In the spring of 2020, I received an enthusiastic email. The sender was Mr. Nishioka from milestone.

“I want to create a waist light using the Trailmaster. Can you help me?”
Mr. Nishioka single-handedly handles everything from product development to sales at milestone, and he’s a passionate man who takes on 100-mile races himself. As I, Watanabe, was also highly motivated for the 2021 UTMF, there was no reason to refuse. “Let’s do it!” I replied immediately, and thus this project began.

Initially, Mr. Nishioka's idea was to attach the head part of the Trailmaster to the RUSH HIP. However, after testing the prototype, we hit an immediate wall: “Is this a bag or a belt?” It felt rather ambiguous. So, we decided to first pursue the standalone functionality of a waist light. This time, Saito took on the designer role while I tested the product. We repeatedly created, ran, fixed, and ran again.

We aimed to secure the light to prevent it from shaking and to ensure it could be operated stress-free even during grueling overnight races, all while maintaining a simple design that doesn’t take up space when not in use. This is my ideal as a runner. I shared ideas and exchanged advice with Mr. Nishioka through online meetings.

Then one night, while running alone on my local trail, I felt that our vision had come to life. A ray of light shone on the design direction. It was the end of summer 2020.

Now, six months later, we are launching the “Trailmaster + RUSH LIGHT.” Unfortunately, the UTMF has been canceled, but I hope this light, infused with the passion of the Japan brand, will illuminate your next trail.

Pack and go!
LIGHTING YOUR WAY