Snowy mountains are always side by side with the risk of bad weather and extreme cold. During severe winters, you may experience blizzards and low temperatures, and in Haruyama, you may be forced to hike for long hours in the strong sunlight. Even in such harsh natural conditions, backcountry guides must act appropriately while protecting the safety of guests. For that reason, it is important to maintain a condition that allows you to move firmly. We asked the pros how they layered in the mountains and what their impressions were.
* For detailed information on the guide club, click the guide club name and go to the guide club introduction page on STEEP!
Bantei ~bamboo tail~ ｜Yuu Takeo
Choice that emphasizes behavior and functionality to ensure safety are also important points
high season layering
Outer layer: Marmot | Spire Jacket
Middle layer: Marmot | Marmot 1000 Ease Down Parka
Base layer: Marmot | HEAT NAVI L/S Zip
How does it feel to use it? (impression)
I am conscious of not getting cold as much as possible when the weather is bad. I choose clothes that are windproof, waterproof, and breathable, as well as ones that keep me warm on dry days.
What's your spring season layering routine?
Quick-drying first layer + thin outerwear Because you sweat easily, quick-drying is important. Winter clothes are essential as it can get cold even in spring.
Reviewer
Bantei -bamboo tail-
Yu TAKEO
[Main guide area] Hakuba area
[Profile]
20 years of experience as a guide.
Main Sponsor: K2, Marmot We are conveying the fun of riding in the backcountry by making use of nearly 30 years of snowboarding experience.
He is also focusing on backcountry safety promotion activities such as the development of beacon checkers and seminars for beginners. [Qualifications]
・JMGA Ski/Snowboard Guide Stage II
・Mountaineering Guide Stage II
CIRCLE GAME guide service ｜Shohei Sasaki
The trick with layering is not to be lazy
high season layering
Outer layer: klattermusen ｜ Brage 2.0 Jacket ＋Brage 2.0 Salopette
Middle layer : klattermusen ｜ Nal vest, Njorun 2.0 Hoodie
Base layer : klattermusen ｜ huge crew, fafne Tights Overdown
: klattermusen ｜ atle 2.0 jacket, heidrun 2.0 shorts
How does it feel to use it? (impression)
The outer shell is loosely sized and the fabric is very soft, so you can wear it all day without any stress.
The mid layer is a combination of hoody type fleece and wind shell vest. I like that I can make detailed adjustments, such as taking off the fleece and wearing a vest over my base layer so I don't overheat. The overdown is a size that can be worn over the outer shell. There are many days when I can't let go of the down from the time I'm preparing to run, run, and just before the start of the next climb. It's easier and warmer to wear down than to wear it inside the outer shell, so I recommend it.
What's your spring season layering routine?
Change the top of the base layer to thin wool. Other than that, I use the same ones as the high season.
Are there any additional tricks you've added?
It's not a trick, but if it's hot, take it off immediately, and if it's cold, put it back on. The trick with layering is to not get lazy. Once that is done, the next step is to take it off if it looks like it's going to get hot, and put it on if it looks like it's going to get cold. As you walk up the mountain, be aware of the route and conditions ahead, and anticipate the situation.
ReviewerCIRCLE
GAME guide
serviceShohei Sasaki
[Main guide area] All of Hokkaido
[Profile]
Born in Nanae Town, Hokkaido Based in Sapporo, he is a backcountry ski guide in winter and a wide range of Hokkaido nature guides in summer.
He likes to combine climbing and skiing. [Qualifications]
・JMGA Climbing Guide Stage Ⅱ
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage Ⅱ
・JAN Avalanche Worker Level 1
COLOR SPORT CLUB ｜Tomohiro Shakawa
Great ski life with this layering!
high season layering
Outer layer: PERMANENT UNION | KOVAL JACKET & KOVAL BIB PANTS
Middle layer: AKLIMA | HotWool Polo W/Zip + PERMANENT UNION | scapa jacket
Base layer: AKLIMA | WoolNet Crew Neck & WoolNet 3/4 Longs + LightWool Sports Shirt & LightWool Longs
How does it feel to use it? (impression)
The base absorbs sweat and doesn't come back, the midsole is made of wool material that feels good on the skin and follows your body's movements without stress, the synthetic cotton jacket that also functions as a wind shell, and the PERMANENT that gracefully directs your life on snow. Wear UNIO as an outerwear. It will be a wonderful ski life.
