When industrial designer Yuki speaks about travel, her eyes light up—not just with wanderlust, but with an engineer’s precision and a storyteller’s warmth. Based in Osaka but educated in both Tokyo and Copenhagen, Yuki’s work bridges East and West, blending minimalist aesthetics with deeply thoughtful function. As the lead designer behind the MATEIN Carry-On Series Backpack, she’s on a mission to make modern travel smoother, smarter, and more personal.
“I believe the best travel companions don’t shout—they adapt,” Yuki says. “A good carry-on shouldn’t remind you it’s there. It should flow with you.”
Redefining the Carry-On
The idea for this series sparked during a long-haul trip that had too many short-haul headaches. “I remember rushing through a tiny airport in Milan, dragging a suitcase that wouldn’t quite fit the overhead bin. I thought: there must be a better way.”
That “better way” became the foundation for the Carry-On Series: a 3-in-1 backpack that transitions between a backpack, duffel, and briefcase—without ever exceeding airline carry-on limits. But for Yuki, the challenge wasn’t just about meeting size specs. It was about solving how people move.
“When you’re running for a train, or slipping your bag under a hostel bunk, that’s when design matters most.”
Travel-Ready Engineering
The Carry-On Series includes features Yuki calls “invisible helpers”: hideaway shoulder straps that tuck cleanly into a back panel, a luggage strap that effortlessly slides onto a rolling suitcase, and an expandable compartment for spontaneous overpacking.
“I wanted this backpack to say yes to unexpected moments. Found something cool at a local market? Just unzip, and you’ve got 8 liters more space.”
Beyond the technical perks, the bag’s lightweight construction (just over 2 lbs), smart compression straps, and airline-approved dimensions make it a true go-anywhere piece.
Designed with People, Not Just Travelers, in Mind
The range of 9 colors—from jet black to peacock blue and soft lavender—was no accident. “I didn’t want this to be another anonymous travel bag,” Yuki explains. “You should be able to spot your bag, but more importantly, feel like it reflects who you are.”
Yuki also paid attention to ergonomics. The adjustable sternum straps help redistribute weight, and padded grab handles make it easy to lift from tight compartments—details often overlooked in carry-on design.
From Boarding Gate to City Streets
While it was built for flight, Yuki insists the Carry-On Series isn’t just for airports. “It’s also for weekend artists, remote workers, city wanderers.” She adds with a smile, “My own carry-on holds watercolor pencils and a camera almost as often as clothes.”
For Yuki, the bag is not just a product—it’s an invitation. To pack light, move freely, and experience the world without compromise.
“You shouldn’t have to choose between style, function, or airline rules,” she says. “Your backpack should carry more than stuff—it should carry confidence.”
