The cold, low-temperature mountainous regions of Tohoku and the Hakuba area, with its steep peaks, experience particularly harsh winter conditions. Backcountry guides must ensure the safety of their guests in these snowy mountains, so it's important to keep their clothing in top condition so they can move freely. We asked professional guides based in Hakuba and the Shinetsu area about their layering know-how
*For detailed information on the guide club, click on the guide club name
TEREMARK & MOUNTAIN GUIDE IDEHA｜Takahiro Ishizawa
Even in minus 20 degree temperatures, these three pieces
High season layering
Outer layer:ARC'TERYX | Rash Jacket Men's & Saber Bib Pants Men's
Middle layer:ARC'TERYX | Delta Hoodie Men's
Base layer:ARC'TERYX | Raw Merino Wool Crewneck Men's
How does it feel to use? (Impressions)
The ridge of Mt. Gassan where I am active is always hit by blizzards, and the perceived temperature is around minus 20 degrees Celsius. Even in that environment, I only wear the three layers mentioned above. The thick base layer doesn't trap too much heat even when hiking uphill, but it still provides good insulation. I
've been using this type of mid-layer, the DELTA, for many years. It has a hood, so it can be used as a balaclava, and best of all, the hood connects the neck and head, so snow and other things don't get in, which is very convenient. I wear it with my helmet on. I
've also been using the same type of outer layer, the RUSH JACKET, for many years. Its lightness, insulation, and the comfort of Gore-Tex Pro allow me to be comfortable even in the harsh environment of Mt. Gassan.
What about layering for spring?
Outer layer:ARC'TERYX | Alpha Jacket Men's & Rash Bib Pants Men's
Middle layer:ARC'TERYX | Delta Hoodie Men's
Base layer:ARC'TERYX | Cormac Crew Long Sleeve Men's
Recently, temperatures have been rising since the latter half of March and snowmelt has progressed, making it almost too hot up to an altitude of about 1000m, but at around 2000m it's still as cold as the middle of winter, making it difficult to choose the right clothing. In such cases, I wear a light jacket such as the "INCENDO HOODY" when hiking up, and use the "ALPHA JACKET" when taking breaks or skiing. This combination can handle the small temperature changes in early spring, and it's very useful because it keeps my luggage compact. In particular, on very warm days during spring tours, I often spend the whole day in just this light jacket, the "INCENDO HOODY".
Reviewer
IDEHA| Takahiro Ishizawa
I was born and raised in a remote corner of Zao and grew up enjoying skiing in the fields and mountains from a young age. I have been guiding on Mt. Gassan for 27 years, and I never get tired of the joy of skiing in this area. I guide because I want to share this excitement with others. I also work as a drone pilot for Cocoheli, helping to search for lost people in mountain areas and promoting safe mountain climbing
Spur Akita Mountain Guide Service | Mariko Sato
I tend to sweat easily and get overheated easily, so I layer like this
High season layering
Outer layer:ELEVENATE | Bec de Rosses XL Jacket & Pants
Middle layer:Patagonia | Nano-Air
Base layer:Patagonia | Capilene Thermal Hoodie / MILLET | Drynamic Mesh 3/4 Sleeve
How does it feel to use? (Impressions)
The outer shell has just the right amount of room, yet the fabric is not wasted and it's sturdy, so there are few areas that feel stressful, such as around the elbows, shoulders, back, knees, and thighs when lifting my legs. I like that it fits my body type, and I also like the silhouette, design, and color. I
sweat a lot and get hot easily, so I always need to wear an extra layer between my base layer and my skin, otherwise the shirt sticks to my skin and I get chilled from sweat, so a drynamic shirt is indispensable.
I have a history of knee injuries and I'm active every day, so support tights are also indispensable for daily recovery and support. If everything fits properly, unnecessary movements are eliminated and fatigue is reduced.
What about layering for spring?
The outer shell remains the same, but the mid-layer stays in the pack. For base layers, I wear Patagonia's Tropic Comfort Natural Hoody, MILLET's Drynamic Mesh Tank Top, and c3fit's Impact Breeze Long Tights
Are there any other ideas you have added?
