Check out Mont-Bell's new Fall/Winter 2024 collection! We're taking a look at the exhibition featuring Japan's leading outdoor brand, including stretchy alpine jackets and ultra-thin active insulation

Friday, August 16, 2024

Written by Yosuke.C

Although the scorching hot days continue, preparations for autumn and winter are already underway in the lowlands

While various brands are preparing new products for autumn and winter, I had the opportunity to visit the exhibition of mont-bell, one of Japan's leading outdoor brands!

In this article, I will share with you what it was like at that time. Montbell, which surprises you with high-quality gear at amazing prices, has many exciting new items for Fall/Winter 2024! I will introduce some of the items that caught my eye

Now let's take a look at the exhibition

table of contents

Dyna Action Parka Men's: an alpine shell with excellent stretch
Ultra-thin active insulation "EX Light Thermawrap" series
Powder Zip Mitten: A highly practical mitten glove with thermal insulation
R-value 2.3! Thick closed-cell mat "Foam Pad 25" that can be used in winter
Snow gear includes lighter crampons such as "Chain Spikes" and "Compact Snow Spikes."
- Compact snow spikes suitable for both children and adults
Other products I liked
Montbell Repair Service: Repairs are almost entirely completed in-house
summary

Dyna Action Parka Men's: an alpine shell with excellent stretch

The Dyna Action Parka Men's is an alpine jacket made from Montbell's original Super Dry Tech® material, which is highly waterproof and breathable

This is the lightest model in Montbell's alpine jacket lineup, and is made of stretchy fabric that is highly waterproof and breathable, making it an ideal jacket for active activities such as climbing snowy mountains and other mountain climbing activities

It weighs approximately 385g and is highly waterproof and breathable, so it can be used even when there is no snow

It can be worn all year round, and the fit is neither too loose nor too tight, making it easy to wear for any body type. It comes in three colors: red, green, and navy, and the color scheme is characteristic of Montbell. (The photo shows the navy color.)

Ultra-thin active insulation "EX Light Thermawrap" series

A calm color that is good for everyday use

The ultra-thin active insulation "EX Light Thermawrap" series

This active insulation uses Montbell's original filling material, "EXCELOFT®," which is a blend of several types of synthetic fibers and is thin yet has excellent heat retention and stretchability, allowing you to stay active without getting cold

When I actually tried it on, I found that it was highly stretchable so it didn't hinder my movement even when I raised my arms, and although it was super thin, it still had excellent heat retention

I was surprised by how stretchy and comfortable it was, but what surprised me most was how light and compact it was

It is extremely portable, easy to carry, and has a simple design, making it suitable not only for outdoor activities but also for everyday use in town

When stored, the size is about the same as a 500ml plastic bottle

In addition to hooded parkas and full-zip jackets, there are also vests. The EX Light Thermawrap series can be used as a mid-layer in the harsh winter and as an outer layer from spring to autumn, making it suitable for year-round use

In addition, the UL Thermawrap series vests are also available in a round neck type without a collar

UL Light Thermawrap series round neck vest

Powder Zip Mitten: A highly practical mitten glove with thermal insulation

With the widespread use of smartphones, anyone can easily capture stunning scenery in photos, but many people (I'm one of them) find it stressful to operate a smartphone (or camera) while wearing gloves

The Zip Mitten series is perfect for people like that

The waterproof zipper attached to the back of the hand opens to reveal your hand! This means you don't have to take off your gloves when you want to take a photo, and it significantly reduces the stress of taking photos while on the move

Not having to take off your gloves means you don't have to worry about losing them or them falling and getting snow inside

The Powder Zip Mittens are made with Drytec® fabric, which is highly waterproof, breathable, and stretchy, and the padding is Exceloft® for excellent heat retention

When I actually used it, I found that the waterproof zipper could be opened and closed smoothly even while wearing gloves, and was easy to operate

These synthetic gloves are perfect for active skiing, snowboarding, and trekking

R-value 2.3! Thick closed-cell mat "Foam Pad 25" that can be used in winter

The author is highly motivated to sleep comfortably in the mountains. He usually sleeps on a closed-cell mat, but in winter, one mat is not enough, so he takes measures such as using two layers

