The way of dealing with nature without being overbearing that I felt when I spent time with L.L. Bean.

It was 107 years ago in 1912. Founded by Leon Leonwood Bean (L.L. Bean)L.L. Bean〉.

The first things that come to mind are probably tote bags and bean boots. But this is an outdoor brand. They have shells and a wide variety of insulation.

However, there are not many products for extreme activities such as mountain traversing or backcountry skiing, but rather products designed for "outdoor scenes that are an extension of daily life.

There is another difference from other outdoor brands. It is that it has a somewhat analog atmosphere. I think outdoor wear can be described as "digital. It uses the latest technology and materials. However, the atmosphere created by L.L. Bean's items has a mysterious warmth of human touch.

Normally, an organization this large would be headquartered in a city, but L.L. Bean continues to maintain its headquarters in Freeport, Maine, with a population of less than 10,000. This may be one of the reasons for the analog-like feel of the company.

At the end of October, L.L. Bean hosted a two-day and one-night camping event. The venue was "Kita-Karuizawa Sweetgrass" in Gunma Prefecture.

Mt. Asama seen from the campsite.

Simple activities, elaborate cooking, and bonfires: that's all the content for one night and two days.

There were no live performances or workshops. There was nothing flashy, but there was a comfortable atmosphere that was typical of "Elle Bean" throughout the camp.

Two hours of mountain biking with Mt. Asama on the side.

There are some serious downhills in the course.

Dinner was a huge paella made with lobster, a specialty of Elle Bean's home state of Maine.

After dinner, chill out around the campfire.

On the first day, we worked up a light sweat on the mountain bike, followed by a camp dinner served in a huge paella pot, after which everyone gathered around the campfire.

Morning of the second day. It was so cold that even my breath turned white.

On the second day, we took an early morning walk, had breakfast, and ended with a zip line.

Put yourself in nature and savor the time that passes by. This is the "L.L. Bean" way of playing outside.

I wrote that it is analog, but of course it only looks that way, and I must also add that its function is that of an outdoor brand itself.

For example, all participants wore "Elle Bean" down during the camp. Packable and with 850 fill power, it was light and warm. Without it, we could not have endured the night at an altitude of 1,200 meters.

The fleece I wore as a mid-layer is also comfortable, doesn't interfere too much with the down, and after all, the Katadyn logo is nice. The Katadyn logo is a great addition to the fleece, which can be used for street wear as well.

I think one of the charms of L.L. Bean is that it uses such highly functional materials at an affordable price.

Through the camp, I was able to fully experience the attitude of L.L. Bean, which has been keeping itself in the same size without overreacting ever since its establishment. I am sure this is the reason why L.L. Bean has been loved by everyone for so long.