These items are marked “(B)” and are available at 20% off:
Nomad × Olive (B) / Olive × Nomad (B)
Coil Zipper
273g (Size S)
281g (Size M)
292g (Size L)
307g (Size XL)
Introduction
Breathable, warm, and convertible
The Light Alpha Vest/Jacket is an active-insulation layer, ideal for late-autumn hikes, lingering-snow seasons, and low-altitude winter days.
At its core is 85g/m² Polartec Alpha Direct, a lightweight and highly breathable insulation that releases excess heat while you’re on the move. It’s the kind of layer that lets you keep hiking without the constant shuffle of taking jackets on and off.
And when the effort ramps up, the sleeves come off. Switch it to a vest to keep your core warm while giving your arms the freedom—and ventilation—you need for higher-intensity climbs. A versatile companion for winter hikers.
2025 Model Updates
- We revised the lineup from Men’s/Women’s to a unisex fit and expanded the size range to XS–XL.
- To reduce environmental impact, we updated the outer fabric’s water-repellent finish from C6 DWR to C0 DWR.
Product story
It gets hot even when it's cold
I love the Yamatomichi Alpha Anorak, which was designed for snow hikes in the middle of winter, but it’s a little hard to put on/take off and a little hot for early spring hikes. Therefore I wanted to make something a little thinner and easier to wear. That’s how the Light Alpha Vest/Jacket was born.
Illustration: Jerry Ukai
The removable sleeves are a bit of a nostalgic touch in the world of outdoor clothing, but by combining them with cutting-edge Alpha Direct materials, I think we’ve managed to create a new piece of winter wear that will keep you warm no matter where you are or what you are doing.
As the snow starts to melt, it’s easy to feel hot with a regular fleece jacket when the sun comes out, even with the superior breathability of Alpha Direct. But once the sleeves come off, you immediately feel cooler while the vest keeps your core warm. Once the sun goes down, put the sleeves back on for added insulation.
I’ve been wearing a prototype of this jacket in the fall and winter for the past few years, and I’m excited to finally be able to give people the opportunity to wear and enjoy this jacket that I’ve been testing for so long.
November 5, 2019
Product story 2
Titanium-coated “Two-Face” Prototype
There are two reasons for adopting a new fabric:
- To enhance wear resistance and minimize snags.
- To increase the and keep hikers dry while on the move.
It took me a long while to find this new Quantum Air. The discovery of the ideal fabric, however, was the beginning of the next challenge.
When I was looking for a new fabric, I thought that thermal clothes should be as breathable as possible, because good ventilation was supposed to create better comfort when on the move. Some companies released new ultra-breathable products using new materials such as Primaloft Next or Octa with no outer fabrics, and in fact, we also had been developing a similar product. We discovered, however, that superior breathability did not always mean better comfort when hiking. Breathable often meant being cold. What’s important is the level and extent of ventilation, the optimum breathability largely depends on each hiker, the duration and intensity of the activity, what he/she does and how much he/she sweats.
Is this newer Pertex Quantum Air a better product just because it is more breathable? I welcome the higher ventilation, but it was so breathable it could get cold. In this respect, it could almost be said that the previous version was better for the fall/winter season. I wondered if there was a way to compensate for this drawback.
As I am hiking, handling hiking gear daily, I sometimes feel that the goal of all outdoor clothing and gear is how to protect and control the body heat.
Heat transfer mechanisms are mainly classified in “conduction”, “convection”, and “radiation”. When you touch something, and if you feel if it’s hot or cold, that’s because of thermal conduction. Thermal convection is the transfer of heat by air or water. The heat from the Sun or a stove is transferred by radiation. The clothes made of Pertex Alpha Direct trap air to keep you warm, so usually conduction and convection are the major factors. Additionally, I decided to improve the product by the remaining radiation; The answer was titanium coating.
When I was wearing the titanium-coated prototype, it seemed warmer than the conventional product. But to be honest, when I tried it out in the field, I was not fully sure if it was warmer or it was simply more comfortable because of the superior breathability. I was not convinced that this was the answer.
Myself wearing “Two-Face” prototype in Mt. Tanigawa
So we created another prototype that we named the “Two-Face” prototype. If you like Batman, I’m sure you will understand what I mean. The right half of the Anorak is made of different material from the left half. Through a series of actual field tests, we were able to check the differences between the conventional fabric and the new titanium-coated one.
