Nike Randoseru Backpacks: Colourways, the Name Panel and the MOG Bolt

Eight Nike randoseru and three Nike MOG Bolt backpacks have passed through this studio. Everything below comes from pieces we have had in hand and listed, not from a catalogue we copied.

What it is

A randoseru is the rigid, box-shaped backpack carried by Japanese primary school children.

Our listings describe Nike's version as a line released exclusively in Japan, and four of them give the material as synthetic leather, with padded shoulder straps. We have no primary source for when Nike released it, at what price or in how many runs, so none of that is given here. None of the eight we have had carried a year in its listing, and we do not assign one.

What we have actually had

All eight measured 27 x 35 x 15 cm. They share the same construction: a rigid box body with a full front flap, a Nike Swoosh on the flap and on the back panel, a metal flap lock with Nike on it, a clear window on the underside of the flap, D-rings on the sides and padded shoulder straps.

Colourways, by back panel and straps (8)

• Blue and grey. Three. Bright blue padded panels either side of a grey textured centre, blue lining on the straps.
• Red and grey. Two. The same layout in red, one of them with the name panel still fitted.
• Black and cream. Two. Black body and flap with a cream back panel and cream straps, and a white Swoosh.
• Navy and cream. One. A navy body with a cream back panel and a moulded centre section; built differently from the other seven.

The name panel

Randoseru are made to carry the child's name. One of our red pieces still had its original name panel, written in by its first owner. If a name matters to you, check whether the panel is present and whether it has been filled in.

Nike MOG Bolt

A different kind of Nike bag that turns up in the same searches. Our three were all listed as 2014, all black with volt straps and reflective detailing on the layered outer shell. Our listings give the name as coming from "transmogrify": the top half unfolds to add space and clips shut, taking the bag from 31 x 36 cm contracted to 65 cm expanded. There is a small compartment at the bottom and an adjustable sternum strap.

Pieces we have had

Sold pieces stay here as a record; each photograph links to its original listing. The randoseru are photographed from the back.

Nike Randoseru

Nike MOG Bolt

The other two MOG Bolt listings: 2014 Nike MOG Bolt Expandable Backpack and 2014 Nike MOG Bolt Expandable Backpack, Style 2.

What to check before you buy one

• The flap lock. The metal lock at the base of the flap takes daily use. Check that it turns, catches and holds the flap shut.
• Corners and edges. A randoseru keeps its shape, so wear shows at the corners, the flap edge and the base. Look for scuffs, cracked coating and lifting edge binding. Two of ours had flaws we photographed; ask for photographs of the corners.
• Straps and hooks. Check the stitching where the shoulder straps meet the body, the strap adjusters, and the D-rings on the sides.
• The inside. Open the flap. Check the dividers, the clear window and any pockets, and that the lining is not torn.
• The name panel. See above: present or missing, blank or written in.
• The MOG Bolt. Unfold the top section and check the clip, the bottom compartment and the reflective detailing on each layer of the shell.

Looking for a specific one

Pieces like these come through here one at a time. Whatever is available is in the shop.

Write to us with the colourway you are after and we will look for it. That is what Sourcing is.