With the best value for money, I walked around Okuchichibu, where the leaves are in autumn and winter 2017
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
We also recommend this article about Workman.
- This year, I tried running from road to trail using Workman's new running wear.
- Is Workman the best value for money even when running? A trail runner tried it out from the beginning [2018 Spring/Summer 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]
table of contents
- Before you give up and think that mountain gear is still as expensive as ever this year,
- table of contents
- At Workman, you can get a full outfit from head to toe for under 15,000 yen
- 1. Base layer/innerwear
- 2. Middle layer
- 3.Additional winter clothing
- 4. Jacket
- 5. Pants
- 6. Socks
- 7.Other accessories
- summary
- Click here for information on Workman's product, online website and store information
Before you give up and think that mountain gear is still as expensive as ever this year,
The Workman outdoor wear feature, which I've been reporting on since last year, is now in its second season. At first, I started off with a casual attitude, thinking, "They have some pretty good stuff for the price," but the more I dig, the more I find items with amazing value for money. Will I end up buying an entire outfit from Workman? And if so, how cheap can I get? Half-interested in that, I'm still digging this year
With the new fall/winter lineup almost complete, I'll be taking a look at some noteworthy models that are likely to be useful for outdoor activities and trying them out in Okuchichibu, right at the start of the autumn foliage season, to share my impressions. This year, there are a ton of controversial items that will make you do a double take, asking yourself, "What kind of construction and at what price?!"
table of contents
- 1. Base Layer (Recommended: ★★★★☆, top and bottom, 980 yen each)
- 2. Middle Layer (Recommended ★★★★☆ 1,900 yen)
- 3. Additional winter clothing (Recommended ★★★☆☆ 2,900 yen *Best 1,900 yen)
- 4. Shell Layer (Recommended ★★☆☆☆ 3,900 yen *Top and bottom set 5,900 yen)
- 5. Pants (Recommended ★★☆☆☆ 2,500 yen)
- 6. Socks (Expectations ★★★☆☆ 980 yen)
- 7. Other accessories (Expectations ★★★☆☆ 1,280 yen)
- summary
At Workman, you can get a full outfit from head to toe for under 15,000 yen
This year's selection includes not only Workman's original brand FieldCore products, which we introduced last year, but also some interesting items from Find-Out, an original brand for general sports such as running. Depending on how you choose, you can get all the clothing you need for a wide range of activities, from general hiking to light snow and trail running. In any case, the entire set is an incredible bargain at just under 15,000 yen
1. Base layer/innerwear
Block-lined full fleece long-sleeved T-shirt / Rising Trail Tights (Recommended: ★★★★☆, top and bottom, 980 yen each)
A highly functional shirt that combines warmth with breathability and quick-drying properties
Perhaps thanks to a certain fast fashion brand's wildly popular underwear, cold-season base layers tend to prioritize warmth, but for outdoor activities and sports, moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties are also essential. This new model features a grid-like lining made of brushed polyester. Though it's fleece, it's perfectly safe to wear directly against the skin (though a highly absorbent T-shirt is even better). This allows for both warmth and breathability, keeping the skin dry while also providing a comfortable feel and saving weight. Speaking of grid-like fleece, it's very similar to a certain material from XXX Tech, but it only costs 980 yen... While it certainly lacks in some technical performance areas, it's impressive to see how a fabric that was considered cutting-edge just a few years ago has become so commoditized.
By the way, the classic base layer we introduced last year is on sale this year for the ridiculously low price of 780 yen. It's just as easy to use as ever, so if you're looking for great value for money, we highly recommend this one
However, you should be prepared for the price to be reasonable in terms of comfort. Unlike full-fledged outdoor wear, it doesn't have the perfect fit that clings evenly to a wide range of body types, so it may not be very comfortable for people with a different body type. By the way, in my case, the sleeves are too short and look too loose when I adjust it to fit the body
Rising Trail Tights, released this season . Made from a slightly thick brushed polyester, they feel more like compression tights than underwear, but this improves ease of movement and makes them ideal for sports. They're thick enough to be worn as an inner layer in winter, and could also be used as an inner layer for skiwear or hard shells. They're sure to be useful for mountain, snow, and everyday runs.