The “Two-Face” Anorak actually taught us that the new fabric was more breathable, yet a little warmer when not moving. We also tested it on a snowy mountain ridge with wind speeds of about 36-54 km/h and found that the wind resistance did not significantly decline compared to the previous version, even though it was more breathable. But please note that over 54 km/h of wind can penetrate the fabric.
We like experimenting and are extremely happy to be able to deliver a better product because of it. We had fun with the “Two-Face” prototype and will probably do many more in the future.
April 2021
Editor’s Note: This article was written in 2021, when the outer fabric was switched to titanium-coated Pertex Quantum Air. Some details differ from the current 2025 version, which uses Pertex Quantum Air with updated water-repellent treatment transitioning from C6 DWR to C0 DWR. Please refer to this article as a record of the development process at that time. (Updated in 2025)
Form and function
Zip-off sleeves
Though Polartec Alpha Direct is highly breathable, your body may heat up during high-intensity activities, and you may want to take off your jacket when the sun is shining. But without a jacket, your body core may get too cold. Also, it’s a hassle to take it out of your backpack every time you feel cold.
The Light Alpha Vest/Jacket can be worn in a wide range of situations, and even when it is too hot, you can remove the sleeves and use it as a vest to continue your activities while protecting your body core from being cold, which is important for maintaining body temperature.
Details
The front closure is set at an angle to avoid the zipper touching your mouth.
Two-way zipper design allows for quick ventilation.
The pockets are lined with mesh for superior ventilation.
The thumb holes are reinforced with taslan nylon, to prevent tearing on rocky terrain or when using ice axes, etc.
Cords on both sides allow you to secure a snug fit when needed.
The back is slightly longer to keep it from riding up under backpacks.
Material
Polartec Alpha Direct
Conventional natural down and synthetic insulators tend to contain body moisture within the clothes and as a result, can be quite stuffy. Polartec Alpha Direct, on the other hand, is so air-permeable that it can be worn even during a high level of physical activity.
Alpha Direct is also treated by Polygiene odor control which safely reduces the microorganisms and bacteria by small amounts of silver ions, achieving antibacterial and deodorizing function that well exceeds the lifespan of ordinary garments.
It is like a fleece with longer puffy hairs.
Pertex Quantum Air
To make the most of Polartec Alpha Direct’s outstanding breathability, we use Pertex Quantum Air as the shell fabric—a super-lightweight, highly air-permeable nylon treated with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish.
To achieve its high level of breathability, Quantum Air is woven at an extremely loose density. By using low-count yarns that are less prone to friction, the fabric resists wear from rough materials like hook-and-loop fasteners. The yarns are also false-twist processed, giving the fabric a balance of light stretch, breathability, and durability.
On the inside, we apply Yamatomichi’s ultra-thin titanium sputtering—a process that bonds a microscopic titanium layer to the fabric surface. This helps retain body heat and reduce radiative heat loss while preserving the fabric’s natural feel and breathability, achieving a high-level balance of ventilation and warmth without compromise.
Size guide
Size chart
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (kg) | 42~53 | 51~61 | 59~69 | 67~78 | 76~85 |
| Chest (cm) | 78~84 | 80~88 | 84~95 | 92~102 | 100~110 |
Product dimensions
Unit: cm
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 69 | 73 | 75 | 77 | 80 |
| Shoulder width | 36.5 | 40.5 | 42.5 | 45.5 | 49.5 |
| Body width | 52 | 57 | 59.5 | 63.5 | 68.5 |
| Hem width | 49.5 | 54.5 | 57 | 61 | 66 |
| Sleeve Length | 65.5 | 67 | 68.5 | 70 | 71.5 |
| Sleeve Opening | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 |
※Due to fabric stretch and sewing discrepancies, there may be differences between actual measurements and the dimensions stated.
※Shrinkage of the fabric may occur with wear and washing, causing dimensions to change over time.
