UL All-weather Hoody
UNISEX
SPEC
Material
Pertex Shield Air (100% Nylon) 58g/㎡
C6 DWR
Weight
106g(Size S)
110g(Size M)
118g(Size L)
128g(Size XL)
Made in Akita, Japan

Introduction

All-weather Activewear

When hiking a steep incline, windy ridgeline, or in the pouring rain, this All-weather Activewear keeps you comfortable anytime, anywhere.

Our All-weather series, using the Pertex Shield Air, is significantly lighter than other conventional breathable moisture-permeable jackets. The fabric’s superior breathability makes the jackets work as equally well as a windshell or as a rain jacket.

The UL All-weather Hoody features our proprietary no-zipper design to minimize rain penetration. Being lighter than a T-shirt, It is so soft and flexible that you almost forget that you are wearing it.

Product Story

Intriguing New Gear

Akira Natsume, Yamatomichi Founder

The UL All-weather series is quite different from your regular rainwear.

It’s best to think of it as a new category of gear altogether. Some caution is needed when using, but if used right it will take you even further.

Nori KO, wearing the Blue color.

With proper use, it will bring you overwhelming comfort and joy on your next hike.

I first heard about Pertex Shield Air, the material adopted for the UL-All-weather series, about three years ago. At the time, we were conducting research on rainwear at the Yamatomichi Lab. Interested in our research results, Pertex contacted us and provided us with sample fabrics of the Pertex Shield Air before it was officially released.

Initially, I thought that with Pertex Shield Air I could make new rainwear that was simply lighter and more breathable than the NeoShell (an air/moisture-permeable waterproof fabric).

However, the potential for the fabric was far more profound than that. During a field test I conducted at Taisetsuzan Hokkaido at the end of August, I realized that there was a need to differentiate this amazing fabric from traditional rainwear.

There are no trees on the ridges of Taisetsuzan in Hokkaido, and no place to take refuge. In this environment, with strong winds and light rain, I wore a prototype jacket using Pertex Shield Air and was pleased with the comfort and dryness it provided in active situations. However, I noticed that my body heat was immediately ventilated outside during my breaks.

Rainwear is usually known to protect you from the wind and is able to somewhat retain body heat. The All-weather series is different. It is as if the jacket is telling you “Don’t stop moving!” We can’t deny the benefits it brings in terms of dryness, and breathability, but we also cannot deny the lack of heat retention when resting. In other words, it is difficult to keep warm with this garment alone, especially in bad weather.

To be honest, I was a bit worried. I thought that if the wearer used this fabric without knowing its flaws, it could be truly dangerous.

For ages, I have been wishing for rainwear that could be worn at all times, and rainwear that had a little bit more breathability. I went as far as thinking that fabrics that weren’t breathable were no good. But that was not the case. Excellent breathability will vent the heat out but will lead to less heat retention in bad weather. On the contrary, rainwear with high thermal insulation tends to trap heat and become stuffy during activities.

While it excites me that the gear I wanted took shape, I also worried at times. I’ve come to realize that the Pertex Shield Pro, the fabric used for our UL Rain series, has a good balance of warmth and breathability.

But in the end, I decided to release this product because I was thrilled that the answer I had been seeking for many years had finally taken shape and because I truly felt from the bottom of my heart that this fabric would make very interesting gear.

Choosing the right gear may differ depending on its purpose. There is no doubt that this is a garment that active hikers and trail runners have been on the lookout for many years, but it may not be the best fit for those who are not looking to stay highly active while hiking.

To conclude, I could have used a lighter material, but since I decided to use the name “All-weather,” I wanted to maintain a certain level of durability and strength, as well as a sense of elasticity, so I was particular about the combination of outer and inner fabrics for the garment. Ultrasonic welding has also evolved.

At first glance, you may think, “What’s changed from the UL Rain series?”
But trust me, they are very different.

(June 2021)

Form and Function

All-weather Activewear: A Novel Product Category

The UL All-weather Hoody offers overwhelming breathability compared to conventional rainwear. It has evolved into a new product category we call “All-weather Activewear” equally suitable for sunny and rainy days.

Its excellent ventilation performance lets the heat out and keeps you dry when running or going uphill, even when normal rainwear is too humid and warm to wear. The 10,000mm water pressure resistance will protect you from getting wet in case of sudden rain.

