※OEKO-TEX® Certification Fabric
C0 DWR (PFAS Free)
136g (Size S)
148g (Size M)
166g (Size L)
176g (Size XL)
- Introduction
- Comfort in all seasons
- Product story
- A balance between breathability and insulation.
- Product voice
- Clever Layering with the Active Pullover
- Form and function
- Staying comfortable during activities
- Warmth during breaks
- Not too chilly, not too warm
- Super quick-drying
- Lightweight and portable
- Warm even when wet
- Details
- Yamatomichi's active insulation
- Review
- Material
- Primaloft Active Evolve
- Size guide
- Note before use
- Shedding
- About nep-like fibers
- Instructions
- Care instructions
- Reviving flattened hairs
- Repair
Introduction
Comfort in all seasons
The goal was to create a thin, lightweight fleece that can be worn in a wide range of temperatures and environments. The Active Pullover has great balance between breathability and warmth, making it a great base or mid layer.
Primaloft Active Evolve (100g/m²) efficiently wicks sweat away from the body and prevents overheating. With its soft texture and stretchiness, it offers high breathability, yet provides warmth when layered. Weighing only 148g (Size M), it’s so light that you’ll forget you ever packed it.
Depending on the situation or activity, it can be worn directly against the skin as a base layer or layered over materials like merino wool. In various seasons and scenarios, it’s sure to become your new partner in the mountains.
Features of the Active Pullover
– Utilizes Primaloft Active Evolve (100g/m²)
– Versatile temperature range
– Prevents overheating during movement
– Stretch that doesn’t hinder movement
– Suitable for use in rainy conditions with moisture wicking capabilities
– Quick-drying
– Lightweight and portable
– Offers ample ventilation with the chest zipper
– High neck for added warmth
– Thumb holes to increase warmth around the wrists
Due to the nature of the material, fibers may shed with wear and washing. For details, please see the support section at the bottom of the page.
Product story
A balance between breathability and insulation.
The goal was clear: to create a simpler alternative to the Light Alpha Vest/Jacket—something functional, easy to layer, and free from unnecessary bulk. While the Alpha series performs brilliantly in cold conditions, its volume isn’t ideal for comfortable layering.
The challenge was to craft an active insulation piece from a single layer of fabric—light enough to forget, but warm enough to depend on. Years of testing and countless fabric trials couldn’t fully replace Alpha Direct.
But in that process, a new balance was found: breathability without sacrificing warmth. The result is the Active Pullover.
We have been making various products with Polartec Alpha Direct like the Alpha Vest. However, I found it was at times too breathable. I was looking for a fabric with a better balance of breathability and insulation. It was challenging to find a fabric that had the perfect balance between breathability and insulation. However, throughout these years of testing we were able to get our hands on a fabric that made it worthy for production.
We found that Primaloft Active Evolve (100g/m²) offered the perfect balance between breathability and insulation. It performs well as a single layer, balancing breathability and insulation, and excels in a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions.
This Active Pullover serves as both a base layer and a mid-layer. However, because it can be comfortably worn continuously, whether directly against the skin or layered with something like DF Mesh Merino underneath, and effectively manages sweat and quick drying, making it great as a base layer.
It’s a versatile insulation that performs well in all seasons.
(March 2024)
Product voice
Clever Layering
with the Active Pullover
The Active Pullover is not only a great base layer but also a great lightweight mid-layer. Junki, Akira and Hideo discuss the development process, usability for hiking, and its versatile appeal.
Form and function
Staying comfortable during activities
The Active Pullover’s breathability prevents overheating during movement. Unzip the chest zip in warmer situations for further ventilation. Its exceptional quick-drying capabilities and the fabric’s point-contact design efficiently lets sweat pass-through, preventing cold-sweats, moisture buildup and ensuring continuous comfort.
Warmth during breaks
If you start feeling chilly in high winds or when you are not moving, layer a shell or shirt over it. This will block the wind and reduce ventilation, providing additional warmth and acting as an insulating layer. Additionally, using the thumb holes on the wrists can effectively trap heat and keep you warmer.
