I first encountered it about four years ago. I casually picked up "Workman Mountain Gear" because of its amazing value for money, and before I knew it, it had become a hot topic, and it shows no signs of slowing down. It's really become something amazing
I know it may seem strange to say this after praising it at the beginning, but to be honest, I feel like I can't keep up with the current craze. Anyway, leaving that noise aside, this time I'd like to take a look at some excellent items that even someone like me who is familiar with mountain gear would throw in my cart without question if I found them
Over the past four years, the number of suitable items for mountain climbing and other outdoor activities from so-called "Field Core brands" has steadily increased. However, it's also true that for those who are used to mountain climbing, some of these items lack appeal beyond the price. On the other hand, browsing Workman is fun because you might accidentally find an item in a corner of the store that's perfect for serious mountain climbing (personally, I think that workwear stores, home improvement stores, and DIY shops are the kind of places that outdoor enthusiasts should be). This time, we've carefully selected items that will (hopefully) satisfy even serious mountain climbing enthusiasts, from time-tested classics to this season's new releases, so please take a look
table of contents
table of contents
Base Layer
Among Workman's products, functional T-shirts worn directly against the skin (base layers for outdoor activities) are particularly popular. New products with new functions such as quick-drying, cooling, compression, stretch, and breathability are constantly released all year round. Occasionally, they even quietly release products that are not listed in the spring/summer or fall/winter catalogs, so it can be difficult to keep up with them
It's true that specialized brands are more comfortable for base layers, but for a heavy user like me, the problem is that they wear out quickly due to chafing and odor. The price is not cheap, so it's gear I'd like to save money on if possible, and I'm grateful for Workman
For a long time, my go-to trekking staple was the polypropylene-lined " 1173 Skin-Smoothing ZERO DRY Long Sleeve Half Zip ," but this summer, I didn't miss the quiet release of an incredible new item. I'll never forget the Workman Adachi Kahei store.
Climbing Long Sleeve Half Zip (Recommended ★★★★★)
Moisture absorption ◯ Quick drying ◎ Breathability ◎ Stretch ◯ Soft to the touch ◎
Base layers incorporating mesh panels are not uncommon in serious outdoor activities, but it's surprising to see them at this price level
The fabric is a simple 100% polyester quick-drying T-shirt, but the bold mesh from the armpits to the sleeves ensures excellent breathability. Just as no matter how breathable rainwear is, it cannot beat the breathability provided by ventilation, it is a reminder that no matter how advanced the quick-drying and cooling fabric, it cannot beat the coolness of the breeze passing through the mesh
With raglan sleeves that won't dig in even when carrying a pack, a half-zipper for adjustable ventilation, a chest pocket large enough to fit a smartphone, and UV protection, it's just as convenient as a regular mountain T-shirt, and it also has reflective material for safety. And of course, it's reasonably priced. It's finally the next generation of spring/summer mountain T-shirts
(As of August 16, 2019, it is not available in the online store.)
Mid-layer/Outerwear
Next, let's look at what to wear over your base layer in general
For many people, rainwear is synonymous with outdoor activities, and Workman is synonymous with rainwear, but honestly, I don't feel like using it too heavily when hiking. The main reason is that it's gear that you use for long periods of time in harsh environments, so you don't want to compromise on performance. Another reason is that there is a big difference in performance in terms of weight and comfort compared to full-fledged outdoor models. By the way, it's very useful for everyday use, including cycling to and from nursery school
Instead, I have a milder item that is perfect for use in a wide range of environments and has made it into my hall of fame, which I still use frequently
Stretch Softshell Jacket (Recommended: ★★★★☆)
Water-repellent, wind-resistant, breathable, easy to move in, stylish
A soft shell that can be used for a wide range of purposes, such as for protection from the cold, wind, and light rain
This soft shell jacket received rave reviews two years ago. Despite minor updates, it remains incredibly convenient. It's perfect for everyday use in the mountains, even in rainy weather. Its slightly slim, stylish silhouette and exceptional stretch make it easy to move around in. It's also perfect for everyday wear around town. Its excellent balance of breathability, wind resistance, and water repellency makes it incredibly versatile, from early spring gear to summer cold weather gear and a travel jacket. It's also impressive how little effort has been put into the zippers and other small details. If it were available in a thinner and thicker version, I think I could survive in the mountains with Workman's soft shell all year round
