A serious mountain enthusiast tries out a full outfit from Workman that costs under ¥10,000 (Spring/Summer 2017)
We also recommend this article about Workman
- This year, I tried out Workman's new running wear for road and trail runs
- Is Workman the best value for money when it comes to running? A trail runner tests out every single one of their products [2018 Spring/Summer Models]
- I walked around Okuchichibu in autumn leaves wearing the best value for money Workman outfits [2017 Fall/Winter Model]
- We tested out how far we could go with a full outfit from Workman, rumored to have the best value for money [2016 Fall/Winter Model]
No matter what you say, mountain gear is thought to be expensive. Is it because it uses cutting-edge technology? Or is it because it's equipment that you entrust your life to? Of course, there is some truth to each of these claims
However, it would be a sad story if this was one of the reasons why people just couldn't venture outdoors. In fact, that's not the case
This idea led to our previous report, "Workman's Winter Special," which, thanks to you, was read and shared by an astonishing number of users. Just as no expensive tool is perfect, there are many inexpensive tools that can function well depending on how they are used. OGZ is always striving for the highest quality outdoor gear regardless of price, but rather than being hindered from experiencing nature by the perception that you can only enjoy the outdoors with serious gear, we want to actively discover and introduce inexpensive but still reasonably usable products
So, following on from our last feature, we would like to report on the second installment of our "Mountaineering Wear Special Feature Available at Workman," a project just before the start of the full-fledged summer mountain season!
table of contents
You can get all the clothes you need for mountain climbing from spring to autumn for less than 10,000 yen!
This time, we have picked out a complete set of clothing suitable for mountain climbing, focusing on products from Workman's original brand FieldCore, from their spring/summer model lineup. This time too, the basic top and bottoms, socks, and essential rainwear all come together for less than 10,000 yen! If you add in cold weather gear and other items, it will cost a little more, but it is still less than half the price of buying it at a regular mountain store. Workman is as formidable as ever
Now, I will be using it mainly for day hikes in low mountains from June to July, and I would like to share my impressions of using it below
table of contents
- 1. Base Layer Shirt (Recommended: ★★★★☆)
- 2. Trekking Pants (Recommended: ★★★★★)
- 3. Rainwear (Recommended: ★★★☆☆)
- 4. Socks (Recommended ★★☆☆☆)
- 5. [Bonus] Cold Weather Jacket (Recommended: ★★★★★)
- summary
1. Base layer shirt
Smooth Long Sleeve Half Zipper (Recommended ★★★★☆ 1,500 yen / Total up to this point: 1,500 yen)
A product with ample performance and price that you can wear to your heart's content
The clothing worn in the mountains that comes into direct contact with the skin is called the base layer. In the summer, this is typically a T-shirt. The first and second most important thing is the material. Cotton absorbs large amounts of sweat and traps it in the fabric, making it difficult to dry no matter how thin it is, and it can be dangerous as it can chill the body. Cotton blend clothing feels nice against the skin when dry, but it is something you want to avoid as much as possible when hiking
On the other hand, this garment is primarily made of polyester. It's light, strong, and quick-drying, so it actively dissipates sweat even when you work up a lot. It's the standard material for mountaineering wear these days. What's more, this fabric is made with polypropylene in contact with the skin, so it's highly absorbent and keeps you feeling dry even when you sweat. For 1,500 yen, I have no complaints
What sets it apart from high-quality models is that the cut is rather conventional, so it's not particularly comfortable to wear. The fabric is also not as fine and smooth as high-end models. However, the odor absorption problem, which I was worried about, wasn't a big deal, and it's actually more usable than I expected. It's also nice that you can choose the style to suit your preference, with short sleeves, long sleeves, and a zip neck
2. Trekking pants
Airlite Stretch Climbing Pants (Recommended ★★★★★ ¥1,900 / Total up to this point ¥3,400)
Excellent ease of movement and plenty of pockets
I was surprised to see that they were made for climbing, but the incredibly stretchy fabric and gusseted crotch make it completely stress-free to raise and lower your legs. The insides feel nice against the skin and are quick-drying. Because they're climbing pants, the silhouette is slimmer than the usual baggy ones. At first, I thought Workman was making climbing pants, but it seems they've done a lot of research and hit the nail on the head. And yet, they're priced at under 2,000 yen. I could easily buy four more similar models from a well-known brand
The fabric is a little thick and heavy, so it might be a little too hot in the middle of summer. In that case, we recommend the genuine trekking model introduced below. This model does not have a gusset under the crotch and is not very stretchy, so it is less easy to move in, but the thinner fabric makes it more breathable and quick-drying, making it more comfortable to wear in hotter seasons
Air Light Stretch Pants
3. Rainwear
Stretch Breathable Rain Suit (Recommended ★★★☆☆ ¥4,900 / Total up to this point ¥8,300)
Waterproofing and mobility are sufficient for the price
Workman has a lineup of waterproof jackets as numerous as the stars, but this model seems to be the most suitable for mountaineering. Unlike other low-cost rain gear, its slim, active silhouette and stretchy construction make it extremely easy to move around in. While its waterproof rating isn't particularly high for mountaineering, its 10,000mm water resistance is still sufficient. The hood provides ample coverage and some degree of adjustment. However, its breathability of 5,000g/m2/24h is less than today's standard, and the lining becomes sticky when wet, so it's hard to call it all-weather. For those accustomed to wearing professional models from mountaineering manufacturers, this jacket is quite uncomfortable. The hood's loose brim can also make visibility a bit shaky in storms. And it's a bit heavy for a 2.5-layer jacket, which is a bit of a drawback. Taking these factors into consideration, how do you view the exceptional value of a combined top and bottom set at under ¥5,000?
