PROFILE
In 2013, he joined a major apparel company as a staff member for the launch of their interior design & lifestyle line, and in May 2021, he began working as a freelance PR. His love of the outdoors has led him to lead a dual life, spending nearly half of his week managing a campground in Doshi-mura, Yamanashi Prefecture, and working in PR.
, to the top for the best view and a cup of coffee.
Okutama is a wilderness that can be reached in two hours by expressway from central Tokyo. There are many famous peaks that have been selected as one of the 100 most famous mountains in the Kanto region, and by setting up routes that include traversing from mountain to mountain along the ridges, it is possible to set up courses that suit the fitness and skill levels of beginners and intermediate hikers alike.
I usually go camping and climb mountains only once every six months or so when my friends invite me. I have been to this area before for river trips, but this will be my first time climbing a mountain, so I am looking forward to it. When I climbed Mt. Fuji in the past, I thought that mountain climbing was stoic, but today I am going to try to enjoy a cup of coffee at the top of the mountain in a more casual way.
Therefore, Mr. Katsuyama chose today a traverse route from the top of the mountain to the summit. First, we will take the ropeway to the halfway up the mountain , and then we will start the real work of the trip. Before starting the trek, we first checked the route and our luggage.
. "Even when camping, if you forget something, you could end up wasting the whole day. The Roll Top backpacks are easy to pack and easy to check. I especially like the size and fit of this backpack, which is perfect for day hikes, but with simple styling. It's also waterproof, so it'll work well for my bike commute."
First, we will awaken our bodies as we walk along a well-maintained trail. As you walk at your own pace, with the sun shining through the trees and the birds singing, you will be gradually refreshed and removed from your daily routine.
I have a high instep and wide feet, and I usually choose a size larger than the manufacturer's label, but these Columbia trekking shoes fit me exactly as described. I was also surprised to find that they are much lighter than I had imagined.
The route to the summit is rich in variations and elevation changes, from ridge paths to stream crossings and chain-link sections. From gravel paths to rocky and muddy areas, Columbia trekking shoes provide a firm grip.
The Vibram outsole grips the ground well, and the toe return is good, so I don't get tired. And the toe guards are firm, so I can walk on rocky terrain without worrying.
On the way to the top of the mountain, we found a waterfall. Whenever I encounter a beautiful view, I take out my phone from the flap pocket of my jacket and take a picture.
. "I never get tired of walking along a route like today's, with its varied scenery, and I find myself wanting to take pictures. . During outdoor activities, I always worry about where to put my phone. It would be better to be able to take it out quickly, but if it is in my pants pocket, I might drop it before I know it. In that respect, the flap pocket on this Second Hill Jacket is just the right size and location for my phone and map, making it very convenient."
The path from the waterfall onward is the most difficult of the day, and is marked on the map as "Caution: Steep Slope. The slope is steep and long, and even in the spring sunshine, one's forehead is slightly sweaty.
. "The pants are slim and have a beautiful silhouette, but they are stretchy and very easy to move around in. . And the fabric feels good against the skin, so they are comfortable even when sweating. I think that this is a characteristic of Columbia's clothing in general, but I think that many of their products are designed to fit in well with town use while still providing solid functionality for each purpose.
Katsuyama says it has been a long time since he has done a day-long mountaineering trip like today's. He has been wearing camping clothes for mountaineering, but this time he is wearing outerwear suitable for light mountaineering. He has been using camping clothes for mountaineering, but this time he decided to wear outerwear suitable for light mountaineering.
For camping, flame-retardant materials and full pockets are preferred, but for mountaineering, waterproof, breathable, and lightweight clothing is important. For example, this jacket has a chest pocket that can be accessed while wearing a shoulder harness. Camping and mountaineering are both outdoor activities, so there is a lot of crossover between them, but it is more comfortable to wear clothing that is specialized for each.
About 3 hours had passed since we started our hike. . We finally reached the summit. On a clear day, we could see Mt. Tsukuba in Ibaraki Prefecture, Mt. Akagi in Gunma Prefecture, and the Nikko mountain range in Tochigi Prefecture.
If I had worn my usual shell jacket, I would have been more stuffy on the way here, but this jacket is a lightweight, thin, breathable, waterproof shell, so I was not bothered by it. I was also surprised that my back was not wet with sweat even though I was carrying a backpack, probably due to the ventilation system on the back.
