※OEKO-TEX® Certification Fabric
136g (Size S)
148g (Size M)
166g (Size L)
176g (Size XL)
- Introduction
- Product Story
- Form and Function
- Staying comfortable during activities
- Warmth during breaks
- Not too chilly, not too warm
- Super Quick-drying
- Lightweight and portable
- Warm even when wet
- Details
- Comparative Guide to Yamatomichi's Active Insulation:
- Review
- When used as a base layer directly against the skin
- Material
- Primaloft Active Evolve
- Size guide
- Instructions
- Pilling and shedding
- Care Instructions
Introduction
Comfort in all seasons
The goal was to create a thin, lightweight fleece that can be worn in a wide range of temperatures and environments. The Active Pullover has great balance between breathability and warmth, making it a great base or mid layer.
Primaloft Active Evolve (100g/m²) efficiently wicks sweat away from the body and prevents overheating. With its soft texture and stretchiness, it offers high breathability, yet provides warmth when layered. Weighing only 148g (Size M), it’s so light that you’ll forget you ever packed it.
Depending on the situation or activity, it can be worn directly against the skin as a base layer or layered over materials like merino wool. In various seasons and scenarios, it’s sure to become your new partner in the mountains.
Features of the Active Pullover
– Utilizes Primaloft Active Evolve (100g/m²)
– Versatile temperature range
– Prevents overheating during movement
– Stretch that doesn’t hinder movement
– Suitable for use in rainy conditions with moisture wicking capabilities
– Quick-drying
– Lightweight and portable
– Offers ample ventilation with the chest zipper
– High neck for added warmth
– Thumb holes to increase warmth around the wrists
Due to the nature of the material, wear may occur with use and washing. For more details, please refer to the support section at the bottom of the page.
Product Story
A Balance Between Breathability and Insulation.
What I aimed for was to create a simple yet more layering-friendly insulation that could replace the Light Alpha Vest/Jacket. While the Light Alpha Vest/Jacket and Alpha Anorak are excellent for activities in winter hiking or slightly chilly seasons, their bulkiness makes layering difficult. Which led us to create the Active Pullover.
We have been making various products with Polartec Alpha Direct like the Alpha Vest. However, I found it was at times too breathable. I was looking for a fabric with a better balance of breathability and insulation. It was challenging to find a fabric that had the perfect balance between breathability and insulation. However, throughout these years of testing we were able to get our hands on a fabric that made it worthy for production.
We found that Primaloft Active Evolve (100g/m²) offered the perfect balance between breathability and insulation. It performs well as a single layer, balancing breathability and insulation, and excels in a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions.
This Active Pullover serves as both a base layer and a mid-layer. However, because it can be comfortably worn continuously, whether directly against the skin or layered with something like DF Mesh Merino underneath, and effectively manages sweat and quick drying, making it great as a base layer.
It’s a versatile insulation that performs well in all seasons.
(March 2024)
Product Voice
Clever Layering
with the Active Pullover
The Active Pullover is not only a great base layer but also a great lightweight mid-layer. Junki, Akira and Hideo discuss the development process, usability for hiking, and its versatile appeal.
Form and Function
Staying comfortable during activities
The Active Pullover’s breathability prevents overheating during movement. Unzip the chest zip in warmer situations for further ventilation. Its exceptional quick-drying capabilities and the fabric’s point-contact design efficiently lets sweat pass-through, preventing cold-sweats, moisture buildup and ensuring continuous comfort.
Warmth during breaks
If you start feeling chilly in high winds or when you are not moving, layer a shell or shirt over it. This will block the wind and reduce ventilation, providing additional warmth and acting as an insulating layer. Additionally, using the thumb holes on the wrists can effectively trap heat and keep you warmer.
Not too chilly, not too warm
Primaloft Active Evolve provides less breathability compared to the highly breathable Polartec AlphaDirect, which means that it is slower in dispersing heat during movement and in windy conditions. However, it is significantly more breathable than merino wool. It strikes a perfect balance of breathability and warmth.
*Results of in-house test:
Breathability: JIS 1096 L method
Heat retention: JIS L 1096 A method
Super Quick-drying
Primaloft Active Evolve has exceptional quick-drying performance, though it falls slightly behind Polartec AlphaDirect. In the below graph illustrating the fabric’s drying process from fully saturated to completely dry, the initial moisture content when wet is 100%, and when dry, it reaches 0%. Despite Primaloft Active Evolve (100g/m2) being marginally less effective than the thinner AlphaDirect (85g/m2), it still rapidly diminishes moisture at an equivalent rate to the thicker AlphaDirect (136g/m2), achieving complete dryness within 60 minutes after exposure to water.
