AK457 Technical Director.It is one of the current titles of Takeuchi.
Since the latter half of the 80s, he has achieved good results in numerous contests, and has held sessions with many riders while repeating competitions and shooting all over the world.Its abundant experience, outstanding gliding ability, and abundant sensitivity to "tools for sliding" are indispensable for talking about the current AK457.Takeuchi feeds back various opinions from the field in order to utilize that sense in the product.
The main site is in the southeastern part of the Kubiki Plain, Niigata Prefecture.The Kaida Mountains, which stretch from northeast to southwest, rise to separate the plains that continue from the sea from the steep valleys carved by the Chikuma River.Here, Takeuchi leads the "Hikarigahara Cat Tour", where he rides a snowmobile to access an area over 1000 meters above sea level and glides luxuriously on untouched slopes.
The guiding field is a great place to test snowboarding and clothing.
“The tour continues throughout the season, so the temperature and weather will continue to change. There are few hikes in the tour operation, but daily snow quality checks, safety checks, and route development involve hikes. The amount of exercise is completely different in other patrols.
How to absorb such a difference in temperature and momentum.Layering is a daily headache for me, even though I'm used to it.That is why we can refine the essence of our products here. "
First, decide the purpose
I worry about what to wear every day.The reason is that Takeuchi is not just a guide, but trying to balance many functions from the perspective of a slipper.
"The purpose of layering is to protect against the cold and to dry sweat quickly, but in my case it's easy to move. Sliding is the top priority. No matter how warm and comfortable it is, it's a layer that impairs performance. I don't find the ring attractive.
The next thing to think about is that you don't want to sweat.If your clothes get wet with sweat, you will be deprived of your physical strength and your body will get cold.
Considering these two things, I think it is basically important not to wear too much.There is no stagnation during the operation, and basically it keeps moving so it doesn't get cold.Basically, in Niigata, the base layer, mid layer, and shell are all you need. "
In addition, there is an important point.Even if there is a mid layer with excellent heat retention, if the shape does not match the shell, it will not be easy to move.Slight differences in sewing position and silhouette can interfere with movement, lead to stress and even cause fatigue.
"Total balance is extremely important."
Takeuchi emphasizes.
"No matter how good the mid-layer alone is, it doesn't make sense if you try to slip on it and it's hard to move."
Base layer Balances sweat and heat retention
Let's take a look at Takeuchi's layering.
"I often worry about long-sleeved or short-sleeved base layers, but I often chose high-necked fleece."
Takeuchi's layering is theoretical because there is only the technical director of AK457.In addition, the product clearly states its purpose and function.
"The base layer fabric is thinned so that it doesn't get too hot, and it's easy to get rid of sweat. At the same time, it has a three-dimensional structure called a microgrid. Small bumps store air, so close the outer zipper tightly. It would be warm if it was there.
At first, this base layer was also a hood-integrated type shaped like a balaclava.However, the hood only slightly interferes with the movement of the neck.Because of that, the upper half is cut.This keeps the neck warm and can be used as a face mask on cold days, eliminating the difficulty of moving the neck.The fit as a mask has been boiled down considerably.Partly because of that, it has become a pretty good one. "
Adjust the mid-layer cold protection level here
I don't wear a jacket with batting to keep it warm.Warmth is created in the mid layer.There are two types of mid layers, a hybrid jacket and a mid fleece jacket.
"The hybrid jacket is thin, but it has excellent heat retention by enclosing down. However, the sides and hem are made of fleece. The human body has different body temperature and sweating depending on the part. , I'm adjusting the heat retention according to it.
Choose a stretchy mid-fleece jacket on days when the temperature is a bit hot or you have a lot of exercise.It is highly breathable and quick-drying, and even when it gets hot, you can cool it down instantly by opening the zipper on the shell.It's a merit to be able to deal with it immediately if you think you're going to sweat. "
There are also fleece pants in the mid layer, and I am conscious of the design that allows me to walk outside to some extent.It is based on the style of departure from Tokyo, which Hiroshi Fujiwara and others are aware of, going to the mountains in the upper and lower mids, and when they arrive, they wear a shell and slide.In response to this, the design is designed so that you can walk outside to some extent.
"The rest is a packable down jacket. It's always in a backpack. You can lend it to your customers if you have something to prepare for when it's cold. It's essential as a backup insulation. And when it's extremely cold, I wear this and use the hybrid jacket as a backup. "
Shell Removes sweat and blocks wind and snow
Shell is called including jacket and pants.It is called this because it plays a role of blocking the outside air like a seashell.In the case of Takeuchi, the shell is mostly a guide jacket and high-top pants.Both use GORE-TEXR to effectively release the moisture inside the garment while protecting it from rain and snow.It boasts the best performance as a waterproof and breathable material and toughness that does not dent even if it is abused throughout the season.
"If we can only let this moisture pass through and block the wind and snow, we can keep the warm air in the garment for a long time. That is a function that is directly related to comfort."
Takeuchi talks about the superiority of GORE-TEXR.
"In detail, the jacket has a walkie-talkie pocket, and the pants have a beacon pocket. It embodies the needs born from on-site guide operations."
The outer layer is also layered on the mid layer and base layer, and the field test is repeated over and over again.In order to pursue further matching, if the outer is improved, the mid layer will also be modified.If you change that, you will change this as well. While accumulating improvements, you will use it in your operations throughout the season.By doing so, you can identify the areas of concern and give feedback to the next product.
Total balance crystal
The base, mid, and shell products have quality that can be fully evaluated even when used alone.However, the combination should bring out new merits.So is this the way to sew, so is this the size?In the accumulation of detailed specifications, the meaning that AK457 is trying to complete layering within one brand lurks.
"After all, what is important is total balance. We are not making street clothes. It is not good if it is warm, it is not good if it is cool. First of all, it is a snowboarder or a guide. On top of that, we aim to be comfortable wear that can continue to demonstrate performance.
My layering is an example of how to use the garment.I think there is a better way to use it.However, if you don't wear it properly, but if you can combine it systematically with a purpose, you can wear it easily for slippers.I hope you can feel that. "
(Honorific title omitted in the text)
Click here for AK457 product details
TEXT: TAKURO HAYASHI
PHOTO: ALI
