The AK457 is a Japanese original high performance wear developed based on Masanori Takeuchi's riding and backcountry career, and his experience as a guide in his project HIKARIGAHARA CAT TOUR.Every year, the lineup is constantly evolving, such as changing details and adding new items, and it is commercialized under the production system of BURTON.Its quality has been highly evaluated worldwide, and it is said that there are even voices requesting sales from overseas.Where is the charm of such AK457?We asked Mr. Takeuchi to talk about the points he was particular about when making each product.Let's introduce the true charm of the best product "AK457" that has many deep-rooted fans.
01_AK457 GUIDE JACKET
Thorough pursuit of functions focused on backcountry activities
"This is what I have carefully created since the start of AK457.GUIDE JACKETis.For me, it's not only clothing for riding, but also so-called work clothes that I use for guide work, so I've been constantly improving the details in search of the best usability. Made from GORE-TEX® Pro 3 layer material, all seams are seam taped and YKK® waterproof matte zips are used for zippers.Wear that can withstand tough conditions, is easy to move even in hard riding, and can be most efficient in various backcountry situations.The silhouette is also made with my size L, adopting a pattern that fits the Japanese body shape perfectly. "
(Upper left) Fastener that goes through inside
"You can use this zipper to directly access the goggle pockets inside and the beacon pockets on your pants without having to open the center zip. I don't want to open the front zipper in extremely cold conditions."
(Upper right) Mesh goggle pocket
"The inner pocket on the right side has a mesh pocket for goggles. By arranging the goggles horizontally so that they are wrapped around the body and storing them, we devised so as not to impair the difficulty of movement. Open the through zipper. I decided on the position and size because it was easy to take out directly. "
(Lower left) Pit zip
"The pit zips on both sides can be opened and closed from either the top or the bottom. The opening degree can be adjusted according to the conditions. We have selected various easy-to-use pull tabs and are using the current parts."
(Lower right) Radio pocket and microphone loop
"There is a pocket on the left chest to store the radio, and if you want to take the microphone out, you can hook the clip to the loop around the collar and fix it."
(Upper left) The loop on the right chest is used in various ways
"This loop on the chest is surprisingly useful for activities on the snow, such as hooking a carabiner or putting on a glove that you removed. We arranged it in three rows in consideration of design."
(Upper right) Stretch waist gaiter
"AK457's unique powder gaiter has a slightly longer tail, is made of lightweight, water-repellent stretch material, and has a special rubber tip. It won't shift even if it moves. Even if it goes into deep powder. I make it so that snow does not come in from here. "
(Lower left) Retractable stretch powder grip
"This is a feature that keeps snow out even when you're not using overcuff gloves. You can hook your thumb over the glove to this looped powder grip and move your arm violently. The sleeves will not slip up. "
(Lower right) Hood adjustment system
"We use the Cohaesive ™ system to fine-tune the size of the hood. The parts are integrated with the garment and are compact, smooth to operate and look good. Also, in the latest model, the hood is designed to be slightly smaller. We prioritize fit. "
02_AK457 HI-TOP PANT
Completed with a lot of fit, item storage, venting function, and improvements
(Left) Test—Cool Zip Vent
"There is a zip vent on the crotch part, and since it is a double zip, it can be opened from either side. The ventilation function at this position is quite convenient. It is also perfect when using it."
(Right) Reinforcement of hem
"The hem is reinforced with urethane rubber so that it will not hurt even if the edge hits, such as when using a split board or skis, so durability is sufficient."
(Left) Mobile mesh pocket
I have a smartphone in my pants.A mesh pocket is attached to the left waist so that it does not overlap with the position of the beacon and radio. "
(Right) Velcro pocket for storing beacon
"The front right chest has a slightly longer asymmetrical design, but it has a beacon pocket here. You can quickly access it by unzipping the jacket's right chest."
(Left) Simple and stable suspenders
Velcro suspenders.Once the size is fixed, the length will not shift.It will not slip off your shoulders. "
(Right) Highly elastic back panel
"The back panel is made of highly elastic and breathable mesh material. It fits well to the body."
03_AK457 PACKABLE DOWN JACKET&SHORTS
WATERPROOFING, water repellent top quality & super convenient packable down
"The AK457 PACKABLE DOWN isJacketsIs the left pocket,ShortsIt's very compact because you can store everything in your back pocket.It's a size and weight that won't get in the way when you're not wearing it or in your backpack.Sudden changes in the weather are common in snowy mountains, so it makes a big difference if you have it or not.Shorts are newly introduced this term.This item seems to be very active this winter. "
(Left) Low neck jacket
"I wanted to eliminate multiple layers of collars, so I made the collar of the jacket a low neck. I often wear balaclavas, and the low neck makes the neck much cleaner."
(Right) Shorts with good stretchability
"The inside is made of stretchy material and is very comfortable to wear. If you wear this on the undershorts, it will be a little mountain style and you can walk normally in this style."
04_AK457 GUIDE PACK
Lightweight yet tough and has excellent storage capacity.A gem that has been completed by finely improving everywhere
"AnywaysBackpackI was very particular about making it.The bag is equipped with various tools that fit well, and can be quickly taken out when needed. It also has the functionality of separating what is wet with snow from what you do not want to get wet, and the durability of the material of the bag. The sex and overall weight are also in the best condition.Especially when you carry it on your back, the balance is the best.If you support it with your hips instead of your shoulders, you can easily move your upper body even if you carry your back.Adjust the harness well to find and use the best position for you. "
(Upper left) Harness balance
"The harness has a great influence on the balance when you carry it on your back. By making it possible to disperse the force, you can feel lighter than it really is, you can easily carry it on your back, and the load on the movement of your upper body It will reduce it. "
(Upper right) Waist harness
"I always tighten my waist harness and carry my back on my back. That gives me more freedom in my upper body. This waist harness is very stable and has the best foot feel."
(Lower left) Outer pocket
"This is a space that often holds so-called wet items such as shovels and probes. The main compartment and storage space are clearly used."
(Lower right) Fleece liner pocket
"The top pocket is made of thin fleece, so you can put the goggles in as it is. This area is made relatively wide."
(Upper left) Main compartment
"Access to the main compartment from either the side zipper or the EVA back panel zip. We use different access methods depending on the situation."
(Upper right) Side pocket
"One pocket is located outside the main compartment and I put the water bottle here. I like this pocket position because it's used so often."
(Lower left) Front harness
"If a strong tension is applied, such as when a part of the bag gets caught in a standing tree, the root will come off. Even if it comes off, it will return to its original position by refitting the parts. You can freely change the vertical position setting. Can be "
(Lower right) Mesh that can store a helmet
"The top compartment has a mesh to secure the helmet used for gliding to the outside of the back. It is useful when not using it when hiking up."
