Outdoor Lifestyle Gear Loved by Japanese and Koreans (Japanese/Korean Brands)

Japanese/Korean Outdoor Lifestyle Gear Loved by Japanese and Koreans

Sung Kim
14 min readSep 21, 2021

In both countries, Snow Peak dominates outdoor lifestyle gear market. Japanese outdoor gear brand whose hardware products are known for their minimalist design language that are both functional in design and aesthetically beautiful, using innovative material. Hence, this list will be dominated by products from Snow Peak.

Outdoor Lifestyle in both Japan and Korea

Outdoor lifestyle in both countries evolved with some similarity. Both countries are islands (Japan geographically and Korea in literal sense) where they are both surrounded by ocean and about 70% mountainous. Most people live in dense cities with millions of people with no private backyard of their own.

Both countries have thriving hiking and camping culture with thousands of private, public and boondocking places where they can camp. They also have same cherished tradition of BBQ when camping — Japanese with their love of yakitori and Korean BBQ and Koreans with their love of pork belly.

Outdoor gear brands in both countries grew up supporting these campers. Their need for outdoor gear that are comfortable, aesthetically beautiful (for these people, campground is their backyard), functional in design (they need to be compact when folded) using innovative material (they need to be light so they can haul these gears).

There are some differences between these two countries though where:

  • Korean outerwear brands are stylish in western sense (similar to Arcteryx) while Japanese outerwear brands are very Japanese.
  • Japanese favor charcoal grill for BBQ whereas Koreans favor round griddles (like Tembo Tusk Skottle) to cook their pork belly.
  • Japanese favor more minimalistic camping style (i.e., smaller tents) or small RV camping whereas Koreans favor more glamping style with a big tent.

Camping Accessory

Claymore V600 Fan

CLAYMORE’s V600+ is a wireless air circulator fan. With a large battery capacity, the Li-ion 7,800 mAh battery can last up to 30 hours with a single full charge. The wind speed can be adjusted in 4 levels and the safety cage is detachable for dust-free storage. It’s easy to carry with the attached handle and can be used in countless ways with the attachable tripod.

Snow Peak Folding Torch

With its compact design and wooden handle, the GigaPower Folding Torch is an essential tool for starting a fire or igniting a charcoal barbeque.

Snow Peak Solid Stake

Tent stake is hand-forged using S55C Steel. This forged steel stake is ideal for holding down larger tents and tarps onto standard to firm ground. These stakes will last a lifetime and beyond.

SOTO Pocket Torch XT (Extended)

Compact, wind-resistant, refillable burner with telescoping burner head.

THOR Container

Storage box with a nice lid made of wood.

Cookware

Kovea Prime Round Griddle 33

Round griddle.

Minimal Works Grill Pan O

Round griddle.

Snow Peak Cutting Board Set

The Cutting Board Set is a foldable birch wood cutting board and high carbon stainless steel knife. Designed with the outdoor cook in mind, the Cutting Board Set is ideal for prepping meals.

Uniflame Burning fire pot

A pot with a stainless steel vine that is easy to use on a bonfire

Drinkware

Snow Peak Field Barista Coffee Grinder

Modeled after professional barista equipment and made of stainless steel, the Field Barista Coffee Grinder features an adjustable ceramic burr and produces a variety of coffee grounds. In my opinion, you are better off purchasing Timmore Chestnut C2 Manual Coffee Grinder from Amazon.

Snow Peak Field Barista Coffee Drip

It was created for coffee aficionados unwilling to compromise the quality of their morning coffee. In my opinion, you are better off purchasing SOTO Helix Coffee Maker from Amazon.

Snow Peak Field Barista Kettle

Made of durable stainless steel and modeled after professional barista equipment, the Field Barista Kettle is designed to consistently deliver a precise pour.

Snow Peak Stainless Steel Sierra Cup

Designed and manufactured in Japan, the Stainless Steel Sierra Cup is made of sturdy stainless steel. Intended to be used for cooking and measuring, the Stainless Steel Sierra Cup features graduated measurement lines and a sturdy handle.

Snow Peak Ti-Single 450 Cup

The Ti-Single 450 Cup is made of ultralight Japanese titanium. Designed for everyday use and backcountry excursions, the Ti-Single 450 Cup can be placed directly over a heat source for cooking or warming.

SOTO Helix Coffee Maker

Collapsible coffee maker for 2 people.

Grill and Firepit

Snow Peak Takibi Fire & Grill

The Takibi Fire and Grill is made of durable stainless steel and designed in Japan for a lifetime of use. Packable, portable and modular, use the Takibi Fire and Grill to create a gathering anywhere.

