Most know Snow Peak solely for its titanium spork and camp cups—staples of ounce counting hikers and backpackers—though the iconic Japanese outfitter has quietly been selling top quality camp and home goods stateside for 20 years (and throughout Asia since 1958). Even still, what has been available to the North American consumer has long been only a peek at the all-encompassing offerings the “outdoor lifestyle creator” has long offered overseas.
But that’s all changing, as Snow Peak doubles down on its North American presence with a massive Portland, Oregon Flagship HQ, complete with restaurant, event space, and every SKU they make—including this minimalist mobile tiny house. Snow Peak CEO Tohru Yamai has even relocated to Portland in recent years, so you know it’s serious.
Designed by renowned Japanese architect Kenga Kuma for Snow Peak in 2016, the Jyubako micro cabin has been available in Asia for some time now. Now, word is out the brand will introduce the sizable product to America in Fall 2020.
News was officially released at Outdoor Retailer trade show this past January, where a full-size unit was on show for all attendees to see and tour (which we did, and it was rad). The move is reportedly encouraged by the ADU, tiny house, and van life movements—all particularly relevant in Snow Peak’s adopted home of Portland.
The modest, box-like Jyubako design epitomizes Snow Peak’s passion for living an indoor/outdoor life, where good design exists outdoors and a spirit of nature follows inside too. Massive picture frame windows and a structure made entirely of wood blur the lines between man-made and natural environments.
And perhaps best of all, it’s discretely affixed to a trailer, encouraging a nomadic lifestyle where one needs not set down permanent roots in any one location to enjoy the comforts of “home.”
All across Japan Snow Peak owns plots of land where they hold seasonal festivals and campouts (Snow Peak Way first landed Stateside in 2018, held in Washington State). Owners of Jyubako units in Japan are granted access to such properties as part of their purchase. With a broadening interest in building the brand in America, we wouldn’t be surprised if something similar were to be established here as well. At least, we hope.
Best estimates for Jyubako pricing land around $60,000 USD. Contact Snow Peak directly for stateside delivery.
Published 11-12-2019
