Following up on our last “HLC Ambassador Favorite Gear” feature, this time, we’re turning the spotlight to the staff at Yamatomichi’s headquarters—the Kamakura Daibutsu Laboratory.

For this first installment, we’re featuring Masaaki Mita, editor-in-chief of the Yamatomichi Journal, and Junki “JK” Nakamura, who’s not only a staff member but also an active YouTuber. One is a walking encyclopedia of Japan’s ultralight scene, while the other is a seasoned long-distance hiker and ultralight-focused YouTuber. With these two, you can bet some fascinating picks are coming your way!

–– So, JK, tell us about your role at Yamatomichi!

I handle international communications and also run Yamatomichi’s YouTube channel.

–– You’ve been really pushing the YouTube content lately.

Yes! Thanks to everyone’s support, the Yamatomichi YouTube channel recently hit 10,000 subscribers!

–– That’s awesome! Everyone, be sure to like and subscribe.
Now, let’s dive into your favorite gear. What do we have here?

This is a one-person shelter from Ounce Design, a brand based in Hong Kong. It’s run by a friend I met while hiking the PCT.

–– You met on the PCT?

Yeah, we hiked the PCT the same year, and he’s an extremely ultralight hiker. So when I heard he had designed a one-of-a-kind tent, I was really intrigued.

Last year, while I was hiking the CDT (Continental Divide Trail), he finished the prototype and sent me one to try out. It’s a one-pole tent, but what makes it unique is that it doesn’t have a zipper at the entrance.

–– How do you get inside without a zipper?

The entrance panel is held together with a bungee cord, which keeps it slightly compressed. You loosen the cord and roll the fabric up—it gathers neatly at the top. Then, you just wiggle your way inside.

–– In the U.S. and Europe, shelters like this are often called “tarp tents,” and this really feels like something between a tarp and a tent.

Yeah, the entrance is a bit tight, so some people might find it a little annoying to get in and out of. But I love that it embraces the ultralight philosophy by eliminating the zipper. That really spoke to me. I used it for about 2,500km on the CDT, and it worked well.

–– I noticed there’s no vent.

Yeah, the vent was removed to keep the weight down. So, yeah—it does get condensation at times.

–– But this kind of bold, minimalist design is pretty rare.

Yeah, totally.

–– How much does it weigh?

165g.

–– That puts it in the same category as the Zpacks Hexamid.

Yeah, about the same weight as a Zpacks, but I think this one has more interior space.

–– Ounce Design technically has a website, but it looks super thrown together. (laughs)

Yeah, it’s pretty rough. (laughs)

–– I actually kind of like that about it.

Yeah, the guy behind it doesn’t want to be tied down. As soon as he makes some money, he’s off traveling in the U.S. or Japan, then when he runs out of cash, he starts making more tents and taking orders. That’s just how he rolls. (laughs)

–– He even showed up at the Hong Kong pop-up the other day. He’s got a great personality.

Yeah, among Hong Kong hikers, he’s definitely seen as a bit of an eccentric—but in a good way. (laughs)

–– How can someone buy this?

Basically, you have to DM him directly through his website. But since he’s making them all by himself, there are times when he can’t take new orders. I’d say just reach out casually, like, “Hey, I’d love to get one!”—he’d probably be happy to hear from you.

–– Hong Kong has some really interesting brands popping up.

Yeah, there’s definitely more and more coming onto the scene.

–– It has a distinct style, different from brands in Japan or Korea.

Exactly. We should all keep a close watch on what’s emerging from Hong Kong.

–– Alright, what’s next?

This one isn’t hiking gear, but it’s the Anker Nano Power Bank—a mobile battery.

–– At this point, a battery pack is basically essential hiking gear.

Yeah, for the past five years or so, you’ve probably seen Anker power banks everywhere, both in Japan and abroad. But at one point, I actually stepped away from using them.

Then, as USB-C became the standard, everything got a lot easier, so I ended up coming back to Anker. Before, charging ports were all over the place—some devices used Micro USB, some used Lightning—so keeping everything powered while hiking was a hassle.

–– Yeah, you’d end up carrying three different cables—one for your phone, one for your headlamp, and another for your earbuds.

Exactly! And I’d always end up bringing the wrong cable. But now that everything is USB-C, I realized I could just carry one cable. So before heading to the CDT last year, I switched all my electronics to USB-C.

–– That definitely makes things easier.

Way easier. And out of all the chargers I’ve used recently, this Anker Nano Power Bank has been the best. Since it has a built-in USB-C plug, you can just snap it in and charge directly. No cable needed.

