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

Mountain gear is expensive. Is there any way to get it cheaper?

As someone who regularly purchases mountain gear out of my own pocket, many times more than most people, I feel more aware than anyone else of the not inconsiderable cost of mountain gear. However, that doesn't mean there aren't ways to keep the cost of mountain gear down as much as possible

• Look for older models or models scheduled for replacement during the off-season or sales
• Purchase from brands and stores that regularly carry outlet items
• Purchase from stores, e-commerce sites, and auction sites that sell used outdoor equipment
• private label products from major, inexpensive outdoor chain stores (not the best value, but still relatively cheap).
• Use a mountain equipment rental service that is mainly based on a website
• (To put it in extreme terms) Substitute with things you have at home or everyday items , or make them yourself .

Each of the above methods has its pros and cons, and the reality is that it is quite difficult to consistently obtain cheap gear. In any case, not only will the high cost prevent you from finding great mountain gear, but it will also become a high hurdle to getting involved in the world of the outdoors, which defeats the purpose

Where can you find all the gear you need for cold-season mountain hiking for less than 15,000 yen?

Among all of this, one brand that has always caught my eye is not an outdoor brand, nor is it Uniqlo, but Workman a Japanese workwear specialist . Originally, the company specialized in workwear and related products primarily for field and factory work, but their products are designed for long periods of heavy labor outdoors in the scorching sun or freezing cold, making them suitable for outdoor use. Information has been circulating secretly on anonymous message boards that their products are also suitable for mountain climbing, and above all, their incredibly low prices seem to have attracted quite a few loyal customers.

Workman itself seems to be aware of this, as recently they have launched a number of brands specializing in not only workwear but also various leisure and hobby activities such as running and biking. In 2016, they finally launched the outdoor brand "FieldCore."

So this time, we focused on Workman's original brand FieldCore products, as well as other items that would be suitable for mountain climbing. After discussing the purpose of the project, we were able to speak directly with the person in charge, who also helped us with the selection process, and as a result, we were able to get all of our outdoor wear, including outerwear, for under 15,000 yen . We can't help but laugh. * Most of the items were purchased, but some were provided.

I used it from November to December, doing day hikes in the mountains in the fall and winter (when there's no snow), skiing on the slopes, and snowshoeing, all wearing Workman gear. So, how far can you go hiking with this ultimate budget gear? I'd like to share my experience below

1. Base Layer (Recommended ★★★★☆ Top 780 yen / Bottom 980 yen)

1144 Peach brushed Fit long sleeve high neck 780 yen

This is the place!

Polyester is a lightweight, strong, and quick-drying synthetic fiber widely used in sports. It's also the primary material used in many synthetic mountaineering base layers. While performance naturally varies, even within the same polyester, each manufacturer employs different techniques and innovations, this budget base layer offers excellent basic functionality. It quickly absorbs sweat, keeping the skin dry, and quickly transports moisture to the outer layer. The slight polyurethane gives it some stretch, allowing for a snug fit without restricting movement. The slightly brushed lining feels comfortable against the skin, and it's warm right from the moment you put it on, without feeling cold even after absorbing sweat, making it ideal for use as a base layer in the fall and winter. Incidentally, Heattech, a low-cost underwear brand, is often mentioned for some reason. However, while it depends on how you use it, it's primarily for everyday wear, so the fit is a bit loose, it tends to retain sweat, it's a bit chilly to dry, and it's not particularly cheap. Personally, I found this to be far superior

Here's △

Compared to regular mountain climbing wear, it is slightly inferior in terms of comfort. The cut is simple, and although it has some stretch, it's limited, so it doesn't have the perfect fit that clings evenly to your entire body (although it's quite tolerable if you're not too particular about it). Also, perhaps because it's based on work clothes that are washed every day, the deodorizing function is quite weak, so if you wear it for days while sweating a lot, you'll have to prepare for that dreaded smell (which I now miss). However, if you're careful about that, it's totally acceptable if you think you can get all your mountain climbing underwear for just a slightly luxurious lunch

2. Middle Layer (Recommended ★★☆☆☆ 1,900 yen)

1109 Ceramic Print Long Sleeve Half Zip 1,900 yen

This is the place!

Source: Workman Official Online Store

At first glance, it looks like a regular long-sleeved jersey shirt, but the lining has a ceramic print (see photo), which is designed to trap body heat radiating from the body. I wasn't sure if it was +3°C, but its gentle warmth, breathability, and quick-drying properties make it a very convenient mid-layer to wear under your outerwear while on the move. Considering that the "warm, breathable, and stretchy" insulation clothing that's costs tens of thousands of yen, this is an incredible bargain.

Here's △

Although it claims to keep you warmer by +3°C, its heat retention is only moderate. The cut is simple, and the stretch allows for normal movement, but don't expect high-quality comfort or ease of movement. The ceramic print on the lining is also susceptible to intense friction, gradually peeling off when rubbed with your fingers. The design and coloring are, needless to say, harsh. A standard fleece would do as a mid-layer for this type of activewear, so this might not be the best budget garment, but its compact size considering its price and warmth makes it quite useful

3. Additional winter clothing (Recommended ★★☆☆☆ 2,900 yen)

HJ001B Surprisingly light STRETCH blouson 2,900 yen

This is the place!