What's your spring season layering routine?
Basically, it will be layered as above, but each layer will be thin.
Are there any additional tricks you've added?
Warm the head including the ears, over gloves on the hands, etc. If it takes a lot of time, a synthetic cotton jacket is worn on the outer shell to increase the moisture permeability performance and increase the humidity comfort of the body.
Reviewer
COLOR SPORT CLUB
Tomohiro Tonegawa
]
Hakuba VALLEY (Hakuba, Otari, Omachi) / Others: Tateyama, Senjojiki, Myoko, Mt.
Since the early 1990s, he has turned his attention to the off-piste and opened up the mountain ski scene in the midwinter. Pioneer work continues even after achieving field development throughout Hakuba, which is synonymous. [Qualifications]
・JMGA Mountain Guide Stage Ⅱ
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage Ⅱ
・JAN Avalanche Worker Level 2
Epic Japan ｜Akiko Nakae
Emphasis on materials and pocket layouts and frequent layer adjustments
high season layering
Outer layer: patagonia ｜W's PowSlayer JKT + W's Powder Bowl Pants
Middle layer : patagonia ｜W's DAS Parka
Base layer: Icebreaker or Smartwool wool base of about 260g/m2
How does it feel to use it? (impression)
Considering the durability and weather resistance of the outerwear, at least the jacket is GORE-TEX Pro 3 layer.
Also, as a guide, it is essential that colors with high visibility are deployed. The next important thing is the layout of the pockets. Ventilation, map, compass, whistle, mobile phone (separate from beacon), lift ticket, etc. fit well and greatly reduce stress. Pants without a bib are also essential because the toilet problem and the spring will be used throughout the season.
The base layer uses wool material. The mid-layer is only used in extremely cold weather, and a puff jacket made of bulky synthetic fiber is usually worn over the shell to adjust the layers frequently. By being able to adjust without removing the shell, such as when you start walking or when you reach the preparation point for skiing, you can eliminate the "troublesomeness". It also provides a sense of security during emergency bivouacs. By using a wool base as the base layer, you can prevent unpleasant odors even if you sweat in the harsh winter. As for tights, 3/4 length makes them less likely to interfere with socks and makes them more comfortable.
What's your spring season layering routine?
I changed the base layer to a thin one from layering in the cold season, and I love Patagonia Houdini JKT.
Are there any additional tricks you've added?
As above, wear a synthetic puff jacket over the shell.
Reviewer
Epic Japan
Akiko NAKAE
[Main guide area] Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko, Togakushi, Tateyama / Others: Hokkaido: Asahikawa, Furano area, Eastern Hokkaido, Niseko
[Profile]
Up until high school, he was engaged in alpine competitions, participating in inter-high school and national sports.
After that, he discovered mountain skiing and spent every weekend in the snowy mountains. In 2014, he ended his salaryman life in Tokyo, and since then has been active as the representative of Epic Japan. [Qualifications]
・JMGA Ski Stage II ・Climbing Guide Stage II
・Completed JAN Avalanche Operator Level I
Hokkaido Backcountry Guys ｜Satoshi Tsukahara
Combine all layers according to your action plan and weather conditions
high season layering
Outer layer: HOUDINI｜D'jacket・Rollercoaster
Middle layer: HOUDINI｜outligt・woolerhoodie
Base layer: HOUDINI｜Activist・desoli
How does it feel to use it? (impression)
Houdini doesn't have many options, so I layered all the available layers in combination depending on my action plan and weather conditions.
The feeling is generally good, and if anything, I try to act according to the layering. The 1st layer is Activist or desoli depending on the temperature and behavior, always wear a T-shirt (tree tee or activist tee) and wear mids such as outligt or woolerhoodie. Outer D'jacket and Rollercoaster are only worn when skiing or when it's snowing.
What's your spring season layering routine?
I use a lot of tag along jaxket and change the outerwear to rainwear.
Are there any additional tricks you've added?
