueda - Blooper Backpacks
Because of the garage characteristics of his workshop, his packs are all made to order. He is also a headwater fly fisher, and he makes a limited run of short fly fishing vests and sacoches. Toru stands by the items he sews, and all parts are repairable at cost. He says his items are not for fashion, and his minimalistic items are sewn to be used heavily and last long. Currently he is backordered heavily and the lead time is about a year. Everything is hand-sewn in Japan. We all think he needs another capable employee.
Homepage and Links
Products and Prices
Vest, Packs and Reel Cases
For fly fishers, he creates two types of new-generation vests, one mini-satchel and a reel-case. His vests, named Huprok7 (ultra-short veritical vest) and Speight7 (short, minimal vest), inspired by the old-school American fly vests but updated with his minimalistic design inclinations and modern materials, are starting to get heavy media coverage. To order a vest from him, you have to send in the measurement of 1) neck 2) chest and shoulder. He will choose the best pattern he has to realize a custom fit. Vests are available in tan or blue gray. The current wait time is about 6 months.
The mini-satchel, named "Anglers' Minimal Organizer," is for your home turf, where you know exactly what is going to happen, to enjoy the pleasant routine of catching one or two. It features two fly box compartments, a mouton patch, a zippered flap and floatant sleeve. The current wait time is about 6 month, and you can order color of either green, blue, or grey.
Sometimes Toru finds time to sew reel cases (“burgers”) using the leftover cloths from pack-making. He makes them in batches, and if you are interested, send us a message and we will put you in the waiting list. The cloth used is dyneema/nylon in green, blue or gray.
Product Prices
Model | Price |
Huprok7 Ultra-Short Vertical Vest | 30,800 yen |
Speight7 Short Vest | 33,000 yen |
Anglers’ Minimal Organizer | 6,600 yen |
Burger reel case | 4,000 yen |