Climb mountains with your favorite gear - "the SOFT." where you can find smart and practical climbing goods

A two-minute walk from Exit 2 of Subway Ikeshita Station on the Higashiyama Line, the SOFT. opened on April 20, 2019, is a select store for mountain climbing goods.

This time, I interviewed the owner, Takaji Michiue, about how the store opened and its popular products.

What is "the SOFT."?

The store is impressive with its large cut-out windows. The store is brightly lit with plenty of natural light, and products are arranged on playfully shaped racks and vintage shelves, mainly from the 50s.

The interior of the store is lined with goods that are mainly selected from small-scale brands called "garage brands."

Garage brand is a term that refers to outdoor goods that are original, excellent in design and quality. In many cases, the brand owner is an experienced mountaineer, and in many cases he/she makes use of his/her own outdoor experience.

Mr. Michiue, who has over 30 years of experience as a buyer, selects goods "by imagining the customer's delight." He sometimes selects items with a particular customer's face in mind.

Goods that make mountains fun

Mr. Michiue has more than 30 years of experience as a buyer.

Outdoor activities are getting more and more attention these days.

This time, I asked him to tell me about goods that would add an element of excitement for families who are new to mountain climbing.

Palm-sized portable water purifier

Sawyer mini water purifier ¥3,960 (tax included)

The first recommendation is the Sawyer mini. A portable water purifier.

You can enjoy purified mountain spring water and river water.

It weighs about 55 grams and is small and palm-sized. About 380,000 liters of water can be filtered. With countless holes of 0.1 microns, it is possible to remove harmful bacteria and microorganisms. The level of purification is the highest in the world.

It can be used not only for outdoor activities such as mountain climbing and hiking, but also as a disaster prevention item.

Light and durable Titanium Kochel

TOAKS Titanium Kochel 375ml ¥4,510 (tax included)

The second recommendation is Titanium Kochel. Ideal for making coffee or for lunch that requires hot water such as cup noodles.

The 375 ml titanium cockerel weighs only 65 grams and is very light and durable. It is also nice that it does not weigh down your luggage.

Fantastic mesh stove

Central cylindrical silver MUNIEQ X-mesh stove ¥ 2,750 (tax included)

Assemble it in a cylindrical shape and put an alcohol lamp in the center to use it. Boil water with Titanium Kochel on top.

The flames can be seen through the mesh, so you can enjoy a fantastic atmosphere.

It is as thin as paper and can be dismantled for easy transportation!

Compact and stylish coffee grinder

FIREBOX coffee mill ¥5,390 (tax included)

This is the FIREBOX coffee mill, a recommended item for coffee lovers.

The length is 13.5 centimeters, and the nice thing is that you can adjust the grind of the beans. You can enjoy coffee for two.

Slim and lightweight coffee dripper

MUNIEQ Tetra Drip ¥3,080 (tax included)

This is also a great coffee dripper to carry around. Weighs only 35g.

Three stainless steel pieces are used in combination. Using a common conical dripper, coffee can be brewed for one or two servings.

Non-disposable water bottle

CNOC 1L water bottle ¥2,530 (tax included)

A water bottle that stands on its own when filled with water or air. Weight is 60g. As easy to carry as a plastic bottle.

The material is soft and can be packed compactly after using water. You can also take it with you when you go mountain climbing, collect river water or spring water, and attach Sawyer mini to purify the water and drink it.

-Everything is stylish and practical!

Mr. Michiue: "For some garage brands, it is difficult to start a business relationship. They have their own preferences, so I think they do a lot of research to find out what kind of place my store is, and sometimes they refuse to do business with me no matter how hard I try to approach them.

Among them, I would like to find good products and introduce them to customers who come to the store, so I am constantly collecting information and continuing to approach garage brands. ”

-Do you have any advice for people starting mountain climbing?

Mr. Michiue: "Please enjoy mountain climbing without trying too hard. You don't have to go all the way to the top. It's important to enjoy yourself.

When I'm climbing a mountain, it's time to face myself, and it can also be a hint for work.

I think it's best if each of us can make it an enjoyable  time."