The evolving midlayer and the optimal solution for you

Yuzuru Handa is a TETON BROS. ambassador who is active mainly in Zao, Miyagi. In this column, Handa teaches us how to choose and ensure the comfort of TETON BROS. 's mid-layers, which continue to evolve based on feedback from the field.

Constantly updating the "optimal" form

This time I'll be sharing my impressions on layering, especially mid-layers.

I have written several impressions on layering in the past, and over the past few years, I have noticed an evolution in fabrics, fibers, and their combinations almost every year.

What was best for me until a few years ago is updated every year. I visit the Tokyo headquarters once a year, and on those occasions I often run into TETON BROS. founder Nori in meetings with textile and fabric companies. I just listen to what they say, but even at the most generous estimate, I can't understand even half of what they say. I'm always amazed not only by Nori's knowledge but also by his keen sense of what's new.

Every February we hold a team meeting-like photo shoot and field test in Hinoemata Village, Fukushima. Other riders gather, so I think it's a very meaningful opportunity to learn about other riders' layering styles and exchange information. It's also the time when we order products for the next year, so it's not uncommon for me to incorporate layering styles from other riders that I don't have myself.

Because of this, my layering, especially my first to mid layers, has changed.

Previously, the Farallon Shirt was synonymous with mid-layers, offering stylish looks, warmth, and durability.

I often used the Slick Hoody when I was doing heavy exercise with a BC or when the weather was bad and I needed to take off my shell.  

What layering is right for you?

However, recently I've been using the Sub Hoody more as a mid-layer.

The main reason is the strong winds and the problem of supercooled water that are unique to Zao, where I work. This is a phenomenon in which the water in the air remains unfrozen even at temperatures below 0 °C, and freezes the moment it hits something. This is how the frost-covered trees that are the symbol of Zao are formed, but the same thing happens to people; they can turn into frost-covered trees even when it's not snowing.

In these conditions, a certain level of water resistance and strength is necessary. While wearing a shell is not a problem, there may be situations where you want to take it off, such as on long hikes or steep climbs, depending on the route. The Sub Hoody is useful in such situations.

 Strictly speaking, I use the Sub Hoody during the harsh winter months, and the Slick Hoody from around March onwards.

The Sub Hoody uses a slightly thicker softshell fabric than the Slick Hoody , making it more durable in the harshest winter snowstorms. Another plus is the sturdy hood.

On the other hand, from March onwards, when the temperature rises and the weather settles down, the breathable Slick Hoody becomes very useful. One thing I'd like to point out here is that in the past, I would only wear MOB Wool underneath my mid-layer in any situation. However, recently, as I've gotten older, I've become sensitive to the cold in addition to being sensitive to the heat, and I no longer feel comfortable wearing just MOB Wool .

This is where the Hoback Suit came to the rescue.

A new choice: the suit-style midlayer " Hoback Suit "

 I'm embarrassed to say that because of its appearance, the Hoback Suit was a product I had never even considered. However, when I tried it on at the recommendation of my old friend and photographer, Ohtaman, I was shocked by how comfortable it was, contrary to its appearance, and I began to regret not having used it sooner.

The perfect balance of warmth and breathability, especially in the lower body, was something I hadn't experienced with the Hoback Knee Pants I had been using up until now . ( On the other hand, the Hoback Knee Pants remain useful in situations where extra warmth is required.)

The Octa and Graphene Grid Fleece combination on the upper body provides an excellent balance of breathability and heat retention. And by combining it with overalls, I felt that it improved the ease of movement around the waist and eliminated stress such as looseness.

Even in the midst of winter in Hinoemata Village, I layered the Hoback Suit with the Sub Hoody . The ventilation holes on the TB Pant and Hoback Suit are in the same position, improving ventilation efficiency.

 Combining a mid-layer like the Sub Hoody or Slick Hoody with a Hoback Suit results in Octa + Octa ( two layers of Octa material). I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not, but for me, it seems to work well in terms of both warmth and breathability.

It seems like both mid-layers and first layers have evolved dramatically over the past few years. This evolution has been driven by the ability to balance the contradictory qualities of warmth and breathability, both of which are essential when moving around in the mountains.

I am truly happy to be able to work on this team, which continues to develop products that meet these difficult requirements.

Layering styles for each season

[Slope lessons and powder skiing during the harsh winter season]

[ Tops ]
SHELL : TB Jacket
MID : Sub Hoody or Sub Jacket or Tensleep Shirt or Farallon Shirt
BASE : MOB Wool series or MOB Wool Hybrid series ( Hoody or L/S selection varies depending on the situation)

[ Bottoms ]
SHELL : TB Pant
MID : Hoback Knee Pants
BASE : Exercise support tights (other company's product)

[Severe winter BC ]

[ Tops ]
OVER JACKET : HPPE Over Hoody
SHELL : TB Jacket
MID : Over the Hoback Suit Sub Hoody or Sub Jacket
BASE : MOB Wool series or MOB Wool Hybrid series ( Hoody or L/S selection varies depending on the situation)

[ Bottoms ]
SHELL : TB Pant
BASE : Exercise support tights (other company's product)

[After March ]

[ Tops ]
SHELL : TB Jacket or Climatic Jacket
(For full-on spring skiing, a spring/summer rain shell is also an option.)
MID : Over the Hoback Suit Slick Hoody
BASE : MOB Wool Hybrid series ( Hoody , L/S selection varies depending on the situation)

[ Bottoms ]
SHELL : TB Pant
BASE : Exercise support tights (other company's product)