For the final installment of “Staff’s Favorite Gear 2024”, we’re wrapping up the Kamakura Daibutsu Laboratory staff edition with two standout members: Takahiro Watanabe, our product development researcher, and Reo Inami from the back office team.

Once again, editor-in-chief Masaaki digs deep to uncover their top choices. Let’s dive in!

–– So, Reo, what’s your role at Yamatomichi?

Uh… I guess you’d call me the leader of the back office team? Haha.

–– The backbone of Yamatomichi. The force that keeps the company running.

Yeah, something like that. Not sure how much of a difference I’m making, but I do my best to support things from the ground up!

–– We all appreciate it, haha.

–– Alright, let’s jump into it—what’s your first pick?

The Terra Nova Laser Competition 1. It’s been slightly updated and is now called the Laser Compact 1.

–– This tent has quite the reputation. It’s been around for a while, right?

Yeah, but surprisingly, you don’t see it that often at campsites, which is nice because it feels unique. Plus, its wind resistance is excellent, which is a big reason why I like it.

–– Originally, this is a double-wall tent, but you only use the fly, right?

That’s right. I initially bought it as a lightweight double-wall tent, but once I realized I could use just the fly, I’ve stuck with that ever since. It basically works like a floorless dome tent now.

–– When the Terra Nova Laser series first came out, I think it was marketed as the world’s lightest double-wall tent at the time. I remember seeing it featured on Yama Yori Dōgu—that legendary UL Japanese blog from around 2010.

Right, back then, it was a big deal. And it was already under 1kg.

––And it’s surprisingly spacious.

And even more so when you go floorless. For a one-person setup, it feels quite roomy.

–– This your go-to setup now?

Yeah, I mostly use this when I’m solo.

–– Having a frame must give you some extra peace of mind, right?

For sure. This tent has had my back through some pretty intense rain and wind.

–– It’s weird how there aren’t really any true floorless dome tents out there. I feel like there’s definitely a hidden demand for them—especially for winter hiking. Being able to step inside with your boots on or easily collect snow for melting would be a huge advantage.

Exactly. That’s why I use this floorless setup in snow all the time. There really aren’t many freestanding floorless tents out there. This one is semi-freestanding, but it strikes a nice balance and is super easy to pitch.

–– So, this tent is in full rotation year-round?

Yeah, it’s the one I use the most. I plan to keep using it until it falls apart. You can’t buy this one anymore, but I occasionally see it pop up in online auctions, so I might stock up if I find one, haha.

–– How does the current Laser Compact 1 compare?

It’s nearly identical in shape, but a bit heavier. I think they made it more durable, which probably added some weight.

–– Yeah, that always happens. Every time a product gets modified, brands take customer feedback into account, and the ultralight version slowly gets heavier. Yamatomichi is no exception, haha. So, what’s next?

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow. I’m sure a lot of people already use this one.

–– This is a stuff sack that doubles as a pillow, right?

Yeah. It’s made from waterproof DCF, but the inside is lined with fleece. When you want to use it as a pillow, you just flip it inside out, stuff it with extra clothes or gear, and you’re set.

–– I usually just use a regular stuff sack as a pillow when I’m out hiking. Is this really that much better?

I used to do the same—just stuffing extra clothes into a sack. But with this, the pillow shape stays more stable, and the fleece lining feels a lot nicer against your skin. I usually store my sleep gear or clothes I don’t want to get wet inside, then once I set up camp, I flip it inside out, and it’s instantly a pillow. Super convenient.

–– There are all kinds of hiking pillows out there, like inflatable ones.

Yeah, but this one does double duty as both a staff sack and a pillow, so it helps cut down on weight a little.

–– That’s true. It seems like a great option for a clothing bag.

That said, some hikers just can’t sleep well without a proper pillow. But if you’re not too picky, this does the job just fine.

–– Alright, what’s next?

The 5050 Workshop Microlight. It’s tiny, but it works as both a flashlight and a lantern.

–– Is 5050 Workshop a Japanese brand?

Yeah, it is. I picked this up at an outdoor gear shop, but the brand itself leans more towards camping gear. I used to carry a backup headlamp when hiking, but I found that I almost never used it. So I started looking for something that could replace it, and that’s how I ended up with this.

It has a built-in magnet, so you can attach it to a car body or any metal surface. Plus, it comes with a clip, so you can hook it onto your hat brim and use it as a headlamp. I just keep it in my pocket all the time now.

–– I see. So in an emergency, this works as both a headlamp and a lantern.

Yeah, and if I forget my bike light, I can just clip this to my hat and avoid getting stopped by the cops, haha. (In Japan, it is legally required to have a light when riding a bike at night.)

–– It’s small enough to use as a keychain too.

