Since the start of the new year, my rides have all been about feeling the crisp, sharp winter air while looking up at the clear blue sky, or enjoying gravel paths and forest roads dappled with beautiful sunlight.
Even on rides like these, when you're weaving through the mountains, you end up breathless, your body heats up, and you break into a sweat. The descent after a climb makes that cold air feel so much more intense, and just stepping into the shade and losing the benefit of the sun makes the chill seep right into your bones.
Depending on the day's ride, I usually prefer a relaxed, casual style for these kinds of outings.
That said, it’s a disaster if you wear something casual that lacks functionality. You’ll just end up repeating the cycle of being cold or getting drenched in sweat, and you won’t be able to enjoy the ride at all.
For times like those, I’ve been using this 100% Merino Hoody from Yamatomichi extensively.
We just posted a recommendation blog the other day titled, "I Just Can't Let Go of Merino Wool!," but I’d like to pile on and give merino wool my strongest push as well.
Yamatomichi
100% Merino Hoody
Color : Black, Gray Marl, Green, Navy, Purple Haze, Red
Size : XS, S, M, L, XL
Material : Merino Wool 100%
Price : ¥21,000 (tax included)
First, let's have a quick refresher on merino wool.
Properties of Merino Wool
- Moderately warm
- Absorbs a lot of sweat
- Feels comfortable even when damp with sweat
- Good breathability
- Dries relatively quickly
- No sticky feeling from sweat after drying
- Doesn't retain odors
Because it possesses these functions, it keeps you warm in winter, prevents the chill from sweat, and allows you to stay comfortable for a long time.
To take full advantage of this functionality, you should increase the merino wool content to 100%. And, as the name suggests, this 100% Merino Hoody from Yamatomichi is indeed a 100% merino wool product.
Also, while 100% merino wool would typically be less durable, this piece is built with solid durability.
Actually, I’ve been wearing this yellow hoody for about two and a half years now, and it’s been great for all sorts of scenes—rides, of course, but also running, hiking, and daily life.
It’s a bit tough to wear in the middle of summer, but in winter, I just adjust my base layer and outer layer, and in early summer, I even wear it with shorts as a single layer.
At this time of year, the small hood is great for keeping warm. You can wear it under a helmet, and the high-cut collar keeps your neck warm. As someone with a sensitive stomach, I’m grateful for the kangaroo pocket; it keeps my stomach from getting cold and helps me avoid feeling unwell. Of course, you can slip your hands in when you want to relax, or actually use it as a pocket.
The only thing I really pay attention to is putting it in a laundry net when I wash it; otherwise, I use it hard and wash it hard.
Even so, I haven't noticed any thinning of the fabric or loss of functionality. It’s truly a piece I rely on.
The yellow I'm wearing is already a discontinued color, but the current lineup features many attractive colors as well.
Besides this, the lineup also includes two other options using the same fabric: the full-zip 100% Merino Zip Hoody, and the crew-neck pullover 100% Merino Pull Over. I highly recommend those as well!
Personally, I have my eye on the red one, but I haven't bought it yet.
Yamatomichi
100% Merino Pull Over
Color : Gray Marl, Green, Black, Red, Navy, Purple Haze
Size : XS, S, M, L, XL
Material : Merino Wool 100%
Price : ¥16,500 (tax included)
Yamatomichi
100% Merino Zip Hoody
Color : Black, Gray Marl, Green, Navy, Purple Haze, Red
Size : XS, S, M, L, XL
Material : Merino Wool 100%
Price : ¥21,000 (tax included)
This is definitely a product I'd love for many people to try, but please note that Yamatomichi products are only available for purchase in-store, so if you're interested, please come pay us a visit.
Let's enjoy winter outdoor activities to the fullest!