Yamatomichi Journals featured our new product line, the All-weather Activewear in a series of three articles.

In the first part of a three-part series on rainwear, we will review the technological improvements of waterproof, moisture-permeable fabrics such as Pertex Shield Air, etc. In the second part, we will highlight each fabric through our in-house gear test. And finally, in the last part, we invite Mr. Tomoya Tsuchiya of Hikers Depot and Mr. Kei Kuwahara of “Run boys! Run girls!” to discuss the current situation of rainwear. Don’t miss it!

Comparison with general mountaineering rainwear

The chart below shows a comparison between the UL All-Weather Series and general mountaineering rainwear (assumed to be products weighing 200-300g that use breathable waterproof membranes such as Gore-Tex).

General rainwear tends to have excellent insulation, but poor breathability and a tendency to trap heat. However, the UL All-Weather Series is lightweight, highly breathable, and does not trap heat even during intense activity.

However, due to its high breathability, the UL All-Weather Series may sometimes make the wearer feel cold in strong winds. Therefore, proper layering is necessary when using it to ensure warmth.

Overwhelming Ventilation

What’s so special about the Pertex Shield Air? It’s a novel nanofiber fabric that is permeable not only by moisture but also by air. This air/moisture-permeability creates a truly unique kind of breathability.

We tested the breathability of the Pertex Shield Air of the UL All-weather series and the existing UL Rain Hoody (PU Shinsui), the Pertex Shield fabric. The test method is as follows:

The test fabric is placed in the middle of the tester. The upper half of the tester has some water in it, while the lower half is empty (filled with air). When the lower half is pressurized by the pump, the fabric lets the air pass, and bubbles are created in the upper half. The more air that passes through, the more bubbles are created. The Pertex Shield with no air-permeability does not generate air bubbles. On the other hand, the Shield Air creates many air bubbles, indicating its high air-permeability.

World's Lightest Nanofiber Rainwear

Weighing only 106g in Size S, our UL All-weather Hoody is the world’s lightest air-permeable rain jacket made of nanofiber membrane, among other nanofiber jackets including Neoshell and Futurelight.

The no-zipper design achieves unparalleled comfort, making the Hoody so light that you may forget you are wearing it.

Rainproof Simple Design

Even fully waterproof rainwear may allow rain to penetrate through zippers, stitching, cuffs, and face. This is why the UL All-weather Hoody has no zippers to reduce stitches at the shoulders and chest using the special pattern. The UL All-weather Hoody uses an ample amount of fabrics to minimize the number of fabric joints.

The UL All-weather Hoody’s paper pattern. Except for the hood part, it is made of a single sheet of fabric.

Advanced Ultrasonic Welding

Usually, the stitching of the rainwear is seam-taped from the back to prevent water penetration. However, seam tape lacks durability, and water may seep through seams due to deterioration over time.

The UL All-weather series adopts ultrasonic welding, the latest technology that melts and welds the fabrics together by the heat of ultrasonic vibration. This method creates no stitch holes with less damage to the fabric, minimizing the risk of water penetration from the seams due to deterioration with age.

Yamatomichi has teamed up with one of a few craftsmen and factories in Akita Prefecture that are capable of ultrasonic welding and is developing new technologies to make better products.

New technology allows the fabric to be layered and then welded together, making it even more durable, stronger, and waterproof than its predecessor, the UL Rain series.

Details

The Hoody features a seamless and sophisticated design.

Your face and chin should not be covered by the hood. If they are covered, rain on the face may drip down inside the rainwear and you may get wet.

The hem can be tightened in a single action with a drawstring.

The cuffs are partially stretchable to keep out the rain.

New technology allows the fabric to be layered and then welded together for enhanced durability, strength, and waterproof performance.

The body and neck parts are designed roomy for better ventilation, cooling performance, and for ease of wearing.

UL All-weather Series

UL All-weather series has five products: The standard “Hoody”, lengthened “Long Hoody”, double-zippered “Jacket”, zippered and pocketed “Coat”, and a pair of “Pants”. The features of each product are as follows:

UL All-weather Long Hoody

Weight: 130g (Size S)
Features: Much lighter than the set of rain jacket and pants. Long enough to wear without rain pants, offering a sense of freedom around the legs.
Application:
Ultralight hiking. The length makes it difficult to see your feet, so use it with caution on rocky ridges.

