Summary of Montbell's 2024 Spring/Summer New Products: An encounter with the most exciting new products ever and the magical gear that has finally been born

The next day after returning home from my dream Niseko BC tour, I was still feeling the afterglow and tired, so I went to the Montbell New Product Launch, a tradition that takes place every season

Normally, I'd be satisfied with my full belly and not write a report like this, but this year is different. Little me is telling me that I absolutely have to write one. So, I'll summarize the new items for 2024 that caught my eye from the Outdoor Gearzine perspective, as well as my encounter with a certain new product that is still causing quite a stir in my mind

Another year of bountiful new releases

Montbell is a comprehensive outdoor brand that covers a wide range of activities, and at their exhibitions they have a huge number of new products, several times more than most other brands. Just walking around once is always packed, but this season there were even more interesting new products that caught my eye than last year. No matter how much time I had, it was never enough. Below I will introduce some of the products that caught my eye

First of all, it's worth noting that there's been a new innovation in rainwear, the star of outdoor wear. Introducing ultra-lightweight 3-layer rainwear featuring Super Dry Tech®, a new version of Montbell's proprietary waterproof and breathable Dry Tech material. The lining feels comfortable against the skin and boasts dramatically improved breathability. The Super Dry Tech Peak Shell Jacket, made with an ultra-thin 7-denier fabric, weighs just 168g, making it extremely lightweight. Furthermore, the membrane and water-repellent agent are completely fluorine-free, and the lining is made of plant-based nylon, making it completely environmentally friendly

The Super Dry Tech Peak Shell Jacket is an ultra-lightweight rainwear made with a newly developed, proprietary waterproof and breathable material

3-layer lining made from plant-based nylon and soft knit fabric

If you pack it with the stuff sack, it will be about this size

In the field of sweat-wicking, quick-drying dry underwear, which is seeing a buzz with new entrants from other sports brands, a new product with a unique and intriguing idea has been released. This new hybrid underwear combines a lightweight, breathable and quick-drying Geoline Cool Mesh fabric for the body with a highly stretchable material for the sleeves that provides UV protection, similar to arm covers. As I wrote in my previous article, there seem to be many hikers who wear long-sleeved dry underwear all year round, topped with a short-sleeved T-shirt in the summer and a long-sleeved base layer in the fall and winter, and this is likely to be a must-have for such enthusiasts

Geoline Cool Mesh Arm Fit Shirt

This year, there was a bumper crop of shoes. The lightweight trekking boots, the Mountain Cruiser 400, now come with an integrated gaiter model. If you have a choice, the integrated gaiter model offers more security in many aspects, including protection and ease of walking. The gaiter is also made of waterproof and breathable fabric, so I'm hoping it won't get too stuffy in the summer

Mountain Cruiser 400 with Gators

The BOA model of the Alpine Cruiser 800 has been updated to be a bit harder, suitable for rocky terrain and long hikes. While it now has a simpler design with just one BOA, it also has a hybrid structure with a Velcro closure at the ankle. I was also impressed by the careful construction, which allows you to use the laces to secure the boots in case the BOA breaks

Alpine Cruiser 800 BOA *The photo is a sample and some specifications may differ

The Trail Lander is a low-cut shoe designed for low-mountain hiking and speed hiking. While retaining the GORE Invisible Fit, the last has been improved for a better fit and softer feel. In addition to the non-GORE-TEX model, a BOA model has also been released. The BOA system for shoe fitting is becoming increasingly common

From left: GORE-TEX Traillander, non-GORE-TEX Trail Flyer, Trail Flyer BOA

These sandals are essential not only for everyday use and water activities, but also for camping. They're also a part of my mountain stream gear. The good news is that the new model is thinner and lighter (about 30% lighter!), with even better grip

