Kotaro's original brand "ltm", which runs the "Koutaro Channel" on Youtube, has released a special base layer in collaboration with [sn]. This is a base layer that Kotaro repeatedly made and adjusted until he was satisfied with it!
The following is from Kotaro.
Since it is close to the skin, the texture of the fabric can be felt directly, and it can be sensitive to weather, temperature, and humidity, so you can communicate with the product more than you can with a middle layer.
The temperature in the Japanese Alps during spring, summer, and autumn changes dramatically due to the altitude difference and unstable weather.
- During the day, the temperature is around 25 degrees Celsius.As we climb steeply and are close to the sun, it feels different from the heat below.
- Night temperatures range from around 0℃ to 13℃. Depending on the altitude difference, it is not stable.
- Winds like a typhoon blow and can rob you of body heat (the perceived temperature drops by 1°C per 1m of wind speed)
We aimed to create a better base layer that won't make you feel uncomfortable even in such an unstable environment.
And being able to withstand that unstable environment
Low mountains and high mountains in spring, high mountains in summer, low mountains and high mountains in autumn, low mountains in winter
We created a base layer that can be used all year round.
Special fabrics
The fabric for this base layer is 50% wool.
・50% polyester
Australian Merino Wool We use precious Australian Merino wool, which only accounts for 10% of all Merino wool.
The final process is merino wool from Bishu.Merino wool fabric is made using soft water in Bishu, Japan, one of the world's three largest wool producing areas, and is soft to the touch and has a shine. .
- Compact spun yarn: This yarn has low fuzz, making the fabric less likely to pill.
- Fabric thickness is 143g/m2
… - The thickness of a wool base layer is usually 150g/m2, but it is slightly thinner at 143g/m2, giving it an exquisite thickness. While considering transparency, the 50% polyester blend maintains quick drying and durability!
It has a finish that can be used throughout the year.
Why 50% wool and 50% polyester?
100% wool is fine, but it dries very slowly.
In the past, I have worn 100% wool as my activity clothing on Mt. Soraki, but I have bitter memories of changing out of my base layer for sleepwear in the morning and feeling cold because it wasn't dry at all.
100% wool is effective at regulating temperature and humidity, making it perfect for day-trip mountain climbing in spring, fall, and winter, but if you're staying for more than one night, you may face difficult situations in the Alps, where the environment changes rapidly.
Rain can make your clothing wet, and the inside of your rainwear can get soaked.
In that case, I think it's better to use 50% polyester as it dries quickly.
Of course, since it contains wool, it also has temperature and humidity control functions. (When it's cold it gets warmer, when it's warm it gets cooler)
Discerning silhouette
This silhouette is the key to this base layer!
I own over 40 base layers, but when I'm going on a long expedition or climbing a 3,000m mountain, I choose longer base layers.
The reason is that if you put your belt in at bedtime and your back is visible when you go to sleep, you feel cold and stressed.
However, if it's too long, it will look unfashionable if you wear it with the hem exposed, and you can't wear it as street wear.
We have created an exquisite length that overcomes both of these weaknesses.
Another important thing is a relaxed silhouette.
This not only hides middle-aged weight gain, but also reduces the contact surface with the skin to keep sweat away and keep you dry and comfortable.
Also, the loose fit allows for better air circulation within the garment, making it less likely that you will overheat.
Careful details
*Raglan sleeves
-The biggest feature is that the fabric changes in a diagonal curve from the neck to the armpits. It's easy to raise your arms and move them around.
- Raglan sleeves prevent the backpack from interfering with the seams.
*Y joint sleeves
- The arms are sewn in a Y-shape to make it easier to move the shoulders and prevent the hem from rolling up even when you raise your arms.
With this function, you can spend your time comfortably without having to worry about your back sticking out when you raise your arms on a rocky slope or while sleeping.
*Thumbhole
The thumbhole is a detail that I can never leave out when creating an original base layer.
I just love thumbholes!
I mainly only use it during breaks while climbing, but I feel happy when I put my thumb away...
It has a function that warms the fingertips by warming the wrist and the back of the hand, which have a lot of blood flow.
Even if you forget your thin gloves, you can rest assured that everything except your fingertips will be covered.
size chart
Estimated height
Recommended sizes are shown according to your height.
The silhouette and design are the same, and the product is unisex, but there is a large size difference between S and M. Please pay particular attention to the length and sleeve length.
Model wearing size
XL size (height 184cm weight 65kg)
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