A&F COUNTRY offers a variety of authentic items perfect for accompanying you on backpacking adventures
A&F COUNTRY is well-loved not only among mountain climbers, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts, but also hobbyists such as knife collectors: basically, anyone who is looking for the real deal. Join us as we take a look into the reasons behind the company’s appeal.
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Selected by Takao Akatsu, one of the driving forces behind Japan’s outdoor scene
“A&F Corporation” got its start as an importer and distributor of outdoor recreation products in 1977, during the midst of the global outdoor recreational movement. It began with the company’s founder, Takao Akatsu, becoming deeply enamored with backpacking, which has at its foundation the concept of “bearing all equipment and responsibility by yourself,” as well as a “uniquely American style of conserving nature.” Backpacking is generally a solo activity, and your equipment is your life. For this reason, “A&F” only offers the most reliable items after field-testing a wide range of highly functional gear.
“A&F” is all about getting the most out of valuable and extraordinary experiences in the great outdoors, such as using flint and matches instead of lighters to start a fire. “A&F COUNTRY” are company’s multi-branded outdoor stores all around Japan which highly recommended for those who are looking for authentic outdoor gear, rather than simply wanting convenience.
A range of items that combine functional beauty and resilience
A&F COUNTRY carries close to 100 different brands, including “Helinox”, one of the world’s top outdoor chair brands, and “HILLEBERG”, the Swedish-origin tent brand considered essential in harsh outdoor conditions. We have highlighted three of these brands A&F COUNTRY offers below.
1. SABBATICAL
A&F COUNTRY’s original brand. It offers a lineup of functional gear that can withstand whatever nature has to offer, featuring minimalist aesthetics and adaptability for every user.
2. MYSTERY RANCH
MYSTERY RANCH’s backpacks were created under the maxim of ensuring that elite professionals carrying out incredibly dangerous duties in extremely punishing conditions—forest firefighters and the like—can reliably transport their equipment.
3. BAREBONES
The Barebones brand. Its designers create products that they themselves would want to use. The lineup includes tableware, cooking utensils, lights, knives, and everything else you would need for food, clothing, and shelter.
Easy-to-access stores, each with its own unique flair
Here are our three picks from among A&F COUNTRY’s network of 18 stores located nationwide in Japan!
1. A&F COUNTRY Main Store
The strong suit of the company's flagship store, A&F COUNTRY Main Store in Shinjuku, Tokyo, lies in advanced gear. Also available are a wide variety of vintage knives. Here you can explore the birthplace of A&F.
2. A&F COUNTRY SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE Store
A&F COUNTRY’s largest store, newly opened on March 1, 2024 at SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE building directly above the JR Shibuya Station in Tokyo. This large, comfortable space with a laid-back vibe offers unparalleled convenience in terms of access.
3. A&F COUNTRY LUCUA 1100 Store
The A&F COUNTRY LUCUA 1100 Store is directly connected to the JR Osaka Station. The store’s concept is to “have fun outdoors!” It is conveniently located in an area full of outdoor shops.
Conclusion
A&F COUNTRY offers functionally beautiful and durable items that are worthy of accompanying the user on backpacking adventures. This is the perfect place for true-blue outdoor enthusiasts—those who feel real joy when spending time in nature, rather than simply wanting convenience.