FEATURE / PREMIUM
There are a number of cars that are popular among outdoorsmen,
Is there any other vehicle that suits the outdoor field as well as JEEP's Wrangler?
The massive and intrepid style, combined with the slightly soft "round eyes," gives it an overwhelming presence in the field.
The Wrangler's style has been retained, but it is now available as a pickup truck,
The "Gladiator" will be the star of this trip.
As you can see from the change in appearance, the load capacity has increased dramatically! The canoe, e-bike, camping gear, and other outdoor play equipment are all in the same place,
And then, with the huge expectation of a fun outdoor trip packed in, we were off to play outside!
The figure of the warrior who runs the length and breadth of the well-shaped colosseum called the earth,
Every outdoorsman can't help but squeal with delight.
Photo_ Yuya Wada
Text_ OKAMOTO546
Stylist_ Kenichi Taira
Edit_ Yuka Koga
Design&Development_ Bonito.
CONTENT : INTRODUCTION
The asphalt jungle.
The shore of Lake Shirakaba at the end of the run.
Early in the morning before dawn, stylist Kenichi Taira
Departed Tokyo on the Gladiator.
The destination is Tateshina, where autumn is deepening more than in Tokyo.
A small outdoor store located on the shores of Shirakaba Lake.
Around the central road,
It takes about 3.5 hours by car.
For a stress-free driving experience,
Taira-san also took his hat off.
PROFILE
NAME
Kenichi Taira (Stylist)
DATA
He is the main character of the Series "Garage's -The Outdoor Journal-". While working as a stylist mainly for magazines and advertisements, he also serves as an advisor for many outdoor brands. He is reputed to have the industry's best insight into camping gear. Mr. Taira chose JEEP's Gladiator as his traveling companion. We will explain its charms.
VEHICLE
gladiator
Gladiator
Jeep
Heavy infantryman-like stability and
Cavalry-like mobility.
A unit that can also be used for other purposes.
The vehicle is equipped with a 3.6-liter, V-6 engine and is attractive due to its large scale: it seats five passengers and is 5.6 meters in length.
The name "Gladiator" is a metaphor for the stability, toughness, and rigidity of the body of a heavily-armed infantryman.
On the other hand, it is as agile as a cavalryman. It is a very tool-like car,
If you think of it as a piece of gear, I think you can play with it a lot.
CONTENT : CANOE
Hands-on outdoor store
In "Hygge.
Enjoy activities to the fullest.
From 3 dense avoidance by corona disaster
June 2021, when the focus on the outdoors increased,
Opened on the shores of Shirakaba Lake.
Initially, you can experience activities
It was to be opened as an outdoor information center for the Shirakaba Lake area.
However, Lake Shirakaba is also crowded with many campers.
If such an environment is available,
We wanted to make it a supportive facility for campers,
Currently a gear store and
It is now in the style of an outdoor information center,
says the owner, Mr. Fukui.
He seemed concerned about the skills of Mr. Fukui, a former athlete, and other aspects of his career,
They couldn't wait to get started and were asking about how to row well before the class began.
So finally, the canoeing class is about to begin!
PROFILE
BRAND
Yatsugatake
Adventure Tours
NAME
Fukui Godai
DATA
He is a former national freestyle ski cross team member, and after retiring, he established the SUP brand "PEAKS 5". In 2021, he will open the activity spot and gear store "Hygge" to expand his business. Currently, as a canoe, SUP, and e-bike instructor, brand director, and store owner, he is enlivening the outdoor scene around Shirakaba Lake.
HOW TO
Canoeing is simple yet profound.
Once you get the hang of it, canoeing can be enjoyed by men and women of all ages, and is a popular activity experience at Hygge,
On holidays, there are even times when the restaurant is packed. This day was also a weekday,
It was crowded with families and couples visiting for sightseeing.
There are a total of three items to rent.
The hulls that can be rented in Hygge are of the so-called kayak type,
Paddles are also provided with double-bladed paddles with blades on both sides.
This type of boat is more maneuverable and faster, but it is a little less stable and can cause a fall if rowed too hard.
Therefore, the third rental item, the life jacket, should always be worn properly.
How to paddle a canoe
Fukui-san lectures us on the correct way to hold a paddle and how to paddle. The key is how well you can catch the water with your blades," he said. If you put the paddle deep into the water, you will get a lot of propulsive force, but you will get tired. On the other hand, if you put the paddle in shallow, you can maintain your endurance, but you will not be able to go as fast. You need to find the paddling style that suits you best," he says. In addition, we learned how to turn, brake, and back up.
Lake Shirakaba is a scenic "man-made lake.
Report by CANOE
Lake Shirakaba, which captures the four seasons in vivid colors, is one of the most scenic spots in Japan.
Many stores and lodging facilities surround the lake,
It is surprising that Lake Town, which also forms a unique culture, is actually an artificial lake.
It has a circumference of about 6 km and a maximum depth of about 10 m.
