The AW Hike Pants is a simplified version of our Winter Hike Pants, with the crampon guards and shoe hooks removed, resulting in simple but clean soft-shell pants designed to provide maximum comfort during the colder seasons of autumn and winter hiking.

The “AW” stands for both ”Autumn/Winter” and “All-weather.” Constructed from Polartec Power Shield Pro, a waterproof material with high breathability and stretch, these pants protect you from snow, light rain, and wind.

The fleece lining is so comfortable that you’ll want to wear them everywhere. Of course, it retains the unique 5-Pocket system that Yamatomichi is known for.

The AW Hike Pants, despite being made from a waterproof and breathable material, offer a surprising level of stretch and are soft to the touch. They are so comfortable that you can even wear them to bed in your tent.

The simple design blends seamlessly with urban environments, making it possible to transition from home to winter hiking without the need to change.

However, do not let the casual and simple design fool you. With Polartec Shield Pro these pants will cut 99% of wind, being able to withstand high winds and blizzards.

Yamatomichi 5-Pocket design can neatly store your map, snack, wallet, and other items you need during hiking, without interfering with your leg movement.

Each pocket is zippered to keep snow out, and the smartphone pocket on the right has been enlarged to fit a smartphone with a waterproof case. The side pockets are lined with Polartec Micro fleece to keep your hands warm.

In deep winter, pair the AW Hike Pants with our Light Alpha Tights or Wool Tights. The pants are comfortable even when worn with tights, thanks to the highly elastic material.

To Prevent the hems from riding up when hiking in snow, we’ve Added designated loops for elastic cords.
*elastic cords not included.

The original Power Shield is a softshell material developed by Polartec with superior windproof and breathability performance. It is less breathable when you are standing still, but becomes highly breathable when you start moving. That is, it is warm when you are resting, yet it breathes well when you are walking. The Polartec Power Shield Pro is a cutting-edge, updated version of the Power Shield with enhanced waterproof performance.

A hydrostatic pressure test (ISO811, AATCC127, JIS L1092 equivalent) showed that it has a water resistance of 5000mm, and remains water-resistant at 3000mm at a minimum throughout the usable lifespan of the fabric. This is perhaps not the best of the best, but more than sufficient for winter hiking gear.

The Power Shield Pro is composed of three layers. The water-resistant and water permeable second layer membrane is sandwiched by a facing and lining material. The Power Shield Pro can be thicker or softer depending on the type of facing and lining materials.

The facing material for the Winter Hike Pants is a snow repellant, cotton-like fabric, and the lining is a jersey material with a soft and comfortable texture. It is neither thick nor super-warm, so we recommend hikers to wear extra under tights if additional warmth is needed.

Technical features (Supplied by Polartec)

• Blocks 99% of wind, but the remaining 1% circulates within the clothes to prevent overheating.
• Excellent breathability reduces the risk of heat stress during heavy exercise.
• Water-resistant up to a maximum of 5000mm, yet always breathable.
• Surface repels rain or snow.
• Wear-resistant surface protects the exterior against abrasion, keeping the performance intact.
• Stress-free elasticity while walking.
• Relatively noise-free compared with many other hardshell materials.
• Light, warm and more compressible than conventional insulation material.
• Machine-washable.

Test result of dynamic breathability by ASTM F 2298 method (Source: Polartec)

The Power Shield Pro’s second layer blocks 99% of wind, while the remaining 1% circulates within the clothes to accelerate the evaporation of moisture. It is warm when you are resting, yet breathable during exercise without getting too hot, keeping you comfortable.

The above chart shows a comparison of materials used in winter hiking pants by various companies.

The vertical axis is breathability, and the horizontal axis indicates the circulation of air. The graph shows that the Power Shield Pro is warm when standing still, but breathable and comfortable while on the move. The results of other materials are as follows.

• Power Shield：Just like the “Pro” version, it is warm when standing by, breathable and comfortable during exercise, but it has no water resistance.
• Neoshell：It is liked for its breathability, water resistance, and water permeability, but is likely to be colder when resting and less breathable while on the move than Power Shield Pro.
• Windproof softshell：Conventional softshell material has poor breathability with no or little water resistance.
• Highly water-resistant, water-permeable material：It is used in many overpants, but the breathability is only 25% of the Power Shield Pro. It is highly water-resistant but less breathable, so it gets stuffy. The fabric is relatively thin with poor durability.

Polartec Power Shield Pro 222g/㎡

• The actual measurement may be slightly different from the values indicated below due to the sewing variations.
• The measurement may be changed as the fabric shrinks with use and washing.

• Use neutral detergent. Machine wash at 30°C.
• Wash separately or use a laundry net bag.
• Do not bleach and do not use fabric softener.
• Tumble dry below 60°C.
• Do not dry-clean.
• Do not iron.