2. Middle layer
Cross Shield Blouson (Recommended ★★★★☆ 1,900 yen)
As a warm garment that can be worn continuously during the cold winter
This is another new item that had me grinning from ear to ear the moment I saw it. It features fleece in the shoulders, arms, and underarms, where sweat escapes and mobility are essential, and warm padding in the body. This hybrid pattern has been adopted by many well-known outdoor brands in recent years for their mid-layers. I can't believe they've introduced it so quickly, especially at this price
Until now, mid-layers have mainly consisted of bulky fleece or thick, hard-to-adjust padded jackets, but this jacket can be used as both a warm mid-layer and an outer layer that combines warmth and breathability, making it extremely functional and easy to use. Of course, this alone won't be enough for extremely cold conditions such as midwinter, but it's just right for keeping you warm while moving around during general winter sports. The padding isn't the highest quality, but it provides enough warmth without getting in the way and also blocks the wind
By the way, this hybrid series of stretch fleece and padding comes in three types: jacket, vest, and pants, so you can choose according to your needs and preferences
While there are no problems with the functionality, the comfort and ease of movement are a bit lacking. It may simply be a matter of sizing, but even when I adjusted the size, it didn't fit perfectly, and it didn't follow my arm movements or body movements well, and the silhouette was somewhat unfashionable (perhaps the length was too long?). Compared to more expensive models with carefully calculated materials and cuts, the sense of unity with the body is a world apart
3.Additional winter clothing
Stretch blouson (Recommended: ★★★☆☆ *Vest is ★★★★☆, 2,900 yen *Vest is 1,900 yen)
Cold weather clothing with excellent mobility and warmth is still going strong this year
The cold weather wear released last year by Workman's own outdoor brand, "FieldCore," is still going strong this year. It offers ample warmth and wind resistance, and is water-repellent enough to repel light rain. Furthermore, the highly stretchable fabric and cut around the arms for increased mobility make it exceptionally easy to move around in despite being cold weather gear. And of course, unlike down, it retains its warmth even when wet. Since last year, there have been subtle updates, including the addition of a large inner pocket on the inside of the chest in addition to the three pockets on each side and chest. New colors and a women's model are also available, and the same low price is no longer surprising
On the other hand, as I wrote last year, it remains bulky and prone to getting stuffy, so while it can be used as cold weather clothing, it's difficult to wear while moving around, and its usefulness for mountain climbing is somewhat limited. In that sense, the jacket's ease of movement is a real shame. However, the vest type I tried for the first time this year is so much easier to wear that it's no longer a problem, and I honestly found it quite convenient. In fact, I think I'll be using this one more often in the future
4. Jacket
Waterproof and cold-resistant STRETCH jacket (Recommended ★★☆☆☆, 3,900 yen)
This versatile jacket is warm, waterproof, breathable, and stretchy, and has an improved design
This year, this model remains my top recommendation for winter outerwear. Last year, I recommended a suit model that came as a top and bottom set, but this year I'm introducing this top only. Performance-wise, it's almost the same. The only difference is that the front zipper is waterproof instead of a flap, and it comes in a more subdued color, meaning the design is better. If you don't have waterproof overpants, I think the suit type below would also be fine
With a water resistance of 10,000mm and breathability of 5,000g/m²/24h, it's safe to say that it meets the minimum standards for a winter shell. I wore it skiing last year and it worked perfectly in terms of water repellency and waterproofing, and the brushed lining provides a little extra warmth, making it easy to use as a waterproof outer layer for fall and winter. The slight stretch also reduces any tightness
However, as I wrote last year, when you consider its weather resistance against severe wind and rain, durability such as abrasion and tear resistance, and breathability, it cannot be compared to the so-called hard shells used for serious winter mountain climbing. The construction of the details also lacks consideration for making it easy to make fine adjustments while wearing gloves in extreme cold. You should think carefully before wearing it in harsh environments like winter mountains
However, taking these points into consideration, it is perfectly usable as a minimum waterproof and breathable garment for mountaineering in the relatively mild climates of low mountains or western Japan, even in winter, or as ski wear in safe places. At this price, it can be very useful depending on how you use it
For windproof and cold weather outerwear, try this: Stretch Soft Shell Jacket (Recommended for low mountain hiking: ★★★★★)
For low-altitude hikers who don't need to worry about snow or rain and just want an outer layer to protect them from the cold and wind, we've revisited the soft shell jacket we introduced in our spring/summer model review. Made from a highly stretchable soft shell material, it offers a good balance of breathability, wind resistance, and water repellency, making it ideal for keeping warm in the mornings and evenings or on ridges. Its thumbholes also make it suitable for cold weather. It's perfect for those who already have rain gear and just want an outer layer for sunny days
5. Pants
Stretch Climbing Pants (Recommended ★★☆☆☆ 2,500 yen)
It's certainly great for mobility and warmth
Workman surprised everyone this spring/summer season by releasing climbing pants (or bottoms with climbing characteristics), and the response was so great that they even made an appearance in their fall/winter lineup
the HJ001B STRETCH Blouson introduced above, so it has excellent heat retention and stretch. Furthermore, because it's a climbing pant, it has a gusset in the crotch and the knees are cut three-dimensionally, so it's perfect for ease of movement. It's also windproof and water-repellent. It also has plenty of convenient pockets. It's safe to say that it has more than enough functionality to keep you warm while enjoying the outdoors.