–– How convenient!

Yeah, you can just grab it and start charging instantly. I love how quick and hassle-free it is. Even if I keep it in my waist pouch, it’s not that heavy.

–– How many mAh is it?

It’s 5000mAh, so it’s a good size for a day trip or an overnight hike.

–– So, it can fully charge an iPhone once. And I see it also has a USB-C port for both input and output.

Yeah, exactly. Since there’s no cable attached, it stays super compact, which makes it easier to use even inside a tent.

–– Cables are always kind of a hassle.

Yeah, and that’s why I find this so useful, even in everyday life.

–– Alright, what’s next?

The Trangia 0.6L Kettle. I’ve been using a kettle for the past three to four years now.

–– How do you use it?

I don’t really cook meals while hiking—I mostly eat Small Twist meals, instant rice, or other dehydrated foods that just need hot water. I also reuse the meal pouches, adding my own dried veggies and ramen. A kettle pours easily, and I like that it’s a single-purpose tool—it does one thing, and it does it well.

–– It’s not exactly lightweight, though.

Yeah, it’s a bit heavy—130g. A titanium cookpot would be around 70g. But this boils water faster because the wider base distributes heat better.

–– That makes sense.

Yeah, it’s great for boiling water and super efficient. Plus, when you’re hiking with a group, there’s always someone who wants to make coffee, and a kettle makes it so much easier.

–– This red color—is it a standard model?

No, this is a special edition that was custom-painted in collaboration with DECEMBER, an outdoor shop in Yamagata (now Dais Design & Field).

When I brought it to the U.S., people were all over it—they were like, “Why didn’t I think of that!?”

–– So this is your only cooking pot? You don’t carry a separate pot?

Yeah, I don’t bring one. Instead, I use the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Repack as a cozy, which also doubles as a case for my kettle. The Repack is great because, the food stays hot until the last bite.

It’s also great in cold weather—there’s a handle on the back, where you can store your hand, so it makes for a great hand warmer. Other brands make cozies too, but this one is practical in so many ways—it’s easy to use, speeds up rehydration, and retains heat really well.

–– Do you always use the Repack with the kettle?

Yeah, I do. I even store my instant rice pouches in the back pocket of the cozy while using it. What I really like about this system is that I don’t have to deal with the hassle of cleaning a pot after eating. I just swirl some hot water inside, drink whatever broth or leftovers remain, and that’s it—no washing required.

Thinking about gear this way, I’ve realized it’s not just about individual items—it’s about how they work together. And right now, this system works perfectly for me.

–– The whole “to wash or not to wash” debate is probably a matter of personal preference, haha. Anyway, what’s your last pick?

This bag. It’s actually an eco-bag from Tesco, a supermarket in the UK.

–– This is the kind of thing hikers love!

Yeah, it’s actually pretty thick and slightly oversized, which makes it really handy. The handles add to its convenience, too. At camp, when my gear starts getting scattered, I can just toss everything inside and move it all at once. And if it starts raining, since it’s just a plastic bag, I can stash it in the mesh pocket of my MINI2 and use it as a makeshift rain cover.

–– Was it one of those “Whoa!” moments when you found it?

Yeah, totally. I even call it my “Tesco Protection”—it’s become an essential piece of gear.

–– Are these common in UK supermarkets?

I think so. It seems like a pretty standard design.

–– These aren’t free, correct?

Yeah. They’re apparently called ‘10 Pence Bags,’ and they cost about 15 yen. But they’re super handy—you can see what’s inside, they’re great for carrying stuff to an onsen after a hike, and they pack down really small. Of course, brands make great stuff sacks, but I actually prefer something cheap that I don’t have to baby.

–– That’s the UL spirit, haha. (scrolling through info on the 10 Pence Bag) It says, “Tesco discontinued its disposable 5 Pence Bags and introduced the ‘Bag for Life’—a 10 Pence Bag designed to be used indefinitely.” That’s cool. Cheap, functional, and totally ultralight, haha.

Exactly. I mean, rather than buying everything as outdoor gear, I like finding stuff from outside the hiking world and repurposing it. It’s kind of like your “Cheap Hike” philosophy—I love that approach.

–– Totally. Classic HIKER TIME gear choice. Thanks, JK!

–– Alright, can you tell us your name and role?

I’m Masaaki, Editor-in-Chief of Yamatomichi JOURNAL. Usually, I’m the one conducting interviews, but this time, JK will be the one asking me questions instead, haha.

–– I’ll make sure to dig deep, haha.