Lightweight and portable
At just 148g (Size M), the Active Pullover is lightweight and compact, making it extremely portable as a mid-layer for maintaining warmth.
Comparison based on the weight of our size M product and Company A’s standard size product.
Warm even when wet
The Active Pullover has low water retention and can maintain its loft even when wet. This means that its capacity to retain heat remains unaffected even when dampened by sweat or light rain, akin to synthetic down padding.
Details
Back of the neck reinforced with the same material as UL shirts (Shadow Rip)
Thumb holes on the wrists for extra warmth
The front zipper allows ample chest exposure for ventilation
Shock cord to prevent hems from rolling up
Comparative Guide to Yamatomichi's Active Insulation:
*Numerical values indicate the breathability of the outer fabric (measured using JIS 1096 L method).
Layer: Mid-layer
Windproofness: Slight
Breathability: 69* (breathable)
Warmth: Excellent
Features: Designed for active use in harsh winter conditions. Equipped with high ventilation and spacious pockets for ample storage. Recommended with a windproof outer shell in windy conditions.
Layer: Mid-layer
Windproofness:
Slight
Breathability: 69* (breathable)
Warmth: Excellent Features: Designed for active use in harsh winter conditions. Equipped with high ventilation and spacious pockets for ample storage. Recommended with a windproof outer shell in windy conditions.
Layer: Mid-layer
Windproofness: None
Breathability: 334* (high breathability)
Warmth: Good
Features: The thick Polartec Alpha Direct insulation on the front of the vest serves as an additional layer for warmth in chilly weather. It can also be worn alone to provide insulation during warmer seasons.
*Numerical values indicate the breathability of the outer fabric (measured using JIS 1096 L method).
Layer: Mid-layer and Outerwear
Windproofness: Excellent
Breathability: 0.4* (some breathability)
Warmth: Excellent
Features: Developed as a high-performance garment for retaining heat in extreme winter conditions and snowy mountain environments, suitable for various situations, including windy ridge lines. The outer fabric, Pertex Shield Air, is also utilized in the UL All-weather series.
*Numerical values indicate the breathability of the outer fabric (measured using JIS 1096 L method).
Active Pullover
Layer: Base layer/Mid-layer
Windproofness: None
Breathability: 296* (high breathability)
Warmth: Good
Features: Developed as a versatile base layer suitable for standalone wear or for layering. Versatile in a wide range of temperatures.
Layer: Mid-layer
Windproofness: Slight
Breathability: 69* (breathable)
Warmth: Excellent
Features: Designed for active use in harsh winter conditions. Equipped with high ventilation and spacious pockets for ample storage. Recommended with a windproof outer shell in windy conditions.
Layer: Mid-layer
Windproofness:
Slight
Breathability: 69* (breathable)
Warmth: Excellent Features: Designed for active use in harsh winter conditions. Equipped with high ventilation and spacious pockets for ample storage. Recommended with a windproof outer shell in windy conditions.
Layer: Mid-layer
Windproofness: None
Breathability: 334* (high breathability)
Warmth: Good
Features: The thick Polartec Alpha Direct insulation on the front of the vest serves as an additional layer for warmth in chilly weather. It can also be worn alone to provide insulation during warmer seasons.
*Numerical values indicate the breathability of the outer fabric (measured using JIS 1096 L method).
Layer: Mid-layer and Outerwear
Windproofness: Excellent
Breathability: 0.4* (some breathability)
Warmth: Excellent
Features: Developed as a high-performance garment for retaining heat in extreme winter conditions and snowy mountain environments, suitable for various situations, including windy ridge lines. The outer fabric, Pertex Shield Air, is also utilized in the UL All-weather series.
*Numerical values indicate the breathability of the outer fabric (measured using JIS 1096 L method).
Active Pullover
Layer: Base layer/Mid-layer
Windproofness: None
Breathability: 296* (high breathability)
Warmth: Good
Features: Developed as a versatile base layer suitable for standalone wear or for layering. Versatile in a wide range of temperatures.
