It is no exaggeration to say that clothing is the basis for always supporting comfortable behavior in all snowboarding conditions.The hard gear around the foot also has a big influence on the riding performance, but as long as it is controlled by each movement using our whole body, the riding itself changes for better or worse with a slight difference in movement. ..Especially important in a full-fledged backcountry field.That's why the more experience you have in riding, the more you can't help but feel the importance of layering techniques that utilize outerwear performance, bases, and midlayers.
Based on abundant experience in the field of full-scale backcountryAK457Masanori Takeuchi, a snowboarder who develops products as a technical director of the company and is active as a guide as a rider himself.AK457Covers all directions of his activities as a snowboarder.Takeuchi is based in the southeastern part of the Kubiki Plain in Niigata Prefecture.Mountain range here, altitude1000mThe area beyond the area has a spectacular location overlooking the Sea of Japan, and has a variety of slopes such as steep north slopes, mellow cruising lines, and beech forest tree runs. It's a field.Here, all the experience points that Takeuchi himself gained throughout the season are poured into the Proladato called AK457 and continues to evolve.
This time, I asked about Takeuchi's own layering technique and the AK457 product he developed.
▶ ︎LAYERING
With conditions in the backcountry field
The basics of layering techniques that quickly adapt to changes in activity
"If you always slide in the same place, you can decide the layering by looking at the temperature and the weather based on the condition of the previous day. But the basic is to decide on that day.AK457In the case of, the combination of base layer, mid layer, and shell is basic.The base layer starts with a high neck and a shape that can be integrated like a balaclava, or a crew neck and a neck gaiter to cover it.Then choose a fleece midlayer with a different thickness and match the shell.I'm mostly this3With the sheet, the temperature difference± 10 ±In conditions where it covers and goes down below that, use down for the mid layer, or conversely use a down jacket for the shell (AK457 LIGHT DOWN JACKET) To cover. "
The base layer keeps warm while absorbing sweat, and the mid layer keeps warm while allowing air to pass through.Even if you hike up and sweat and store heat, you can quickly remove the heat accumulated inside by removing the shell.Layering can regulate changes in the internal and external environment, such as changes in external conditions and internal heat generation caused by momentum.Not to mention the performance of each one, this3The point is what kind of environment is created by layering by combining sheets.
▶ ︎BASE LAYER HI NECK FLEECE+MID FLEECE JACKET+GUIDE JACKET+HI-TOP PANTS
Use the mid layer properly
Control the environment inside the wear
AK457IsMICRO FLEECE JACKETとMID FLEECE JACKET Of2Kind of jackets and evenMID FLEECE VESTThere is.MICROIs thinMIDIs thick,LBy sizeMICRO 290gThen,MID The400gAnd the feeling of volume is also different.However, both are characterized by high heat retention and excellent quick-drying properties. "This year's mid layer is very warm when you wear a shell, and it's especially easy to get rid of heat." It gets hot when you hike, and when you take off the shell, the heat is dissipated at once, and the environment surrounding your body changes drastically.It is also possible to use down for the mid layer.PACKABLE DOWN The900Uses high-quality white goose down, which is lightweight but has a large swelling down and excellent heat retention.If you use down for the mid layer, you can get even higher heat retention.
▶ ︎MICRO FLEECE JACKET, MID FLEECE VEST, MID FLEECE JACKET, PACKABLE DOWN JACKET
What about layering on warm spring days?
"Basically as a base layer and a thin mid layerMICRO FLEECE JACKET, And shell layering, but instead of the base layer, a tech materialTThere are days when I wear a shirt, etc. "However, even in the spring, the basics are adjusted by layering.It is said that it will be equipped with equipment that can respond to changes in temperature depending on the place in the sun, the shade, and the time of day.
In all situations in the backcountry
Layering to support is a prerequisite
But if it's powder riding with a lift
Layering that emphasizes ease of movement is also OK
Down jackets are also very useful there.
If you use the shell of the down jacket
The inside can be lightly layered
It depends on where you slip, but in this Niigata area, when you wear a down jacket with normal layering, it is snowing and extremely cold during the top season. "When you use a down jacket as a shell, you often adjust it by layering, such as making the mid layer thinner. The shell is so warm that you can make the inside thinner. In reality, the entire layering is quite light. It feels good and is easy to move. So when you're skiing powder with lift access, the shell of this down jacket is in very good shape. On the other hand, on days when you hike with a backpack on your back, you should wear that down shell. I don't use it. I use it properly. "
The internal environment of the pants is also controlled by layering
"Pants and jackets have a base layer and a mid layer made of the same material. Sometimes there is only one piece, but in extreme cold, two pieces are layered. The AK1 has three types of inner pants with different thicknesses. So, I use it properly according to the condition. Unlike myself who is in the snowy mountains almost every day, I think that it is difficult for people who slip on weekends to make a choice around that, but pants are on top. It's more insensitive than wearing, but it's a good idea to decide how to adjust it thicker or thinner based on your standard layering, depending on the situation that morning. "
▶ ︎BASE LAYER PANT FLEECE, MICRO FLEECE PANT, MID FLEECE PANT
▶ ︎PACK
Bag performance as well as layering
Significantly change backcountry behavior
"When you go into the backcountry in earnest, you end up bringing things that you don't have to use. In fact, there are many things in the back that you haven't had to use. And when using it, it is essential that it can be taken out smoothly. "That's why the performance of the AK457 bag fully reflects Takeuchi's commitment.
"At first, the bag was only accessible from the back, but now it has become this shape as a result of various minor changes such as making it possible to access not only from the back but also from the side. I changed it from my experience, thinking that it would be easy for anyone to use. "
Along with sticking to usability, the product has evolved steadily with the evolution of materials and parts.It supports stable backcountry action.It is necessary to pursue it because it is active in less stressful movements and in harsh conditions.
A backpack is also an important part of gear, how to access the inside of the bag
Parts quality, detailed positioning, balance during use, etc.
I feel the insistence of the AK457 bag developed by Takeuchi.
The size of 33L is for full-scale field, 17L for day use
"I mainly use a 33L bag. This size is the best when it comes to moving with full equipment to slide in a full-scale backcountry field. 17L is for light equipment, luggage for spring season etc. I use it when I can make it compact. It is quite difficult to develop a bag, and I am still doing various things. Who is the standard, belt length, selection of parts, side pockets, bag with a board attached I pay attention to details such as the balance of
The 33L bag released based on the know-how thought about in this 17L bag is also an easy-to-use bag for day use.
▶ ︎ After the interview
AK457 and Masanori Takeuchi
Masanori Takeuchi, who has been at the top of the domestic contest scene since the latter half of the 1980s, has had sessions with world-class riders, and has been leading the domestic snowboarding scene along with the riding scene. The AK457 is a "completed product" that introduces Takeuchi's own abundant experience with BURTON's technology.The product of any age is a "finished product", but the evolution of details greatly changes the action power of the backcountry field and reduces the stress of the rider.As the AK457 approaches the perfect gear in the face of the great power of nature, it is already in the process of being completed, but it is still being improved year by year.Evolution never stops.Each item expresses Takeuchi's thorough commitment as a snowboarder.It is nothing but a commitment from a snowboarder's perspective, which is different from what outdoor brands make.The position and length of the detailed zip are all snowboarder specifications. The appeal of the AK457 brand comes down to that.
Check out the AK457 movie, which includes exciting powder riding in Kogahara!
The latest product information of AK457 isfrom here
