KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Under Armour is redefining one of the most essential pieces of an athlete’s gear with the launch of the No Weigh Backpack. Built on a three-year mission to transform a product that has quietly caused strain and fatigue for decades, the new backpack is not just an innovation—it’s an intervention. It is designed to move with the body and redistribute weight, creating an almost weightless feel for athletes navigating a busy, non-stop life.
“The athlete backpack is used more than almost anything else, but no one’s truly rethought it until now,” said Kyle Blakely, SVP of Innovation, Development & Testing at Under Armour. “We treated it like a performance product because that’s what it really is.” The brand’s philosophy is that the pain of carrying gear should not be the price an athlete pays for their grind. The No Weigh Backpack is the solution, addressing the familiar ache in the shoulders and upper back as a design flaw that needed to be fixed.
The Science of ‘No Weigh’: UA Suspension™ Technology
The core of this transformation is the patent-pending UA Suspension™ straps. This groundbreaking innovation redefines how a backpack interacts with the body. Unlike traditional straps, the multi-directional UA Suspension™ straps stretch and contract in real-time, adapting to the user’s stride and shifting loads as they move. This dynamic adaptation is designed to create a more natural carry.
In third-party ergonomics lab testing, the system was proven to actively readjust the load, significantly reducing strain and minimizing fatigue. This scientific validation underscores Under Armour’s claim that when your gear truly works with your body, every movement becomes better.
According to Tobiah Taylor, Director of Accessories, the impact is immediately noticeable. “It doesn’t just feel lighter, it moves with you. You’re not fighting the bag anymore.” The result is a more balanced and comfortable experience, delivering an almost weightless feel in motion, regardless of the load.
Beyond the Straps: A Purpose-Built Design
While the UA Suspension™ straps are the primary breakthrough, the entire No Weigh Backpack was meticulously engineered to meet the demands of an athlete’s real-life performance. Shaped by three years of athlete input, testing, and refinement, every detail has a purpose. The backpack features breathable, moisture-wicking back panels to manage sweat, an expandable 28–35L capacity perfect for everything from cleats and sports gear to books and laptops, and quick-access zippered pockets for convenience.
For a true custom fit, the backpack includes “level” strap adjusters and a floating sternum strap, designed to adapt to a wide range of body types. Ventilated compartments are also included to keep sweaty gear separated from everyday essentials, a small but critical detail for athletes constantly on the go.
Also Read: Under Armour Unveils Halo Footwear Collection: Blending Holistic Design with Performance Innovation
“We’ve always made gear to make athletes better,” said Kyle Blakely. “This time, we made something to make their lives better.” This product is positioned not just as a piece of equipment but as a solution that elevates an athlete’s entire daily journey, from school and work to training and recovery.
The UA No Weigh backpack, priced at RM499, is available at selected Under Armour Brand Houses across Malaysia and online.
This is just the beginning for the new technology. Under Armour plans for UA Suspension™ strap technology to anchor a full ecosystem of carry solutions, including duffels, travel bags, and hybrid gear. The brand is committed to creating solutions wherever there is movement, tension, or pressure, to help athletes carry what matters most with less strain and more power. The No Weigh Backpack is, as the brand puts it, not just a backpack but a “reset” for an entire category of products.