This season's release of cold weather gear from Workman's own outdoor brand, FieldCore, is a winter jacket packed with so many features you wouldn't expect for its price. The polyester padding provides excellent warmth. And of course, unlike down, it retains its warmth even when wet. It's windproof and water-repellent enough to repel light rain. Above all, the highly stretchable fabric and the cut around the arms, which enhances mobility, make it exceptionally easy to move around in despite being a winter garment. It also has three pockets, reflectors, and a women's model. With so many features, the price is a bit surprising

Here's △

While its performance and ease of use seem adequate for casual outdoor activities, if I had to point out one drawback, it's that it's very bulky. That's a shame, considering it's fairly lightweight. Furthermore, while I'm not sure if the thickness of the outer and inner linings is to blame, it's not very quick-drying, and once you start to sweat, heat builds up, making it stuffy and somewhat uncomfortable. It doesn't offer exceptional warmth, either. While it's well-made overall, it's lacking in waterproofing as an outer shell, breathability and quick-drying compared to soft shells, and warmth and compactness compared to down jackets. It's hard to deny that its usefulness for mountain climbing is still unclear. At present, it's probably best used as a "a bit bulky outer layer to throw on when it gets cold on a sunny day."

4. Shell Layer (Recommended ★★☆☆☆ 5,800 yen)

H008 [Workman] Waterproof and Cold Weather Suit STRETCH 5,800 yen

This is the place!

It's a simple two-layer waterproof and breathable fabric, but with specs like a 10,000mm water resistance and 5,000g/m²/24h breathability, it's safe to say it meets the bare minimum for a winter shell. I actually wore it all day at a rainy ski resort, and the water-repellent and waterproof properties worked flawlessly (see photo). The lining is made of a brushed material, which prioritizes warmth over simple rain gear, making it easy to use as rainwear for fall and winter. The outer fabric is a little rough, so it can be used for snow wear, and the stretchy material reduces any tightness

Here's △

While it may be suitable for skiing and other activities, it cannot be compared to hard shells, which represent the most cutting-edge and sophisticated technology and ingenuity in outdoor wear. There are significant differences between the two in terms of weather resistance, durability, and sweat management when it comes to extreme use. Considering it as a winter hiking outerwear (even in light snow), it meets the minimum standard of waterproof and breathable wear, but don't expect much more. The simple cut results in looseness and tightness, and the strength of the zippers and seams, the depth around the chin, the pants' waist adjustment is only elastic, and there are no pockets. There are also several other issues with the jacket compared to serious hiking wear. Its breathability is also minimal, so if you hike uphill wearing this jacket without ventilation, you'll definitely get too hot and want to take it off. Taking these factors into consideration, it's hard to judge the exceptional price of 5,800 yen

5. Pants (Recommended ★★☆☆☆ 1,900 yen)

2032 Cold Weather Wind Shell Pants 1,900 yen

This is the place!

Made from 100% synthetic fiber (polyester), they're windproof, have a fleece lining for warmth, and are stretchy, so they're more than functional, and the relaxed silhouette means zero stress when walking. Workman hasn't said anything about them, but in the mountain industry, these are called "soft shell pants"... Is it really okay to sell them for 1,900 yen?

Here is △

Even though I try to avoid personal preferences as much as possible, the design is quite harsh, from the silhouette to the elastic waistband, pocket lines, and coloring. It might be fine for workwear, so in a sense this is completely off the mark, but when it comes to outdoor activities, it's a bit questionable. Aside from that, the fact that the sizing is one-size-fits-all also makes the fit a bit questionable. It's a shame, as the price, functionality, and ease of use are satisfactory

6. Socks (Recommended ★★★☆☆ 499 yen)

17250 Heel Support Terry Socks (2 pairs) 499 yen

This is the place!

In seasons when your feet are prone to getting cold, the performance of socks is important. I recommend socks that contain as much wool as possible for their warmth and sweat management, and Workman also had them. Wool-blend socks. Just two pairs for just 500 yen. While the percentages are unclear, judging by how quickly they dried after washing and spin-drying, I suspect they're primarily made of acrylic and polyester (which is why they were so quick-drying). In terms of comfort, the rubber that tightens around the instep, shin, and calf works well, providing a good fit for the price. The same goes for warmth, which is more than adequate for the price

Here is △

It's easy to imagine that they have to mass-produce them to keep the price down, and perhaps that's why they only offer one size. They were a little bigger than the snug fit for my feet (26.5cm). Even so, they didn't slip off too much

summary

Although I have only tried out each piece of clothing a few times, I have compiled my impressions after actually using them. You may get the impression that I've made a lot of quibbles, but the main impression I have is that I was more surprised that they offered so much for the price

What impressed me about Workman's products overall each item is focused on critical functionality and ease of movement . It lived up to its reputation, and I felt like there were plenty of items for beginners that you wouldn't have to worry about

However, on the other hand, because they have achieved unprecedented cost reductions by drastically omitting other parts, when you start to get a little more serious and picky, you start to notice that there are many parts that are not "for mountain use" and it starts to feel lacking. And, in a sense, it can't be helped that compared to high-end outdoor apparel brands, the design, size range, and women's models are lacking

In conclusion, taking into account the various disadvantages, if you are looking to get some mountain equipment at a low cost, or if it is still a little too early to get full-scale gear and you just want to make do with something that is just right, then this is definitely an option for you

In fact, Workman's outdoor wear sales seem to be going quite well, with many of this season's stock already sold out. Traditional outdoor manufacturers can't afford to rest on their laurels, so keep an eye on their upcoming new products!

Click here for Workman product information, online site, and store information

Workman official website (store information)

Workman Online Store

   

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