Review
When used as a base layer directly against the skin
The Active Pullover, with its soft feel and sweat-absorbing, moisture-diffusing properties, is highly recommended for use directly against the skin as a base layer. Here, we present reviews from one of our staff members who used it as a base layer.
However, when worn directly against the skin and layered with outerwear that has low breathability, the fabric’s moisture permeability may decrease, and its quick-drying properties and sweat-absorbing structure may not function optimally, potentially causing the skin to feel damp. Therefore, it’s important to consider the situation and activity and to plan layering accordingly.
I Never realized I was sweating
During a night hike on the Tokai Nature Trail in mid-February, I tried using the Active Pullover as a base layer. I wore the Active Pullover as the base layer, with a 100% Merino Hoody on top. After sweating quite a bit during the hike up, I initially felt a bit of sweat chilling. However, later on, as the sweat transferred to the 100% Merino Hoody, the Active Pullover remained dry, allowing me to walk comfortably. A friend walking behind me noticed that my 100% Merino Hoody was wet with sweat and remarked, “You’re sweating a lot,” but I hadn’t noticed because the Active Pullover underneath was dry, which surprised me. Despite the temperature dropping during the late night, I didn’t feel cold because it provided insulation. Later, as the temperature rose during the day, I continued to wear just the Active Pullover, and I found it to be breathable with just the right amount of warmth. It made me realize that it’s great to wear as a standalone base layer!
Yamatomichi Kyoto Staff
Long-distance hiking / Running
Hiking experience: 7 years, Ultralight experience: 4 years
Don’t feel sweat
During a hike in the Ho-oh Sanzan Mountains in late December, with temperatures ranging from -10°C to 0°C under clear skies and while trekking through forested areas, I didn’t feel much cold due to the absence of wind. I used the Active Pullover on its own and found it to function sufficiently as a base layer.
The Active Pullover has excellent breathability, allowing heat to escape even when sweating, and thanks to its brushed fabric, it feels less sticky than the 100% Merino series and dries faster. As a result, there was minimal sweat chilling, and I felt comfortable. However, the regular feel of Merino wool is softer compared to the Active Pullover. Merino wool retains a moderate amount of moisture and feels soft even when not sweating, while the Active Pullover tends to be slightly drier (which could be influenced by winter dryness).
While the Active Pullover provides insulation, I did feel some cold when there was a wind speed of 5-10m/s, especially when worn alone. However, when paired with the similarly breathable UL All-weather series, there was no risk of overheating. In terms of comfort and odor control as a base layer, Merino wool excels, but the Active Pullover outperforms in terms of quick drying and sweat chilling prevention.
Store Manager of Yamatomichi Kamakura
Long-distance hiking / Couples hiking
Hiking experience: 15 years, Ultralight experience: 5 years
Material
Primaloft Active Evolve
Primaloft Active Evolve is an insulation material that features a mesh-like fabric with raised areas woven into it, providing moderate breathability and heat retention, along with excellent quick-drying properties. It effectively resists excessive heat and moisture during physical activity, ensuring a comfortable environment inside the garment across various conditions.
Primaloft Active Evolve absorbs and disperses perspiration rapidly, and its stretchability enables it to move with the body during exercise without causing discomfort. Thus, it can be utilized not only as a mid-layer, like conventional insulation, but also as a base layer worn directly against the skin.
Primaloft Active Evolve
Material：100% polyester (58% recycled polyester)
*Fabric certified by OEKO-TEX®
Fabric weight: 100g/㎡
Bursting strength (JIS L1096A): 477kPa
This is obtained by inflating the fabric with a rubber membrane until it tears and
measuring the pressure value at that point.
Heat retention（JIS L1096A）：42%
This indicates the energy loss of a heat source when the fabric is placed on it.
Size guide
Recommended Size
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (kg) | 42~53 | 51~61 | 59~69 | 67~78 | 76~85 |
| Chest (cm) | 78~84 | 80~88 | 84~95 | 92~102 | 100~110 |
Product Size
Unit：cm
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 68 | 71.5 | 74.5 | 76.5 | 78.5 |
| Body Width | 47.5 | 50.5 | 53 | 57 | 61 |
| Hem Width | 43.5 | 46.5 | 49 | 53 | 57 |
| Neck to Sleeve | 76.5 | 82.5 | 85 | 88 | 91 |
| Sleeve Opening | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | Fastener Length | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 |
・There may be differences between the actual dimensions and the dimensions stated due to shrinking and sewing errors.
