Fishing-Inspired Functionality for Daily Life: Exploring the True Potential of Daiwa Lifestyle's Combi Up System

Strong winds, splashing water, the dynamic movements of casting, and sudden temperature shifts—how do the specs honed in the demanding world of fishing push apparel to the next level? The COMBI UP SYSTEM from DAIWA LIFESTYLE offers a clear answer.

This innovative system, born from the practical wisdom of fishing apparel, allows a shell jacket and a vest to be zipped together into a single unit. We spoke with Masaomi Nakatsu from Globeride, Inc., who was part of the development team, to learn more about the origins and true potential of this unique outerwear.

A Multi-Field Line from a Top Fishing Gear Manufacturer

DAIWA LIFESTYLE is a project from Daiwa, one of Japan's leading fishing gear manufacturers. It takes the technology and expertise honed through fishing and reimagines fishing apparel for everyday life.

“Our concept is 'Deliver Weather-Ready Wear for a better 24/7.' We build on the proven functionality of our fishing apparel, adapting it for the outdoors and wrapping it in designs that fit seamlessly into city life,” Nakatsu explains.

Spotlight on the Combi Up System: A Fishing Apparel Staple

The PERTEX COMBI UP SHELL JACKET and the COMBI UP VEST were developed to perfectly embody this concept, both featuring the Combi Up System.

“The Combi Up System, which pairs a shell jacket with a floating vest, has actually been a standard feature in our fishing apparel for years. It’s a brilliant design that improves mobility and safety on the water, but it was virtually unknown outside of fishing. The whole project started by asking, ‘What kind of apparel could we create if we brought this system into our lifestyle line?’ That was our starting point.”

Zipping a Jacket and Vest into One

The key feature of the Combi Up System is its ability to connect the shell jacket and vest via zippers.

“By attaching the vest using the dedicated zippers located on either side of the jacket's main front zipper, you can dramatically reduce the shifting and bunching that happens when you just wear one layer over the other.”

So what advantages does this system bring to lifestyle apparel?

“The biggest benefit is that it structurally guarantees a stable layering system. By zipping the jacket and vest into one, you prevent them from shifting or bunching up as you move, which reduces a lot of the stress of wearing multiple layers.”

“Plus, with all the pockets on both the jacket and the vest, you can often go bag-free. This is especially handy when you need to keep your hands free, like in rainy weather.”

Freedom of Movement Thanks to High-Tech Nylon and a Unique Cut

The shell material used for the jacket is key to the system's performance. This piece features a mini-ripstop fabric made from PERTEX® SHIELD PRO, which uses 40-denier recycled nylon.

“We went with a 2.5-layer construction to strike the perfect balance between light weight and durability, making it suitable for both city life and outdoor adventures. It boasts impressive waterproof and breathable specs—a water resistance rating of 30,000 mm and a breathability rating of 13,000 g/m²—protecting you from the elements like rain and humidity while efficiently letting internal moisture escape.”

Furthermore, the shell's surface uses semi-dull yarn, giving it a muted, matte finish.

“This not only helps it blend in with urban settings but also has the practical benefit of making dirt and stains less visible.”

When you try it on, what's striking isn't just how light it is, but also how smoothly you can move your arms and shoulders. This is all thanks to Daiwa's proprietary 'Master Pattern.'

'It’s a pattern engineered to support the casting motion in fishing—that whole sequence of raising your arm and swinging it forward—without getting in the way. With a standard jacket, raising your arms can cause the fabric on the back and shoulders to pull, creating tension and making the hem ride up. That's why we've incorporated the Master Pattern into this model. It's three-dimensionally designed to ensure a full range of motion, especially around the shoulders, and to follow your every move.'

A Vest Designed for Both Lightness and a Clear Line of Sight

The vest's design is also packed with clever features originating from fishing.

'We designed the vest to distribute its bulk from the front to the sides, which keeps your view of the ground clear. This was inspired by the need to navigate unstable, rocky shorelines where a sure footing is everything.'

While traditional fishing flotation vests tend to be bulky and heavy due to their buoyancy materials, this piece takes a different approach. It features a highly breathable mesh and water-repellent, high-density nylon twill, resulting in a lightweight design that offers excellent mobility.

The Flagship Model: Inheriting Daiwa’s Technical Legacy

Users of this outerwear, featuring the Combi Up System, will appreciate its benefits not just for performance, but for style as well.

'You can wear the shell jacket and vest together or use them separately, making the set adaptable to a wide range of situations and expanding your styling options.'

Forged in the demanding environment of fishing, the Combi Up System brings a new level of functionality to urban life by structurally guaranteeing a stable layering experience. Its true genius lies in the perfect balance of mobility and portability that comes from seamlessly integrating two separate garments into one.