Lock-on Sandals

To be honest, I haven't found a Montbell backpack model that really struck a chord with me lately, but I was really impressed with the clever storage system of this season's latest Kitora Pack. It's packed with clever storage options, including a main compartment that doubles as a waterproof stuff sack, another compartment accessible from the bottom, a vest-like shoulder pocket, side mesh pockets that allow you to access your bottle while standing, and a removable top lid. What's even better is that you can customize these options

Kitora Pack 30

Waterproof main compartment with bottom access zipper for separate storage

The shoulder strap has a pocket that can hold a water bottle or smartphone

The new huge camping tote bag is sure to hold everything you need, making it super convenient for not just camping but any other activity. Its easy-to-open opening and easy-to-carry shoulder strap are also well thought out

Camping Tote Bag L

The water bottle's "cap" has evolved. A narrower mouth has been added to the traditional wide mouth. This cap is compatible with not only Montbell bottles, but also with general wide-mouth bottles with a 57mm diameter (although it may not be structurally compatible with some bottles)

Clear Bottle Active Cap

Human Gear, an import brand we handle, has released a plastic straw that opens vertically for easy cleaning. It's also dishwasher safe, which is a plus

Unstraw (set of 4)

GEAR AID's Balta Compact Hatchet is a smart, handy-sized hatchet with multiple functions such as a hatchet, hammer, and peg puller. It's a must-have addition to our camping gear, which tends to get heavier and heavier without us even realizing it

Balta Compact Hatchet

Summary: Finally, an encounter with the devilish gear that was finally born

As mentioned above, a lot of interesting mountain gear has been released this season, and I'm looking forward to the new spring, but I would like to report on one new product that I have come across that has still not shocked me

I knew it would come out someday, and the gear in question was "air-conditioned mountaineering wear."

Fanbrough Vest (Fanbrough System Fan and 19V Battery for Fanbrough System Sold Separately)

Electric fan clothing has become so commonplace that it's practically indispensable for outdoor work in the summer, and it's finally making its way into the world of mountain climbing. Montbell has developed a model of this air-conditioned clothing that can be used for outdoor activities such as hiking with a backpack, incorporating various innovations to allow air to circulate effectively around the neck, even when wearing a backpack

The slightly different heights of the left and right fans allow the airflow to pass effectively through the armpits and neck

Of course, I tried it out, actually wearing a backpack over the vest

Ahhhh the wind

It was a shock

A powerful wind of up to 19V flows from your sides through your neck and over your entire body. It's just too magical. If you use it on a low mountain in midsummer, you might not want to walk without it. That's how powerful the pleasant impact is. It can be used continuously for about six hours even in maximum mode, so it has enough power for a single day trip

Speaking of clothing that utilizes the power of electricity, there are already "battery-powered heating clothing (socks and gloves)" on the market that have heating wires threaded through the fabric for winter, so outdoor gear that uses electric heating may not be unusual (I have actually used them many times myself). However, this innovative air-conditioning clothing could be said to be the first in the world to be electronic summer clothing that "cools" the body rather than warms it. It could also be said that it was only possible for it to be born because of Japan's hot and humid environment, and the unique workwear market that has developed in Japan

A dedicated 19V high-output battery that can be placed in a pouch and carried over the shoulder

However, while the fan vest itself isn't particularly heavy, the large-capacity dedicated battery is still a bit heavy and bulky at 343g. Also, unlike the risk of winter cold, summer heat is something that can be easily managed by improving your physical fitness and managing your health. It's also unclear whether this fan will work when carrying a large, heavy backpack. For this reason, I honestly haven't yet gotten used to needing or wanting to use it (including its awkwardness), but either way, this will surely be a turning point for the times

Whether good or bad, there is no doubt that in the not-too-distant future we will live in a world where it will be normal to walk refreshingly in a breeze you have created yourself, even in the humid forests of summer. This exhibition gave us a glimpse of the arrival of such a new era

Montbell's new products for Spring/Summer 2024

For details on Montbell's new products for Spring/Summer 2024, please visit the official online store

   

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