Not too chilly, not too warm
Primaloft Active Evolve provides less breathability compared to the highly breathable Polartec AlphaDirect, which means that it is slower in dispersing heat during movement and in windy conditions. However, it is significantly more breathable than merino wool. It strikes a perfect balance of breathability and warmth.
*Results of in-house test:
Breathability: JIS 1096 L method
Heat retention: JIS L 1096 A method
Super quick-drying
Primaloft Active Evolve has exceptional quick-drying performance, though it falls slightly behind Polartec AlphaDirect. In the below graph illustrating the fabric’s drying process from fully saturated to completely dry, the initial moisture content when wet is 100%, and when dry, it reaches 0%. Despite Primaloft Active Evolve (100g/m2) being marginally less effective than the thinner AlphaDirect (85g/m2), it still rapidly diminishes moisture at an equivalent rate to the thicker AlphaDirect (136g/m2), achieving complete dryness within 60 minutes after exposure to water.
Lightweight and portable
At just 148g (Size M), the Active Pullover is lightweight and compact, making it extremely portable as a mid-layer for maintaining warmth.
Comparison based on the weight of our size M product and Company A’s standard size product.
Warm even when wet
The Active Pullover has low water retention and can maintain its loft even when wet. This means that its capacity to retain heat remains unaffected even when dampened by sweat or light rain, akin to synthetic down padding.
Details
Back of the neck reinforced with the same material as UL shirts (Shadow Rip)
Thumb holes on the wrists for extra warmth
The front zipper allows ample chest exposure for ventilation
Shock cord to prevent hems from rolling up
Yamatomichi's active insulation
Layering: Mid-layer
Wind proof: Not windproof
Breathability: Highly breathable
Insulation: Moderate
Features: A vest with high-insulation Polartec Alpha Direct positioned at the front. Ideal as an extra layer for warmth during active use in chilly conditions. In warmer seasons, it can even serve as your primary insulation layer on its own.
Layering: Mid-layer
Wind proof: Moderate wind resistance at the front only
Breathability: Moderate (front) / Excellent (elsewhere)
Insulation: Moderate
Features: Adds a wind-resistant Shadow Rip kangaroo pocket to the front while retaining the Alpha Vest’s exceptional breathability and lightweight design. Versatile enough for a wider range of conditions.
Layering: Base / Mid-layer
Windproof: Not windproof
Breathability: Highly breathable
Insulation: Moderate
Features: Designed as a versatile base layer that can be worn on its own or layered with other garments. Suitable for year-round use across a wide range of conditions.
Layering: Mid-layer
Windproof: Moderate
Breathability: Breathable
Insulation: Moderate
Features: Developed as an insulated active layer for late winter, spring, and autumn. The sleeves can be removed to convert it into a vest, allowing for versatility across a wider range of conditions.
Layering: Mid-layer
Wind Resistance: Moderate
Breathability: Breathable
Insulation: High
Features: Developed as an active layer for deep winter and snowy mountain conditions. Offers excellent ventilation and spacious storage pockets. In strong winds, it should be paired with a high wind-resistant outer shell.
Layering: Outer layer
Windproof: High
Breathability: Slightly breathable
Insulation: High
Features: Developed as an insulated active outer layer for deep winter and snowy mountain conditions, including stormy ridgelines. Uses Pertex Shield Air for the outer fabric, the same material featured in the UL All-weather series.
Review
When used as a base layer directly against the skin
The Active Pullover, with its soft feel and sweat-absorbing, moisture-diffusing properties, is highly recommended for use directly against the skin as a base layer. Here, we present reviews from one of our staff members who used it as a base layer.
However, when worn directly against the skin and layered with outerwear that has low breathability, the fabric’s moisture permeability may decrease, and its quick-drying properties and sweat-absorbing structure may not function optimally, potentially causing the skin to feel damp. Therefore, it’s important to consider the situation and activity and to plan layering accordingly.
