The practicality of a folding umbrella FEATHER RAIN FULL ZIP JACKET 2.0 & PANT
Takuro Hayashi, a freelance writer and photographer active in ski, snowboard, and outdoor magazines, also runs the outdoor equipment store "Transit Higashikawa" in Hokkaido, and shared his experience with Teton Bros.' "Feather Rain Full Zip Jacket 2.0 & Pant" rainwear.
If you don't use an umbrella on a sunny day, it's because you don't feel the need for one. But if there's a chance it might rain, you'll probably take a folding umbrella. If it's raining heavily before you go out, you might choose a large, sturdy bat umbrella.
Basically, outdoor activities are premised on good weather. If the weather is so bad that you have to use an umbrella from the start, it is wise to take a break from the mountains. If the weather is good, your clothing selection should be centered around highly water-repellent clothing such as a long trail hoodie and crag pants.
The problem then becomes the need for a folding umbrella-like piece of gear to adapt to changing weather conditions. This should be the most practical part. However, because I hadn't had the right gear for this purpose until now, my clothing choices had been extremely biased. For example, I would use an umbrella on sunny days, or bring out a large, heavy umbrella even when it was just a sudden rain shower.
You assume the weather will be fine, and then quickly take it out if the weather worsens. This type of rainwear, like a folding umbrella, is what is most in demand. It's light, small, and doesn't get in the way when you carry it around. And yet, it still functions well even in pouring rain. Of course, comfort is the most important thing. This is because rainwear can easily be uncomfortable. In order to maintain concentration and a positive attitude, comfort is an essential element.
Feather Rain was exactly what I was looking for. As I commute by bicycle a lot on a daily basis, I always pack rainwear in my backpack, and compared to previous Gore-Tex products, Feather Rain takes up an estimated 70% of the volume, and its weight has been reduced from 435g to 299g. Its attractive lightness is the result of using a thin 15 denier base fabric. In reality, it feels dry and thin when you hold it in your hand, almost unreliable. However, it is actually a 3-layer product with a water resistance of 20,000mm. Not only can it withstand heavy rain, but you don't have to worry about water seeping in around the saddle of your bicycle. The numbers show that it is as tough as an umbrella.
However, its position is still that of a folding umbrella. Although it is strong against rain, the 15 denier base fabric is not made for all-day bushwhacking, and physical contact is something to be mindful of. However, on heavier rainy days, you should choose a material that can withstand water pressure for a longer period of time, and if you're walking through the bush, you should choose a fabric that is also resistant to physical contact. The Feather Rain should be thought of as equipment that will help you avoid the risk of bad weather for the remaining 20% of your time, when the weather is good.
In other words, feather rain gear is gear that's designed to be used rarely. Yet Teton Bros. has put serious effort into it. This rainwear is perfectly suited to activities like trekking and cycling, boasting exceptional ease of use. The jacket features a special drawcord that keeps the hood close to your face, preventing it from catching wind, even in headwinds—a truly convenient feature for cycling. The hood's shape doesn't impede visibility, ensuring comfort in any situation. The cuffs fit snugly around the wrists, and underarm ventilation holes ensure adequate ventilation. The pants have a plain design, but feature a low-rise cut that doesn't interfere with access to the pockets of trekking pants worn underneath, and the three-dimensional shape allows for smooth, stress-free knee bending.
As always, it's a comforting product that scratches that itch perfectly. Teton Bros. products generally have this kind of crazy "sense of understanding" that can be described as crazy. The source of that craziness is none other than the clarity of the concept. In other words, they go for what they're aiming for firmly, but they cut out the rest with a clean cut.
The concepts are easy to understand because they accurately evaluate the activities involved. Taking into account possible rain and wind conditions, they ask themselves whether an umbrella is necessary, and if so, what kind of umbrella, what size, durability, and portability should it be? How long will the umbrella be used for? Where will it be stored after use? They consider these details in detail, conduct field tests, and then without hesitation eliminate what needs to be eliminated and add necessary equipment. By repeating this process, product ideas are refined and embodied.
There are many lightweight, compact rainwear products available. Many people use UL products in pursuit of this. However, rainwear that truly "prepares for bad weather for those who enjoy hiking trails in good weather" is rare.
Not everyone wears shorts, so pants need to have a certain width. A three-layer jacket with a lining is essential, as trekking pants need to slide smoothly over the pants to ensure smooth foot movement. Since large backpacks are sometimes carried, the jacket also needs to have ample shoulder room. Above all, the back needs a fabric that is durable enough to withstand the weight of the backpack and the friction caused by walking. For this reason, a new fabric was even developed. As a result, Teton Bros. has created a truly "folding umbrella"-like rainwear that is light, compact, and suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities, a first of its kind.
With Feather Rain, you don't have to limit your actions even when good weather turns bad. It's like maintaining the momentum that keeps you moving. It's also an important function that allows you to maintain your enthusiasm, the thing we most want to keep.
(Writer: Takuro Hayashi / Photo: PECO)