Hello. This is Kyon.
I just participated in the BIKE category of the OMM LITE / BIKE race held on July 14–15. I spent two days covered in mud, fully enjoying the nature of Hakuba. It was an incredibly fun experience—I couldn't believe such an exciting race existed, and I’m still buzzing from it even now that it’s over.
As for what I was wearing, it was the Patagonia / Men's Capilene Cool Trail Bike Henley and the Yamatomichi / 5-Pocket Shorts. Whether I was riding my bike or carrying it up the mountain, I was able to finish the race comfortably without any stress. I was also impressed by how many people, both in the BIKE and LITE categories, were wearing Yamatomichi pants.
With that in mind, I’m sure many of you have been waiting for this: the 5-Pocket Light Shorts / 5-Pocket Light Pants are now in stock!
5-Pocket Light Shorts
【Yamatomichi】5-Pocket Light Shorts
Material : Pertex Equilibrium (Nylon 83% / Polyester 17%)
Weight : 82g (Size S)
Size : XS / S / M / L / XL
Color : Slate Green / Purple Haze / Hibiscus / Navy / Olive / Brown / Gray
Price : ¥12,000 (excl. tax)
Mr. Natsume of Yamatomichi was already quite satisfied with the 5-Pocket Shorts for hiking during the hot season. However, he often felt that those shorts—originally designed for hiking—might not be functionally sufficient for the high level of activity seen in long-distance trail races or fastpacking. With that in mind, the 5-Pocket Light Shorts were created with the goal of making a pair that is even lighter, easier to move in, and feels like a natural extension of the body.
Differences from the 5-Pocket Shorts
・Material
The 5-Pocket Shorts use a non-stretch taslan nylon known for its quick-drying, windproof, and durable properties. By contrast, the 5-Pocket Light Shorts use a material called Pertex Equilibrium. While it may be slightly less durable than taslan nylon, it offers superior quick-drying properties, a better texture, and stretchability.
Though the material is thin, it achieves high strength for its weight by combining 20-denier yarns on the surface with 40-denier yarns for the weft on the back. The difference in thread thickness creates a subtle unevenness in the fabric, which keeps the contact point between your skin and the fabric dry, resulting in a crisp, comfortable fit.
・Lightweight
Adopting a lightweight 55g/m² Pertex Equilibrium fabric, these shorts are about half the weight of the original 5-Pocket Shorts. You’ll be surprised by how light they feel when you put them on—they are truly lightweight. Additionally, the waistband has been switched from the previous flat elastic to a mesh elastic to make it lighter and faster-drying.
・Size/Fit
Compared to the traditional 5-Pocket Shorts, these are one size shorter in length, making them even easier to move in and facilitating high-stepping. They work great for cycling, too!
Same Great Functionality
They retain the excellent ease of care, the five convenient pockets for storing smartphones and maps, the large gusset in the crotch and side slits that don't restrict leg movement, and the simple design suitable for mountains, bikes, or city streets. Everything you love is still there, just lighter and more comfortable.
5-Pocket Light Pants
【Yamatomichi】5-Pocket Light Pants
Material : Pertex Equilibrium (Nylon 83% / Polyester 17%)
Weight : 137g (Size S)
Size : XS / S / M / L / XL (Tall sizes not available)
Color : Navy / Olive / Brown / Gray
Price : ¥15,500 (excl. tax)
In Japan, it’s a minority who wear shorts with bare legs; many people prefer to wear long pants or shorts with tights even in summer. I, too, generally wear long pants when I go to high-altitude areas. With the 5-Pocket Light Pants, Mr. Natsume aimed to create a long pant that maintains the functionality of the 5-Pocket Light Shorts, providing that same comfortable, lightweight feel like a second skin, allowing you to stay cool and sweat-free even in the hot season.
Beautiful Silhouette
Compared to the 5-Pocket Pants, the thigh area is slightly slimmer, resulting in a cleaner line. Since they use stretch material, they are still very easy to move in despite the slimmer fit. While I thought the original 5-Pocket Pants had a great silhouette, this one is even sharper and has a visual effect that makes your legs look slimmer!
Even though they are long pants, the silhouette remains movement-friendly, and they are tapered to reduce bulkiness around the ankles, giving you peace of mind while cycling.
The 5-Pocket Light Shorts and 5-Pocket Light Pants are lighter and more comfortable while retaining all the original functionality. I think they are going to be even more convenient for cyclists. These are pants that will prove invaluable whether you’re riding, hiking, or just in town. I’ve already bought a pair for myself to join me on my upcoming mountain and cycling adventures.
We currently have 7 colors for the 5-Pocket Light Shorts and 5 colors for the 5-Pocket Light Pants in stock. Some colors and sizes are already selling out, so please come by the store to try them on and see them for yourself. (*Please note that Yamatomichi products are only available for in-store purchase.)