I Never realized I was sweating
During a night hike on the Tokai Nature Trail in mid-February, I tried using the Active Pullover as a base layer. I wore the Active Pullover as the base layer, with a 100% Merino Hoody on top. After sweating quite a bit during the hike up, I initially felt a bit of sweat chilling. However, later on, as the sweat transferred to the 100% Merino Hoody, the Active Pullover remained dry, allowing me to walk comfortably. A friend walking behind me noticed that my 100% Merino Hoody was wet with sweat and remarked, "You're sweating a lot," but I hadn't noticed because the Active Pullover underneath was dry, which surprised me. Despite the temperature dropping during the late night, I didn't feel cold because it provided insulation. Later, as the temperature rose during the day, I continued to wear just the Active Pullover, and I found it to be breathable with just the right amount of warmth. It made me realize that it's great to wear as a standalone base layer!
Yamatomichi Kyoto Staff
Ayana loved traveling since her student days and embarked on backpacking trips in search of nature. She developed a passion for hiking during these travels and began hiking while working as a nurse. She dDecided to quit her job to embark on overseas trekking adventures, exploring trails like the John Muir Trail in the US and trekking in Patagonia, Chile, Canada and South America. Through these adventures she was able to rediscover the beauty of Japanese mountains. After returning home, Ayana joined Yamatomichi as a staff in our Kyoto store. She enjoys trail running and is grateful for every minute spent in the mountains.
Don’t feel sweat
During a hike in the Ho-oh Sanzan Mountains in late December, with temperatures ranging from -10°C to 0°C under clear skies and while trekking through forested areas, I didn't feel much cold due to the absence of wind. I used the Active Pullover on its own and found it to function sufficiently as a base layer.
The Active Pullover has excellent breathability, allowing heat to escape even when sweating, and thanks to its brushed fabric, it feels less sticky than the 100% Merino series and dries faster. As a result, there was minimal sweat chilling, and I felt comfortable. However, the regular feel of Merino wool is softer compared to the Active Pullover. Merino wool retains a moderate amount of moisture and feels soft even when not sweating, while the Active Pullover tends to be slightly drier (which could be influenced by winter dryness).
While the Active Pullover provides insulation, I did feel some cold when there was a wind speed of 5-10m/s, especially when worn alone. However, when paired with the similarly breathable UL All-weather series, there was no risk of overheating. In terms of comfort and odor control as a base layer, Merino wool excels, but the Active Pullover outperforms in terms of quick drying and sweat chilling prevention.
Sales
Hidenori grew up in rural Hokkaido. After working for five years as a physical therapist in an orthopedic clinic, he decided to work as a mountain hut caretaker in the Northern Japanese Alps. In 2019, he embarked on a journey of walking the entire length of New Zealand’s “Te Araroa” long trail with his spouse, seeking to fully immerse themselves in nature. This experience led them to embrace ultralight hiking and his current goal is to research and adopt a hiking style that minimizes injuries and environmental impact, so that he can stay as an active hiker even when he ages.
Material
Primaloft Active Evolve
Primaloft Active Evolve is an insulation material that features a mesh-like fabric with raised areas woven into it, providing moderate breathability and heat retention, along with excellent quick-drying properties. It effectively resists excessive heat and moisture during physical activity, ensuring a comfortable environment inside the garment across various conditions.
Primaloft Active Evolve absorbs and disperses perspiration rapidly, and its stretchability enables it to move with the body during exercise without causing discomfort. Thus, it can be utilized not only as a mid-layer, like conventional insulation, but also as a base layer worn directly against the skin.
