Interviewer: Camper Naoto Izawa
Finding a trustworthy companion in nature
"In the vast wilderness, all you can rely on is yourself and your tools. Since you are entrusting your life to them, you need to choose tools you can trust."
Naoto Izawa, the leader of Wilderness Camp Lab a survival camping school based at the foot of the Yatsugatake Mountains that prepares people for disasters and accidents, says, "Lightweight enough to not hinder movement, robust enough to function without fail, and versatile enough to be used in many different ways are the three absolute requirements Izawa looks for in gear."
"When choosing new tools, it's best to go to a store where you can consult with an experienced shop staff member and see the tools in front of you. For example, the owner of BOZEMAN has been a canyoning enthusiast for many years, and his real-life experience is reflected in the product lineup. Matrix-AIDA is well-versed in knives and will consult with you from the very beginning about the steel and handle material, etc., to find the perfect knife for you."
Izawa emphasizes the importance of finding a partner you can grow attached to. With a partner, any place can become an adventure, whether it's your backyard or an unfamiliar forest. Enjoy the outdoor world that your gear opens up.
4 outdoor shops recommended by Naoto Izawa
BOZEMAN (Shimokitazawa)
The shop owner, an outdoor enthusiast who spends two days a week in the mountains of Niigata, has carefully selected more than just mountain gear. With a flexible perspective that says "everything except slippers is outdoor," he stocks a variety of unique outdoor items. It's a treasure hunt-like experience that will have you digging through every corner of the store, making it a must-visit for gear lovers. 
From left: HOBO TOOLS Bare Bell 16,500 yen, Nova Scotia Fisherman Lip Balm 935 yen, Firebox GEN2 Nano Stove 10,890 yen.
viblant (Futakotamagawa)
This shop specializes in vintage lanterns and has many hardcore enthusiasts. They have everything from lanterns from 100 years ago to rare recent models, focusing on Coleman. Their simple structure makes them easy to repair, and even older lanterns can be used without any issues. They also offer a full range of repairs. 
From left: Coleman Coleman 530 stove, also known as a GI stove, 44,000 yen, Coleman 200A (manufactured in March 1978) 35,000 yen, Coleman Gullwing Case 25,300 yen.
sokit (Nerima)
From ultra-lightweight gear to garage brands and even designer items, this mountain select shop carries many items that are only available here in Tokyo. They also have a wide selection of functional wear, made with the latest fabrics, designed to be worn not only on the mountain but also in town. The owner's kind personality makes shopping easy. 
From left: Sylvan Works Gripping Gator 8,800 yen, Tarpment Our Sacoche 14,300 yen, Field Records FR Sleeping Mat AL10 8,690 yen.
Matrix-AIDA (Narimasu)
Founded in 1914, this specialty shop has been producing cutlery in-house for a long time and is now known as one of the world's top custom knife manufacturers. The store is stocked with materials for knife making, such as steel and handle materials, and they will carefully teach beginners who want to try making a knife. 
Top left: Simichrome Metal Polisher 2,750 yen, bottom left: Dan's Arkansas Triple Stone 9,900 yen, right: 3" Semi-Skinner Knife Kit 27,500 yen.
