Stay Cool with the Comfortable "Ventilation Shirt" from AXESQUIN

How long will these hot days continue? According to the calendar, autumn begins on August 7 with "立秋," but in reality, the heatwave often intensifies from there, making it crucial to pay attention to body temperature regulation. At least in the past year and the year before, the intense late summer heat lasted well into September. This year, too, it seems we will need some strategies to stay cool if we are to endure the prolonged days of high heat and humidity.
 
Is there any good item out there? One product that particularly catches the eye in outdoor shops this season is the refreshing "AXESQUIN" "Ventilation Layer." Especially noteworthy is the "Ventilation Shirt," boasting an incredible permeability rating of 50.1cm3/cm²/s. Originally intended for summer mountain traverses and hiking, it is also suitable for daily wear. We spoke with Jun Hosokawa from the AXESQUIN division of SOHSHIN Co., Ltd. about its functions and styling.

"AXESQUIN, a brand that delivers highly functional mountaineering and outdoor gear, was launched by SOHSHIN Co., Ltd. in 1988. In Japan, with its diverse seasonal changes, we develop and manufacture apparel and gear to comfortably enjoy everything from hills to alpine climbs. A notable feature is the display of 'breathability' on many of our products to deal with the humidity in Japan’s summer mountains.
 
"Among our products, the 'Ventilation Shirt' boasts extremely high breathability, with a rating of 50.1 cm3/cm²/s. This means it allows 50.1 cubic centimeters (about 50cc) of air to pass through per square centimeter per second. It has very high performance as air passes through the clothing, releasing sweat and excess heat, making it cool and comfortable to move around."

Simply put, it’s an excellent mesh fabric that has a unique property of being difficult to see through from the outside. It’s thin and highly breathable, yet retains strength and firmness, meaning it doesn't stick to the skin even when sweating. The dry feel is sustained, and the ventilation effect from air circulation prevents heat from building up. It regulates the temperature and humidity within the clothing, preventing discomfort from sudden changes.
 
"The material is 'COOLDOTS Mechanical Stretch Mini Ripstop' by 'Komatsu Matere.' In addition to its high breathability, it is a stretchable material, reducing stress during activities like mountaineering and hiking. It's very comfortable as daily wear too. Furthermore, although it’s mesh, it has water-repellent processing to fend off water."
 
When worn, it’s curious that although it is thin and light with high breathability, water forms droplets on the surface, not being absorbed into the fibers. What an abundance of functional materials! The constant ventilation inside the clothing prevents sweat build-up, making it perfect for Japan's hot and humid summer mountains.
 
"When you exercise, you sweat, but not allowing the sweaty and clammy state to continue for long is crucial for managing physical condition in the outdoors. Heat and humidity themselves are exhausting, but also the 'sweat chill' effect from sweat evaporating off the skin and clothing is significant. Avoiding clamminess and chill through layering (adjusting layers for temperature control) is essential in mountaineering and hiking."