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Built to Explore
EXP model is now available for the ZENN backpack.

WHAT’S EXP SERIES
EXP is a flagship series built around the concept of "BUILT TO EXPLORE." Every material and detail has been carefully selected to ensure reliable performance even in harsh environments. ZENN35 EXP uses ALUULA Graflyte® as its main fabric, making it highly dependable in extreme conditions. The shoulder and side pockets use ripstop fabric made with ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE), offering both exceptional strength and excellent stretch.
ABOUT ALUULA Graflyte®
A new material developed by Canada-based ALUULA. It features a unique process that fuses a PE-based technical film with a woven UHMW-PE (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene) fabric without the use of adhesives. This high-performance material offers ultra-light weight, exceptional strength, outstanding tear resistance, extreme abrasion resistance, UV resistance, and impermeability to water and gas—making it ideal for demanding adventures.
FITS EVERY SITUATION
ZENN SYSTEM was designed to follow your body at all times and reduce fatigue. It was developed through extensive research into backpack fitting. We also focused on a modular design that offers high maintainability and expandability.
FLEXIBILITY
By setting the anchor point of the shoulder harness lower than on standard backpacks, it ensures sufficient effective length and flexibility, achieving a high level of fit. Even when the top stabilizer pulls the load closer to the body, the fit remains consistent.
STABILITY
The wide shoulder harness distributes the load across the entire ribcage, delivering remarkable stability. It reduces bounce while walking and also lessens strain on the shoulders, providing the comfortable carry inherited from RUSH.
ADJUSTABLE HARNESS
A unique back design that integrates the back panel and shoulder harness. The Velcro adjustment system allows the back length to be adjusted from 44 to 54 cm. The carefully shaped shoulder design ensures a great fit for both men and women.
HIGH CENTER OF GRAVITY
While based on the slim silhouette of an alpine pack, volume is added around the shoulder blades to optimize load balance. It inherits the high center-of-gravity design from RUSH and BUDDY.
WIDE OPENING
The high center-of-gravity design enables a wide main opening. Combined with the side zipper, it reduces packing stress and solves the narrow opening typical of roll-top designs.
SIDE ACCESS
A side zipper that opens wide from top to bottom allows easy access to your gear. After packing, you can also open it from the bottom for quick access.
SIDE POCKETS
The large side pockets are designed to hold two 500 ml bottles. They can be accessed while wearing the pack and are structured to prevent items from accidentally falling out. Made from highly abrasion-resistant stretch material.
TOP POCKET
The top pocket is positioned for the easiest access when the backpack is placed on the ground. The straight zipper makes it easy to open and convenient for storing small items.
HARNESS POCKETS
The shoulder harness includes pockets that can hold a smartphone or a 500 ml bottle, offering the same ease of use inherited from RUSH and SNAP.
"ZENN SYSTEM"
The harness and front pocket share a modular design across the ZENN series. You can choose functions based on your needs, making it adaptable to various scenarios. Additional modules are planned for release.
FRONT POCKET
Combining the 5 L front pocket with the harness creates a sub-pack. It is ideal for summit pushes from a mountain hut or for exploring after descending.
EASY MAINTENANCE
The harness, which can get dirty from sweat, can be removed and washed to keep it clean (do not use a washing machine; hand wash and air dry in the shade). It is also easy to repair or replace in case of damage.
STEP 1
Adjust the back length using the 44–54 cm markings as a guide. Make sure the Velcro is firmly secured. Fasten the four clips to connect the harness and the main body.
STEP 2
Secure the chest vest with appropriate tension, then pull the side straps to bring it closer to your body.
STEP 3
Finally, pull the top stabilizer to bring the load closer to your back.
SIDE BELT
ZENN35 comes with eight loops and four side belts, making it convenient for attaching and securing gear. The lower side belts can also be fastened inside the pockets.
KEY HOOK
Inside the backpack, there are two key hooks. You can also attach MY FIRST AID or W-Face Pouch.
GEAR RING
From the Spring 2026 model, an O-ring has been added to the lower part of the harness. SWITCH, FOCUS, and PATH FINDER can be attached.
BACK PANEL
The back panel includes a foam pad that can be removed.
HIP HARNESS
The hip harness can be attached or removed as needed.
DESIGNER'S VOICE
The EXP series, which appeared this year, is a special line that strongly embodies this philosophy. In today’s world, where we are surrounded by information, it’s easy to hesitate when facing new challenges. But we want to fully support those who dare to step into the unknown. That spirit is captured in the phrase “BUILT TO EXPLORE.”
So, what is adventure? It’s a big question, and not an easy one to answer here. But to me, adventure is part of human nature. Humanity has expanded its horizons and evolved by taking the risks of exploration. That DNA still lives within us today—we quickly grow tired of routine, yet feel excitement when facing the unknown. Among us, those we call adventurers are simply people whose curiosity, drive to explore, and ability to act are exceptionally strong.
At the same time, that same spirit of adventure is essential for product designers like myself. If our role is to create something new, it cannot be achieved without it. As those who read these designer’s notes may know, my development style is to challenge new ideas, fail, and stand back up again—over and over.
Our brand does not yet have the long history of a traditional manufacturer, nor a record of grand adventures. That’s exactly why we put a strong wish into EXP: we want you to use it and create that history. Carrying this gear won’t automatically make you an adventurer—but we believe it will become a reliable partner that supports your journey.
The EXP series is a tool that is completed and grows through your challenges and experiences.
Take this gear with you, and step forward into your next adventure.
Tetsu Saito, April 2, 2026
- Size
- 560 × 250 × 270 mm (Max roll-top: 750 mm)
- Weight
- Main body: 830 g, Detachable pocket: 70 g, Hip harness: 160 g
- Capacity
- Main body: 30 L, Detachable pocket: 5 L
- Back Length
- 44–54 cm (Recommended height: 155–180 cm)
- Main Material
- ALUULA Graflyte®
- Accessories
- Detachable pocket, detachable harness, hip harness
