[WAPITI HOODY 2.0] An indispensable companion
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A column by Akihiro Tatemoto, head of the Hokkaido-based mountain guide office "NORTE."
Akihiro Tachimoto [ AKIHIRO TACHIMOTO ] http://www.norte-sapporo.com/JP/
He is the head of the mountain guide office "NORTE" based in Hokkaido. During his high school and university years, he was a cross-country skier and competed in the National Athletic Meet, Inter-High School Championships, and Inter-College Championships. In 1996, he moved to Hokkaido and began working as a mountain guide.
・1998 Ski downhill climb of Mount McKinley in Alaska ・2006 Ski downhill climb of Andes Pisco (5475m) in South America and climb of the southwest face of Alpamayo (5947m) ・2009-2011 Served as a wintering field assistant for the 51st Antarctic Research Expedition of the National Institute of Polar Research ・2013 Sea kayaking and skiing expedition in Greenland
Japan Mountain Guides Association Certified Mountain Guide Stage II / Hokkaido Mountain Guides Association Member / Rescue 3 Technical Rope Rescue Qualification
Every year, once mid-September rolls around, the air is noticeably different from summer, and the sweet scent of autumn leaves begins to waft through the air. However, in Hokkaido, where I live, the signs of winter are already beginning to appear. Even though it's warm during the day, the temperature gradually drops as the sun begins to set, and as the sun sets, a damp, chilly air suddenly envelopes me. My body and mind react to this chill and smell, letting me know that winter is near. That's when I pull out my WAPITI HOODY and keep it close at hand.
The WAPITI HOODY is comfortable and highly functional, so it can be worn in any field. For example, I use it in the following situations.
・Early morning walks with my dog while it's still dark
-Shoveling snow that has accumulated around your home at night
・During the car ride to the field (snowy mountain)
- During backcountry activities in the harsh winter
・Go to an after-ski bar
・Go shopping for dinner at the local supermarket
・Winter clothing for summer mountain climbing
Coupled with its wide temperature range, you'll find yourself wearing the WAPITI HOODY anytime, anywhere. It's simply comfortable and easy to wear. The moisture-wicking and breathable lining feels great against the skin, and even when worn directly over a T-shirt, it feels great against the skin. The "VIVO" material used for the padding has moderate loft while maintaining high heat retention, and the countless tiny holes in the sheet-like padding ensure excellent breathability.
Combined with a water-repellent, highly stretchable shell material, it feels completely comfortable even when you choose a size that fits your body relatively well. It's adaptable to a variety of situations, from dynamic situations that require high sweating to static situations where warmth is essential. Have you ever experienced something similar in the field during the depths of winter? You start hiking in temperatures of -10°C and a light breeze. You remove your outer shell and start walking, but it gets hot in the forest, and once you reach the ridge, the wind makes it a little chilly. Should you remove your mid-layer? If you leave it on, you'll sweat and worry about catching a chill later, but if you take it off, the wind will directly rob you of body heat. Even in such situations, the WAPITI HOODY lets you keep it on without hesitation. This insulation jacket's greatest feature is its ability to skillfully handle conflicting elements and keep you moving comfortably.
The WAPITI HOODY isn't just great for harsh terrain. Its minimalist design and subdued colors make it perfect for apres-skiing, as well as casual occasions like walks and shopping in the chilly seasons. Now, for roughly half a year from the beginning of autumn until the snow melts in spring, the WAPITI HOODY has become a precious companion that I can never let go of.