UL All-weather Jacket

Weight: 144g (Size XS)
Features: Double-zipper allows for easy ventilation and taking off/putting on
Applicaion: Trail running, fast-packing.

UL All-weather Coat

Weight: 192g (Size XS)
Features: Packable with large front pocket. Waterproof Vislon zipper.
Application: Daily use. Ultralight hiking. The length makes it difficult to see your feet, so use it with caution on rocky ridges.

UL All-weather Pants

Weight: 80g (Size XS)
Features: Waterproof yet air-permeable. Can be worn on the move even when sunny.
Application: Ultralight hiking. Trail running. Fast-packing.

UL All-weather Hoody

Weight: 106g (Size S)
Features: The lightest among the series. No-zipper design allows for lightness and comfort.
Application: UL Hiking

UL All-weather Long Hoody

Weight: 130g (Size S)
Features: Much lighter than the set of rain jacket and pants. Long enough to wear without rain pants, offering a sense of freedom around the legs.
Application:
Ultralight hiking. The length makes it difficult to see your feet, so use it with caution on rocky ridges.

UL All-weather Jacket

Weight: 144g (Size XS)
Features: Double-zipper allows for easy ventilation and taking off/putting on
Applicaion: Trail running, fast-packing.

UL All-weather Coat

Weight: 192g (Size XS)
Features: Packable with large front pocket. Waterproof Vislon zipper.
Application: Daily use. Ultralight hiking. The length makes it difficult to see your feet, so use it with caution on rocky ridges.

UL All-weather Pants

Weight: 80g (Size XS)
Features: Waterproof yet air-permeable. Can be worn on the move even when sunny.
Application: Ultralight hiking. Trail running. Fast-packing.

UL All-weather Hoody

Weight: 106g (Size S)
Features: The lightest among the series. No-zipper design allows for lightness and comfort.
Application: UL Hiking

Weakness

Water Repellency Won’t Last Long

It is said that the thicker the fabric, the more water-repellent agent it contains, so thicker fabrics have a more enduring water-repellent performance. The UL All-weather series, however, uses a very thin, breathable fabric for the surface to maximize lightness and air-permeability. This means that it has enough water repellency when it’s used for the first time, but this gets weakened quicker than other more heavy waterproof jackets.

The All-weather turns the water into droplets and repels them well, but as the water repellency weakens, the water remains on the surface like a water film, hindering the moisture-permeability. Consequently, the moisture builds up inside the jacket, resulting in wetting out.

Thus, the UL All-weather series requires regular maintenance to restore water repellency by washing after the hike to remove dirt and applying heat in a tumble dryer or hairdryer. Water repellency can be restored by the water repellent detergent, if necessary.

Layering Methods

Most rainwear provides a certain level of heat retention by allowing moisture to build up inside of the garment. However, the UL All-weather series has overwhelming breathability, and the heat generated by the body is always ventilated outside the garment. Keep in mind that you will need to be creative with your layering if you want to focus on keeping warm when resting.

So, we’d like to introduce the layering suggestions for the All-weather series by Tomoya Tsuchiya (Hikers Depot), Kei Kuwabara (Run boys! Run girls!), and Yamatomichi Lab (Akira Natsume and Takahiro Watanabe), who collaborated with us in “Yamatomichi Lab Special Issue: All-weather Activewear #3: Tomoya Tsuchiya x Kei Kuwahara x Yamatomichi Lab Trilogy”

Tomoya Tsuchiya’s (Hiker’s Depot) layering

+Sil-Poncho (Trail Bum Gnu Cape)

A UL hiker’s classic, a sil-nylon poncho but not as rain gear, but as an extra layer to improve warmth. The combination of rain gear and rain gear may seem odd at first glance, but it is a rational layering that uses the lightweight poncho to compensate for the lack of warmth of the highly-breathable All-weather jacket.

+Synthetic Insulation (Trail Bum Boaster Jacket)

A synthetic fiber insulation, worn like a belay jacket. The synthetic fiber cotton will not lose its warmth even if it gets a little wet, and it is windproof with few cold spots.

