Summer '26 Staff Gear Picks: Essentials For Summer In Hokkaido
We haven’t verified this, but we are pretty sure if you look into ‘Google Trends’ to see what key words people are searching for when they look into Hakuba, Nabe would be in the top 3.
Possibly Hakuba’s biggest local celebrity, and one of our longest standing Rhythm Hakuba crew members, Nabe, is about as close as it comes to being the face of our staff gear picks, having done stacks of them over the years.
But there’s a reason we keep coming back… no one knows Hakuba like Nabe, and as a result, he always provides the perfect selections for the realtime conditions.
So for this blog, we wanted to touch base and find out his favourite summer retail selections, as well as a little glimpse into which winter outlet items he’s been eyeing off.
DHaRCO - Tech Party Shirt
Nabe's Take:
"If you wear this, you're sure to enjoy both the ride and the party afterward.
However, we can't guarantee you won't get injured or have a hangover."
| SPECS | PERKS |
Fit: Relaxed Ventilation: Breathable with light moisture wicking fabric Material: Polyester / Spandex blend | + 4-way stretch + Front pocket + The model literally has 'party' in the name |
Available at Rhythm Summit, Hakuba: ¥11,550
SMITH - Sliders
Nabe's Take:
"The '90s are back- and now they're fused with modern technology!!
It comes with three easy-to-swap, high-contrast lenses to cover all conditions."
| SPECS | PERKS |
Lens: Chromapop Frame: Evolve Eco-Frame For: Cool people | + Auto-Lock Hinges Hold Frames Open for Easy One-Hand On and Off + Interchangeable Sliding Lenses |
Available at Rhythm Summit, Hakuba: ¥8,600
evo - Sun Protection Hoodie
Nabe's Take:
"The evo Sun Protection Hoodie is your UV-blocking bestie for those days when the sun won't quit. This hoodie packs UPF 50+ sun protection plus a Microban antimicrobial treatment and secure zippered stash pocket so you can transition from the crushing sweaty trails to après ales without looking like a lobster or feeling self-conscious."
| SPECS | PERKS |
Protection: UPF 50+ Material: 54% Recycled Polyester / 46% Polyester Fit: Drop Tail | + Helps block harmful sun exposure + Smells fresh thanks to the Microban antibacterial treatment + Keeps small essentials secure with the zippered stash pocket |
Available at Rhythm Summit, Hakuba: ¥13,500
Troy Lee Designs - MTB Pro Shorts Liner
Nabe's Take:
"It protects your butt from pain, not only on MTB rides, but also during long city bike rides."
| SPECS | PERKS |
Material: Premium 4Way Stretch Mesh | + Compression Silicone Printed Leg Cuff + Wide elastic waistband |
Available at Rhythm Summit, Hakuba: ¥9,460
evo - 23oz Purist Insulated Chromatek Water Bottle
Nabe's Take:
"If you don't want to drink lukewarm water during a mid-summer ride, we recommend this bottle. This bottle features a double-walled design that keeps your drink cold longer than traditional water bottles. That way, you can keep Hakuba's delicious water cold and stay focused on your ride."
| SPECS | PERKS |
Easy-to-Squeeze Soft LDPE Material BPA-Free Plastic: Made from 100% FDA food- grade materials. CPSC-Approved Ink | + Chromatek™ Liner: A proprietary insulating barrier that lines the core to keep your liquids cold. Not only do your liquids stay cold, but new squeezable material allows for unmatched flexibility, too. + Purist Taste Technology: Shields the inside of the bottle from bad tastes, stains, and mold so your water is always crisp, clean, and pure. |
Available at all Rhythm stores: ¥2,860
Keen - Newport H2
Nabe's Take:
"These aren't just any sandals.
With just one pair, you're all set-from a bike ride to Lake Aoki to cooling off with a swim afterward."
| SPECS | PERKS |
Fit: Original Material: 100% Recycled Polyester Outsole: High-grip rubber | + Eco Anti-odor, an antibacterial and deodorizing treatment using natural ingredients, is used. + The foamed midsole provides lightweight comfort and cushioning. + Equipped with bungee laces that allow for easy adjustment, providing a comfortable and secure fit and effortless on and off. |
Available at Rhythm Summit, Hakuba: ¥15,400
Smith - SQUAD Mag AF
Nabe's Take:
"ChromaPop Pro Photochromic Lenses: With just one of these special photochromic lenses, you can quickly adapt to sudden changes in conditions-whether it's sunny or stormy-and enjoy clear vision."
| SPECS | PERKS |
Lens: Cylindrical Carbonic-x lens for clarity and impact resistance with built-in Airflow technology for active ventilation 5X anti-fog inner lens for advanced fog-free performance | + Combines the ease of the best-in-class Smith MAG interchangeable system + Includes two interchangeable ChromaPop™ performance lenses + Easily adapts to all conditions |
Available at Rhythm Summit, Hakuba: ¥52,800 to 50% off
Burton - Custom Flying V
Nabe's Take:
"The ultimate all-mountain board.
The board's overall rocker profile lets you glide effortlessly through powder, while the camber underfoot provides just the right amount of grip on the snow to help you carve your ideal turns.
From powder runs in the majestic Alps of Hakuba to park laps at the resort, this one board has you covered for everything."
| SPECS | PERKS |
Shape: BendFlying V™ Profile: ShapeDirectional Core: Superfly II 700g Core / Dualzone™ EGD™ | + The Superfly 700g core enhances the board's rebound while reducing weight without compromising strength or performance. + The directional shape allows you to freely carve your way through the mountains, while the twin flex cleverly stimulates the joy of freestyle riding. |
Available at Rhythm Summit, Hakuba: ¥107,800 to 30% off
Before you ask, the Burton Custom isn't the only winter goods currently on clearance. We have outlet sales at both Rhythm Hirafu and Rhythm Furano, as well as an entire OUTLET STORE at Hakuba's Rhythm Summit this summer. And YES, that includes boards and skis (if you get in quick)...