2021.03.05

イッシー&ウキコの
教えて!山のワンダー
イッシーが選ぶ、2021SSベスト3アイテムand wander journal #20

第7回
イッシーが選ぶ、2021SSベスト3アイテム

kaikai

This time, our topic is going to be a bit different from the past sessions. I’ve heard that you once literally had your closet explode from having too many outdoor clothes and gears. So, our topic for today will be the top 3 items of the and wander’s 21SS collection, selected by our #1 Mr. Outdoor Freak, Isshi!

tateishitateishi

That’s right, I have been wearing outdoor clothes for more than 20 years now. I’m pretty sure that I have an eye for it.

kaikai

Alright then, let’s start from #3!

tateishitateishi

breath rip hoodie”.It’s made of nylon, and it is an all-time, versatile jacket. There is no particular strength that stands out, but that is actually the reason why it can become an all-arounder. Not only can it be used for mountain activities, but it can also be used for cycling, camping, and even for a quick walk with your dog. Since it has such an outstanding versatility, you can practically do anything at anywhere with this one single jacket. It’s very difficult to find a jacket that you can wear for a long time, you know, until it gets all old and shabby, so I was very excited when I actually met this item.

kaikai

It’s durable, lightweight and water resistant, so it’ll definitely be a great jacket to have as a long-time buddy if you can find your perfect size. Moving on to #2!

tateishitateishi

fly rain long coat”.The one that I have right now is actually my third one and there’s a good reason I keep rebuying this same coat. It’s because this coat is well-suited for daily use in town, for example, when it’s raining, your thighs get wet sometimes even with an umbrella, but this coat has the perfect length to prevent that, and you can wear this coat while carrying your backpack, so you can also protect your stuff from getting wet without an umbrella, and even on cold days, you can wear this rain coat on top of your sweater to keep the warmth but without trapping moisture inside, plus, the zippers on the left and right allows you to easily access both of your pockets, and, and…!

kaikai

You need to take a breath!

tateishitateishi

*pant pant…* Speaking of which, what are your recommended items, Ukiko?

tateishitateishi

I was waiting for you to ask that question! Let me announce my favorite top 3 items. For #3, I choose the “e vent jacket”. I have never tried hardshell jackets, but the combination of merino wool base layer, fleece, and this jacket is perfect. It keeps me warm and comfortable even on cold, windy days. My #2 would be “Dyneema stuffsack”. It’s waterproof and plus, I can use it as a reusable bag, so whenever I go out for shopping, I take this bag with me. Finally, my #1 item is the “vent pants”. It’s smooth, comfortable to wear, and I also like how it’s wide and relaxing. I actually bought the men’s Vent pants and wear them oversized.

kaikai

I see. All of your selected items are more for daily use than for outdoor activities, isn’t it?

tateishitateishi

Yeah, I haven’t got the chance to go to the mountains yet... Okay, now that you’re all nice and calm, let’s move on to the announcement of your #1 recommendation!

kaikai

My #1 goes to “w weave windy pants”. I prefer shorts for mountain activities and these wind pants are the perfect match. I hike with shorts for most of the year, from chilly spring season to fall season that gets quite cold in the evening, so depending on the conditions, I layer pants too. That’s why I tried out many wind pants, from small personal brands to major outdoor brands, but and wander’s “w weave windy pants” were the best choice for me. First of all, it’s super light. It only weighs 130g. Since I mainly walk with shorts, it’s important that the wind pants are light, compact, and portable, and this lightweight wind pants are no burden at all. If I make it into a packable size, I can even put it inside my pocket. There are other lighter, more portable wind pants, but sometimes, it doesn’t have any pockets, sometimes, the material is too thin for durability, and in other cases, the material sticks to my skin and gets uncomfortable. But this “w weave windy pants” cleared all these concerns that I have experienced in the past! Also, it’s a small thing, but the pockets are well-thought-out. Many portable wind pants don’t even have pockets, but this pair of pants not only have pockets, but these zipper-less pockets are located a bit towards the back to prevent things from falling out. The high-rise style is also suitable for wearing on top of shorts and most of all, it is very comfortable. You have no reason not to buy these pants. “w weave windy pants” are a must-buy. After a long journey, I have finally found the perfect one. I don’t think I’ll ever find such an ideal pair of wind pants. Oh, one more thing. It uses PERTEX Equilibrium, which is one of the most highly breathable, wind resistant nylon fabric of Pertex. It prevents stuffiness and keeps you dry, smooth and comfortable. Isn’t it wonderful?

tateishitateishi

You talk too much and you are way too picky!

kaikai

My wife says that to me all the time…

Isshi イッシー

Plays the teacher role in this program. A 15-year experienced hiker who heads out to the mountains under the pretext of a “field test” every time he buys a new outdoor gear. A mid-career staff at and wander, who realized that he gained much more weight himself than the weight he succeeded to save over the past 10 years by lightening the gears.

Ukiko ウキコ

Plays the student role in this program. Although she is interested in backpacking trips, she is a new recruit at and wander and still has a lot to learn. Fluent speaker of English and well-versed in fashion but tends to get panicked when she hears too many technical outdoor terms.

text Takashi Sakurai
illustration Mizumaru Kawahara
translation Masumi Tokugawa