Hi everyone, I'm Tsukui from WAITER-U, a cafe in Shimokitazawa that's like a campsite. Today, I'd like to talk about the aluminum containers we sell. When you hear the word "container," some of you might imagine a big 6-foot container that's shipped by ship, but that's not what we're talking about. We're actually small boxes, about 40 liters in size.
We sell three main types of our own products. Today, I'll introduce the custom aluminum containers, backpacks, and tool bags for neatly storing cooking utensils and seasonings used for camping meals. The backpacks and tool bags are easy to imagine how to use, but we often get asked, "What are custom aluminum containers?"
In a word, it's a treasure chest. It's like the treasure chest you dreamed of as a child. What I mean is, you can store all your camping equipment, your camping gear, inside this box that closes securely with a satisfying click. And when you open this box, it's not just a storage box; it becomes a table or a makeshift kitchen counter. It might be an exaggeration to call it a full-fledged kitchen counter at a campsite, but it can be used as a surface for cooking.
After hearing all this, those of you who are thinking about starting camping might be wondering, "What is all that about?" Well, that's just how it is. As you get more into camping, you'll start to become more and more particular about your equipment. You might have bought an LED lantern first, then a burner, then firelighters, then something like a pocket torch to light the burner. But the interesting thing about camping, and why it's sometimes called the "camping rabbit hole," is that you don't necessarily use the same things you buy forever.
Even if you think, "This would be convenient," or "This looks cool!", and already own a tool for the same purpose, you might still buy something new and look forward to using it on your next camping trip. Even with something as simple as a burner, there are types that connect directly to a cassette gas canister (CB can) and types where the burner head and canister are separated by a tube. Just that difference can lead to discussions about where to store the canister, or whether an integrated type is easier to use or a separate type is more convenient. What's convenient really depends on your camping style and the equipment you already own. That's why you want to keep buying and trying out different things, wondering, "Is this better?" or "Is that better?" This is why it's called the "camping rabbit hole."
As your collection of gear grows, you develop a strong attachment to each piece, and you start wanting to admire them. Even if you don't use them at the time, it's not uncommon for campers to own two or three similar knives, one for display and one for practical use. That's how much gear you accumulate. But having more gear isn't a negative thing; it can be quite enjoyable. Keeping a record of it is something that some people enjoy (I certainly do).
That's how I started thinking, "Wouldn't it be great to camp while gazing at my favorite gear?" The Custom Aluminum Container is a product that made that dream a reality. It went viral on Instagram a few years ago, and it really is a dream box. You can pack all your favorite things into it and fix them in your favorite positions to admire them. What's more, it's not just about looks; everything has a function. "I'll mount this LED lantern like this so it's easy to take out," or you can even modify it further with parts. Just like car enthusiasts customize their engines or change their mufflers, the Custom Aluminum Container makes that a reality in the world of camping.
I think you'll understand the appeal once you pick up this container. Even though I sell them myself, it's difficult to explain what it is in a single sentence. But for those who know what it is, it's something that can spark a conversation that lasts for an hour, two hours, or even three hours. Custom aluminum containers are our main product, and I wish I could explain them better. So, as I mentioned at the beginning, if someone asks me, "What is an aluminum container?", the quickest answer is basically, "It's a treasure chest."
This product might be more suitable for those who have camped a few times and want to enjoy it more deeply. However, I think it's also fun to just buy a container from the start and immediately focus on getting the best equipment. Camping, aluminum containers, and the possibilities are endless with just a little idea, and I think it's a hobby you can continue for a lifetime. Today's topic was, what is a custom aluminum container? See you next time.
