BRAND & PRODUCT
About the Brand and Product
RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR Unwind Pants Trail Shadow
About RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR
Whether I am hiking or spending time at home or in the city, it is all part of the same continuous daily life.
I want to be able to move easily and comfortably throughout those ongoing moments.
RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR creates tools and clothing that gently align with that feeling.
My philosophy is to give a reason for every feature and add nothing unnecessary.
I think about the structure so that if it breaks, it can be repaired and used again, and I accumulate insights gained from my own hikes as small, incremental improvements.
I do not want to create things meant only for special occasions, but rather tools that you find yourself reaching for every day.
I call these items that have found a place in my daily life "staples."
To me, a staple doesn't mean something that never changes, but something that doesn't change too much.
By listening to the voices of the users, I aim to update only what is truly necessary, creating a form that gains trust over time.
Quality is born from the relationships between creators.
I maintain face-to-face communication with factories and suppliers across Japan, choosing only the designs that best utilize their respective strengths.
Rather than decorating with grand words, I want to convey as honestly as possible why a product is shaped the way it is and the background behind how it is made.
RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR will continue to slowly increase the number of items that we believe are truly necessary.
The "Unwind Pants" are designed for both extensive walking and proper "unwinding."
I envisioned them being comfortable from the chilly morning when you start your hike, to walking ridgelines during the day, to relaxing inside a tent or mountain hut, and even while slipping into a sleeping bag.
They are intended for three-season use.
Excluding the harsh depths of winter, these are versatile pants that get plenty of use—from low-mountain hikes in spring and autumn to trekking in highlands where a chill remains. If you wear tights underneath, they can also handle hikes in slightly colder periods.
The name "Unwind" means "to relax."
Especially when walking long distances, it is better for your gear to have a little bit of "room." I aimed for a balance that doesn't sacrifice either freedom of movement or comfort while sitting.
While providing the necessary room around the hips and thighs, the silhouette is tailored to look polished, not sloppy.
For the fabric, I focused on a thickness and suppleness that leans neither too much toward agility while hiking nor toward comfort while sitting still in a tent or mountain hut.
They are designed not to feel sticky when you sweat, and not to get too cold when caught in the wind. I searched for a balance that allows you to wear them throughout the entire day.
Today might be a day for a long hike, or perhaps a day to leisurely brew coffee at the campsite.
There will also be days when you head straight to a hot spring or inn after descending.
No matter what the day brings, these are hiking pants that make you think, "I'm good to go as long as I have these on."
The silhouette is simple and naturally tapered.
Neither too baggy nor too slim. I aimed for a balance that feels "just right" whether in the mountains or in the city. While keeping the lines clean, they still provide the necessary room for relaxation.
The pockets have been intentionally kept to a minimum.
There are two side pockets on the left and right for quickly slipping your hands into. In addition, there is a single zipper pocket on the left side.
The zipper pocket can store the bare essentials you want to keep on your lower body, such as a smartphone or wallet. The pocket configuration is designed to keep you light on your feet without stuffing them with too many items.
The hem features a drawcord, allowing you to cinch it depending on the situation.
Use it on ridgelines where strong winds might flap the cuffs, or when you don't want to dirty your hem on a muddy, post-rain trail. Or, perhaps when riding a bike or needing to jog to the station. By quickly cinching it, you can slightly enhance your ease of movement and wind resistance.
In keeping with the "unwind" concept, I paid special attention to the construction of the waist.
Wanting you to be able to wear them without stress even while sleeping, I adopted ultra-soft rubber for the waistband. It is a super-lightweight, thin, and soft flat elastic band.
The goal was to make the presence of the elastic as imperceptible as possible. At the same time, it needs to hold the waist securely while you're on the move. I chose a material that fulfills these contradictory requirements.
Rather than feeling like a tight squeeze, it feels like it is "gently resting" against you, minimizing discomfort around the waist whether you are sitting, walking, or inside a sleeping bag.
"Unwind Pants" use a 100% polyester fabric made from Toray's stretch material, Primeflex®.
It is a functional material with 2-way stretch that gives moderately in both vertical and horizontal directions, and features a water-repellent finish.
The most significant feature of Primeflex® is its "natural stretch and proper recovery force." It isn't a stretch that feels like you're forcing the fabric; rather, it subtly follows your movements—whether you are crouching, stepping over obstacles, or lowering your hips to enter a tent—providing exactly the amount of give you need for hiking.
Even after kneeling for long periods, the fabric is resistant to sagging or bagging out, maintaining its silhouette even after extended wear.
The 100% polyester fabric is quick-drying even when it absorbs sweat or moisture, with a "dry" touch that doesn't stick to the skin.
Even after working up a sweat while active, the fabric dries quickly by the time you catch your breath at the campsite, preventing that lingering chilled feeling. This is the quick-drying quality I intended for them to be worn all day long.
Furthermore, the surface is treated with a water-repellent finish that sheds light rain and morning dew.
It prevents you from getting soaked immediately when walking to a campsite in light rain or sitting on a damp bench or rock. While it doesn't replace a dedicated pair of rain pants, it is a finishing touch that adds just the right amount of peace of mind, saving you from needing extra changes of clothes.
STAFF VOICE
Staff Comments
Ichimura / 175cm / 75kg
Size L is the perfect fit for me.
Thanks to the fabric's high stretch and lightness, these pants offer an incredibly comfortable wearing experience.
They are suitable for three seasons (excluding mid-winter) and feature a water-repellent finish, making them a fantastic, versatile model that sees the most use throughout the year.
They have a just-right width and a beautiful tapered silhouette.
They are easy to wear both in the city and for outdoor activities.
