The next day after returning home from my dream Niseko BC tour, I went to the "New Montbell Products Presentation" that is always the annual season, dragging my body through the afterglow and fatigue.
Normally, I just fill up and satisfied, so I didn't write any of these reports, but this year is different. Little I say I really should write about it. So, let's summarize the encounters between the new 2024 items that I've been interested in from Outdoor Gearzine, and the "certain new product" that is still causing great controversy in my head.
table of contents
A great harvest this year, heart-warming new products
Montbell, a comprehensive outdoor brand that covers a wide range of activities, will feature many new items, which are likely to be several times higher than the average brand. It's a lot to just go around every time, but this season there are more interesting new releases that I personally find myself in, more than last year. No matter how much time I had, it wasn't enough. Below, I will introduce some of the things that I personally found.
First of all, it is worth noting that there have been new innovations in rainwear, the star of outdoor wear. Introducing ultra-lightweight 3-layer rainwear, using the new version of DryTech, "Super DryTech" which is Montbell's unique waterproof and breathable material. The comfortable feel of the lining and the improved breathability of the lining are incredible. The "Super Drytech Peak Shell Jacket" is made from ultra-thin 7-denier fabric, weighing 168g, and is light enough. Furthermore, no fluorine compounds are used in the membrane or water repellent, and the lining is made of plant-derived nylon, making it environmentally friendly.
Super Drytech Peak Shell Jacket, a newly developed ultra-lightweight rainwear that uses a unique waterproof and breathable material.
Made from plant-derived nylon, the 3-layer lining is soft knitted fabric
Packing with a stuff sack is about this
New entrants from other sports brands are also lively, and new products are also attracting attention from the dry underwear field, which improves sweat absorption and quick drying. New hybrid underwear is now available, featuring thin Geoline Cool Mesh fabric that is breathable and quick-drying, and highly elastic material on the sleeves with UV protection, like an arm cover. As I mentioned in my previous article, many hikers wear long-sleeved dry underwear all year round, wearing short-sleeved T-shirts in the summer and long-sleeved base layers in the fall and winter, making this a piece that will not be missed by those enthusiasts.
Geoline Cool Mesh Arm Fit Shirt
This year there was a good harvest of shoes. A Gator-integrated model has been released for the Mountain Cruiser 400, a light trekking boot. If you can choose either of these, the integrated gaiter is safer in a variety of ways, including protection and ease of walking. The Gator also uses waterproof and breathable fabric, so I hope that the sweatiness in the summer won't be that bad.
Mountain Cruiser 400 with Gator
The BOA model of the Alpine Cruiser 800, which is slightly more rigid, can be used for rocky areas and long traverses, has been updated. While it has been made simple with just one BOA, it has a hybrid structure with a velcro fastening at the ankles. I was also impressed by the fine construction that can be used to handle the BOA part with a string even if it breaks.
Alpine Includer 800 BOA *The photo is a sample, so some specifications may differ.
The "Traillander" low-cut shoes designed for low-mountain hiking and speed hiking are the GORE invisible fit, while still maintaining the GORE invisible fit, providing an even better fit and softness. In addition to non-GORE-TEX models, BOA models are also available here. The "BOA system for shoe fitting" is becoming more and more common.
From left to right, GORE-TEX trail lander, non-GORE-TEX trail flyer, trail flyer BOA
Sandals are essential not only for everyday use and playing in the water, but also for staying in a tent. It's always included in my mountain stream equipment. The great thing is that the new product is even thinner and lighter (about 30% lighter!), and the grip is even better.
Rock on sandals
To be honest, I haven't come across a model that touches my heart lately with the Montbell backpack, but I'm really impressed by the carefree storage system of the latest Kitra Pack this season. The main storage space, which also serves as a waterproof stuff sack, is packed with shrewd storage space that can be accessed from the bottom, a vest-like shoulder pocket, a side mesh pocket that allows you to access the bottle while standing, and a removable top lid. What's more, it's nice that you can select (customize) them.
Kitra Pack 30
Bottom access zipper for storage in separate spaces with waterproof main storage area
The shoulder strap has a pocket that can store both plastic bottles and smartphones.
There's surely nothing you can't put in, the new big camping tote bags will be super convenient for not only camping but also for all kinds of activities. The ease of openings being opened and tightened and easy to hold over the shoulder are also often considered.
Camping tote bag L
The "cap (lid)" of the water bottle has been evolved. A thinner mouthpiece has been added to the traditional wide mouth. This cap seems to be compatible with not only Montbell bottles, but also typical wide-mouth bottles with a diameter of 57mm (there are some that may not actually fit structurally).
Clear bottle active cap
Human Gear, an imported brand that we carry, has released plastic straws that open vertically and are easy to wash. I'm happy that it's dishwasher safe too.
Unstraw (set of 4)
The GEAR AID's Balta Compact Hatchet, a smart hatchet with a reasonable size and multi-functionality such as a hatchet, hammer, and peg removal, is a great help to add to our entire camping equipment, as its total weight is getting heavier and heavier.
Balta Compact Hatchet
Summary: Finally, encountering the demonic gear that has finally been born
As mentioned above, many interesting mountain tools have been released this season, and we can't wait for a new spring, but I would like to report on one thing we have encountered with new products that we still have not yet been able to recover from the shock.
I thought it would come out someday, but that gear is "Mountain Climbing Edition Air Conditioning Wear."
Fan blow vest (Fan for fan blow system, battery for fan blow system 19V sold separately)
The electric fan-equipped clothing, which has become so popular that it can be said that it is essential for outdoor work in the summer, has finally reached the world of mountain climbing. Montbell has used various techniques to effectively allow the air to pass around the neck even when carrying a backpack, and has developed a model that can be used outdoors such as mountain climbing with a backpack on it.
The slightly different heights of the fans placed on the left and right allow airflow to pass through the sides and neck effectively
Of course, I tried it. You actually carry a backpack over your vest.
Ahhh the wind aaaa
It was a shock.
It spurts through the entire body from the sides to the neck, and the powerful wind of up to 19V passes through. This is no good, it's too devilish. If you use this in a low mountain in the middle of summer, you may find it difficult to walk without it. That's such a powerful impact of pleasure. It is said that continuous use lasts for around 6 hours even in the maximum mode, so it has enough power to use it in one go on a day trip.
When it comes to clothing that uses the power of electricity, there are already "battery-powered heating wear (socks and gloves)" that uses heated wires through fabrics in winter, so outdoor gear using electric heating may not be uncommon (I've actually been using it a lot of people too). However, this innovative air conditioning wear is probably the first in the world in terms of electronic summer wear that can be used to "cool" rather than warm your body. It is thought that this was born because of the high temperature and humid environment of Japan, as well as the workwear market that was developed independently in Japan.
A battery for high output of 19V. You can also put it in a pouch and shoulder it over your shoulder.
However, although the vest with a fan itself isn't that heavy, the large capacity dedicated battery is still slightly heavy and bulky at 343g. Also, unlike the risk of winter cold, summer heat is a very easy area to overcome by improving your own physical strength and managing your health. Furthermore, it is unknown whether this fan will be able to carry a large, heavy backpack. For this reason, personally, I am not yet used to the desire to be necessary (including the uncoolness) or to use it, but in any case, the times will move forward all at once.
Whether it's good or bad, there is no doubt that even in the humid summer forest area on a not too far away, it is common for us to walk in a refreshing way, swaying by the wind we have woken up on our own. This exhibition was a stoic event that precipitated the arrival of such a new era.
Montbell New products for Spring/Summer 2024
For more information on Montbell's new spring/summer 2024 products, please check the official online store
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