Searching for the perfect cap

I've tried many different caps when mountain climbing and hiking, but I've never found the perfect one that I thought was the perfect fit .

There were some caps whose designs I liked, but I felt like "I wish there were more colors and materials that suited my tastes."

If you can't find it on the market, make your ideal cap yourself.

This was the beginning of the development of the UL Merino X Cap.

Can be worn in summer
Merino wool

When we first started developing the product, a few manufacturers were already selling merino wool caps, but they were all for autumn and winter.

So, I wanted to create a merino wool cap that could be worn comfortably even in summer - that was the trigger for development.

Inspired by the structure of kefir hats and straw hats, we came up with the idea of ​​ensuring breathability by knitting it with merino wool yarn .

The eaves needed to be waterproof, so we compared X-Pac® and Dyneema® , which were popular at the time.

We ultimately chose X-Pac® due to its lightness, durability, and beautiful texture.

Repeated prototyping and improvement

Once the material has been decided, the next step is to find a manufacturer to manufacture it.

After contacting several companies, I happened to come across a manufacturer that made caps for a popular brand that I used to wear .

Thinking this was also a chance, I asked them to make a prototype.

We repeatedly tried and tested the product while using it in the mountains, and remade the sample many times.

After repeated improvements, sometimes even dismantling and sewing the cap myself, I finally completed the prototype of the UL Merino X Cap that I was satisfied with .

Before we knew it, about a year and a half had passed from the start of prototyping to the first release.

After a long time, we have finally completed a cap that we are proud to present .

Barriers and challenges of mass production

However, when we requested mass production , we encountered a wall .

We realized how difficult it is to mass-produce something with the same quality as the sample , using materials that have never been used before.

The manufacturer concluded that it would be difficult to mass-produce at the same cost .

However, we were not ready to give up on creating this unique and attractive cap, and continued to explore options with manufacturers .

And now

And finally, the 2024 model was completed.

When I held the finished sample in my hands, I was convinced that "this is something we can deliver to our customers with confidence."

We have evolved and grown together with our manufacturers to bring you the UL Merino X Cap .

We have let go of the fixed idea that "caps are something with a shape" and moved towards a more free-form shape that "prioritizes comfort."

For the 2026 model, the material balance of the main body has been revised and it has evolved to 100% merino wool .

This cap maintains its sophisticated design while being extremely light, soft, and comfortable against the skin , making it kind to both people and the earth .

Perfect for mountain climbing, hiking, camping, and everyday walks. This cap will be with you in any situation. Delivering a pleasant experience I hope so.

In the future, we would like to expand the variety of colors and materials and develop the world of YAMATOMO.FUN, which allows even more freedom of choice .

Price revision and
Message of gratitude

As raw material costs continue to rise, we have expanded our production system and held discussions with manufacturers to raise the price so that more hikers can experience the appeal of this cap.

This is all thanks to everyone who has purchased our products so far .

We would like to express our sincere gratitude .