I don't usually go around thinking, "Lightweight is justice!"
My everyday Surly Long Haul Trucker is built to be extremely tough, capable of being ridden all over the world. That’s why it’s very, very, very heavy. On top of that, I’ve got a front rack and a basket installed, and I ride it almost every day loaded with a change of clothes, my laptop, camera, lunch, and a water bottle. Even on holiday rides, I sometimes head out long distances without carrying quite that much, but still.
However, there are times and situations where I find myself craving "speed" and "lightness." When I hop on my road bike to nimbly and exhilaratingly climb mountain passes, take in various views, hit a public bath at my destination, and head home by train—in those moments, I want to keep my luggage to an absolute minimum and start craving "Lightweight is justice!" I already have my everyday gear for those "just in case" moments, like a flat repair kit and a spare T-shirt and shorts. With that in mind, I wanted a single piece of gear that was both light and compact. That led me to purchase the Yamatomichi UL All-Weather Jacket, which I had been curious about for some time.
So, I’d like to share how it performed in actual use right away.
It’s light, of course, and because it’s packable and becomes very compact, it fits easily into the TADE QUI Cunningham Camera Bag I’ve been using lately. There’s even extra room to add a T-shirt and a towel in there. It’s exactly what I imagined. But there’s something I want to shout from the rooftops even more than that: It is "breathable, and so comfortable!!!" I’m sure anyone would feel the same way.
The weather was unsettled that day, and I was expecting to get rained on. Since it was raining a fair bit in the morning, I initially called off the ride. But I couldn't stay still, so I headed out after lunch. I canceled the "public bath" and "train travel" parts I’d originally planned, but I loaded up the gear anyway, treating it as a practice run for next time, and started pedaling.
Since I was wearing a jersey and bib shorts, a little rain wouldn't have been a problem, but the rain picked up quickly after I left, so I soon had the chance to slip on the UL All-Weather Jacket. The rain was erratic—sometimes a light drizzle, sometimes stopping, then picking back up—so there were even times when I kept it on while the rain had stopped.
I usually take off my jacket the second the rain lets up even a little, but the UL All-Weather Jacket is so good at preventing stuffiness that I found myself thinking, "Well, it looks like it might start again, I'll just leave it on." I was genuinely surprised by that.
I’ve really acquired something great. There’s no doubt it will become a ride essential. In fact, since the weather has been so unstable lately and rain can start suddenly, I’ve been carrying it with me almost every day.
Now, let's take a closer look at this Yamatomichi All-Weather Jacket.
【Yamatomichi】
UL All-Weather Jacket
PRICE : ¥43,000 (tax in)
COLOR : Black, Granite Green, Sand Yellow, Friar Brown, Steel Gray, Navy
SIZE : S, M, L, XL
MATERIAL:
Pertex Shield Air (100% Nylon) 58g/㎡
C6 DWR
ZIPPER:
YKK #3 VISLON®︎ AquaGuard®︎ / Two-Way Open
WEIGHT:
144g (Size XS)
152g (Size S)
161g (Size M)
169g (Size L)
183g (Size XL)
※Please note that these products are only available for in-store purchase and are not sold via our web shop.
Please check the in-store inventory status for Yamatomichi products here.
A Breathable All-Weather Jacket
Yamatomichi’s UL All-Weather Jacket is a true all-weather jacket that excels in any situation and weather condition—from rides in bad summer weather, as rain gear for commuting, to sweaty climbs or windy ridgelines while hiking.
Utilizing Pertex Shield Air
By adopting the new Pertex Shield Air material for its membrane, it achieves a significant weight reduction compared to conventional air-permeable waterproof shells. Its overwhelming breathability reaches a level that can be called a "completely waterproof wind shell." It feels so light and pleasant to wear, you wouldn't even think it's a rain jacket.
By the way, this video lets you visually confirm the high breathability of Pertex Shield Air. Each fabric is set in a testing device with water poured into the top, and air inside the bottom. When air is pumped into the bottom, it passes through the fabric to create bubbles on the water side. The more air that passes through, the greater the volume of bubbles. While regular non-breathable Pertex Shield creates no bubbles, Pertex Shield Air creates many, clearly demonstrating its high level of breathability.
Dual Zip for Rapid Ventilation
In addition, by using a two-way zipper that opens from the top and bottom, you can ventilate quickly even during high-intensity activities.
Cuffs Designed for Varying Climates
By opening or closing the snap buttons on the cuffs, you can quickly roll up your sleeves when it's hot, or use them as thumbholes when it's cold, accommodating a wider range of temperatures. The sleeves are also cut generously, allowing you to grip your handlebars firmly even while using the thumbholes.
Packable with a Large Chest Pocket
It is packable and can be stored in the large left chest pocket. It is also designed so it doesn't interfere with the straps of your backpack, making it easy to take items in and out.
Ultrasonic Welding Technology
In waterproof shells, seam tape is usually applied to the back of the stitching to prevent water from seeping through the needle holes. However, seam tape has low durability, and leakage from stitched areas due to aging is inevitable.
To address this, the UL All-Weather Jacket uses the latest technology, where the fabric is melted and welded using heat generated by ultrasonic vibration. Because ultrasonic welding requires no needle holes, it causes less damage to the fabric and minimizes potential water seepage from the joints over time.
There is so much to tell you about this UL All-Weather Jacket, but in short, it’s light, breathable, keeps the rain out, and is incredibly portable. While it’s true that you might worry about it as insulation since it doesn't trap heat, it is an undeniable fact that if you carry this UL All-Weather Jacket with you year-round, you’ll be prepared for any situation.
I’ve only just started using it, but I’m really looking forward to seeing how it helps me during future rides, other outdoor activities, and in my daily life.
If you're interested, please come visit us in-store!!!
※Yamatomichi products are only available for in-store purchase and are not sold via our web shop.
Please check our in-store inventory status here.