Kei Kuwahara’s (Run boys! Run girls!) layering

+First Layer (Onyone Breath Tech PP)

In running, the sweat you produce during exercise tends to lower your body temperature during when not moving. By wearing a hydrophobic first layer under your base layer, you can prevent sweat from adhering to the surface of your skin, which in turn prevents cold sweats.

+Lightweight insulation (The North Face VENTRIX Trail Jacket)

Kuwabara’s idea for layering was based on what would fit in his trail running bag. He chose a 150g lightweight trail running insulation jacket, A windshell binded with thin insulation, to go with the All-weather to keep his body warm when not moving.

Akira Natsume’s (Yamatomichi) layering

+Active Insulation (Yamatomichi Alpha Vest)

The founder and director Akira, layered a Polartec Alpha Vest from Yamatomichi, which will be released this upcoming fall. The highly breathable All-weather and the equally breathable active insulation are a perfect match.

+Emergency Blanket (SOL Survival Blanket)

An emergency blanket that doubles up as groundsheet and a blanket. The fundamentals in reducing weight is to have multi functional gear. UL hikers who want to do The emergency blankets are ultralight and surprisingly great at retaining heat.

Takahiro Watanabe’s (Yamatomichi Lab) layering

+Sleeves (C3 Fit Inspiration Arm Sleeves)

Watanabe is a runner who likes high-intensity trail running. When layering over short sleeves, no matter how breathable the all-weather material is, the arms that are in direct contact with the bare skin can feel uncomfortable and cold due to sweat clinging to them, which can be eliminated by wearing arm covers.

+Merino & Haramaki (Yamatomichi Alpha Haramaki & 100% Merino Hoody)

The moisture-wicking Yamatomichi Merino Hoody as an inner layer, combined with the breathable Polartec Alpha Haramaki wrapped around the stomach, allows you to prevent overheating, while also preventing cold sweats, especially at night or in bad weather.

Related Yamatomichi Journals

Yamatomichi Lab Special Issue: All-weather Activewear #1-3

Material

Pertex Shield Air

The Pertex Shield Air is a novel fabric developed by Pertex to further improve water pressure resistance, washing resistance, and overall quality from existing nanofiber membranes.

Nanofiber membranes are net-like structures made of extremely fine polyurethane (PU) fibers that are water repellent (hydrophobic). They have a sponge-like structure with many micropores, allowing the air and moisture to pass through. This air-permeability creates exceptional comfort within the clothes.

The Pertex Shield Air is much lighter than conventional nanofiber fabrics, with a weight of 50g/㎡ to 60g/㎡. For breathability and durability, our proprietary version of Shield Air has 15 denier nylon fabric (40 denier ripstop) as the outer layer and 7 denier nylon as the inner layer. This combination makes it much lighter and more breathable than other nanofiber-based, waterproof moisture-permeable fabrics.

Material:
Pertex Shield Air (100% Nylon) 58g/㎡

Facing: 15d/5f+40d/34f, ripstop

Lining: 7d tricot

C6 DWR (Durable Water Repellent)

Spec:
Tear strength measured by JIS L 1096 D (In-house test)
Vertical: 4kg, Horizontal: 3kg

Tensile strength measured by JIS L 1096 A (In-house test)
Vertical: 42kg, Horizontal: 31kg

Air-permeability measured by JIS 1096 A (Catalog spec)
0.4cc/(㎠・s)

Moisture-permeability measured by JIS L 1099 A-1 (Catalog spec)
10000g/㎡/day

Moisture-permeability measured by JIS L 1099 B-1 (Catalog spec)
10000g/㎡/day

Water pressure resistance measured by JIS L 1092 B (Catalog spec)
10000mm or more

Size guide

Recommended Size

Unisex
Size S M L XL
Weight (kg) 51~61 59~69 67~78 76~85
Chest (cm) 80~88 84~95 92~102 100~110

Product Size

Unisex
Unit: cm
Size S M L XL
Length 72 74 76.5 79
Body Width 57 61 66 72
Hem Width 57 61 66 72
Neck to Sleeve 84 86.5 89.5 93
Sleeve Opening 9.7 10 10.2 10.5

Hide 178cm-68kg
Size L (Navy)

Hide 178cm-68kg
Size L (Navy)

Hikari 163cm-49kg
Size S (Nomad 2022)