Uniflame Fire Stand II

A compact bonfire that is popular with bonfire fans

Uniflame Firewood Grill

Stainless steel kamado that you can enjoy cooking on a bonfire or charcoal

Furniture

Helinox Chair Two

Comfortable, portable, and supportive, Chair Two Home delivers inside style, but also likes to play outside.

Helinox Table One

An upstyled Table One that works in your living room or on your deck.

Helinox Cot One Convertible

Cot One Convertible keeps you off the cold, hard ground and fully supported.

Minimal Works Pampas Table 2.0

Outdoor Dining Table

Minimal Works Indian Hanger Hooks

A place to hang cookware for easy access.

  • Brand: Minimal Works (Korea)
  • Product Webpage:
  • Where to purchase: Maybe eBay

Snow Peak Iron Grill Table (IGT)

The Iron Grill Table (IGT) system is a modular and customizable kitchen to suit your individual needs. Create a communal cooking and dining space with a wide variety of inserts, extensions and storage options.

Snow Peak Jikaro Firering Table

Designed to turn the Takibi Fire & Grill and Takibi Fire & Grill Medium into a dining table, the Jikaro Firering Table creates the perfect centerpiece for any gathering.

Snow Peak Low Beach Chair

Designed in Japan, the Low Beach Chair has natural wood armrests and a canvas seat. The chair is stylish enough for the home or patio, but sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of camp. The Low Beach Chair features a high quality wood armrest and back that is 7 inches taller than the Luxury Low Beach Chair. The Low Beach Chair folds into a compact case for efficient storage.

Snow Peak Ozen Solo Table

Made of lightweight aluminum, the Ozen Solo Table is a small rugged backpacking table. Use the Ozen Solo Table to keep food off the ground or as a small cooking surface. The Ozen Solo Table folds down flat and easily fits in a standard pack.

Snow Peak Renewed Single Action Table

Designed in Japan, the Renewed Single Action Table Medium features a solid laminated bamboo worktop in an updated finish and durable aluminum legs. Use the Renewed Single Action Table, Medium for dining with small groups in the garden or campground. The Renewed Single Action Table, Medium folds in half for compact storage inside its nylon carry case. To set up, unfold the table and legs, then attach the support by inserting into the cylindrical notch and twisting closed. Each purchase includes one table and a carry case.

SOTO Field Hopper

Origami-style, uniquely engineered table with legs that pop out as easily as opening a book.

Uniflame Bonfire Table (682104)

Side table that is resistant to heat, scratches and dirt and can be used hard

Lights

Claymore 3FACE+

The 3FACE+ has been designed with sufficient brightness for long term use in outdoor environments and industrial fields. With a unique design and powerful performance beyond imagination, there is no longer a blind spot.

Minimal Works Edison Lantern

Small lantern.

Snowpeak Hozuki Lantern

Designed and made in Japan, the Hozuki Lantern is a versatile battery-powered light. Use it at your desk or campsite table, or utilize the hanging hook for elevated illumination.

Snowpeak Mini Flame

The Mini Flame is a small lantern. The Mini Flame is compact, lightweight, and has low fuel consumption

Stove

Kovea Dream Gas BBQ

The Dream Gas BBQ or 3 way, is the perfect companion for indoor or outdoor cooking. This is the all in one cooking stove that does everything you ever need, personalized to fit on a table perfect for grilling, cooking stews, shabu shabu, fondu, kabobs.

Kovea Expedition (Camp-1)

The Expedition has a double-pipe, anti-flare system to prevent liquefaction and gas flaring. The ignition plate makes ignition easy and maximizes power, as wind breakers operate the pot supports.

Kovea Scout

The Scout is an ultra-lightweight titanium stove, small and compact in size. The head and valve are easy to use. By expanding the auxiliary legs, the stove can safely accommodate a larger container.

Minimal Works Power Stove W

Powerful outdoor stove

Snow Peak GigaPower LI Stove

The GigaPower Li Stove is our largest and highest output stove. Use it in the backyard or campsite for cooking with large pots and pans.

Snow Peak LiteMax Titanium Stove

The LiteMax Titanium Stove is an ultralight titanium backpacking stove. The stove features foldable arms offer a built-in windscreen for maximum flame protection.

SOTO WindMaster Stove with 4Flex

Highly rated backpacker stove.

Tableware

Titanium Fork & Spoon Set

Made of Japanese titanium using a craftsmanship process, the Titanium Fork and Spoon Set is designed for both backcountry dining or daily use. Ultralight and easily packaged together in a slim canvas carry case, the fork and spoon are the reusable, dining essentials.

Wabuki Chopsticks

Designed in Japan and made of elegant bamboo and stainless steel, the Wabuki Chopsticks add style to any meal. Use the Wabuki Chopsticks for office lunches or campsite meals then store them in the slim case.

I hope you have enjoyed this article. If you have any questions or comments, please provide them here.

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