Yeah, it’s just over 20g, and it puts out up to 350 lumens, so it’s surprisingly bright. Even in a pinch, it’s more than enough to get by.

–– This seems like the perfect backup light and lantern.

Yeah, a lot of people think they don’t need a lantern, but when you have one, it makes nights at camp so much more enjoyable. And this one is just the right size—not too much, not too little.

–– Nice. And last up, is this a poncho?

Yeah, it’s a poncho that doubles as a tarp—the Equinox Terrapin Tarp Poncho.

–– Back in the 2010s, poncho tarps were one of the signature ultralight hiker items.

Yeah, and even now, they’re still super handy—especially in conditions where getting wet and cold could be dangerous. It covers your entire pack, and while it can feel a bit quirky, it really helps retain warmth.

–– So it’s more insulating than you’d expect?

Definitely. When I hiked the Shinetsu Trail at the end of November, I didn’t have this poncho yet, but my hiking partner did. We were walking through strong wind and heavy rain, and over time, my rain gear started soaking through, draining my body heat. Meanwhile, my partner layered this poncho over her Yamatomichi UL All-Weather Jacket, and not only did she stay completely dry, but she was warm. That was the moment I knew I had to get one.

It’s a bit small, but the fact that it can also double as a tarp is another reason I love it—it’s both practical and fun.

–– Do you find yourself using it more as a poncho than as a tarp?

Yeah, definitely. As a tarp, I mostly use it for short day hikes when the sun is strong—I’ll set it up for shade when I take a break. But what I really want to do is a full traverse of Oku-Chichibu, using only this poncho tarp—no tent. I feel like November is the perfect season for it.

–– Sea to Summit also makes a poncho tarp. How does this compare?

This one’s a bit smaller. The Sea to Summit version is about 40cm longer.

–– So theirs is more tarp-focused, while this one leans more toward being a poncho?

Exactly. It’s a poncho first, but it can function as a minimal tarp if needed. The biggest plus is that it fully covers your backpack, so you don’t have to worry about your gear getting wet. Even when reaching for something in a sling bag, you’re fully protected inside.

Oh, and it has snap buttons, so if you have another one, you can link them together.

–– Oh, that’s cool.

With snap buttons and loops around the edges, this poncho offers multiple configurations. I once linked mine with a friend’s and we both slept underneath—its expandability makes it a fun and versatile piece of gear.

–– When do you typically bring it along?

It depends on the location, but it can get pretty sweaty when using it in the summer. I mainly use it in spring, fall, and on lower altitude hikes in winter.

–– So it’s great for colder seasons?

Yeah, it provides good insulation.

–– I never really thought about a poncho in terms of warmth, but that makes sense.

For me, the balance is just right—the size, the weight (235g), and the fact that it works as a tarp in a pinch.

–– This is light enough to bring along as a just-in-case item.

Exactly. Even on a one-day hike, it’s no burden at all, so I think it’s a great option.

–– Thanks for sharing, Reo!

–– What’s your role at Yamatomichi?

I’m a researcher, but more specifically, my job involves gathering material data for product development, conducting tests and analysis, prototyping, and evaluating competing products and market trends. I also work on data analysis and other related tasks.

–– So you’re involved in nearly every aspect of product development.

Yeah, especially in testing the early prototypes—right now, it’s mostly me and (Yamatomichi founder) Natsume handling that.

–– You’re essentially one of the pillars holding up the development process. You’re also known for being the biggest gear nerd at Yamatomichi, someone who really dives deep into materials and design. Plus, your personal hiking style is pretty extreme—some might say you’re the most hardcore of the team. You’ve done some incredible long-distance hikes, and we’ve featured a number of your trail logs in our Journal.

I haven’t done anything too wild lately, but hopefully, I’ll have something new to share again soon.

–– Alright, let’s get into your first pick. What do you have for us?

These are the Merino PP Socks from OnYone. I usually wear them layered with another pair of socks or even waterproof socks, so they’re really just one part of my whole sock system.

–– So you’re wearing these specifically as a base layer sock?

Yeah. They’re super lightweight, and the “PP” stands for polypropylene, which doesn’t retain moisture. Plus, with the wool blend, they don’t stink and are pretty durable. I wear them as an inner sock, and despite heavy use, they last a long time—probably because of the polypropylene. The wool might wear down over time, but they still hold up surprisingly well.

For long hikes, I always wear two layers of socks. A lot of thru-hikers use something like Gurney Goo to prevent blisters.

–– The anti-friction cream, right?

Yeah. But ever since I started wearing this two-layer system, I haven’t needed it.

–– Why’s that?

Blisters usually form because of friction between your foot and the inside of your shoe. But when you wear two layers of socks, the friction happens between the inner and outer sock instead of on your skin, which prevents blisters.

–– The Merino PP sock series comes in a variety of models—long, short, midweight, lightweight, five-toe, and standard styles.