However, just like with the tops, the biggest drawback is that they tend to get stuffy. I tried wearing them for hiking because they're easy to move in, but when I started sweating profusely while climbing, the stuffiness became a concern and I had to take them off right away. It's a shame, because they were extremely useful as thermal pants in the near-freezing temperatures after camping. In that sense, I think they're more suitable for activities like biking, fishing, and camping, rather than activities that require a lot of movement and stopping, like hiking. Other improvements, such as the limited size options and the lack of an adjustable waist, could be improved
6. Socks
HEAT Arch Power Assist Round Toe Socks (Set of 2) (Recommended: ★★★☆☆, 980 yen for a set of 2)
Expected to provide arch support
One of the hottest new socks this season is a model that lifts the arch of the foot and supports it, making walking less tiring and easier. I tried one of them and found it extremely comfortable. Not only does it improve stability, it also prevents the socks from slipping, and the feeling of a secure fit around the entire foot made it a big hit. However, since that model's main material is cotton, I'm still a bit wary of winter hiking, so I recommend this model, which also has arch support but is made primarily of synthetic fibers like acrylic. However, it seems that it hasn't gone on sale yet, so for now it's just an expectation, and I'll update the information once I confirm it
7.Other accessories
Aegis Winter Gloves, Long Sleeve Type (Expectations ★★★☆☆ 1,280 yen)
Nostalgic Thinsulate: Expectations for its heat retention
These winter sports gloves, made with a thick, waterproof PVC film sandwiched between the outer and inner fabrics, cost 1,280 yen. They're padded with Thinsulate (good ol' oldies), so warmth isn't a problem (unless you're on a snowy mountain in the dead of winter). The only concern is breathability. Since they're not waterproof or breathable like GORE-TEX®, the insides will likely get soaked with sweat if worn for extended periods during vigorous activities. In that sense, they're only good for cold weather gloves, but since gloves are a consumable item, having a pair of these "mass-produced" gloves could actually be surprisingly useful in extending the life of your gloves
summary
This year may not have had as much impact as last year in the narrow scope of mountaineering. On the other hand, it is worth noting that many excellent items have been released that emphasize mobility and can be used for trail running and other activities. In fact, although we were unable to introduce them here due to the theme, it is true that in addition to the above, many well-made models that can be used for a wide range of outdoor activities have been released. If you take a good look at the catalogue
Workman's outdoor lineup, which keeps pace with trends in the outdoor industry and grows deeper every year, has become even more solid this year. However, as I've said many times before, even so, it's hard to shake the fact that it's "for this price." There are certainly areas that are lacking, such as the attention to detail, subtle comfort, design, and durability. In those cases, I recommend trying out truly high-quality gear from a specialized brand. I hope that this will help many people discover the depth of outdoor gear
Finally, just to be clear, by covering Workman and low-priced outdoor brands on this site, we are in no way trying to say, "All mountaineering equipment is Takasugi, isn't that enough?"
Although in recent years there has been an increase in products from brands other than specialist outdoor manufacturers such as Workman that are high quality despite being low priced, it is undoubtedly still far behind the mountain gear of specialist brands overall
However, if high-performance, expensive outdoor gear remains the only option, the number of people enjoying the outdoors will continue to decline. Personally, I don't think these low-cost products and specialty brand products are competing for market share. This site's stance is to positively view the significance of Workman and other low-cost brands in expanding the reach of outdoor activities, and we actively introduce these items
With that in mind, whether you're an outdoor veteran, a beginner, or someone looking for everyday use, if you're interested in the items we'll be introducing below, be sure to pick them up and try them out
Click here for information on Workman's product, online website and store information
Workman official website (store information)
Workman Digital Product Catalog
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