Fitting
Oji 176cm 60kg
Size L (Navy)
Oji 176cm 60kg
Size L (Navy)
Shiori 167cm 55kg
Size M (Nomad x Olive)
Shiori 167cm 55kg
Size M (Nomad x Olive)
Daiki 164cm 54kg
Size S (Black)
Daiki 164cm 54kg
Size M (Navy)
Atsushi 169cm 54kg
Size S (Nomad x Olive)
Atsushi 169cm 54kg
Size S (Olive x Nomad)
Taka 171cm 60kg
Size S (Black)
Taka 171cm 60kg
Size S (Navy)
Oji 176cm 60kg
Size M (Black)
Oji 176cm 60kg
Size M (Navy)
Seiichi 177cm 73kg
Size XL (Nomad x Olive)
Seiichi 177cm 73kg
Size XL (Olive x Nomad)
Kenken 183cm 77kg
Size L (Black)
Kenken 183cm 77kg
Size L (Navy)
Daiki 164cm 54kg
Size S (Black)
Daiki 164cm 54kg
Size M (Navy)
Atsushi 169cm 54kg
Size S (Nomad x Olive)
Atsushi 169cm 54kg
Size S (Olive x Nomad)
Taka 171cm 60kg
Size S (Black)
Taka 171cm 60kg
Size S (Navy)
Oji 176cm 60kg
Size M (Black)
Oji 176cm 60kg
Size M (Navy)
Seiichi 177cm 73kg
Size XL (Nomad x Olive)
Seiichi 177cm 73kg
Size XL (Olive x Nomad)
Kenken 183cm 77kg
Size L (Black)
Kenken 183cm 77kg
Size L (Navy)
Kotone 153cm 44kg
Size XS (Nomad x Olive)
Kotone 153cm 44kg
Size S (Olive x Nomad)
Mayuka 156cm 45kg
Size XS (Black)
Mayuka 156cm 45kg
Size S (Navy)
Miho 159cm 51kg
Size XS (Nomad x Olive)
Miho 159cm 51kg
Size S (Olive x Nomad)
Hitomi 164cm 50kg
Size S (Black)
Hitomi 164cm 50kg
Size M (Navy)
Shiori 167cm 55kg
Size S (Nomad x Olive)
Shiori 167cm 55kg
Size M (Olive x Nomad)
Hana 169cm 57.5kg
Size S (Navy)
Hana 169cm 57.5kg
Size M (Black)
Mirei 172cm 60kg
Size M (Navy)
Mirei 172cm 60kg
Size L (Black)
Kotone 153cm 44kg
Size XS (Nomad x Olive)
Kotone 153cm 44kg
Size S (Olive x Nomad)
Mayuka 156cm 45kg
Size XS (Black)
Mayuka 156cm 45kg
Size S (Navy)
Miho 159cm 51kg
Size XS (Nomad x Olive)
Miho 159cm 51kg
Size S (Olive x Nomad)
Hitomi 164cm 50kg
Size S (Black)
Hitomi 164cm 50kg
Size M (Navy)
Shiori 167cm 55kg
Size S (Nomad x Olive)
Shiori 167cm 55kg
Size M (Olive x Nomad)
Hana 169cm 57.5kg
Size S (Navy)
Hana 169cm 57.5kg
Size M (Black)
Mirei 172cm 60kg
Size M (Navy)
Mirei 172cm 60kg
Size L (Black)
Instructions
Care instructions
The titanium coating on the back of the fabric can gradually wear off due to friction caused by daily washing. The proper care with the right washing method can help maintain the titanium coating.*
*The amount of titanium particles washed away is minimal and considered to be harmless for the environment.
- Machine wash, gentle or delicate. Use the laundry net bag.
- Avoid bleach or detergent that contains enzymes as they might discolor the fabric due to the chemical reaction with the metal. Use neutral detergent.
- Do not soak in detergent for a long period of time as it can accelerate the delamination of the titanium coating.
- Wring gently after washing and line dry in the shade.
- Do not iron. Do not dry-clean.
- If necessary, wash to remove fuzz from the fabric before first use.
Care Guide
Visit our Care Guide for more infomation on how to maintain your Yamatomichi gear.
Restoring loft and warmth
The lofted fibers used in YamatoMichi’s active insulation are lightweight, breathable, and provide comfortable warmth. However, with continued use, these fibers can become flattened, which may reduce warmth.
If this happens, gently brush the fibers in their natural direction using a metal stuffed-animal grooming brush. Our internal testing shows that this simple care method can help restore loft and improve warmth.
At YamatoMichi retail stores, we offer in-store brushing support, and staff can show you how to do it properly. If you’re unsure about caring for your item at home, feel free to ask us for help.
*This method helps restore loft to flattened fibers, but fibers lost through wear cannot be replaced.
The degree of warmth recovery will vary depending on the condition of the product.
Before Brushing
After Brushing
What You’ll Need
- A metal grooming brush for stuffed animals
How to Restore Loft
- Lay the area you want to revive as flat as possible.
- Gently brush the flattened fibers several times in one direction.
- Once the loft stands up again, you’re done.
Notes
- Avoid brushing too hard, as it may damage the fabric.
- Only brush when the fabric is completely dry.
- The degree of loft recovery will 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.
Deliver
- 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.