Anello vs. MUJI: Which is the Right Choice for Cost-Effective Everyday Bags?
“I want to buy a backpack, but I can't spend more than 10,000 yen. But I'm worried about unbranded ones.”
For people like that, the first brands I recommend are Anello and MUJI. Both release some kind of bag every season, and there are items that offer quality beyond their price. The problem is that it's hard to tell from the outside which ones are truly useful.
From the perspective of someone who has tried many bags, this time I will honestly compare Anello and MUJI bags and introduce the one that is truly worth owning. As a bonus, for those who want to maximize cost-performance even further, I'll also include a unique waterproof bag called Piaruku.
Anello vs. MUJI: What exactly is the difference?
The design philosophies of the two brands' bags are actually quite different.
Anello focuses on the "balance between design and function." Their approach is to add modern features like water-repellent finishes and multi-pocket designs while valuing visual sophistication. Their strength lies in shapes and color palettes that blend into everyday outfits, making them easy to use for both casual and smart-casual styles.
MUJI focuses on the "thorough pursuit of function." They have a philosophy of stripping away unnecessary design elements and concentrating resources on usability, durability, and comfort for the body. The fact that some models use patented technology for their shoulder straps is a symbol of this.
Rather than one being superior, the honest truth is that the brand you should choose depends on what you prioritize.
Anello is for people who:
Want to prioritize blending in with their outfits
Want a bag with a simple and sophisticated look
Usually pay attention to fashion
MUJI is for people who:
Want to lighten the burden on their shoulders and back
Want something that won't make them tired even after long hours of use
Prioritize function over design
5 Recommended Picks
1. Anello KIGARU A5 Shoulder Bag (A cost-effective staple you'll want to carry every day at a lightweight 210g)
As the name suggests, the biggest feature of Anello's KIGARU series is that it is "light." Despite its light weight of 210g, it is equipped with 5 pockets, including a zipper inside the flap and an open pocket on the back. It supports A5 size and can easily hold a wallet, smartphone, keys, and an eco-bag.
What personally surprised me was that it doesn't look cheap. The smooth texture of the nylon material is more elegant than I expected, and it doesn't look out of place with denim outfits or shirt styles. The magnetic one-touch opening is a design that is subtly appreciated for everyday use where you frequently take items in and out. It's finished to a level that makes it hard to imagine from its price range, to the point where people ask, "Is this an Anello?"
Recommended for
Those who prioritize visual quality, or those who want a simple shoulder bag that blends into their everyday outfits.
2. Anello NESS Water-Repellent Multifunctional Backpack (Includes 13 pockets, PC storage, and water repellency)
This is a backpack made of water-repellent matte-coated poly-canvas material, equipped with water-resistant zippers. It is designed with 13 pockets in total, both inside and out, and also comes with a 15-inch PC sleeve. It includes back pads, shoulder pads, and even a chest strap, making it suitable for both commuting and daily use.
I was surprised by the density of features in such a cost-effective backpack. I had the impression that water-resistant zippers were only found on high-end bags, so I was skeptical at first. With its calm, matte design, it is not too casual and fits in well with business attire. For those who carry a lot of items and put their backpacks through heavy use, this is one of the best value-for-money candidates.
Recommended for
Those who carry a lot of items, those who want to carry their PC and documents together, and those who want to try out a multifunctional backpack at a great price.
3. Muji Backpack That Reduces Shoulder Strain (Patented shoulder strap technology surpasses the standard)
This is a backpack equipped with shoulder pad technology patented by Muji. It features a unique design for distributing weight, making it difficult for the load to concentrate on the shoulders even when carried for long periods. The reason for this bag's existence is to provide an answer for those who carry heavy loads every day.
I used to think that you couldn't improve carrying comfort without buying a high-end brand backpack, but using this changed my mind. The patent is not just for show; the way the weight is distributed is clearly different from a regular backpack. It comes in three colors: black, navy, and gray. It is almost too simple, but that is what makes it so Muji.
Recommended for
Those concerned about stiff shoulders and fatigue, and those who use a backpack for their daily commute.
4. Muji Water-Repellent One-Shoulder Bag (19L, ultra-lightweight at 190g, the ultimate in simplicity)
This is a shoulder bag with an unbelievable lightness, weighing only 190g with a 19L capacity. It is water-repellent, and its overly simple design embodies the purity typical of Muji.
Honestly, at first, I was worried about its durability because it was so light. But after using it, before I could even feel the thinness of the material as a disadvantage, I discovered that it is so light that I don't get tired even when I put things in it. It feels like I've forgotten I'm carrying it on my shoulder. You can really appreciate its benefits when using it as a sub-bag for daily commuting or shopping.
Recommended for
Those who prioritize lightness above all else, and those who want to use it as a sub-bag.
5. Pirarucu Waterproof Town Roll Backpack (What is this? A bag that breaks the concept of total waterproofing)
As a wild card, I'd like to introduce Pirarucu. It is a roll-top backpack from Kajimeiku, a company with know-how as a rainwear manufacturer. It uses a structure of TPU laminate material and seamless compression bonding, achieving near-total waterproofness without using a single zipper.
What makes you say 'What is this?' is the mechanism where you just roll and fasten the top, leaving no gaps for rain to get inside. Regular backpacks can have rain seep in through the zipper area, but this bag has no zippers to begin with. It is lightweight at 20L and 510g, and also features reflective material on the back. For those who want to commute by bicycle or motorcycle without worrying about the rain, and for those who weren't satisfied with Anello or Muji, this could be the answer.
Recommended for
Those who prioritize waterproof performance above all else, and those who absolutely do not want their belongings to get wet in the rain.
To make your bag last longer
Reset the water-repellent finish periodically.
Common to Anello, Muji, and Pirarucu, the water-repellent effect will diminish with continued use. Once every 1-2 seasons, simply spray it with a commercially available waterproofing spray and let it dry to restore the effect. The cost of the spray is small, but it will significantly change the lifespan of your bag.
Muji products are easy to return or exchange.
Even if you encounter issues after purchase, such as it being smaller than you thought or the strap length not fitting, you can return it if you have the receipt. The fact that it is an environment where it is easier to try out compared to other brands is also a strength in terms of options.
Aim for MUJI Week.
You can get it at an even better price by using MUJI Week. If you are not in a hurry, waiting for the right timing is the smart choice.
Summary
When comparing these three brands, the best value for money depends on your intended use.
Anello: A balance of design and function. For those who want it to blend into their outfits.
MUJI: Thorough pursuit of functionality. For those who want to reduce the burden on their shoulders and body → If you need a backpack for daily use, MUJI's 'Backpack that reduces shoulder strain' is the answer for the lowest effective cost.
Pillaruk: A unique option for those who want to maximize value through waterproof performance.
These three brands shatter the assumption that you have to buy an expensive designer bag to have something you can use every day. Since I started using MUJI's 'Backpack that reduces shoulder strain,' I have experienced firsthand that their patented technology is the real deal. Once I realized that I didn't have to compromise just because something is cheap, and that there are 'correct' choices even at low prices, my options for choosing bags expanded.