CORDURA EURO Utility Vest (Recommended: ★★★☆☆)
Functionality ◎ Quick drying ◯ Breathability ◎ Heat retention △ Soft to the touch ◯
A vest with lots of pockets may be difficult to wear from a style perspective, but it is extremely useful when climbing streams or fishing in mountain streams
It seems to be common for workwear to be packed with functionality and storage at all costs, but if you keep looking, you will sometimes come across models that have wrapped up that excess in a veil and achieved an exquisite balance
So, this slim vest is chock-full of pockets. It's apparently a sophisticated Western design known as "Euro style," and it certainly isn't bad. And best of all, it has a total of 13 pockets (plus a waterproof vinyl pocket) on both the front and back. This means you don't need a sacoche bag. Personally, I think a sacoche or sub-bag would be fine for casual outdoor activities like hiking, but for active mountain climbing like stream fishing or rocky terrain, this type of storage is far easier to use, as long as you don't mind looking good
Not only does it have a large number of pockets, but the durable Cordura material is thin and light (the back and sides are made of mesh), and it's easy to use because it doesn't rub against backpacks or other items. Incidentally, the " Dual Jacket " from the same series is excellent in functionality but falls just short in terms of comfort, so this jacket has earned a place in the Hall of Fame.
(As of August 16, 2019, it is not available in the online store.)
Bottoms and Shoes
AERO STRETCH Climbing Pants (Recommended: ★★★★☆)
Sweat absorption ◯ Quick drying ◯ Breathability △ Easy to walk in ◎ Comfort ◎
The moderate three-dimensional cut and stretchability that are essential for trekking pants make them extremely easy to move in
Personally, I would say that the Stress-Free Trekking/Climbing Pants were what made me reconsider Workman. There are many other pants out there, but I still don't think there are any mountain pants that can surpass these
The extremely stretchy fabric, gusseted crotch, and three-dimensional cut at the knees provide a stress-free fit, making them extremely comfortable even during intense movements and steep climbs. What's more, the silhouette is unexpectedly stylish
While acknowledging its excellent qualities, if I had to say something, I would say that there is room for improvement in the weight, quick-drying fabric, and usability of the pockets. In that sense, for midsummer trekking, I would also recommend the DIAMAGIC DIRECT Climbing Pants, .
(As of August 16, 2019, it is not available in the online store.)
LIGHT Slip-Ons (Recommended: ★★★☆☆)
Comfort: ◯ Breathability: △ Grip: △ Ease of use: ◎ Portability: ◎ Durability: △
Shoes that can be used like sandals also have some small advantages at campsites, such as being less likely to trap pebbles than regular sandals
When they were released this season, they had the vibe of being very useful, and when I actually tried them out, they were exactly as I expected, or even better than I expected. First off, let me make it clear that these are not shoes for "walking." Don't expect them to be durable, either. They're best suited for relaxing in situations like camping or tent-topped mountain climbing
Once you slip your feet into them, the thin, soft upper and fluffy sole are comfortable, and even wearing them for long periods of time is stress-free. So, they're also great for resting tired feet at a campsite after a long day of walking. They're designed to be worn by stepping on the heel, as shown in the photo, so they're easy to put on and take off. And because the upper (and sole) are soft, they pack up very compactly when stacked. So, in many ways, they're more convenient to use than flip-flops or croc-style sandals, which are convenient at campsites
Gloves and other accessories
This is the genre where we have made the most discoveries to date. The variety and uses are truly a mixed bag, and every time you visit the store you discover something new, which in a sense is the true essence of Workman. Among the many interesting goods available, we have selected only those that are fully usable for serious mountain climbing and are inducted into the Hall of Fame
dri-comfort boxer shorts (Recommended: ★★★★★)
Comfort: ◎ Breathability: ◯ Quick-drying: ◎ Fit: ◯ Soft to the touch: ◯
It has a great fit, dries quickly, and is reasonably priced, making it a truly perfect fit
I think underwear is probably the item with the biggest price difference compared to buying at an outdoor specialty store. Sure, there are some genuine products that are comfortable and quick-drying, but once you've had a bad experience, it's really a hurdle to consider whether you want to risk 5,000 yen on a single pair of underwear
In that sense, this quality at a price almost identical to Uniqlo's is a hall of fame no-brainer. Despite the soft feel of the cotton blend, they dry quickly. Even when wet with a lot of sweat, they remain noticeably drier than regular cotton pants. If I may say one thing, the slightly lower rise might be a point of contention for some people, as I prefer a more relaxed fit
(As of August 16, 2019, it is not available in the online store.)
