Iris Ohyama Launches HUGEL Aerogel Soft Cooler Bag Series for Outdoor and Daily Use

Iris Ohyama Inc. (Headquarters: Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture; President and Representative Director: Akihiro Oyama) will launch the 'HUGEL Aerogel Soft Cooler Bag Series' from June 5, 2026, sequentially at internet sites and home centers nationwide (*1). This series uses aerogel, a material also used in spacesuits, as an insulator, making it suitable for various uses from outdoor activities to daily life.

In recent years, extreme heat has become more common due to global warming, and last year, the number of emergency transport cases due to heatstroke nationwide reached a record high. Against this backdrop, interest in heatstroke countermeasures is increasing, with the government mandating measures in the workplace, and coolers that can keep beverages cold are gaining attention. While hard-type coolers with excellent long-term cold retention are superior for outdoor use like camping, they are large and require storage space. Therefore, interest is growing in soft-type coolers that are easy to use for daily activities like club sports and work.

The 'HUGEL Aerogel Soft Cooler Bag Series' being launched includes four types: a backpack type, a tote bag type, a back-in cooler, and a bottle case. By using highly insulating aerogel throughout each product, all types achieve overwhelmingly high cold retention performance (*2).

The backpack type offers a maximum cold retention of approximately 5.3 days (*3) and features high waterproof performance, making it suitable for long-duration use such as camping and fishing. It is designed with mesh pocket dividers and ample pockets for easy organization. The tote bag type uses a double zipper to prevent cold air from escaping, keeping items cold for up to approximately 4.8 days (*4). It can be folded into a compact box shape by securing metal fittings at both ends, and its carry-on function (*5) makes it convenient for travel.

The back-in cooler offers a maximum cold retention of approximately 30 hours (*6) and is sized to hold two 500ml PET bottles simultaneously, making it suitable for daily use. When not in use, it can be rolled up with tape for compact carrying. The bottle case can keep items cold for up to approximately 15 hours (*7) and features a belt that can be attached either vertically or horizontally. It also comes with rings for easy attachment to backpacks and a shoulder strap, making it suitable for leisure activities such as festivals and sports viewing.

The company will continue to develop products closely related to consumers' lives and contribute to realizing a comfortable lifestyle.

■ Usage images

■ Materials that prevent cold air from escaping (*8) and multi-layer insulation structure (*9)

■ Other product lineup

■ Product specifications (*11)

■ Brand site

https://www.irisohyama.co.jp/hugel/soft-cooler/

(*1) Pre-orders begin on June 3, 2026, at the official online shop 'Iris Plaza'.

(*2) Comparison with the company's conventional products.

(*3) For the backpack type 30L model. The 15L model offers a maximum of 4 days. Time until the bottom temperature reaches 8°C with ice equivalent to 40% of the internal capacity. Cycle of 9 hours at 30°C and 15 hours at 20°C. Values are measured values and are not guaranteed.

(*4) For the tote bag type 25L model. The 13L model offers a maximum of 3.6 days. Time until the bottom temperature reaches 8°C with ice equivalent to 40% of the internal capacity. Cycle of 9 hours at 30°C and 15 hours at 20°C. Values are measured values and are not guaranteed.

(*5) May not fit depending on the handle shape.

(*6) Time until the bottom temperature reaches 8°C with ice equivalent to 40% of the internal capacity. Cycle of 9 hours at 30°C and 15 hours at 20°C. Values are measured values and are not guaranteed.

(*7) Time until the bottom temperature reaches 8°C with a frozen 0.5L PET bottle inside. Cycle of 9 hours at 30°C and 15 hours at 20°C. Values are measured values and are not guaranteed.

(*8) Thermographic image after 4 hours at 30°C room temperature with ice equivalent to approximately 50% of the internal capacity of each soft cooler.

(*9) Multi-layer insulation structure is on the sides only.

(*10) Based on the company's own standards for cold retention performance of soft cooler boxes. Time until the bottom temperature reaches 8°C with ice equivalent to 40% of the internal capacity. Cycle of 9 hours at 30°C and 15 hours at 20°C. Cold retention performance varies depending on actual usage conditions and environment.

(*11) Product specifications are subject to change without notice.