Montbell

Why r/BuyItForLife recommends Montbell

21 mentions from real owners

• #1Dec 27, 2025

  Winter Coat recommendations?

  Patagonia. Montbell second, since they have parts available for repair.

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• #2Dec 26, 2025

  Any brand suggestions for a high quality packable down jacket?

  Montbell for lightweight and packable. Otherwise Feathered Friends.

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• #3Dec 26, 2025

  Any brand suggestions for a high quality packable down jacket?

  My Montbell held up for seven years of hiking in New Hampshire's White Mountains. The zipper finally got a bit touchy, but I still wear the jacket.

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• #4Dec 26, 2025

  Any brand suggestions for a high quality packable down jacket?

  Montbell's light down jackets are excellent quality, waterproof & windproof & come with a pouch you can pack it into. 

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• #5Dec 6, 2025

  Something to keep me warm at night In my tent.

  Adding montbell’s spiral shaped sleeping bags. I have one, it’s super comfy and flexible. I can even curl up in a ball with my knees to my chest!

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• #6Dec 4, 2025

  Need help looking for 2 types of coats; A down, and a wool

  If you go to the Japanese site of Montbell they have some very good down coats. Japanese sizes run smaller so pay attention to their size chart. Shipping is free and once you convert the yen to usd you can find an 800fp for under $300.

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• #7Oct 9, 2025

  Best winter jackets?

  Patagonia is my vote too. Or Montbell. Tried all the other brands. Patagonia is the only company that has been consistently reliable and not attempt to increase exploitation.

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• #8Oct 5, 2025

  BIFL wool toe socks?

  Try Montbell. I've never tried their socks but their jackets are high quality.

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• #9Jul 8, 2025

  For the love of god, where can I buy some ankle socks that don’t get holes in them in a month?

  Montbell Kamico Socks.

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• #10Jul 3, 2025

  What are some BIFL wool clothing brands, especially those that have wool summer clothing (if such thing exists)?

  Montbell. They’re a very popular Japanese outdoors company.

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• #11Jul 1, 2025

  Dry fit material trousers.

  Uniqlo, Montbell, Snow Peak, Patagonia, Prana. Costco currently has a run of “travel pants”, however, it runs pretty large if you’re outside of the sizing range.

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• #12Jun 10, 2025

  Which Drawstring Backpack(s) do You Recommend?

  Montbell.

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• #13Jun 1, 2025

  Half of my darn tough socks have holes in them

  Yes, I could recommend the longest lasting socks I've experienced, Montbell Kamico socks. The socks are made from Manila Hemp. You can wear them for days (hiking) and they never smell and don't get soggy when wet. They make a crew, hiking, and below the ankle running or walking version. The most durable socks I have worn in my 70 years of running marathons, hiking, and bicycling. Still walking 12k a day in socks from 6 years ago.

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• #14May 4, 2025

  Looking for quality clothes

  Montbell. For moccasins, Easy Moc. Miles and Louie is great for everything they make. Kapital for high quality pants. I’d stay away from U.S.-based brands as much as possible right now.

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• #15Apr 8, 2025

  What is the longest lasting house slipper?

  I have hardwood floors, so I prefer a soft-sole slipper for using around the house. It's surprisingly hard to find a good pair. I got a pair of [CLIMAPLUS Knit Compact Travel Shoes](https://www.montbell.com/jp/en/products/detail/1118684?fo=0&color=DBN) from Mont-bell a while back and they've been holding up nicely. I don't think they're quite BIFL, but still good quality. I think they may be listed as machine washable, but I find that a simple hand wash every now and then does the job.

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• #16Mar 10, 2025

  Icebreaker no longer selling XS men's shirts. What now?

  Montbell. Get their Asian fits. They’re the equivalent of Japanese Patagonia. https://www.montbell.com/us/en/products I got a 7-year-old regularly worn merino shirt of theirs, not a sign of wearing out. All models have a men’s and women’s equivalent too. My 10-year-old Montbell jacket has the bottom cord mechanism broken (otherwise looks almost good as new), but planning on getting their repair kit to fix it. Some of their “mesh” products are only available in store in Japan though.

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• #17Feb 3, 2025

  What’s one product you bought that has lasted forever and was totally worth it?

  I got a lightweight synthetic down jacket made by Montbell about 15 years ago and it's as good as new. Probably most similar to this current one: [https://www.montbell.com/us/en/products/detail/1101688?fo=0&color=BGN](https://www.montbell.com/us/en/products/detail/1101688?fo=0&color=BGN) I've probably worn it thousands of times - as a standalone jacket, under sweaters or other jackets when it's extra cold, and 100+ times as a midlayer while skiing. It weighs a few ounces and packs down to nothing (I could probably fit it inside a coffee mug). Japanese brand so I'm hopeful (?) the quality has remained high. If I lost it I'd buy one again in a second.