Basically, I try to avoid sweating, but when I do get sweaty, I put on Danfri as soon as possible to warm myself up.
Satoshi Tsukahara ReviewerHokkaido
Backcountry Guys
[Main guide area] Kiroro, Niseko, around Akaigawa / Others: All of Hokkaido
[Profile]
In Akaigawa Village, where Kiroro Ski Resort is located, a multi-guide that runs through the four seasons of Hokkaido, mainly backcountry in winter and kayaking and SUP in summer. do activities.
[Qualifications]
・JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
・Hokkaido Mountain Guide Association Director
Infield ｜Toyokazu Nakano
The base layer uses synthetic fibers and wool depending on the type of tour.
high season layering
Outer layer: MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR | Boundary Ridge Gore-Tex Jacket & Bib
Middle layer: MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR | Core Air Shell Warm Jacket
Base layer: MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR | Mountain Stretch Long Sleeve
How does it feel to use it? (impression)
Since it will be used many days, durability is important for the outerwear, and the bibs for the pants in the midwinter are highly heat-retaining and prevent snow from entering.
For mid-layers, a model that keeps you warm but also wicks away sweat is useful because you can reduce the number of garment adjustments. The filling is synthetic fiber, so you don't have to worry about getting wet. For the base layer, we use synthetic fibers and wool depending on the type of tour.
What's your spring season layering routine?
Since the temperature in early spring is higher than in the midwinter, we use thin outerwear and combine models that are resistant to sweat and rain, but it is important to be able to handle sudden cold.
Are there any additional tricks you've added?
I always carry a thin down jacket and wind shell that I can quickly put on when I take a break. Recently, there are more and more models that are good at wicking away sweat, both cold and windproof, so I use them.
Reviewer
Infield
Toyokazu Nakano
[Main guide area] Myoko/Kubiki area, Hokushin/Others: Mt. Tateyama, Mt. Chokai, etc.
[Profile]
Moved to Myoko Kogen.
After 10 years of experience, he started "Infield" in 2006. Currently, he works as a backcountry tour guide and telemark ski instructor in the winter, and as a mountaineering/trekking guide and sea kayak guide in the summer. [Qualifications]
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
・JAN Avalanche
Kagura Powder Station ｜Kazuya Igarashi
It has good heat retention, breathability, waterproofness, etc. and can be used functionally.
high season layering
Outer layer: STRAFE｜Nomade jacket, Nomade bib pants
Middle layer: STRAFE｜Aero insulator
Base layer: STRAFE｜Hoodie base layer
How does it feel to use it? (impression)
Each layering has good heat retention, breathability, waterproofness, etc., and can be used functionally. The pockets on the jacket are large and easy to use even with gloves on.
What's your spring season layering routine?
A thin windbreaker is used for the outer. Inner down is always equipped.
Are there any additional tricks you've added?
Inner down is always equipped. Always equipped with over mittens.
Reviewer
Kagura Powder Station
Kazuya Igarashi
[Main guide area] Enter from the BC gate at the top of Kagura Ski Resort No. 5 Romance Lift / Others: Tateyama, Mt. Gassan
,
Mt. Satoya, Miura, Tsukeda, and Hara.
He worked with Yuichiro Miura and was active in Snow Dolphin. In 2008 he climbed Mount Everest with Mr. Currently supporting the Kagura Powder Station as a BC ski and mountaineering
guide
.
Kuroda Mountain Guide Office ｜Makoto Kuroda
Each layer is selected and adjusted according to how it moves on snow
high season layering
Outer layer: patagonia | M's Pluma Jkt
Middle layer: THE NORTH FACE | Expedition grid fleece hoody
Base layer: Ice breaker | 200 series
How does it feel to use it? (impression)
I carry a rucksack on my back, so powder skirts are useless. The shell is often taken off and carried on one's shoulder, so it is important that it is light and small. Isn't the time you wear it shorter? The shape of the hood is important for shells. It is important to be able to secure visibility and breathing in strong winds. If the mid layer is too thick, it will only make you sweat, so wear something in moderation.
What's your spring season layering routine?
The shell is from Gore Active Shell. The underwear is 100 to 150 weight wool, or long sleeves made of a blend of wool and synthetic fibers. And a short-sleeved chemical fiber button shirt. Wear a collared shirt to protect yourself from the sun.