Size guide
Size chart
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (kg) | 42~52 | 50~60 | 57~67 | 64~77 | 74~85 |
| Chest (cm) | 78~84 | 80~88 | 84~95 | 92~102 | 100~110 |
Product dimensions
Unit：cm
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 68 | 71.5 | 74.5 | 76.5 | 78.5 |
| Body Width | 47.5 | 50.5 | 53 | 57 | 61 |
| Hem Width | 43.5 | 46.5 | 49 | 53 | 57 |
| Neck to Sleeve | 76.5 | 82.5 | 85 | 88 | 91 |
| Sleeve Opening | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | Fastener Length | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 |
※Due to fabric stretch and sewing discrepancies, actual measurements may differ slightly from the stated dimensions.
※Sizes may change over time as the fabric can contract with wear and washing.
Fitting
Shigeru 172cm 60kg
Size L (Sand Beige)
Shigeru 172cm 60kg
Size L (Sand Beige)
Shiori 167cm 55kg
Size S (Purple)
Shiori 167cm 55kg
Size S (Purple)
Daiki 164cm 54kg
Size S (Purple)
Daiki 164cm 54kg
Size M (Blue)
Atsushi 169cm 54kg
Size S (Sand Beige)
Atsushi 169cm 54kg
Size M (White)
Beyonce 169cm 63kg
Size S (Black)
Beyonce 169cm 63kg
Size M (Blue)
Minato 174cm 67kg
Size M (White)
Minato 174cm 67kg
Size L (Black)
Pony 173cm 76kg
Size L (Sand Beige)
Pony 173cm 76kg
Size XL (White)
Seiichi 177cm 73kg
Size L (Blue)
Seiichi 177cm 73kg
Size XL (Purple)
Kenken 183cm 77kg
Size L (Black)
Kenken 183cm 77kg
Size XL (Purple)
Daiki 164cm 54kg
Size S (Purple)
Daiki 164cm 54kg
Size M (Blue)
Atsushi 169cm 54kg
Size S (Sand Beige)
Atsushi 169cm 54kg
Size M (White)
Beyonce 169cm 63kg
Size S (Black)
Beyonce 169cm 63kg
Size M (Blue)
Minato 174cm 67kg
Size M (White)
Minato 174cm 67kg
Size L (Black)
Pony 173cm 76kg
Size L (Sand Beige)
Pony 173cm 76kg
Size XL (White)
Seiichi 177cm 73kg
Size L (Blue)
Seiichi 177cm 73kg
Size XL (Purple)
Kenken 183cm 77kg
Size L (Black)
Kenken 183cm 77kg
Size XL (Purple)
Kaori 152cm 43kg
Size XS (Sand Beige)
Kaori 152cm 43kg
Size S (Purple)
Saki 156cm 48kg
Size XS (White)
Saki 156cm 48kg
Size S (Purple)
Miho 159cm 51kg
Size XS (Blue)
Miho 159cm 51kg
Size S (Sand Beige)
Hitomi 164cm 50kg
Size S (Blue)
Hitomi 164cm 50kg
Size M (White)
Shiori 167cm 55kg
Size S (Purple)
Shiori 167cm 55kg
Size M (Blue)
Hana 169cm 57.5kg
Size M (Sand Beige)
Hana 169cm 57.5kg
Size L (Black)
Miwa 172cm 60kg
Size M (Blue)
Miwa 172cm 60kg
Size L (Purple)
Kaori 152cm 43kg
Size XS (Sand Beige)
Kaori 152cm 43kg
Size S (Purple)
Saki 156cm 48kg
Size XS (White)
Saki 156cm 48kg
Size S (Purple)
Miho 159cm 51kg
Size XS (Blue)
Miho 159cm 51kg
Size S (Sand Beige)
Hitomi 164cm 50kg
Size S (Blue)
Hitomi 164cm 50kg
Size M (White)
Shiori 167cm 55kg
Size S (Purple)
Shiori 167cm 55kg
Size M (Blue)
Hana 169cm 57.5kg
Size M (Sand Beige)
Hana 169cm 57.5kg
Size L (Black)
Miwa 172cm 60kg
Size M (Blue)
Miwa 172cm 60kg
Size L (Purple)
Note before use
Shedding
Initially, noticeable fiber shedding may occur. This tends to lessen with repeated washing. Due to the nature of the material, the fabric may also gradually thin over time with wear and washing.