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• #18Jan 8, 2025

  In need of warm winter coat with a budget of $350-400

  Montbell, choose the models according to your needs. I live less than 2 hours away from Ontario. My wife has a history of abusing her belongings, and her travel long coat (800 down fill) has held up nicely. Also own one of their winter jackets myself since 2017, the windstopper models are great.

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• #19Jan 7, 2025

  Looking for a warm jacket

  Montbell: https://www.montbell.com/ They make 1000 fill jackets and vests.

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• #20Jan 7, 2025

  Request: Winter Jacket, temp range approx. -10°C to 10°C, wind/sleet more than snow, will pay premium for natural fabrics.

  Montbell: https://www.montbell.com/

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• #21Dec 6, 2015

  Camping suggestions?

  I looked a lot at this same stuff last year when I was getting all new equipment for motorcycle camping, so some of it is still fresh in my mind. I don't know much about UK shopping sites so I just linked to manufacturers sites. Backpack - For a pack I would check out a [Gregory Baltoro 65 or 75](http://gregorypacks.com/en/shop-men-backpacking), very nice, great suspension system, should last a lifetime, and highly rated everywhere. [Osprey](http://www.ospreypacks.com/) also makes some good packs. Cooking - After comparing fuel types for size, weight, how long fuel will last; I went with a [Jetboil MiniMo] (http://www.jetboil.com/Products/MiniMo-Cooking-System/). It all packs into the pot including the fuel canister. Works in most any conditions except extreme altitudes, canister fuel less hassle than white gas or alcohol, and one canister can last a decent amount of time. This being BIFL, can't go without talking about the [Optimus Hiker](http://shop.katadyn.com/product/155185/8016278/_/Optimus_Hiker%2B) or the [Optimus Svea](http://shop.katadyn.com/product/155185/8016279/_/Optimus_Svea). I have an Optimus 8r (older version of the Hiker) that I got from my father who bought it in the early 70's and it's still going strong. You can still find people selling Optimus 8r's and Svea 123's on eBay and other places for ok prices. For something completely different and really BIFL because no moving parts at all, get an alcohol stove like this [Vargo Triad](http://www.vargooutdoors.com/triad-alcohol-stove.html) or a [Trangia](http://trangia.se/en/selecting-the-right-trangia-stove/) system. Just have to realize limitations of an alcohol system. Sleeping Bag - I went with this bag after my research, the [Nemo Strato Loft Down Sleeping Bag](http://www.nemoequipment.com/product/?p=Strato%20Loft). I'm not comfortable in mummy bags, and this was the best thing I could find out there that wasn't a mummy. I also looked hard at the [Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed](http://www.sierradesigns.com/product/backcountry-bed-800-2-season) and the [Montbell Downhugger 650](http://www.montbell.us/products/list.php?cat_id=3213) which are both more like a mummy-style bag. If you're willing to spend more money look at something from [Feathered Friends](http://featheredfriends.com/). A good down sleeping bag that is not abused and cared for properly should last a long time. Tent - The tent I liked and went with is the [Seirra Designs Flash 2](http://www.sierradesigns.com/product/flash-2). Decent weight, easy setup, really happy with it myself. If you're using trekking poles and want lightweight, I would look at the [Tensegrity 2](http://www.sierradesigns.com/product/tensegrity-2-fl) from them which uses trekking poles to set up. Tools - Just get a [Leatherman Wave](http://www.leatherman.com/wave-10.html#start=2) or a [SwissTool Spirit](http://www.swissarmy.com/us/en/Products/Swiss-Army-Knives/SwissTools/SwissTool-Spirit-XC/p/3.0227.L). A good hatchet can come in real handy at times too. This one from [Gränsfors Bruk](http://www.gransforsbruk.com/en/products/forest-axes/gransfors-hunters-axe/) is great, just expensive. For a knife this [Mora Bushcraft](http://www.moraofsweden.se/adventure/bushcraft-survival-black) is pretty awesome and is all the knife most people need. Extras - As someone else said, always have some paracord on hand. Also some kind of alternate fire starting method aside from matches or a lighter. A [Lifestraw](http://lifestraw.com/) is cheap and good for an emergency situation, but a BIFL water filter would be this [Katadyn Pocket](http://shop.katadyn.com/product/155146/2010000/_/Katadyn_Pocket) with the drawback of being stupid expensive. Extra tent stakes for different terrain, I usually have these [MSR Groundhogs](http://www.cascadedesigns.com/msr/tents/tent-accessories/secure/groundhog-tent-stakes/product/) for most types and a couple titanium nail stakes like these [Vargos](http://www.vargooutdoors.com/titanium-nail-peg.html) for really hard ground. A small trowel, folding shovel or E-Tool can come in handy too.

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