The Oyuki Tamashii Mitt: Built for the Niseko Winter
Like all of Oyuki’s products, the Tamashii Mitt has been constructed with Niseko’s harsh winter environment in mind.
The Tamashii Mitt has been built using superior materials that will withstand the cold and wind often associated with Niseko’s premium powder conditions. This means you won’t be cutting a blower pow day short just because your fingers are cold. Goatskin leather is naturally both water resistant and wind proof while still being pliable, so you’re not compromising on moveability for the sake of thermal comfort.
The Oyuki Tamashii: constructed with Niseko’s harsh winter environment in mind.
For extra back up, the mitt also has a Hipora waterproof membrane that will further block out any unwanted H2O but won’t make you sweat like cheaper membranes can. Insulation is provided by Primaloft, which is a synthetic material originally developed for the US Army as an alternative to goose down. Primaloft adds warmth without bulk which, again, means skiers and snowboarders won’t be making any sacrifices where dexterity is concerned.
The Mitt is also built to last, with a goatskin leather patch placed strategically around the forefinger and thumb area to combat ware and tear.
Skier Adam Kroenert putting his gear to the test in Niseko, Japan.
When put into practice the Mitt truly does have a five star quality. The goatskin leather is very soft and feels nice to the touch. The mitt is very light but not in a way that delineates a budget product. Instead its lightness combined with simple aesthetics gives it a streamlined vibe, like you’re only paying for what you really need in a mitt. In fact its no nonsense look gives it a certain honesty, something that’s much appreciated in Japanese culture. This combined with some stylish Kanji lettering results in a very Japanese look and feel.
On the inside the mitt is definitely cosy and comfortable but it’s still easy to move your hand around to either grip a pole or do up a binding. It also has a low profile cuff, which completes its modest appearance while also being a practical accompaniment to any jacket sleeve.
The Tamashii Mitt is a true all rounder and will suit any skier or snowboarder type. In fact if you’re a beginner a mitt like this is an important investment because it will withstand any spills you take and keep you warm during non-skiing times for example while receiving instruction in a lesson. More experienced skiers will love that the Mitt will live for a long time. You also won’t have to worry about sweating up a storm while you hike or put in the hard yards down the steeps.
Tamashii means ‘soul’ or ‘spirit’ in Japanese, which is a great name for this mitt. The fact that you’ll own these mitts for a long period means they’ll weather you through many snowy experiences so, over time, you’ll probably feel they cultivate an adventurous soul. Just like your own.
Oyuki international team rider Maude Raymond tests out her Oyuki mitts in the conditions they were designed for.
Purchase details
RRP: YEN 12, 500
Purchase Oyuki Tamashii Mitts online at the Oyuki website.