Yeah, and the thing is, stopping to take off your socks and apply cream is a hassle. But with this setup, I can keep moving for 40 hours straight without any issues.

–– I don’t think many people are hiking for 40 hours straight! Haha. Do you ever wear just one pair?

Not really. Even in summer, I always wear two layers.

–– These aren’t actually marketed as liner socks, right?

I don’t think so. But if you’re looking for something thin, five-toe, and lightweight, there aren’t many options—basically, it’s this, Injinji, or Finetrack. Injinji has wool blends, but they’re longer and tend to stick out past ankle socks, which I didn’t love. This one just works best as an inner sock for me.

–– Isn’t polypropylene in socks kind of rare?

Yeah, I think so. It’s super light, warm, and doesn’t absorb moisture, which makes it pretty ideal.

–– (Scrolling through the Onyone website) “By combining water-repellent polypropylene with breathable merino wool in a proprietary structure, the design enhances their strengths while minimizing weaknesses.”

Yeah, and when I wear two layers, the outer sock gets soaked, but the inner stays surprisingly dry. It’s kind of like what Drymax does—using a hydrophobic inner layer—but applied through a double-sock system.

–– So even in summer, you always wear two layers?

Yeah, for long hikes, I size up my shoes and go with two layers from the start. Unless I’m wearing sandals, my feet will get hot inside shoes anyway, but these socks wick moisture well and breathe enough that it’s not a problem.

–– You also pair the Merino PP socks with waterproof socks, right?

Yeah, when I know the weather’s going to be bad. Once water gets inside a Gore-Tex shoe, it stays wet forever, but with waterproof socks, my feet stay way more comfortable.

–– That much of a difference?

Absolutely.

A friend of mine tried these waterproof socks during a two-day rainy trail race and said they stayed comfortable the whole time. There aren’t many well-known waterproof sock brands, so I just grabbed these off Amazon. That said, DexShell seems to be one of the bigger names in the industry. So far, I’ve never had an issue with water getting in.

–– So Merino PP socks are a non-negotiable for you?

Yeah, I always start with them and then layer depending on the conditions. That’s my go-to system for foot protection.

–– Solid insight right from the start! What’s your second pick?

This one’s a bit unusual—it’s the Pip Profits wrist support.

–– So this is a support wrap?

Yeah, I used to do martial arts, and whenever I hurt my wrist, I’d use this as a quick fix. I find traditional athletic wraps too cumbersome for trail use.

–– (Looking at the Profits website) They have a whole range—support wraps, compression wear, even taping options.

Yeah, but I think the single-strip taping version is the most versatile. Last year, I was on a long hike from Mt. Takao with a group, and I scraped my shin on a rock and ended up with a 10cm gash. A regular bandage or towel wasn’t enough to stop the bleeding. Honestly, I don’t think I could have stopped it without this. When you tighten it, it applies serious pressure.

–– Whoa.

So I tightened it to stop the bleeding, made my way down the mountain to a hospital, got nine stitches, and was able to rejoin my group afterward. That’s how well it kept me going. It’s also surprisingly versatile—I even used it once to secure the base of my bottle holder when it broke off my backpack’s shoulder strap.

–– So it can work like tape too?

Yeah, it’s highly versatile. Ever since that incident last year when I cut my shin, I’ve always kept it in my first-aid kit. It’s one of those things I’m really glad I carry. I feel like not many people can improvise with just duct tape and a hand towel in an emergency. If you twist an ankle or something, having this on hand gives real peace of mind.

–– Hardcore selections, as expected! So, what’s next?

It’s turning into a first-aid gear showcase, but this one is a type of bandage. It’s called a hydrocolloid bandage, which keeps wounds moist instead of letting them dry out. The product is Hi-Co-Roll from Nichiban.

–– So it’s like a rolled version of Kizu Power Pad?

Exactly. Kizu Power Pad works great, but it’s expensive and runs out quickly, especially since I’m always getting scrapes and cuts. I kept buying it over and over, so I started looking for a more economical alternative. That’s when I found this.

So basically, it’s a “Kizu Power Pad Roll” haha. It’s about 3,000 yen for a 50mm × 5m roll, which is way more cost-effective than buying individual jumbo-sized Kizu Power Pads—you’d probably only get around 10 for the same price.

The width is a game-changer, too. When you get a scrape on your knee or elbow, it’s usually around 10cm wide, so even a jumbo Kizu Power Pad often isn’t enough, and you end up using two. With this, you just cut the size you need, minimizing waste and making it way more practical for larger wounds.

I’m not sure if this technically counts as “hiking gear,” but for me, it’s absolutely essential. That said, there is a disclaimer that it’s “non-sterile and not intended for direct use on wounds,” but I just take that as a suggestion and use it at my own risk.