CUT MOIST GRIP (Recommended: ★★★★★)
Moisture absorption ◯ Quick drying ◎ Breathability △ Grip ◎ Durability ◎
The cushioning on the palm and the sweat-wiping fabric on the thumb make them ideal for mountain climbing that requires extensive use of trekking poles
Workman, which carries a wide variety of gloves, from work gloves and rubber gloves to motorcycle gloves, is also a treasure trove of gloves with excellent cost performance. The Field Core brand's fingerless gloves, in particular, feature a sturdy back, reinforced palm cushioning for easy grip on poles, and towel-like material on the ball of the foot for wiping away sweat—perfect for trekking in the spring and fall seasons, offering a level of satisfaction that rivals models sold at specialty stores. While the fabric is a little thick and lacks breathability, making them a little too hot for midsummer, their high level of finish and affordable price make them an undeniable treasure
CORDURA Accessory Case (Recommended: ★★★☆☆)
Storage ◎ Waterproof △ Mounting variations ◯ Durability ◎
This pouch has plenty of pockets and is quite large, making it very useful when hiking
The items you want to keep close at hand while trekking are usually your smartphone, map, sweat towel, whistle, compass, and snacks. This pouch holds all of these items comfortably, can be attached to a backpack or belt (or worn over the shoulder with a bit of ingenuity), and is made of Cordura material for durability. That's all there is to it, but while many models are relatively expensive despite this, this pouch is a handy one that hits the sweet spot (though of course there are some complaints about the fine craftsmanship). A pen holder isn't necessary for a hiker, but a waterproof pocket would be fantastic
(As of August 16, 2019, it is not available in the online store.)
[Bonus] SB Rubber Foot Covers (Recommended: ★★★★☆)
Protection ◯ Heat retention ◎ Breathability ◯ Quick drying ◯ Durability ◯
Even when you go into the river, you won't come into direct contact with the water, so it's comfortable to wear when climbing streams
When you're walking, there are times when you have to ford a river and get wet up to your knees (not often). I found something that could replace the essential water gaiters at Workman. It wasn't available in the catalog or online store, but I discovered it by chance in a brick-and-mortar store and immediately bought it
When climbing streams, which often involve splashing around in water and climbing walls, it's common to wear neoprene gaiters, the same material used in wetsuits, to keep you warm and protected up to your knees. While this gear is certainly good quality if purchased at a specialty store for stream climbing or fishing gear, it can be quite pricey, but Workman has it all at a reasonable price. It's rare to come across something like this that keeps me coming back to Workman. They come in sizes from S to LL, and the ankle area can be fastened with Velcro, so they don't come loose and the fit is excellent
However, because the mesh holes on the inside are designed for some purpose, the insulation is not as good as that of dedicated models. Still, the insulation effect is good because the jacket is not in direct contact with water, so it may be good for outdoor activities involving water activities, not just mountain climbing
(As of August 16, 2019, it is not available in the online store.)
summary
Since it's been about two years since my last article, I thought I'd take a quick look at the past four years. Looking back, I can see that their consumable clothing, accessories, and small items are their strongest. For me, underwear and gloves are a sure bet. Unless I have a particular favorite, I think it's fine to continue using Workman
Of course, this is just my experience with Workman, so it may be different for others. Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to gear selection, so it's natural. It's also fun to discover gear you can use in the mountains at stores other than specialty stores like Workman. While it's great to use well-known and popular gear, why not try dropping by a store like this?
Workman product information and store information
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- Workman has the best value for money and walks around Okuchichibu, where the autumn leaves are in full bloom [2017 Autumn/Winter Model]
- A serious mountain lover has tried out the clothing that works out at Workman, which costs less than 10,000 yen in whole body [2017 Spring/Summer Model]
- We tried out how far we can go with Workman, who is rumored to be the best value for money [2016 Fall/Winter Model]
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