Are there any additional tricks you've added?
If you sweat, take off your clothes. I take care of my underwear so that I don't feel embarrassed even if I take it off.
Reviewer
Makoto Kuroda Kuroda Mountain Guide Office
[Main guide area] Focusing on Joshinetsu, to the area of your choice
[Profile]
A private guide with a small number of people, supporting a mountain trip full of originality that suits each level.
We provide services that value not only skiing but also the spirit of travel. [Qualifications]
・International mountain guide
・JAN avalanche operator Level 2
locus guide service ｜Kazuya Furuse
Thermal layering to keep pace with guests
high season layering
Outer layer: patagonia | M's PowSlayer Jkt
Middle layer: patagonia | M's Nano-Air Hoody
Base layer: patagonia | M's Cap TW Zip Neck
How does it feel to use it? (impression)
During the guiding, it's cold when I match the pace with the guests, so I often wear layers that emphasize heat retention. I think everyone is curious about the guide's layering, but there are individual differences, physical strength, and experience-based differences in action points, so if you imitate the guide's layering, most people think it's too hot. increase.
What's your spring season layering routine?
Outer layer: patagonia | Pause layer
Middle layer: patagonia | Crosstrek, R1
patagonia | Houdini Jacket
Base layer: patagonia |
Are there any additional tricks you've added?
Always carry the Patagonia Micropuff Hoody as a backup warmer, and slip it on over a shell when you're stagnant or feeling chilly. The compactness and warmth when stored is a gem.
Reviewer
LOCUS GUIDE SERVICE
Kazuya Furuse
[Main guide area] Hakuba area
[Profile]
As a result of pursuing skiing, the field has changed from a ski resort to a backcountry, and I have accumulated experience as a skier and a guide.
[Qualifications]
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
・JAN Avalanche
Mountain Guide Coyote ｜Ryuta Furuichi
I love all-weather jackets that make me feel so comfortable when hiking
high season layering
Outer layer: SALOMON | FORCE 3L JKT & PT
Middle layer: SALOMON | OUTLINE DOWN JKT + OUTLINE HZ MID M
Base layer: SALOMON | SNTIAL WOOL LS TOP M (top) SNTIAL WOOL SEAMLESS (bottom)
How does it feel to use it? (impression)
SALOMON's "FORCE 3L JKT" is a jacket for all weather.
Breathability is not bad, so it feels very comfortable when hiking. It is 3 layers, but Active Fit fits it to the movement of the body. I especially like the smooth movement of the arms. In addition, the hood with a wide adjustment range that can be worn over a helmet keeps the cold out even during hard backcountry. I used to use a balaclava or balaclava in the past, but now I don't have to worry about putting them out and it's very comfortable. Recently, this mid layer " OUTLINE HZ MID M " is enough.
If you put the hood on your head, it will keep the wind out of your neck and make you feel quite warm. Also, the down jacket "OUTLINE DOWN JKT" is light and not bulky, so I always put it in my rucksack during the harsh winter months of January and February.
You can reduce the consumption of physical strength just by putting it on during a short break. It's warm and comfortable, so it's the best when you take a break. I use wool for the base layer because I don't want my body to get cold during the snowy season. Even if you sweat a little, there is no feeling of hiyatsu at all.
What's your spring season layering routine?
I'm wearing a light Salomon OUTLINE FZ HOODIE (thin fleece, Houdini) for the inner layer. The rucksack is made of thin shaka shaka material.
Reviewer
Mountain Guide Coyote
Ryuta Furuichi
[Main guide area] Hokkaido (Niseko, Mt. Yotei, Kiroro, Mt. Daisetsu, Furano area)
[Profile]
Interested in the environment and food. Entered the company.
In addition, he founded his Mountain Guides Coyote to feel close to nature and practice low impact living. He loves telemark skiing down snowy mountains. [Qualifications]
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
・JAN Avalanche
RIKI JAPOW GUIDE ｜Riki Nakajima
Wool never touches your skin!
high season layering
Outer layer: patagonia｜M's PowSlayer Jkt
Middle layer: patagonia｜M's R1 P/O Hoody
Base layer: patagonia｜M's Cap Air Crew／M's Cap Air Bottoms
puremonte｜7/4 length down pants
How does it feel to use it? (impression)
Wool never touches your skin!