During the spring season, wind shells are used much more frequently than outer shells, and I love the "La Bise Jacket" from State of Elevenate
Reviewer:
Spur Akita Mountain Guide Service| Mariko Sato
He competed in alpine skiing until high school, then moved on to basic skiing. He has competed in the All Japan Ski Technical Championships. Something happened that made him fall in love with mountain skiing, and he decided to become a guide, studying at the International Natural Environment and Outdoor College (i-nac) and becoming a professional guide
Telemark School & Ski Guide Izumiya AK.T
Choose something that is comfortable for long climbs and the wide range of motion of telemark skiing, and that has good heat retention
High season layering
Outer layer:SCOTT | Explorer 3L
Middle layer:Patagonia | R1 Pullover Hoodie
Base layer:Patagonia | Men's Capilene Midweight Crew
How does it feel to use? (Impressions)
Shell: Excellent waterproofing and breathability, soft and stretchy, and comfortable even on long climbs or with the wide range of motion required for telemark skiing.
Mid-layer: Extremely thin, almost like a base layer, yet provides good insulation. The hood functions as a balaclava, keeping the head and neck warm.
What about layering for spring?
Instead of the mid-layer "R1 Pullover Hoody," I wear the base layer "Capilene Hoody" and then layer another thin layer of Capilene (March to April)
Are there any other ideas you have added?
I always bring along a Patagonia Nano Puff Hoodie, which can be compressed into a small size to keep warm
Reviewer
Telemark School & Ski Guide Izumiya AK.T| Kenji Akutsu
He currently lives in Minamiaizu, where he runs a Nango tomato farm in the summer and telemark school and ski guide Izumiya AK.T in the winter
GRANIX mountain guid｜Arakawa Satoshi
Layer with your favorite breathable and warm Haglöfs items
High season layering
Outer layer:Haglöfs | Vassi GTX Pro JKT & PANTS
Middle layer:Haglöfs | Vassi Mid Hood Men
Base layer:Haglöfs | Natural Blend Tech Crew Neck Men
How does it feel to use? (Impressions)
I'm using a larger size for the outer shell. It allows for unrestricted movement during both hiking and riding, making it very easy to move around in. Furthermore, the air layer between the outer shell and mid-layer keeps me warm, and I love that the Haglöfs Vassi GTX Pro's 40D fabric is durable, highly breathable, and has large ventilation, preventing any stuffiness.
I also like the slightly longer length of the Haglöfs Vassi GTX Pro, which is suitable for deep powder and provides excellent insulation. It has many pockets, which are convenient for storing things I want to access quickly or small items to help guests with. The combination of the mid-layer "Vassi Mid Hood Men" and the base layer "Natural Blend Tech Crew Neck Men" works very well, providing excellent insulation and breathability, as well as quick-drying properties, making it very useful.
What about layering for spring?
The temperature is higher than in the dead of winter, and I have more opportunities to go on long routes. I use an outer shell that is smaller than in winter and can withstand sudden storms. It is also lighter in weight, so I am also mindful of the burden when taking it off and putting it in my backpack. I love the "Haglöfs Spitz GTX PRO Jacket Men."
Are there any other ideas you have added?
In the dead of winter, I try to climb at a pace that minimizes sweating, but I still end up sweating. I prioritize breathability and quick-drying properties, and I also prepare for hypothermia by wearing inner down jackets that have excellent heat retention
Reviewer:
GRANIX mountain guide|Satoshi Arakawa
Hoping to provide guests with the best backcountry experience, he mainly works in the mountainous areas of Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture. In the summer, he guides around mountain areas in Japan as a mountain guide. Guide experience: 13 years
COLOR SPORT CLUB ｜Tomohiro Sagawa
Enjoy a great skiing experience with this layering!
