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[Review] PBJ (Pure Blue Japan) XX-011 3-Years Selvedge Denim: Shaped by Time

  Hello, this is  Lislab . While many brands are hailed as the pride of Japanese denim, PBJ(Pure Blue Japan) stands in a league of its own, solely due to its unparalleled fabric texture. Renowned for its signature "slubby" and rugged feel, PBJ is famous for maintaining this unique texture while employing distinctive construction methods that set it apart from standard denim. Today, I’m introducing the PBJ XX-011 , a model that utilizes Left-hand Twill(LHT) to offer both unique fading characteristics and a surprisingly comfortable fit. Let’s dive into the detailed data of how PBJ’s "blue obsession" has evolved after spending over three years with me.   Lislab Spec Height/Weight: 171cm/62kg Body Type: Slender Size: Waist 30 - PBJ 011 Size: 32 (Size up 2)

Essential Bag Collection: 5 Heritage Bags for Everyday Life

  

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Hello, this is Lislab.

Today, I’d like to share a story about "Bags," which play another major role in my lifestyle. For some, a bag may just be a tool for carrying belongings.

However, the process of packing my documents, diary, and pouches every morning, and carrying my child’s water bottle and diapers on weekends, is a part of my life itself. Like other heritage items, bags become a "record of daily life" because my habits and touch are ingrained in them over time, and the luster of the fabric breaks in softly according to my movements.

From daily bags for my commute to family bags that support precious time with my family, I would like to introduce 5 bags that silently carry the weight of my daily life.



01. The North Face Purple Label Daypack

"A Harmony of 70s Archive and Modern Sensibility"


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  • Model: TNF Purple Label Daypack

  • Color: Beige

  • Use: Daily Commute Backpack

  • Features: Reinterpretation of 70s vintage design, Paraffin-coated canvas, Natural suede leather, Top/Bottom split compartment.



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This is a Japanese exclusive line of The North Face, developed by nanamica, and its unique vintage silhouette is truly charming. The paraffin-coated canvas is stiff at first, but as time passes, it transforms into my own unique bag with natural creases that follow my movements.

In particular, the natural suede leather detail is not just for design; it provides durability to withstand friction with the ground and offers the pleasure of aging as the color deepens over time. Despite being a backpack used every day for "battle-like" daily commutes, its internal partitions are well-divided, making it a fellow with impressive practical storage capacity compared to its light appearance.



02. Porter x Comme des Garçons (CDG) Tanker Helmet Bag

"The Pinnacle of Nylon Minimalism Meets CDG’s Aesthetic"


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  • Model: Porter x CDG Tanker Helmet Bag (Size M)

  • Color: Silver Grey

  • Use: Daily Tote/Shoulder Bag

  • Features: A collaboration between Porter’s craftsmanship and Comme des Garçons’ sensibility, Spacious internal storage, and a separate mini pouch.



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This is a helmet bag touched by the hand of Rei Kawakubo, the head of Comme des Garçons. The unique 3-layer nylon structure of the Tanker series provides a fluffy texture, which meets the luxurious luster of silver grey to show a unique sophistication.

The identity of adding the Comme des Garçons design on top of the intense orange lining—Porter's signature—gives me a feeling of joy every time I take something out of the bag. Thanks to its flat helmet bag structure, it maintains a slim silhouette when there are few items, and naturally expands and adds volume to the outfit when there are many. It is truly a magical bag.


< Porter x CDG Tanker Helmet Bag >



03. Porter Tanker 3-Way Briefcase

"The Beauty of the Discontinued Navy & Gold Zipper Combination"


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  • Model:  Porter Tanker 3-Way Briefcase (Old Model)

  • Color: Navy

  • Use: Business & Travel Bag

  • Features: Classic combo of Navy and Brass (Gold) zippers, Convertible 3-way (Briefcase + Shoulder + Backpack).



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This is a reliable companion that has protected my office life for the longest time. Currently, I use it as a bag for business trips to carry my laptop, but it was once my main daily bag for the longest time.

In particular, the "Old Navy and Gold Zipper" combination, which cannot be found in the latest models (Iron Blue), has become an attachment for me because it is a beautiful color combination that is no longer accessible. Unlike general 2-way briefcases, a backpack-style strap appears when you open the zipper on the back, making it a best-seller and steady-seller for Porter. Its sturdy storage and unchanging durability prove the value of the name Porter.



04. C.P. Company Lens Nylon Backpack

"A Father's Daily Life Captured in Deep Garment-Dyed Colors"


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  • Model: C.P. Company Lens Nylon Backpack

  • Color: Black

  • Use: Long Outings & Family Bag

  • Features: Garment-dyed nylon fabric, Signature lens detail, Multiple storage compartments.



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This backpack is a concentration of C.P. Company's identity. Thanks to the "Garment Dyeing" technique—where the product is dyed after being manufactured—it boasts a deep color with subtle blue or charcoal undertones even though it is black.

The lens detail on the front reveals a clear presence on its own. Since it has so many storage spaces and ample capacity, it currently serves as a "Family Bag" that fits diapers, extra clothes, and snacks during long outings or travels with my child. It is a truly grateful bag that protects both style and practicality, replacing a clunky diaper bag.



05. C.P. Company Lens Nylon Crossbody Bag

"A Technical Crossbody for Light and Cheerful Outings"


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  • Model: C.P. Company Lens Nylon Crossbody Bag

  • Color: Navy

  • Use: Activity & Light Outings

  • Features: Garment-dyed nylon, Signature lens detail, Compact size with ample storage.



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This is the one that stays close to my body during walks or short outings. As expected, the natural and vintage texture of the nylon fabric after garment dyeing is superb.

The calm navy tone of C.P. Company adds a sophisticated finish to any light outfit. Despite its compact appearance, the internal storage is significant, so it is a practical bag that fits my phone and car keys, as well as my child's water bottle and diapers. While securing freedom for both hands, the lens detail provides a clear focal point, making it the most practical tool on the boundary between parenting and daily life.



06. Size Comparison


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To give a realistic sense of the scale of the bags, I directly compared them with an iPad Air 5th Generation (10.9-inch).


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All five bags fulfill the "essential function of a bag"—ample storage—while going beyond simple aesthetics with sophisticated designs.


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Closing: Reliable Companions Completing the Silhouette of My Life


Bags, like denim, are items that are "fun to break in."

Watching the canvas and nylon develop natural creases according to my daily habits, seeing them gain my touch, and watching the gold luster of the zippers turn vintage—this is also a process of recording and checking every moment I spend with them.

What once felt heavy and cumbersome in my youth has now become a companion building my own heritage. Choosing and wearing a bag has become a pleasant habit. It is not just consumption following a trend, but a journey to find the optimal tools for my lifestyle.

I will cover these 5 bags in more depth through individual detailed reviews soon.

Thank you for reading this long journey.

Sincerely, Lislab


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