The Sense of Security to Be Gained from the Shell Jacket of the Renowned Outdoor Brand "Millet"

Carrying "something to wear" year-round is significant whether outdoors or in the city. It is common practice to have a shell (or rain gear) on hand to cope with sudden weather changes or temperature fluctuations in outdoor environments. In urban settings, the chances of encountering heavy rain that umbrellas can't withstand have increased. During the hot and lingering summer months, excessive air conditioning can cool the body, making an easy-to-remove outer layer essential as autumn progresses.
 
If you were to carry a shell, what would be the best choice? A lightweight, compact item that is comfortable to wear, hooded for easy protection against rain and wind, and helpful for regulating body temperature through frequent layering is ideal. Notably, the water-repellent wind shell from "Millet," the "Breathe Barrier Wilder Light Jacket," stands out as a highly versatile item that can be used both in the mountains and the city.
 
Therefore, we visited Millet Mountain Group Japan Co., Ltd. to hear from Saki Hirano from the marketing department.

"The primary purpose of a wind shell is to serve as a windbreak in scenarios where strong winds blow on the mountains. It is worn to prevent body heat loss when standing on exposed ridge lines or climbing rocky faces. It also serves as an additional layer for warmth, making it convenient to carry for when you feel a chill in the city.
 
"Many wind shells are water-repellent, making them useful for rain protection against sudden weather changes. Typically, fabrics are treated to repel water like the outer layer of rainwear, allowing for protection against both wind and rain. While waterproof and breathable rainwear is more effective for prolonged heavy rain, wind shells tend to be lighter, more compact, and provide superior comfort."

Recently, high-performance rainwear has also become available that is lightweight, compact, and comfortable to wear, making the differentiation between wind shells and rain gear an area for innovation. The "Breathe Barrier Wilder Light Jacket" boasts superior water repellency compared to standard wind shells, providing a wider range of usability.

A High-Functioning Wind Shell Essential for Urban Use & Day Trips

"Millet's independently developed 'Breathe BarrierⓇ' series not only features advanced water repellency and lightweight characteristics but also strikes a balance between windproofing and breathability, preventing discomfort during wear while maintaining comfort and durability. Conventional water-repellent treatments spray a water-repellent component onto the fabric's surface, whereas this process fundamentally differs by allowing the fabric to soak in the water-repellent agent.
 
"By fully soaking the material in the water-repellent agent, the repellent component adheres to each individual fiber, resulting in high water repellency. The durability of its function, even with repeated wear and washing, is a benefit derived from this unique process. After impregnating the fabric with the water-repellent agent, an air-blowing process follows to eliminate any excess agents stuck to the surfaces and pores of the fibers, ensuring adequate breathability.
 
"Moreover, to minimize water ingress from seams, water-repellent threads are utilized in the stitching. Taking such steps to achieve high water repellency, breathability, and comfort, wind shells are complemented by other items in the lineup such as shirt jackets, easy pants, easy shorts, wrap skirts, over gloves, hats, and caps.”