Hello, this is Kyon. The rainy season has finally ended in Nagoya, and it finally feels like summer. A tough season has arrived for me since I’m very sensitive to heat. However, there is a fun activity even for someone who hates the heat: shower climbing (sawanobori). I recently took advantage of a break in the rainy season to go on a two-day shower climbing trip to the Fuefukigawa Higashizawa Kamanosawa Higashimata.
The creek I visited this time was refreshing and offered just the right amount of tension and adventure for a beginner like me. At night, we enjoyed meals and drinks around a campfire, and for sleeping, we set up a tarp and slept directly on mats on the ground. Shower climbing is incredibly fun, offering an open, refreshing experience that lets you feel nature with your own skin.
I wanted to keep my gear as compact as possible for this trip, so I cut down on items, chose compact gear, and stuffed everything tightly into a 30L backpack. I brought Yamatomichi's 5-Pocket Light Pants to wear for hiking after finishing the creek on the second day. They are compact and lightweight, and although it was very hot during the descent, they felt dry and non-sticky, making them very comfortable.
New items from Yamatomichi are arriving one after another. First, I’d like to introduce four types of merino wool T-shirts, each with its own unique features.
[Yamatomichi] Light Merino Crew Neck T-Shirt
Material : Merino Wool (130-140g/㎡)
Weight : 120g (Size S)
Size : XS / S / M / L / XL
Color : Nomad Mari / Navy Mari / Charcoal Mari
Price : ¥8,500 (excl. tax)
The Light Merino Crew Neck T-Shirt is finished as a simple T-shirt that utilizes merino wool—known for its excellent temperature and humidity regulation and natural deodorizing properties—for a wide range of situations, including hot summer days and high-intensity activities. It is 100% merino wool that is lighter than conventional thicker Yamatomichi merino wool, yet possesses durability comparable to synthetic blended fabrics; it is lighter, stronger, and absorbs sweat well. The collar is finished with binding to prevent stretching, and the shoulders feature flat seams that cause no discomfort even when wearing a backpack.
[Yamatomichi] Light Merino Sleeveless T-Shirt
Material : Merino Wool
Weight : 90g (Size S)
Size : XS / S / M / L / XL
Color : Navy Mari / Charcoal Mari / Granite Green
Price : ¥7,500 (excl. tax)
Using the same fabric as the Light Merino Crew Neck T-Shirt but in a sleeveless design, it offers a stress-free fit. It is especially recommended for those participating in activities with high physical output and heavy perspiration, such as trail running. It has a slimmer silhouette than the Light Merino Crew Neck T-Shirt. It’s also great to choose your exact size and use it as a base layer.
[Yamatomichi] Merino Henry Neck T-Shirt
Material : Merino Wool (170-180g/㎡)
Weight : 165g (Size S)
Size : XS / S / M / L / XL
Color : Gray Mari / Espresso / Deep Forest
Price : ¥9,000 (excl. tax)
The Merino Henry Neck T-Shirt uses a new, original 100% merino wool fabric with increased strength. By using "plied yarn" (two twisted threads), it achieves strength and durability comparable to synthetic blends. The henly neck collar allows you to regulate body temperature by unbuttoning when it gets hot. Another advantage is that it doesn't look too sporty when you head into town.
[Yamatomichi] Light Merino Kangaroo Pocket T-Shirt
Material : Merino Wool
Weight : 133g (Size S)
Size : XS / S / M / L / XL
Color : Nomad Mari / Navy Mari / Charcoal Mari / Granite Green
Price : ¥9,500 (excl. tax)
And the Light Merino Kangaroo Pocket T-Shirt features a kangaroo pocket on the stomach. Because of the pocket, the fabric on the abdomen is double-layered, ensuring extra warmth. I recommend this piece for anyone who worries about getting cold in the stomach area. It has a wider silhouette than the Light Merino Crew Neck T-Shirt.
I often use merino wool as an inner layer, but in the mountains, it can easily tear or snag on branches and rocks, so I tended to focus on the downsides and was hesitant to invest in it. However, in addition to being highly moisture-wicking and quick-drying, as well as excellent at heat retention and temperature regulation—making it comfortable to wear during activities with large fluctuations in body temperature—these Yamatomichi T-shirts are designed to be easily incorporated into daily life, which genuinely made me want to wear them!
[Yamatomichi] Stretch Mesh Cap
Material : Main: Polyester 100％ UV (UPF50+)
Mesh: Polyester 82％ Polyurethane 18％
Head Band: Polyester 89％ Cupra 11％
Weight : 40g
Size : M / 56cm–61cm
L / 57.5cm–62.5cm
Color : Black / DeepNavy / Deep Forest / Dull Gold
Price : ¥4,200 (excl. tax)
Next, I’d like to introduce the Stretch Mesh Cap.
The entire cap uses stretch material, making it so comfortable you’ll forget you’re even wearing it. It’s comfortable during the hot summer, perfect for when you're dripping with sweat on a steep climb, and fits cleanly under a helmet. The brim is narrow, so it won’t get in the way while moving, making it great for cycling as well.
With three features—a brim length set perfectly to block sunlight without catching the wind, a small adjuster that can be used with one hand to make quick adjustments in strong wind, and a hat pattern redesigned from the conventional 6-piece construction to 7 pieces for a sharper shape that fits the head line better—this cap is recommended not only for hikers but for cyclists as well!
[Yamatomichi] THREE
Material : X-PAC VX21
Side pocket material: Lycra Twill
Bottom material: X-Pac VX21
Back panel material: 3D Mesh / 200D Nylon Oxford / 200D HT Nylon Oxford
Weight : M 638g / L 686g
Size : M 40L / L 45L
Color : Ebony / DeepNavy / Winter Moss
Price : ¥27,500 (excl. tax)
Finally, I will introduce the THREE.
This is a backpack I personally use and love. It’s not just stylish; it’s incredibly lightweight, and the load is distributed across the back and waist, making it much easier to move your lower body.
Although it is frameless, it is designed to carry up to 12-13kg comfortably. Personal preference varies, but my shoulders start to ache during the latter half of a hike once I go over 10kg, so I try to pack it to keep the weight around 10kg. Since I try to fit my tent-stay gear into 10kg, it naturally forces me to get better at packing—killing two birds with one stone. Because the pack is light and allows for easy lower body movement, I can hike comfortably even with tent-camping gear.
I also use it extensively for camping and traveling, not just for the mountains; it’s become indispensable. I used to be skeptical about "UL (Ultralight) backpacks," but once I tried this one, it completely dispelled my concerns about the fragility often associated with them. I think this pack makes mountaineering even more enjoyable and comfortable, and if you try it on in the store, you’ll be able to experience that comfort and usability for yourself.
These T-shirts, hats, and backpacks are sure to be a big hit this summer! Please come to the store to try them out for yourself. (*Yamatomichi products are only available for purchase in-store.)