This is Kyon. With the recent announcement of the start of the rainy season, I’ve been constantly worried about the weather this weekend. This is because I had plans to go climbing at Ogawayama, located on the border of Nagano and Yamanashi Prefectures. The weather was unstable, but it looked like it might just hold out, so I headed to Ogawayama for a two-day trip.
When I woke up, the weather was nice, and my excitement hit its peak. Since the rock was wet from rain overnight, we went to an area that dries quickly. Although the rock was a bit damp, it was climbable without issue. I enjoyed it from start to finish, and it reminded me just how much I love climbing. The nights at Ogawayama, filled with BBQ, campfires, drinks, and sleeping in a tent, were incredibly fun. Unfortunately, we couldn't climb on the second day due to rain, but it was still a satisfying two days.
This is the time of year when you’re constantly checking for rain clouds no matter what you do. Naturally, the item that gets the most use during this season is rainwear, or waterproof shells. I always bring it with me when heading to the mountains, but I use different rainwear depending on the mountain and the activity. Rainy days can be gloomy, but wearing your favorite rain gear somehow makes you grow to love the rain.
So, I’d like to introduce the Yamatomichi / UL Rain Hoody.
Crafted with the desire to create gear that is simple, lightweight, and expands the possibilities of a waterproof shell, this item prioritizes lightness above all else, keeping hiking and fastpacking in mind. Designed for hikes and runs in relatively warm climates, it pursues breathability and moisture-wicking rates for comfortable movement rather than heat retention. This is a performance feature we cyclists are very happy to have as well.
【Yamatomichi】 UL Rain Hoody / PU Sosui
¥26,500 (excl. tax)
Weight: 118g
Color: Navy, Mustard
There are two types of the UL Rain Hoody using different fabrics, called PU Sosui and PU Shinsui. Both are garments equipped with waterproof and breathable properties that excel in bad weather, but today I’d like to introduce the PU Sosui.
The PU Sosui uses Pertex Shield Pro, which combines excellent waterproofness, breathability, and lightness. Despite being a 3-layer fabric, it folds down compactly, making it easy to carry. Many people are surprised by its lightness when they hold it, but that weight is not just due to the fabric used—it’s also thanks to its patterns and details.
Extremely simply constructed, this rain hoody strips away parts like zippers as much as possible. The only parts used on this hoody are two drawcords—one on the hood and one at the hem—to prevent wind and rain from getting in. Because of this, the UL Rain Hoody is a pullover style. And it is that pullover style, combined with the unique pattern that forms it, that is the strength of this hoody.
By reducing seams as much as possible, points of water entry are kept to a minimum, and by adopting the latest ultrasonic welding technology at the fabric joints, the seams are given functional durability.
General waterproof shells use front zippers or underarm vents for ventilation, and you might think, "But it's a pullover, doesn't it get hot without ventilation?" That has been carefully considered as well.
The slightly loose silhouette serves as ventilation to efficiently circulate air while in motion, and it also makes the piece easy to put on and take off.
While created with hiking and fastpacking in mind, it is so lightweight that you can stash it in a saddlebag or backpack when cycling, making it useful for rain or cold protection. It is also great for everyday use, and because it’s light and won't get in the way when packed in a bag for festivals, I think it will be a handy item for the upcoming season.
The UL Rain Hoody was perfected by Natsume-san of Yamatomichi as a partner for mountain play, pouring in his own experience and ideas. Though a simple shape, it clearly expresses meticulous functionality and creativity. We have also received the UL Rain Pants using the same material, as well as the even lighter PU Shinsui, which uses Pertex Shield, so I hope you will pick them up and feel their quality for yourself.
Also from Yamatomichi, we have received the Yamatomichi Sacoche, which is great for hikes and daily use.
【Yamatomichi】 Yamatomichi Sacoche
¥4,600 (excl. tax)
(X-Pac Gray, Dyneema x Gridstop Jet Black only ¥6,500)
weight: 39g / 56g
color: X-Pac Black, X-Pac Gray, Dyneema x Gridstop Jet Black,
Gray x Black, Orange x Gray, Ocean Blue x Yellow, X-Pac Black Heather
After a trip to the JMT (John Muir Trail) left him deeply moved, Natsume-san decided to express his feelings honestly and freely through his gear. After walking through Japanese mountains once more, he packed every function he desired into a sacoche, and the result is this Yamatomichi Sacoche.
It is not too big or too small, has a horizontal design sized to fit standard hiking maps with a pocket for easy access to contents, a strap that is easy to adjust, and a 9cm gusset at the bottom that allows it to stand upright. The strap is wide to reduce shoulder strain, and the cord operation is simple, allowing for smooth adjustments in height.
When I first picked up this sacoche, I was worried because it didn't have a zipper, thinking things might fall out. However, by adjusting the strap length and pulling it close to your chest, items stay in place almost without exception. I actually tried it with things inside and experimented with various movements, and nothing fell out. Since it's so easy to raise and lower the sacoche, it allows for stress-free access when you want to grab trail mix while hiking or pull out your phone quickly, and I felt it was very easy to use despite its simplicity.
It made me realize that because Natsume-san has so much experience, he was able to create this Yamatomichi Sacoche, which leaves only the truly necessary functions, yet is functional and packed with ideas.
I really want you to come to our store and experience the greatness of this Yamatomichi Sacoche for yourself. We have plenty of colors in stock, so we look forward to your visit! (*Yamatomichi products are only available for in-store purchase, so please come by to try them out and see them for yourself.)