What's your spring season layering routine?
All Patagonia Ultra-thin wool short-sleeve shirt.
Capilene Air Hoody if it's cold.
Houdini jacket for wind protection.
Are there any additional tricks you've added?
Adjust your clothes so that you don't get cold or sweat.
Reviewer
RIKI JAPOW GUIDERiki
NakajimaRiki Nakajima
[Main guide area] Around Tomamu, Around Furano, Around Asahikawa / Others: Niseko, Rusutsu, Nozawa Onsen
[Profile]
Qualified as a CSIA instructor in Whistler, Canada and the first Japanese CFSA free ski instructor.
From participating in numerous free ski competitions, he expanded his field of activities to the backcountry. Currently, Hoshino Resort's Tomamu ski resort is the base, and he is developing guides and lessons. [Qualifications]
・JMGA Climbing Guide Stage Ⅱ
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage Ⅱ
・JAN Avalanche Worker Level 1
Rhythm Works｜Ryuta Asahi
Considering the characteristics of the area where you will be active and the altitude, choose a product that balances heat retention, moisture permeability, and breathability.
high season layering
Outer layer: patagonia｜M's PowSlayer Jkt
Middle layer: patagonia｜M's Nano-Air Hoody
Base layer: patagonia｜M's Cap MW Crew
How does it feel to use it? (impression)
Consider the local characteristics and altitude where you will be active, and consider the balance between heat retention, moisture permeability, and breathability. A combination of R1 and midweight at low altitudes and mountains on the sea side. Considering the humidity and temperature, this setup allows the heat of the hike to escape and not get wet with sweat. In high altitudes, inland areas, and high latitude areas, we use Capilene Air for Nano Air, which has excellent moisture permeability while emphasizing heat retention, because it is dry, cold, and windy.
What's your spring season layering routine?
Outer layer: Patagonia | Pluma Jacket
Middle layer: Patagonia | R1 Tech Face Jacket
Base layer: Patagonia |
Are there any additional tricks you've added?
Wear insulation immediately during breaks to keep your body cool.
ReviewerRhythm
Works
Ryuta Asahi
[Main guide area] Shirakawa-go, Tateyama, Hakuba, Hirayu, Mt. Houki *Mainly the Hida Mountains and
Ryohaku
Mountains I wanted to offer mountain trips, so I decided to become a guide.
A multi-purpose mountain guide who conveys the charm of a wide range of mountains, from general traverses to variation routes, mountain climbs to backcountry riding, according to the rhythm of nature. [Qualifications]
・JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
・JAN Avalanche Operator Level 2
Daichi Trui
A base layer with minimum heat retention and quick-drying properties assuming you sweat.
high season layering
Outer layer: Arc'teryx | Alpha AR JKT
Middle layer: Arc'teryx | Proton FL
Base layer: Arc'teryx | Motus AR
How does it feel to use it? (impression)
Russell in the deep snow will make you sweat, so choose a quick-drying base layer and a mid layer that is both warm and breathable. The shell is chosen soft and strong.
What's your spring season layering routine?
It may be almost the same as winter, but I often use a soft shell for the mid layer.
Are there any additional tricks you've added?
It is the minimum heat retention assuming that you will sweat when hiking. I wear the Arc'teryx Nuclei SV in my backpack when resting or when it's cold.
ReviewerDaichi
Trui _
[Main guide area] All of Hokkaido
[Profile] Aspired
to be a mountain guide while in college and studied under international mountain guide Hirofumi Ishizaka.
As soon as he graduated from university, he became a certified guide of the Japan Mountain Guide Association and started guiding. Since his early twenties, he has experienced heli-ski guide training in Northern Europe, mountaineering in the European Alps, and ski touring. [Qualifications]
・JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
・JAN Avalanche Worker Level I
Telemark School & Ski Guide Izumiya AK.T | Kenichi Akutsu
There is also an original dress that matches the situation unique to Minamiaizu.
high season layering
Outer layer: SCOTT | Explorer 3L Jacket & Pants
Middle layer: patagonia | M's Cap MW Crew
Base layer: patagonia | M's Cap Air Hoody
How does it feel to use it? (impression)
Outer shell: Moisture permeability and lightness are good, and the silhouette is easy to move.