–– I’d recommend this for people who end up covered in scratches like Takahiro. Did you find this yourself?

Yes. I went to a pharmacy and ended up spending about 5,000 yen just on Kizu Power Pads, which felt way too expensive. With this, I can make it through an entire season.

–– So, what’s the third item?

Next, I’ll introduce a more standard piece of gear: a headlamp. The Petzl NAO RL.

I spend a lot of time moving at night, and sometimes I even run. So, having a dim light is just dangerous—it makes me sleepy. That kind of blurry, unfocused light really does it.

–– I see. So it actually makes you feel sleepy.

A bright light helps keep me awake and is great for night runs. This one has a maximum output of 1,500 lumens, whereas a typical headlamp is considered quite bright even at 600 lumens. Of course, if you use it at 1,500 lumens, the battery won’t last very long. But this headlamp has a built-in sensor that automatically adjusts the brightness when objects are nearby, reducing unnecessary battery consumption.

–– Oh, interesting. And for such a high-powered light, it looks pretty lightweight.

It is. The battery weighs about 80 grams, and the main unit is around 70 grams, I think. Altogether, it’s only 145 grams.

–– This belt design is impressive, too.

It’s simple but fits really well. Whether you wear it over a cap or directly on your head, it feels natural. Even when running, it doesn’t slip out of place.

–– Normally, with high-powered lights like this, the focus is more on fit and durability rather than weight. But this one seems well-balanced, which is great.

There are a few other models from different brands that are considered standard, especially in the trail running world. But for me, many of them feel unbalanced in terms of battery and light weight, or their battery life doesn’t last as long as advertised. So, despite their reputation, I don’t find them as impressive as people say. But the NAO RL fits well, and since it automatically adjusts brightness, the battery lasts longer than the official specs suggest. I was able to go through a 42-hour race without changing the battery, which means it lasted at least 20 hours. I did bring a spare battery, though.

–– 20 hours is incredible. Though, to be fair, a 42-hour race is even more impressive (laughs).

If you lower the brightness, it lasts even longer. Plus, it charges via USB-C, which makes it really convenient. I’d say this is a top-tier piece of gear.

–– When turned on, the backlight glows red as well.

It’s essentially a warning light for the back. They really put a lot of thought into this design, and at 1,500 lumens, it’s seriously impressive. It feels like firing a beam from your forehead, just like ZZ Gundam—cutting through the darkness with sheer intensity.

–– That’s amazing.

I think all Petzl lights are great, but this one was truly a fantastic purchase. It’s definitely my go-to gear. Rather than carrying a small backup light, I’d rather bring this with a spare battery—it’s that good. In fact, it’s so reliable that I end up using only this most of the time.

Also, Petzl’s lights usually come with a white stuff sack, which, when placed over the light, turns it into a lantern. That’s another surprisingly handy feature.

–– That’s really thoughtful. Definitely feels like classic Petzl design. Over the last ten years, LED lights and battery technology have advanced rapidly, but it seems like things are starting to plateau.

In the end, I think it all depends on battery advancements. One downside of Petzl is that their batteries are proprietary, whereas other brands use more universal options. But maybe that’s the trade-off—because it’s specifically designed, they can achieve this level of performance. It’s an incredibly well-thought-out piece of gear.

–– And finally, we have this.

That’s right. This is what you’d call a chain spike—Black Diamond’s Distance Spike Traction Device.

–– I didn’t realize chain spikes had gotten this light. I’ve been using the traditional rubber-upper chain spikes for so long that this is pretty surprising.

Yeah, those weigh around 300 grams per foot. This one is bulkier in design, but it only weighs about 120 grams per foot. I don’t really hike in snow, but during the spring thaw or in high-altitude areas, it can still have ice. So, I always bring some kind of spikes, and after trying different ones, I found that this one stays in place the best.

The design covers the front of the shoe with fabric, and then both the front fabric and the rear rubber secure it in place.

So, even when running downhill, it barely shifts. Other chain spikes use rubber all around, making them difficult to put on and take off. But with this one, you just pull the heel strap, and it comes off easily while still staying securely in place. I find that really functional.

There are plenty of even lighter options, including simpler and more lightweight models from Black Diamond. But those often slip off mid-use, which gets really frustrating. In the end, this became my go-to choice. When you think about practicality, this is the best option.

–– Honestly, even niche gear like this keeps evolving rapidly.

Yeah, definitely. A while back, Vargo released titanium spikes, and they were really lightweight. But I don’t think titanium is all that strong. Stainless steel spikes feel more reliable for heavy use. Since I don’t go out in the peak of winter, I often encounter a mix of rock and ice. In those conditions, stainless steel blades provide much more confidence.

–– Well, that was an excellent selection—just what I’d expect from you, Takahiro. Thank you very much!