・Fabric may shrink from wear and tear or frequent washing, causing dimensions to change over time.
Fitting
Ichiro 170cm-56kg
Size S (Green)
Ichiro 170cm-56kg
Size S (Green)
Kanade 161cm-56kg
Size XS (Blue)
Kanade 161cm-56kg
Size XS (Blue)
Ichiro 170cm-56kg
Size S (Green)
Ichiro 170cm-56kg
Size M (White)
Ippei 172cm-62kg
Size M (Blue)
Ippei 172cm-62kg
Size L (Burgundy)
Pony 173cm-76kg
Size L (Black)
Pony 173cm-76kg
Size XL (White)
Tsuka 183cm-65kg
Size L (Burgundy)
Tsuka 183cm-65kg
Size XL (White)
Ichiro 170cm-56kg
Size S (Green)
Ichiro 170cm-56kg
Size M (White)
Ippei 172cm-62kg
Size M (Blue)
Ippei 172cm-62kg
Size L (Burgundy)
Pony 173cm-76kg
Size L (Black)
Pony 173cm-76kg
Size XL (White)
Tsuka 183cm-65kg
Size L (Burgundy)
Tsuka 183cm-65kg
Size XL (White)
Nana 151cm-47kg
Size XS (Burgundy)
Kanade 161cm-56kg
Size XS (Blue)
Kanade 161cm-56kg
Size S (Black)
Hikaru 165cm-59kg
Size S (Green)
Hikaru 165cm-59kg
Size M (White)
Yumiko 170cm-59kg
Size S (Black)
Yumiko 170cm-59kg
Size M (White)
Nana 151cm-47kg
Size XS (Burgundy)
Kanade 161cm-56kg
Size XS (Blue)
Kanade 161cm-56kg
Size S (Black)
Hikaru 165cm-59kg
Size S (Green)
Hikaru 165cm-59kg
Size M (White)
Yumiko 170cm-59kg
Size S (Black)
Yumiko 170cm-59kg
Size M (White)
Instructions
Pilling and shedding
Initially, there may be noticeable shedding of fibers. However, with repeated washing, shedding tends to decrease. Due to the nature of the material, there may be some thinning of the fabric over time due to wear and washing.
Left: Unused product
Right: Product after use
Care Instructions
- Use neutral detergent. Machine wash, gentle or delicate at 40°C or lower.
- Avoid bleach or fabric softener.
- Line dry in the shade.
- When using a dryer, use a low-temperature setting (60°C or lower).
- Do not iron.
- Due to the nature of the material, pilling from wear and slight shrinkage from washing may occur.
Payment
- We only accept payment by credit card. We currently do not accept payment via bank transfer from overseas accounts.
- We accept the following Credit Cards: Visa, Master, American Express, and JCB.
- To download your receipt, please click the link included in the Dispatch Notice, which we will send by email as soon as the items are dispatched.
Delivery
- Order Confirmation will be sent after the order.
- The items will be dispatched within 3 days after the payment is confirmed.
- The dispatch notice will be sent by email as soon as the items are dispatched.
- The delivery may be delayed by unforeseeable reasons such as natural disasters and other logistics issues. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
- We cannot ship multiple orders in one package due to how our delivery system is currently set up.
- We will ship to regions in North America, Oceania, and Europe (excluding Russia) via DHL. For regions in Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America, Africa, and Russia, we use EMS (International Express Mail Service) for shipping.
- Shipping fees and delivery times vary depending on the shipping destination as well as the size and weight of the items.
Size Exchange
- Overseas customers who need to change the size of their order, should note that the time needed for shipping will vary greatly depending on your country of residence.
- We only accept exchanges when the item is unused (except for fitting).
- If you wish to exchange the size of the item, please contact us within seven days of receiving your order.
- Exchanges can only be made for the same color in a different size.
- If the size you wish is out of stock, we will suggest a different color.
- If the product is out of stock, we may simply have to ship the item back to you.
- All shipping costs to be carried by the customer.
- We will only send the exchanged item to you, upon receipt of return shipping cost via PayPal.
- Please be aware that some countries charge customs duties depending on the price of the item.
- We are unable to answer any questions on local customs. Please contact your local customs bureau.
Repair
We accept repairs for all of our Yamatomichi products. For inquiries on repair services including patching the holes, repairing with extra components, or fixing the items damaged over time, please feel free to contact us from the “Repair” section of the SUPPORT page.