Since it's basically a top and bottom set, this is all you need for now, but this year the optional pants are hot. The three-dimensional cut improves the silhouette and ease of movement compared to the included pants, and the adjustable waist and Velcro cuffs make them much more comfortable
Stretch Rain Pants
4. Socks
Two pairs of safety socks (Recommended ★★☆☆☆ 1,280 yen / Total up to this point: 9,580 yen)
If you're going with 100% cotton..
When choosing socks for hot weather, there are surprisingly many things to consider, such as breathability, quick-drying, and discomfort and friction when wet. In that sense, I still believe that merino wool socks are the best when it comes to socks, but rather than going with the worst possible choice of 100% cotton, these socks are a great value for the money. The instep is mesh-like for breathability, the synthetic/cotton blend provides ample cushioning in the toes, soles, and heels, and the ankle area is pile-like for a comfortable fit (though not too loose). While they don't quite match the comfort of high-quality, scientifically-based models, they do all the essentials for normal, comfortable walking, and were sufficient for relatively gentle activities
5. [Bonus] Cold weather jacket
Stretch Softshell Jacket (Recommended: ★★★★★)
Great for preparing for warm weather
In fact, this softshell jacket may be what impressed me most in this review. The fabric is a softshell material with excellent stretch, just like the climbing pants I introduced earlier. It has a good balance of breathability, wind resistance, and water repellency, making it very useful for summer mornings and evenings, and on ridges. It's also reasonably thick, and has convenient thumbholes, making it good for keeping out the cold. What's more, with this design and color, it's also suitable for use in the city, and its cost performance is incredible. Personally, I found it extremely useful even on airplanes when traveling
Additionally, if you want minimal protection for light midsummer outdoor activities, the lightweight shell below is also convenient. This one piece provides lightweight wind, rain, and cold protection, making it ideal for short outdoor activities like running or light hiking. It's packable and can be stored to the size of a fist, so you can keep it in your bag just in case. However, it's shocking that such a convenient and functional outerwear can be purchased at this price
Air Shell Jacket (Recommended: ★★★★☆)
summary
As this was the second time we had done this, I was a little prepared, but I couldn't help but be amazed and bewildered by the high cost performance. I can only admire the skill with which they have accurately grasped the characteristics of existing products for serious mountaineering, stripped away the specs that could be tolerated to the bare minimum, and finished it at the lowest possible price. To be honest, there are many things I would like to point out, but the exquisite level of completion that makes it reasonably usable overall makes it seem rude to point out every single thing. Of course, I'm not saying that it's suitable for more serious and difficult activities. However, in a sense, this high level of product development is a threat to other outdoor brands
Finally, as the person who runs this website, I just want to say this: regardless of price, good outdoor gear has the style, comfort, and usability that only that brand can offer, as well as a certain sexiness that lifts the wearer
If you've read this article and thought, "Maybe this is actually cool," then give it a try. I'm sure you'll find that you'll no longer be satisfied with your current gear and will want to try out a wider variety of outdoor gear that suits you best. I'm sure of that
Cheap items aren't always good enough, and expensive items aren't always bad. The important thing is to choose the right equipment for the right purpose. Don't dismiss it just because it's not a specialized brand, but find different ways to use it and devise your own way - that's the joy of the deep world of the outdoors. If you've been avoiding mountain gear because it's expensive, why not start with Workman and take a trip out into nature?
Click here for Workman product information, online site, and store information
Workman official website (store information)
Workman Digital Product Catalog
We also recommend this article about Workman
- We tested out how far we could go with a full outfit from Workman, rumored to have the best value for money [2016 Fall/Winter Model]
- I walked around Okuchichibu in autumn leaves wearing the best value for money Workman outfits [2017 Fall/Winter Model]
Related reading
Is Workman the best value for money for running? A trail runner tests out all of their products in 2018
A serious mountain enthusiast has been trying out Workman's mountain gear for four years and still uses it today
We tested out how far we could go with a full outfit from Workman, rumored to have the best value for money. Fall/Winter 2016
I walked around Okuchichibu in autumn leaves wearing the best value for money Workman clothing Fall/Winter 2017