Check Out the Compact "Milestone" Hoodie that Adapts to Temperature Changes & Sudden Weather Shifts!

From spring to early summer, temperatures can fluctuate dramatically, so the key to staying comfortable is to have something lightweight to throw on in addition to your thin clothing. For easy carrying, we recommend packable gear that is light, thin, and compact. In particular, items designed for trail running, which are exceptionally lightweight and compact, can be very handy for everyday use.
 
Therefore, we focused on the 'Onion Hoody' from the domestic brand 'milestone,' which is popular among trail runners, and spoke with Naofumi Yoshida, the brand director at the milestone division of FUJI-TOKI Co., Ltd.

Trail running wear is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry in your everyday bag, so you can quickly throw it on when it gets chilly. Although it is primarily called a wind shell, it is treated with a water-repellent finish, allowing you to withstand light rain for a short period.
 
“The design, including the asymmetric zipper, is popular for its aesthetic appeal, and while it’s intended for trail running, many people also wear it as casual clothing. The reason for the asymmetry is that when you adjust the zipper for temperature regulation while running, raising the zipper straight up hits your chin and can be bothersome, so it is designed to shift to the right side.

"By the way, this zipper is a double zipper that opens from the bottom, allowing you to open the zipper not only at the neck but also from the bottom up to the abdomen or chest, letting wind through. You can close the zipper when it's cold and open it when it's hot. This is an essential feature for trail running."
 
While you might not frequently adjust the zipper like this in urban settings, it’s quite handy during outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, and climbing. An asymmetric neck design definitely ensures it’s not in the way.

“When you're out trail running, putting your thumb through the thumbhole at the cuff keeps your wrists and the backs of your hands warm, and it fits the wear better for easier movement. However, the downside is that your watch gets covered and is harder to check. To solve this, we’ve included watch windows in both arms.
 
"When designing, it’s better to clarify the purpose to create superior products, so it is designed for trail running, but users are welcome to use it for jogging, hiking, or just as everyday wear.”

Constantly Researching the Types of Products that Would Be Beneficial while Actually Trail Running

“Our company, Fuji-toki Co., Ltd., was established in 1920 and specializes in the manufacturing, planning, and sales of lamp and lighting products. Starting from lights for coal mines, we mainly produce fishing lights that attract fish to boats and headlamps for fishing. About ten years ago, we launched the brand 'Milestone' to see if we could leverage this headlamp for outdoor use.
 
"Initially, we produced and sold lighting equipment such as lanterns for camping or headlamps for mountain activities. However, in order to create high-end headlamps specifically for trail running, the brand's founder, Shuhei Nishioka, started trail running, and he began running on mountains with me, who was one of his friends at the time.
 
"This allowed us to understand not only the conditions required for high-end headlamps but also for high-end apparel. Since I had worked in an apparel company, I began helping with the production and sales of apparel as well. Eventually, with the expansion of the apparel business and construction of an office and a directly managed store, I joined the company, and we now promote the 'Milestone' business as it is today.
 
"By the way, the criteria for headlamps suitable for trail running include brightness and lightweight properties, but a unique feature of our products is the use of warm-colored light, which performs well with high light transmittance when things become foggy.”

In outdoor activities, while temperature fluctuations can be significant, it is essential to be prepared for sudden weather changes. The "Onion Hoody" has water-repellent properties, making it a good item to carry to shield against unexpected rain. It is also indispensable during the rainy season in the city, and having it on hand is reassuring for enduring summer downpours or for wearing in overly air-conditioned places.

Introducing a New Rainwear Sibling Model that Enhances Waterproofing and Helps Avoid Body Temperature Drops!  

The "Onion Hoody" is a wind shell, so it is not completely waterproof. For instance, if you face bad weather during a 100-mile (160 km) long-distance trail run, your body could get wet from the rain, leading to the risk of hypothermia. Therefore, a completely waterproof rainwear inspired by the design of the "Onion Hoody" was developed and debuted this year. For everyday use, the rainwear is more suitable to wear as rain gear.

"The rainwear eliminates the watch window to avoid water and includes tucks on the back to increase the capacity for equipment that can be concealed under the garment while wearing it. Compared to wind shells, the weight is slightly increased, but it is still in the 100g range. It could be made somewhat lighter by thinning the outer fabric, but considering the balance with heat retention, I believe the current specs are the optimal solution.
 
"When I participated in the Shinetsu Gogaku Trail Running Race, it rained, and the nighttime temperatures dropped. However, when I tried on the pre-release 'UP-SWING Rain Hoody,' I felt no moisture on my body, and thanks to its moderate thickness, I was not cold. I think maintaining a balance is more suitable for trail running than solely focusing on lightweight compactness."
 
It was a long race, but during the day the weather was good, allowing them to run more lightly with the wind shell, so they also carried the "Onion Hoody" for versatility. Both are lightweight and compact, but for everyday carry, either one is generally sufficient. Why not consider weighing the ease of movement against waterproofing?