SHIRAKABAKO
HOW TO
ROW A CANOE
The Yatsugatake snowmelt water was too cold for the rice plants to thrive, and the rice was produced from the 1935's onward,
Tateshina Great Pond, completed in the late 1950s, is the current Shirakaba Lake,
It is said that the name was given to the pond by the birch bushes scattered throughout the pond, hence its current name.
Remembering the canoeing lecture I had just received, I actually got into the canoe and practiced again.
Once you have an idea of what paddling is like, it's time to launch! I hear that when you ride, you are most likely to overturn.
But Mr. Fukui supported me well, so I was able to ride with peace of mind.
PADDLING
PADDLING
PADDLING...
PADDLING
PADDLING
PADDLING...
I had a perfect image of paddling, but when I started paddling, I wanted to go straight but rotated left and right.
It is born of paddling habits, so we adjust as we go.
After 10 minutes, he got the hang of it and was able to smoothly and smoothly get where he wanted to go.
We spent about an hour canoeing freely around the surface of Lake Shirakaba.
The temperature on the water was quite low, and I thought it might be cold, but after 10 minutes of rowing, it became completely hot. I thought it might be cold on the water, but after 10 minutes of paddling, it became completely hot.
It felt so good," said Taira, his face glowing with excitement, as he stepped ashore with a fresh expression on his face.
The expressions on their faces tell us how much they enjoy canoeing.
After returning the canoe, we stopped at a spring spot that Mr. Fukui had told us about.
Lake Shirakaba is located between the mountains of Mount Tateshina and Kirigamine. The mountains filter snowmelt water, which becomes groundwater and gushes out from various parts of the lake.
The cold, polished water soaked into my post-workout burning body.
CONTENT : BIKE
Riding the popular e-bike
Enjoy Shirakaba Lake from the ground as well.
Among the activities you can experience at Hygge,
E-bikes are those that can be done on land.
This is also a sales promotion by Hygge, which is also the distributor of the product.
The activities are hands-on activities that we are doing,
From the bike path by Lake Shirakaba
Even the steep slopes leading to the ski slopes,
Customers can try it out according to their wishes.
It has a city-like body with exposed frame, Shimano 7-speed gears, 4-inch fat tires, and an original saddle.
The design that has made even leading stylists say "cool" has a strong presence.
This time, the Double O bike was loaded onto the back portion of the gladiator and its loading capacity was also enjoyed.
The bikes are loaded and transported to a parking area on the hillside.
Now it's time for this guy to show his stuff," says Taira enthusiastically.
With a low center of gravity and excellent stability, we were able to carry the Double-O bike safely to the middle of the mountain.
Taira-san checks the power supply, gears, power, and other controls, and smiles as soon as he straddles it.
Even though the start of the race was uphill, the car started out powerfully with a strong push.
Occasionally adjusting the power and gears of the electric assist, they climbed the mountain road, looking cool throughout.
Riding a motorcycle along the Venus Line.
Report by BIKE
I was surprised at the quality of the suspension when I rode it. It's a natural sinking,
They rebound well and are genuinely comfortable. The shock absorption when going over bumps is also perfect.
The ride was more powerful than I had imagined, and I even forgot that I was on a mountain road.
VENUS
LINE
RUN RUN RUN
RUN RUN RUN...
Is the operation busy? I thought so, but it wasn't,
Thanks to this, I was able to run while enjoying the spectacular view of Lake Shirakaba," he said.
Canoeing with your arms, e-biking with your feet.
Taira-san literally used his whole body to enjoy the great nature of Lake Shirakaba.
With a pleasant feeling of fatigue, we board our partner, Gladiator, and leave the lakeside.
Finally, we arrived at the campsite that will be our base for the day.
CONTENT : CAMP
With your favorite gear
Chillout.
Stylist Kenichi Taira goes to his main campsite.
It's like a fish out of water, but the face is still different.
The image of a tent site is already
It seems to be floating around in my head.
We decided to start setting up the site immediately.
Camping gear loaded in the back of the truck is no problem, especially without a cover, unless it is stormy weather.
It is such an attractive car as a base, although not original to JEEP,
Optional parts are available from various manufacturers.
Therefore, it is a fun vehicle to think about customizing, such as installing a canopy.
It can also be used as a luggage storage space when auto-camping," says Taira.
I was impressed by the fact that they didn't take down the peg bags, etc. when they set up, but instead grabbed them from the back of the truck."
If you decide on a luggage storage area, of course the entire site will be clutter-free,
Where did I put it? This is a great way to avoid the common camping problem of "where did I put it?
This inevitably makes the set-up smoother and quicker. It is important to keep everything in order (laughs).
Today's Gear
Gear of the Day.
While talking about such tips for setting up, his hands are firmly in motion. First, we set up the shelter.
The act that Mr. Taira chose this day was a shelter with some kind of camouflage pattern printed on it. We are curious to see the whole picture of it, aren't we?
So, here are some of Taira's favorite camping gears that she brought with her this time!