Hikari 163cm-49kg
Size S (Nomad 2022)

Ken 168cm-52kg
Size S (Steel Gray 2023)

Ken 168cm-52kg
Size M (Navy)

Ippei 172cm-62kg
Size M (Red 2023)

Ippei 172cm-62kg
Size L (Sand Yellow 2023)

Kim 175cm-70kg
Size M (Navy)

Kim 175cm-70kg
Size L (Sand Yellow 2023)

Pony 173cm-76kg
Size L (Red 2023)

Pony 173cm-76kg
Size XL (Granite Green 2023)

Tsuka 183cm-65kg
Size L (Granite Green 2023)

Tsuka 183cm-65kg
Size XL (Black)

Ken 168cm-52kg
Size S (Steel Gray 2023)

Ken 168cm-52kg
Size M (Navy)

Ippei 172cm-62kg
Size M (Red 2023)

Ippei 172cm-62kg
Size L (Sand Yellow 2023)

Kim 175cm-70kg
Size M (Navy)

Kim 175cm-70kg
Size L (Sand Yellow 2023)

Pony 173cm-76kg
Size L (Red 2023)

Pony 173cm-76kg
Size XL (Granite Green 2023)

Tsuka 183cm-65kg
Size L (Granite Green 2023)

Tsuka 183cm-65kg
Size XL (Black)

Nana 151cm-47kg
Size S (Sand Yellow 2023)

Eriko 158cm-47kg
Size S (Navy)

Kanade 161cm-56kg
Size S (Sand Yellow 2023)

Hikaru 165cm-59kg
Size S (Navy)

Hikaru 165cm-59kg
Size M (Navy 2023)

Yumiko 170cm-59kg
Size M (Steel Gray 2023)

Nana 151cm-47kg
Size S (Sand Yellow 2023)

Eriko 158cm-47kg
Size S (Navy)

Kanade 161cm-56kg
Size S (Sand Yellow 2023)

Hikaru 165cm-59kg
Size S (Navy)

Hikaru 165cm-59kg
Size M (Navy 2023)

Yumiko 170cm-59kg
Size M (Steel Gray 2023)

Instructions

Please Note

  • The UL All-weather product is our ultralight waterproof rainwear made of ultrathin, moisture-permeable fabric. Please handle it with care as it can be torn or ripped when rubbed against rocks or scratched by spiky branches.
  • The UL All-weather product is comfortable when you are on the move in a relatively warm environment. However, it is less warm than normal water-resistant jackets or winter hard shells so we strongly recommend you wear a merino wool base layer to keep you warm especially when severe weather is to be expected.
  • To maximize moisture-permeability, after-use care is necessary. The performances of the membrane, the performances of the facing and lining can be impaired by dirt, sweat, skin oil, or other substances. Please follow the washing instructions of each product to properly wash, dry, and keep it clean.
  • When the surface water-repellent coating is hindered, so is moisture-permeability. If you notice the water repellency has been weakened, tumble dry at low temperature or apply heat by the hairdryer to restore the water repellency. Please note that initial water repellency is meant to be weakened by repeated washing. Use water repellents for regular care.
  • The UL All-weather products use ultralight, thin microporous fabric. Vaseline, insect repellent, and ethanol-containing substances such as hair creams, cosmetics, and sunscreens may stain the fabric. They may also hinder the water-permeability of the fabric.

Care Instructions

  • Machine wash, gentle at 30°C.
  • Use rainwear-specific detergent or a neutral detergent that does not contain bleaching, softening, or brightening agents.
  • Wash separately or use a laundry net bag.
  • Apply detergent diluted with water and wash with a soft sponge if badly stained. Do not scrub the surface joints or the seam tape on the back.
  • If necessary, tumble dry the garment at a upper limit of 60°C to restore water repellency.
  • Do not bleach and do not use fabric softener.
  • Iron on low. Do not steam.
  • Do not dry-clean.
  • Vaseline, insect repellent, and ethanol-containing substances such as hair creams, cosmetics and sunscreens may stain the fabric. They may also hinder the water-permeability of the fabric.

Care Instruction Page

For more detailed washing, drying and water repellent care instructions, visit our SUPPORT Page. With proper care you can prolong the funtionality of the 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.

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.