Or how the universe aligned for our latest menswear brand. Theo raved ecstatic about his lightweight titanium mug; Emily, erstwhile of Filson, became Snow Peak’s lovely new agent in the UK; The Hambledon boys went on a legendary camping trip with delicious food and super specialist Japanese equipment. And Rob and Rich witnessed an unrivalled clothing collection. And thus, Snow Peak Apparel at The Hambledon became a reality.
Founded by Yukio Yamai, an accomplished mountaineer, in 1958, Snow Peak takes its name from the peaks of the famous Japanese mountain, Tanigawa-dake, where he climbed throughout his early life. This dramatic natural environment continues to inspire the brand, and remains home to its international headquarters. In its first incarnation Yamai identified a gap in the market and Snow Peak produced innovative mountaineering equipment, using the highly skilled metalworkers from Yamai’s hometown, Sanjo City. It is common in Japan for towns and cities to have specialisms in particular crafts (new Hambledon Spring Summer brand Thing Fabrics, from Imabari, make cotton towelling; Sakai City make knives, Sanjo City specialise in hardware). Fast forward to the 1980s and Snow Peak is now run by Yamai’s son, Tohru Yamai. The emphasis shifts from climbing gear to the broader appeal of camping equipment but the company’s rigourous approach to quality, functionality, design and durability remains. Just ask any of the Hambledon boys who were on the camping trip. And the company begins its expansion internationally.
Snow Peak remains very much a family business. In 2014, to great acclaim from both the fashion and the outdoor industries, Lisa Yamai, Yukio’s grand daughter, launched Apparel, with the aim of creating:
‘Japanese-designed technical garments that prioritize functionality and enable the wearer to seamlessly transition between urban and natural environments.’
In March 2019 Lisa Yamai became the third President of Snow Peak Japan.
Taking their inspiration from Snow Peak’s intrepid outdoor history, the design team marry the practical requirements of performance gear with traditional Japanese clothing and workwear and modern pattern cutting. Rob and Rich, with their obsessional interest in Japan (‘shinnichi’ is the word, apparently); Rich, with his obsessional interest in camping (though don’t ask him about a fateful night in a £900 tent in a gale. NB The tent was most definitely NOT a Snow Peak tent) have put together a perfect edit of key pieces.
Top of the class is the Recycled Nylon Ripstop Down Jacket (bit of a mouthful of a name) which is a technical water-repellent winter coat featuring recycled materials for a sustainable impact. The coat features an insulated, adjustable hood, high neck with two-way zip front and added snap closures, quilted body, ribbed cuffs, dual hip patch pockets, and in-seam slant pockets, inner storage pouches, and adjustable drawstrings at waist and hem to retain warmth. The outer material uses 100% tent-recycled nylon ripstop with a DWR finish (Durable Water Repellent technology is a polymer coating which provides water-resistant protection. The technology repels water, causing it to bead on a garment's surface. This makes it roll off the surface rather than soak into the fabric). The recycled down filling is comprised of cleaned and reused feathers provided by the Green Down Project.
We love the Flexible Insulated story. Featuring lightweight warmth and ultrasoft handle for comfort and a water-repellant outershell with a moisture-absorbing inner lining, choose between a hoodie, a shirt and, for the fashion forward, a pant. And there’s the Boa Fleece, the Quilted Flannel, printed logo tees and a great pair of jeans.
Check out all the apparel, and if you’re going camping (or you’re looking for the perfect present) check out all the outdoor accessories here.