Reasonably priced. The size is suitable for Japanese people. I am 164cm tall and size M. Mid layer: Thin fleece makes it easy to layer.
Base layer: The hooded base layer is not too thick and does not allow wind to pass through, making it an effective and useful balaclava.
What's your spring season layering routine?
Instead of the mid layer R1 Free, I wear a base layer Capilene hoodie and a lighter Capilene layer (March-April).
Are there any additional tricks you've added?
During the harsh winter, I carry the Patagonia Nano Air Hoody. I've been carrying a down vest since March.
Reviewer
Telemark School & Ski Guide Izumiya AK.T
Kenji Akutsu
[Main guide area] Surroundings of Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture, Northern Alps
[Profile]
Currently in Minamiaizu, Nango Tomato Farmer in summer and Telemark School & Ski Guide Izumiya AK.T in winter.
Support: Caravan (G3, 22DESIGN, SCOTT), Patagonia [Qualifications]
JMGA Climbing Guide Stage II
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, TAJ Telemark Ski Instructor
Tyrol｜Iwao Saeki
Layering by selecting the one with the performance required for each layer
high season layering
Outer layer: MAMMUT｜Nordwand Pro HS Hooded Jacket Men
Middle layer: MAMMUT｜Eigerjoch IN Hybrid Jacket Men
Base layer: Smart wool thin
How does it feel to use it? (impression)
Outerwear is overwhelmingly required to be waterproof and durable. You can rely on outerwear that can handle any weather. Midlayers need warmth, but I try to choose ones that are also breathable. Do not use brushed surfaces as they tend to get snow on them. I try to choose a base layer that doesn't sweat easily and has good shedding.
What's your spring season layering routine?
It's basically the same as winter, but the jacket uses Gore-Tex C knit.
Are there any additional tricks you've added?
I always have an ultra-thin balaclava.
Reviewer
Roll
Saeki Iwao Saeki
[Main guide area] Mt. Tateyama, Toyama Prefecture / Others: Mt. Tateyama, Mt. Tsurugi, Hakuba, Myoko
[Profile]
Ever since I was a child, I have been familiar with mountain climbing and mountain skiing.
He participated in junior high school and inter-school competitions in competitive skiing. After that, he devoted himself to competitive canoeing. After winning the national polity, he returned to the mountaineering world. He specializes in mountain ski guides. In the movie "Mt.Tsurugidake: Ten no Ki", he supported the filming as a mountain guide. [Qualifications]
・JMGA Mountain Guide Stage II
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
Vertical Land ｜Yuki Ito
Easy to move and comfortable layering with MILLET
high season layering
Outer layer: MILLET | Trilogy Edge Gore-Tex Pro Jacket
Middle layer: MILLET | Trilogy + Wool Jacket
Base layer: MILLET | Caster Wool Zip Long Sleeve, Drynamic Mesh ns Crew
How does it feel to use it? (impression)
Drynamic mesh sleeveless base keeps you warm and doesn't block your arm movements. I don't get cold. The wool material in the mid is comfortable to wear. It's something you wear every day, so it's important. The outer is made of Gore-Tex Pro fabric, so you can rest assured even on slightly damp days.
What's your spring season layering routine?
Based on MILLET drynamic sleeveless T-shirt or morpho zip long sleeve. →It is easy for heat to escape. MILLET midler mesh hoodie for the mid. It's a long-sleeved hoodie, but it feels just right.
Reviewer
Vertical Land
Yuki Ito
[Main guide area] Around Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture, Northern Alps
[Profile]
At the age of 21, he moved to Canada and started skiing in earnest.
He was influenced by North American ski culture, and at the same time he became interested in mountain skiing. After completing the Yamnuska Mountaineering School, he returned to Japan and opened his own business in 2020. His guiding concept is “More mountains in your life. [Qualifications]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
CAA Operation Level 1 (CAA: Canadian Avalanche Association)
