We're proud to announce that Elemental Layer (known in Japan as DRYLAYER®), finetrack's functional underwear, has received the 2026 Good Design Award, organized by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion.
Elemental Layer is functional underwear built around a challenge anyone who spends time outdoors knows: getting wet — from sweat as much as from rain — and the drop in body temperature that follows. Our answer was an original idea: make the layer next to your skin repel water. For more than 20 years, that idea has supported people as they enjoy the outdoors, and we are deeply honoured to see two decades of work recognized with this award.
What the judges said
The Good Design Award jury highlighted Elemental Layer's pioneering role, its maturity as a product, and the trust it has earned in the most demanding settings:
"In mountaineering and other outdoor activities, underwear that keeps the skin dry at all times has become a standard item. As the pioneer of this category, with a history of more than 20 years, this product left a deep impression on us — as did the brand's belief that its mission is to support Japan's finest makers. We highly value both that philosophy and the product's high level of refinement. I have personally used it for around ten years and have felt its reliability firsthand. The fact that it is strongly supported not only as leisure gear but in extreme settings such as rescue teams speaks to its true value."
— Good Design Award jury evaluation
Why wear Elemental Layer?
finetrack's goal is to help create a sustainable outdoor culture. At its heart is a simple wish: that everyone can enjoy the outdoors — and take on new challenges — with confidence and safety.
On the mountain, wet means cold
In nature, your clothes don't only get wet from rain or snow. Your own sweat does it too. When wet clothing meets low temperatures and wind, your body loses heat fast — and that can lead to serious accidents such as hypothermia.
Elemental Layer tackles this at the skin: its water-repellent mesh moves sweat away to the base layer above, so your skin stays drier.
About the Good Design Award
Founded in 1957 and run by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion, the Good Design Award is Japan's only comprehensive design award, drawing around 5,000 entries a year from some 45 countries and regions. Its symbol, the G Mark, stands for the pride and care of "Made in Japan" quality, and winning one is a genuine honour.
To the award, good design means making people, society and the future better off, judged from human, industrial, social and long-term perspectives.
Winning is independent recognition of a product's value; past winners report more motivated teams, greater trust from customers and partners, and wider popularity.
For finetrack, it honours more than 20 years spent rethinking the layer closest to the skin, and everyone who relies on it. We'll keep working to help people enjoy the outdoors safely and with confidence.
EXPLORE ELEMENTAL LAYER SERIES
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