This year marks the 60th anniversary of legendary Japanese outdoor outfitter Snow Peak. The brand has long been a staple in Asia, but only really found a foothold in the North American market in the past handful of years, a feat largely influenced by lead apparel designer Lisa Yamai, the capital F fashion designer daughter of founder Yukio Yamai who joined the company some four years ago to introduce apparel.
Each season has its standouts—often too many to highlight—but every one in a while something truly unique pops up. Which brings us here, to the Insect Shield collection. This season’s iteration introduces new proprietary camo prints and a non-printed pullover silhouette, alongside updated full zip mesh hoodies and pants.
As we continue to hear time and time again, this summer is set to be another brutal bug season, especially for us in the Northeast, aka max deer tick territory. This clever set of hyper-lightweight, packable insect repellent top an bottom may just be the answer to mosquito and tick swarmed campsites, regardless of where you may be. (Though best paired with other forms of protection too.)
Made of super fine, insect repelling mesh fabric (sadly the company offers no insight into just what makes the material repellent), the parka, pullover, and pant combo pack up small and are meant to be worn over a normal outfit when the bugs are at their worst. Best part is, the parka zips up all the way through the hood to create a proper bug net barrier. Other lightweight nylon patches protect high abrasion areas, like the forearm, knees, and pant seat to make sure no rips appear to ruin your fun. Plus the pants feature two through pockets so you can still access your pants underneath. Pretty clever, huh?
The three piece kit is available in multiple color ways, including a new Snow Peak multicam, and plenty of sizes for both Japanese and American markets.
