Summary
- Kith and Columbia release the NSE collection on December 29, 2025, offering alpine gear inspired by Hokkaido and Mount Yōtei
- The collaboration introduces Kith's first professional equipment line with Nordica skis, boots, Capita snowboards, and Union bindings
- Technical apparel uses Omni-Tech and Omni-Heat Infinity materials, paired with Oakley accessories including helmets and goggles
Kith and Columbia release their Nippon Snow Expedition collection on December 29, 2025. The line shifts from streetwear to mountain performance gear. Design elements draw from Hokkaido and Mount Yōtei.
The collection combines Columbia's technical materials with Kith's design approach. Artwork throughout the pieces references Japanese nature. Momiji foliage appears alongside red-crowned cranes and brown bears.
The 3L Ski Interchange Jacket serves as the collection's primary outerwear piece. The jacket uses Omni-Tech waterproofing in a two-layer system. A reversible Thermarator insulated liner adds versatility. Users switch between configurations based on conditions.
For backcountry use, the line includes 2L Ski Bibs and Pants. Both pieces feature Omni-Heat Infinity lining with Kith monogramming. The material reflects body heat while maintaining breathability.
Kith enters the professional equipment market through this collaboration. The brand partners with Nordica for ski production. Two ski models debut: the Enforcer 94 and Unleashed 106. The Speedmachine 3 130S Ski Boot completes the ski setup. Nordica's engineering background informed the equipment selection.
Snowboard options come from Capita. Union provides the binding systems. Each component meets professional standards for mountain use.
Oakley contributes specialized accessories to the collection. The MOD5 helmet offers impact protection. Flow Scape goggles handle varied light conditions. Additional Oakley eyewear completes the accessory range.
Footwear extends beyond ski boots. The Newton Alpine boot features shearling lining for warmth. Construction focuses on durability in extreme cold.
The Sherpa Harper jacket provides another layering option. Design balances insulation with mobility. Materials maintain performance in harsh winter conditions.
Columbia's Omni-Tech system provides waterproof protection across multiple pieces. The technology uses a membrane structure. Water stays out while moisture escapes from inside.
Omni-Heat Infinity works differently. Metallic dots on the lining reflect body heat. The pattern allows some heat to escape. This prevents overheating during high-output activities.
The Thermarator liner uses synthetic insulation. Weight stays low compared to down. Performance continues even when wet. The reversible design offers two color options in one piece.
Japanese visual elements appear throughout the collection. The artwork connects to regional wildlife and vegetation. Brown bears reference Hokkaido's natural inhabitants. Red-crowned cranes hold cultural significance in Japan. Momiji refers to autumn foliage, particularly maple leaves.
Mount Yōtei rises in Hokkaido's Niseko region. The mountain attracts skiers and snowboarders seeking deep powder. Its volcanic cone shape resembles Mount Fuji. Average annual snowfall exceeds 15 meters in the area.
The equipment selection targets different skill levels and terrain preferences. The Enforcer 94 suits groomed runs and mixed conditions. The Unleashed 106 handles deep snow and variable terrain. Width differences affect how the skis perform in powder versus packed snow.
Capita brings snowboard expertise to the collaboration. The brand focuses on eco-friendly manufacturing. Boards use sustainably sourced materials where possible.
Union's binding systems emphasize response and durability. The hardware connects rider input to board movement. Proper binding setup affects control and safety.
Professional athletes require specific performance standards from their gear. Equipment must withstand repeated impacts and extreme temperatures. Reliability matters when conditions turn severe.
The collection launches through Kith's Monday Program. This release schedule drops new products at the start of each week. Online availability begins December 29, 2025.
Pricing details remain undisclosed ahead of the launch. Professional-grade equipment typically commands premium prices. The combination of technical materials and brand collaboration affects cost.
Previous Kith and Columbia projects focused on lifestyle wear. This collection represents a shift toward performance application. The partnership tests both brands in a new category.
Mountain conditions demand specific material properties. Waterproofing prevents moisture penetration. Insulation maintains core temperature. Breathability stops sweat accumulation. Each feature addresses a particular challenge.
The collection targets serious winter sports participants. Casual users might find the technical specifications exceed their needs. However, the design elements appeal beyond pure performance buyers.
Eric Grischott
Born in Groningen in 1991, Eric Grischott is a linguist with a deep-rooted passion for art, music, and fashion. His academic journey led him to graduate in languages, further enriching his linguistic prowess. His thirst for knowledge and cultural immersion took him abroad, where he gained invaluable experience and insights. Eric’s linguistic expertise is not confined to just theory. He has honed his skills in French and German through specialized DELF and DELE courses, demonstrating his commitment to mastering these languages. His passions extend beyond languages, encompassing the creative realms of art, the rhythmic world of music, and the dynamic sphere of fashion.