High season layering
Outer layer:PERMANENT UNION | KOVAL JACKET & KOVAL BIB PANTS
Middle layer:ACLIMA | HotWool Polo W/Zip + PERMANENT UNION | scapa jacket (*Both items are no longer available as they have been discontinued)
Base layer:ACLIMA | WoolNet Crew Neck & WoolNet 3/4 Longs + LightWool Sports Shirt & LightWool Longs
How does it feel to use? (Impressions)
The base absorbs sweat and lets it escape, leaving no room for reversal. The wool mid-layer is soft to the touch and moves with your body effortlessly, the synthetic cotton jacket also functions as a wind shell, and the PERMANENT UNIO outer layer adds elegance to your life on the snow. This will be a wonderful skiing experience
What about layering for spring?
The basic layering is as above, but each layer should be thin
Are there any other ideas you have added?
Keep your head and ears warm, wear overgloves on your hands, and if you're going to be out for a very long time, wear a synthetic cotton jacket over the outer shell to increase breathability and keep your body humid and comfortable
Reviewer:
COLOR SPORT CLUB|Tomohiro Tonegawa
He is a pioneer who built the backcountry ski scene that continues to this day. Since the early 1990s, he has turned his attention to off-piste skiing, pioneering the mountain ski scene in the harsh winter. Even after achieving the development of the entire Hakuba ski field, which is now synonymous with his name, his pioneering work continues
Kuroda Mountain Guide Office | Kuroda Makoto
It's hard to get hot while walking, so wearing thin layers is good
High season layering
Outer layer:Patagonia | Men's Super Free Alpine Jacket
Middle layer:Patagonia | Men's Airshed Pro Pullover / Men's Capilene Thermal Hoodie
Base layer:Smartwool | Men's All Season Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip
How does it feel to use? (Impressions)
Personally, I find wool base layers reliable and I like them. When I have to stop moving due to trouble, my body doesn't get cold easily. When walking, I think layering thin clothes that don't get too hot works well. For
shells, I prefer climbing shells over heavy ski shells because they don't strain my shoulders and are reliable in bad weather. Since the shell is often in my backpack, it's best to choose one that's as lightweight as possible. A powder skirt is also unnecessary.
What about layering for spring?
I usually wear a lightweight Icebreaker wool T-shirt and a Patagonia Airshed Pro pullover. For day trips, I use softshell pants with a light rain jacket as a backup, and for overnight stays, I use Black Diamond Activeshell pants
Are there any other ideas you have added?
I try to walk slowly so that I don't need to take breaks as much as possible. If possible, I'd like to walk for about 1.5 hours without stopping
Reviewer:
Kuroda Mountain Guide OfficeMakotoKuroda,
With private guides for small groups, we support original mountain trips suited to each level. We provide services that value not only skiing but also the spirit of travel
Masaaki Sato
High season layering
Outer layer:Rab Generator Apine Jacket + Rab Khroma Diffuse GTX Jacket & Rab Khroma Diffuse GTX pants
Middle layer:Rab Ascendor Hoody
Base layer:Thin synthetic blend base layer made of mesh or merino wool, such as Finetrack
How does it feel to use? (Impressions)
I sweat a lot, even in the middle of winter, so I often hike without a jacket. Rab uses Gore-Tex, but the price is affordable, which is great. Rab's clothing is developed through extensive field testing in the UK, where it rains a lot, just like in Japan, so I feel it's more water-resistant and reliable than clothing from other European manufacturers. Hakuba is also an environment where you walk through wet snow, and it starts to freeze as you gain altitude. Also, it's very windy in Hakuba, so a mid-layer without a hood is essential.
The pants have a good cut, so they're easy to hug around the legs, and I don't feel any stress while skiing.
What about layering for spring?
It's basically the same. I wear a thin mid-layer, like a Rab Force hoody or a synthetic shirt
Are there any other ideas you have added?
Instead of down, I like to wear a Primaloft jacket over my shell so I can throw it on right away. Even if it gets all mushy in my pack, the loft doesn't change and I don't have to worry about handling it. On days when it looks like it might be snowing wet, I like to wear a soft shell as my mid-layer
Reviewer:
Masaaki Sato
He has been fond of skiing since he was a child, and has had experience in competitive and basic skiing, moving to Hakuba Village at the age of 20. He became interested in backcountry skiing at the age of 24. He gained experience at Port Snow Hakuba and Power Zone Hakuba before going independent