The Foam Pad 25 is perfect for those who want a little more insulation

It is 2.5cm thick and has better insulation properties than conventional mats (foam pad 16)

Most closed-cell mats have an "R-value" that indicates their insulating ability of around 2 at most, but the Foam Pad 25 has an R-value of 2.3, making it more insulating than other mats and ideal for use in low-temperature environments

Thickness also translates to comfort. It has more cushioning than thinner mattresses, making it an attractive mattress for those who prioritize comfort

Snow gear includes lighter crampons such as "Chain Spikes" and "Compact Snow Spikes."

Depending on the size, the weight is 38g to 89g lighter than conventional chain spikes

The original two types of chain spikes have been reduced to one type, and the new spikes are lighter than the previous chain spikes. Depending on the size, the small size is 38g lighter and the extra-large size is 89g lighter (both weights per pair) than the old chain spikes

Although they are lightweight, the full spike design allows for stable walking! I use the old-style chain spikes. I like them because they are easy to put on, have a good grip, and don't get snow easily, but I'm interested in the newer, lighter model

Compact snow spikes suitable for both children and adults

The compact snow spikes have also been renewed

The harness is made of a flexible elastomer material, making it easy to fit any size shoe. It is available in sizes from 21.5cm to 30cm, making it suitable for a wide range of shoes, from children's to adults.

These lightweight crampons are useful in many situations, such as hiking in low mountains in winter or walking on snowy fields in summer

Other products I liked

Even when the temperature is high and hot, you don't want to get your stomach cold. For those who get stomach problems due to cold sweat, we recommend a belly warmer

This belly warmer (official name: Cycle Side Zip Waist Warmer), which is listed in the cycling category, uses a highly windproof fleece-lined material on the belly side and a highly breathable and moisture-wicking material on the back side, making it a useful item even when trekking with a backpack

It has a side zipper that makes it easy to put on and can be quickly removed if you get too hot, making it a functional and practical item

The titanium mug has a design that can be interpreted as both a rocky and waterside scene

Grail, the bottle-type water purifier manufacturer, has released a titanium water purifier!

Although it's made of lightweight titanium, the weight of the conventional polypropylene type is lighter. However, it combines the "sturdiness" of titanium, and the bottle that doubles as a mug can be used not only as a drinking glass but also over an open flame. The titanium model is heavy on its own, but if you can reduce the weight of one cooker, it makes a big difference

I'd be a little hesitant to put it over a campfire and burn it to a crisp, but it seems like it would be practical to heat it over a burner

Jetboil has released cutlery that can be used with any shape of cooker

Even if you use a deep cooker, you can use the extendable spoon to scoop out every last grain without getting your hands dirty

What's more, these cutlery are silicone coated so they won't scratch your cookware

This is the perfect item for Jetboil users and those who use deep cookers

Montbell Repair Service: Repairs are almost entirely completed in-house

: Before: Old sole that has peeled off

: After: Well-repaired new sole

I didn't know this myself, but Montbell also offers a comprehensive repair service to help you use their products for a long time

Most repair services, such as resoling footwear and repairing torn clothing, are performed at the Hokuriku General Center in Hakui City, Ishikawa Prefecture

With excellent after-sales service, you can use your gear with peace of mind

It was amazing to see the before and after pictures of the repaired hiking boots. They had been given a new lease of life

about customer service, including repair services, this official page , so if you're interested, please take a look.

summary

I've introduced some of the items I saw at the exhibition that caught my eye

In addition to the items introduced above, there are plenty of new products, including a wide range of flame-retardant clothing for enjoying campfires without worry at camp, and an expanded lineup of winter boots with glass fiber mixed in to reduce slippage

Founded in Osaka in 1975, Montbell will be celebrating its 49th anniversary in 2024! Next year will be its 50th anniversary, so we'll be keeping our eyes peeled to see what they do to mark the milestone. We'll be trying out various new products as we receive new information, so don't miss out!

Click here to check out new products at Montbell's online store