Left: Unused product
Right: Product after use
About nep-like fibers
Due to the nature of the fabric, nep-like fibers that may look like small pills can sometimes be seen on the back side of the fabric even when the product is new. This does not affect durability or performance and does not interfere with normal use.
Please do not pull out small neps by force. Leave them as they are and continue using the product.
Please see our Care page for more information.
Instructions
Care instructions
- Use neutral detergent. Machine wash, gentle or delicate at 40°C or lower.
- Avoid bleach or fabric softener.
- Line dry in the shade.
- When using a dryer, use a low-temperature setting (60°C or lower).
- Do not iron.
- Due to the nature of the material, pilling from wear and slight shrinkage from washing may occur.
Care page
For detailed tips on how to wash, store, and take care of your gear, visit our Care page.
Reviving flattened hairs
The lofted insulation used in Yamatomichi’s active insulation pieces is lightweight and highly breathable while providing moderate warmth. However, with repeated use the lofted fibers may become flattened, which can reduce insulation performance.
If this happens, gently brush the fabric along the direction of the fibers using a metal brush designed for plush toys. In our in-house testing, we have confirmed that caring for flattened fibers in this way can help restore loft and improve warmth.
At Yamatomichi direct stores, we offer these brushes for loan, and our staff can demonstrate and assist with proper care. If you feel unsure about caring for it at home, please feel free to consult with us.
* This care method is intended to restore loft by lifting flattened fibers and recovering warmth. Fibers that have been lost due to wear cannot be restored.
・The degree of warmth recovery may vary depending on the condition and usage of the product.
Before
After
What you’ll need
- A metal brush designed for plush toys
Steps
- Lay the area you want to restore as flat as possible.
- Gently brush the flattened fibers several times in one direction.
- Once the fibers stand up again, the process is complete.
Notes
- Brushing too hard may damage the fabric.
- Do not perform this care while the fabric is wet. Always do it when dry.
- The degree to which the loft returns may vary depending on the material and product.
Payment
- We only accept payment by credit card. We currently do not accept payment via bank transfer from overseas accounts.
- We accept the following Credit Cards: Visa, Master, American Express, and JCB.
- To download your receipt, please click the link included in the Dispatch Notice, which we will send by email as soon as the items are dispatched.
- Bank transfer is only availble for those that own a Japanese bank account.
Delivery
- Order Confirmation will be sent after the order.
- The items will be dispatched within 3 days after the payment is confirmed.
- The dispatch notice will be sent by email as soon as the items are dispatched.
- The delivery may be delayed by unforeseeable reasons such as natural disasters and other logistics issues. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
- We cannot ship multiple orders in one package due to how our delivery system is currently set up.
- We will ship to regions in North America, Oceania, and Europe (excluding Russia) via DHL. For regions in Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America, Africa, and Russia, we use EMS (International Express Mail Service) for shipping.
- Shipping fees and delivery times vary depending on the shipping destination as well as the size and weight of the items.
Size exchange
- Overseas customers who need to change the size of their order, should note that the time needed for shipping will vary greatly depending on your country of residence.
- We only accept exchanges when the item is unused (except for fitting).
- If you wish to exchange the size of the item, please contact us within seven days of receiving your order.
- Exchanges can only be made for the same color in a different size.
- If the size you wish is out of stock, we will suggest a different color.
- If the product is out of stock, we may simply have to ship the item back to you.
- All shipping costs to be carried by the customer.
- We will only send the exchanged item to you, upon receipt of return shipping cost via PayPal.
- Please be aware that some countries charge customs duties depending on the price of the item.
- We are unable to answer any questions on local customs. Please contact your local customs bureau.
Repair
We accept repairs for all of our Yamatomichi products. For inquiries on repair services including patching the holes, repairing with extra components, or fixing the items damaged over time, please feel free to contact us from the “Repair” section of the SUPPORT page.