Author
Field Mag may receive a minor commission from purchases made via affiliate links.
If there’s a single commandment in bikepacking, it’s “Thou shall carry a titanium spork.” Anything beyond that is fair game, really. Building on their Explore category line with this in mind is cycling apparel and accessory specialists Rapha, who this week announced a new collaboration with Snow Peak, the Japanese titanium ultralight-heavyweights that regular Field Mag readers no doubt know well by now.
The initial collection of this (hopefully ongoing) collaboration consists of three core Snow Peak pieces—the ubiquitous titanium spork, a single wall mug, and the insulated Kanpai Bottle. Close inspection will reveal the items have not been altered in any meaningful way to cater to the act of bikepacking, nor do they really need to be. Each titanium goodie is already as light, functional, and versatile as can be… why fix what ain’t broke, ya know?
Differentiation does come by way of a classic logo swap. Each piece features both brand logos emblazoned in full view, with the addition of the matter-of-fact statement, “Seems Appropriate.” And well, it does. Sometimes the minimum viable product for a collaboration between two solid brands is all that’s really needed.
We like the pairing of Snow Peak and Rapha’s minimalist styles and can’t wait to see what subsequent rounds of co-branded products brings to the table. You can’t deny how perfect that snowflake logo and wordmark look together. And, if you dabble in outdoor industry conspiracies, take note of just how similar that Snow Peak snowflake is to the Walmart spark. Then remember what cycling specific brand the mega-retailer’s namesake family recently acquired… and wonder if this cute little unassuming Kanpai isn’t really just a subliminal advert for the Walton brother’s little family business… Marinade on that one for a while.
In the meantime, click thru and cop a co-branded spork.
The Rapha x Snow Peak collection is live today to RCC members with prices ranging from $15 up to $135, and will be available to the general public on Saturday, 13 June.
Published 06-10-2021