All of them are unmistakably his personal belongings.
Popular stylists at the forefront of the industry actually own and use these items today,
Who doesn't care, right?
Check It Out!
GRIP SWANY × atmos
Fireproof GS Tent
GS Black Camo
This is the first collaboration between the two brands and the first all-over patterned version of Grip Swanny's classic shelter. I originally used the plain inline version, but this is very convenient. It's easy to set up, and the flame retardant material makes it safe to build a fire nearby. I bought it right away when I was looking for a color variation. I don't use the inner tent, and I use it freely without stress by bouncing the front up high.
price
¥49,500
info
Atmos :. https://www.atmos-tokyo.com
ENO
Single hammock&.
Atlas EXT Ultimates
tree protection
The hammock is a must for relaxing and also for sitting on. I have a double-size hammock, but when I camp solo, I use a single-size hammock. This time, I cured the hammock on a tree, but it is designed with straps that are wide enough that you don't even need them. The color blends in with the grass and trees, and the overall design is friendly to the natural environment, which I like because it makes me feel comfortable.
price
Single hammock ¥7,150 Atlas EXT Ultimate Tree Protection ¥2,750
info
Sunwest : 03-3544-2751
SANZO Corporation
Rodin
The "The most popular fire pit of the moment that no longer needs any explanation. It is popular for its epoch-making style, which allows you to create a fire style that is different from any other fire pits, but it is also very practical. For example, if you set it on top of an iron table, you can bake pizza or bread under a bed of coals, and if you combine it with another one, it can be used in a round shape for a large group. My personal favorite is this block pattern."
price
STANDARD ¥20,350 HANGETSU ¥23,650
info
SANZO Corporation :. https://www.3zo.online
GREGORY
Field Cooler Duffel L
This soft cooler was the talk of the town this spring. I was very interested in this soft cooler because it is made by Gregory, a legendary brand in the outdoor industry. I bought one myself to give it a try. The chocolate chip pattern is really cool, isn't it? I have always been a hard cooler person, but when I tried this model, I was impressed with its large size and airtightness. Of course, the cooling power is perfect! This is the only cooler I use for camping these days.
price
22,000 yen
info
Samsonite Japan : 0800-12-36910
Liberaiders PX
quilted military
cushion
I'm always interested in military items, and this is an item that seems to symbolize my tastes. This item is made of onion quilt material, which has made a big step up from linings to the main body of the garment, and is now used as outerwear every winter. This material is the best, isn't it? It feels great on the skin and is also perfect as a cushion for relaxation! It has a cushion from the start, but we also recommend using it as a sleeping bag.
price
¥7,150
info
Neutron : 03-5785-4672
mont-bell
multifolding
Table Wide
This is an item that I bought after falling in love with it from the moment I saw it at a trade show, both in terms of design and function. Isn't it amazing that the top panel is reversible and the height can be adjusted in 3 levels for 6-way use? I bought the optional lower top panel as soon as it went on sale. The expandability is great, but it's also purely easy to use. Since I met this table, I no longer have to worry about what kind of table I should bring. I don't have to worry about what table to bring anymore.
price
¥24,200
info
Montbell Customer Service : 0088-22-0031
Birch trees grow thickly,
The air is clear.
Report by CAMP
The campground we visited was Himekidaira White Birch Campground.
As the name suggests, this is a beautiful campground with thick white birch trees, and the sun shines brightly through the trees.
The day before, rain had washed the air and added to the beauty of the place.
It was a clearer world. We made a bonfire,
Chill out in the most comfortable camping space, relaxing in a hammock.
Bliss, indeed.
CHILL TIME
IN CAMP
The weather was perfect and comfortable from set up to take down from start to finish,
I had a lot of fun," said Taira, who also seemed to have enjoyed his solo camping experience, forgetting about filming.
The contrast between the slightly cool air and the warmth of the sun is very soothing this season.
Such comfort will pass only for a short period of time, but I suppose that is the charm of camping.
I am grateful to have been able to camp in such a unique environment."
End.
From activities to chill out,
The appeal of the outdoors cannot be described unbiasedly.
It begins with a sprint in a heavy gladiator,
Canoeing, biking, and camping.
More multifaceted by mixing motion and stillness
You can be in touch with the natural environment and feel it deeply.
I discovered such things again,
This was a camping trip.
The big outdoor wave that is coming now,
This Series, "Garage's," is a HOUYHNHNM-style ride.
Kenichi Taira, a stylist active in the outdoor field, is the navigator,
They travel west and east to find places and things that interest them.
-
Garage's The Outdoor Journal
VISON is a three-star complex where all kinds of culture are gathered. -
Garage's The Outdoor Journal
50 camping gears to win this winter. -
Garage's The Outdoor Journal
book of notes from Matsumoto (written in the late Edo period) -
Garage's The Outdoor Journal
Independent thinking.
People who give form to their very personal ideas. -
Garage's The Outdoor Journal
How to Dig? Dig shopkeepers.