Every year, I write an article for PEAKS magazine on the latest trends in Japanese garage brands. So for this segment, I wanted to introduce some standout gear from Japanese garage brands for our readers to enjoy.

The first one is the Daily Coach Jacket from Mannenro, which I recently discovered while attending the Photo & Market event.

–– The fabric feels really soft and fluffy.

Yeah, the lining is made with Teijin’s Octa CPCP, an active insulation material. If you compare it to Yamatomichi’s lineup, it’s kind of like a coach jacket version of the Light Alpha Vest/Jacket. The weight is also about the same at 280g.

–– For a second, I thought it was the Taslan Coach Jacket. Yamatomichi also has the Merino Coach Jacket and the Taslan Coach Jacket, and they’re great—but I found everyone in the office at Yamatomichi wears them, haha.

Exactly. But I’ve always loved coach jackets, so I kept looking for something different. The moment I saw this one, I knew the design and specs were just right—it was love at first sight, so I bought it on the spot.

–– Is this a pocket?

Yeah, there’s a pull-out pocket on the right side. Mannenro uses a similar pocket design on their pants as well—it’s kind of a signature feature of the brand.

The designer is really into gardening, so they designed it to be practical for that too. What’s great about this pocket is that it’s versatile—you can tuck the pouch inside and use it like a regular pocket, but it also holds a ton of stuff without feeling bulky.

Somehow, it’s positioned just right, so even when it’s full, it doesn’t feel like it’s weighing you down. Plus, it doesn’t interfere with a backpack at all. Honestly, I think it’s a brilliant design.

–– That’s a pretty unique pocket. The design is really clever.

Mannenro is basically an apparel brand, but they also focus on functionality, making their pieces comfortable even for outdoor use. Lately, there’s been a rise in brands that blur the line between apparel and outdoor gear. I wanted to highlight this jacket as a great example of that trend.

–– The buttons on the cuffs and other small details feel really well thought out.

Yeah, the silhouette is spot on too. You can tell it was designed by someone with an apparel background.

–– And since the front uses snap buttons, you can just open up the middle if it gets too hot, making it easy to ventilate. That’s a nice touch.

–– I’ve only had this jacket for a short time, so I’ve mostly worn it on neighborhood walks and bike rides. I can’t speak to its long-term performance yet, but so far, it feels light, windproof, and breathable—solid overall. The outer fabric seems more wind-resistant than the Light Alpha Vest/Jacket, making it a bit warmer but slightly less breathable.

That said, I think we’ll see more products like this in the future, with apparel-focused brands designing gear with hikers in mind.

–– Yeah, it does feel like a new direction.

Exactly. Functional, comfortable, and easy-to-wear clothing just makes sense.

–– Do you have anything else?

Next up is a product that really impressed me—the Pao Sack from Juuni.

–– Has this been around for a while?

Seems like it’s a recent release. Juuni is based in Kochi Prefecture and mainly makes lifestyle wear that can also be used outdoors. They also run Juuni Yōhinten, their own gear shop.

I found this when I was at the EZO (Enter Zone Outdoor) event in Hokkaido earlier this year, where Juuni had a booth. Right now, it looks like they’re only selling it at events. This one is silnylon, but they also had a DCF version.

–– Is it designed like a furoshiki (Onsen bag)?

Yeah, exactly. It’s furoshiki-style, so you can completely spread it open.

–– Whoa, this looks super useful.

Right? It’s solid. My packing system is built around a three-layer structure of stuff sacks inside my backpack. At the very bottom, I keep a stuff sack for my down gear and sleeping bag. In the middle, there’s a stuff sack for my extra clothes. And on top, I use a larger stuff sack for food, my cook set, batteries, emergency gear, and anything else I might need easy access to.

The Zpacks food bag I had been using was completely falling apart, so I was looking for a good replacement—then I found this.

–– The fabric seems soft and great for filing gaps inside a backpack。

Yeah, and since it opens wide, it’s super easy to find food inside.

–– Stuff sacks usually require you to dig through everything to find what you need. This looks way more convenient.

–– Every time I open this up at camp, I think, “Man, this thing is great,” haha.

It comes in two sizes, and this is the larger one. The long strap lets you sling it over your shoulder, and it just looks cool. The moment I saw it, I knew this is exactly what I’ve been looking for. So I bought it right away. Juuni really stands out for their originality. Their apparel, their lifestyle, even the way they sell their products—it all feels connected.

–– Yeah, I see what you mean.

And the fact that they only release one unisex size for everything? That’s just smart. In apparel, if you start offering multiple sizes and colors, your SKU count skyrockets, and it turns into a logistical nightmare. But they design everything to be one-size-fits-all, and it actually works. It’s amazing that people fully support that approach. And with the extra flexibility, they get to travel as a couple whenever they want.

–– That’s really inspiring.

Yeah, all of that together really made an impression on me. It’s been a while since a product genuinely excited me like this.

–– What’s next?

I think this one needs no introduction—the WR Cooker from TMR Industries.

–– This thing boils water insanely fast, right?

Yeah, ridiculously fast.

–– The bottom has a design similar to a Jetboil, right?

–– It really does boil fast, and it’s so light that I honestly can’t find a reason to use anything else. Plus, the faster boil time means you save fuel.

Yeah, and when you’re hiking, that makes a huge difference.

–– Absolutely.

Every time I use it, I’m like, “Wait, it’s already boiling?” and that’s just a great feeling. But for some reason, it doesn’t come with a lid. And there’s no handle either. So I wanted to introduce it along with some solutions for that.

–– What lid are you using?

This is the Evernew mulTiDish—it’s a small titanium plate that also works as a lid for Evernew cookpots. It’s not a perfect fit, but it does the job.

–– It’s a pretty good fit, right? The gap isn’t that bad.

Yeah, I wish it snapped into place, but it’s close. The only issue is that the mulTiDish doesn’t have a knob on top either. So, I borrowed an idea from HLC North Kanto’s Tomoyuki and added a handle using duct tape.

–– That’s genius.

Right? It’s such a smart idea—classic Tomoyuki.

–– Definitely has an ultralight feel to it.

And since the cooker doesn’t have a handle either, I had to figure out a workaround. Some people wrap it in silicone bands or carbon felt for insulation, but I decided to try using camouflage tape instead.

–– Oh, this is from Gear Aid—the same brand that makes seam sealing products, right?

Yeah, it’s called Camo Form Reusable Fabric Wrap. To be honest, I totally stole this idea from a friend (Kawaragidake), haha. This tape is actually designed to protect and camouflage rifles and knives, but instead of being an adhesive, it sticks to itself, so you can wrap and unwrap it as many times as you want.

If you wrap it around two or three times, it provides surprisingly good insulation, so you can actually hold the pot after boiling water without burning your hands.

–– Yeah, that makes sense. TMR sells a separate handle for this, but honestly, just grabbing it directly sounds way easier.

Exactly. I try to minimize extra gear, so if I can get away without a handle, I will. Carbon felt works too, but this is just another option.

–– This looks pretty slick.

Yeah, it kind of makes anything look cool. I just wish they had a non-camo version too.

–– I’m tempted to wrap this around my charger, haha.

–– And lastly?

Yep, the Pedestri Poor Blanket Turbo.

Pedestri is a brand that’s closely connected to Kawaragidake in Tochigi, which we talked about earlier. They only sell through Kawaragidake or at events, and they don’t even have a proper website—just an Instagram account. It’s kind of a mystery brand.

–– This isn’t a sleeping bag, right?

No, it’s a synthetic blanket, slightly smaller than a quilt. It has snap buttons all around, so you can use it in a variety of ways.

–– You could use it as a light comforter too.

Yeah, or wrap it around like a skirt, or even drape it over your shoulders like a poncho.

–– When do you use this?

I usually take it on hikes in warmer seasons or for bikepacking as a lightweight alternative to a sleeping bag.

–– Perfect for those summer nights when a full sleeping bag feels like overkill.

Yeah, and it can even work as a down jacket substitute.

–– How much does it weigh? Around 200g?

A little under 200g. Plus, it has a zipper here—if you zip it up and tighten the bungee, it can even function like a hood.

–– Oh, you’re right. It has a bit of an old-school clothing vibe.

Yeah, it’s got that primitive feel, but depending on how you wear it, it can also look like something straight out of a Kanye West collection—kind of futuristic.

–– There’s something really cool about turning a single piece of fabric into clothing like this.

Yeah, the simplicity and the creativity behind it is what makes it interesting. They also make similar blankets in Alpha Direct and DCF. It’s definitely a niche item.

–– There are definitely people who love this kind of thing. Those who enjoy figuring things out for themselves or are just tired of the usual gear.

Exactly. For this episode, I focused on Japanese garage brands, and they’re full of unique, inventive designs. In places like Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Korea, Japanese ultralight gear is becoming increasingly popular. It’s exciting to see our ultralight hiking scene gaining recognition worldwide.

–– Thanks for the awesome gear recommendations Masaaki!

Continues to #2