Good news for lovers of Japanese outdoor gear. Cult outerwear brand Montbell has announced plans to open a UK web store as well as a bricks-and-mortar retail space in Keswick. Known for its ultralight down outerwear, Montbell was previously only available at a very small selection of UK stockists. But if you're after a slice of the action, things are about to get a whole lot easier.
For the uninitiated, Montbell was founded in 1975 in Osaka, Japan, and has spent the last few decades quietly refining some of the best outdoor gear on the market. Minimalist, functional, and designed with the kind of precision you’d expect from a country that treats mountaineering like a fine art.
In recent years, and thanks largely to the proliferation of so-called gorpcore, the label has found favour in the UK. Its pre-owned shells and puffers are now among some of the most sought-after items in vintage shops and on apps for buying and selling clothing.
Its down jackets are cult favourites, particularly among those who prefer their technical outerwear to be free from unnecessary bulk. The Alpine Light and Plasma series, for example, pack serious warmth into featherweight silhouettes. Elsewhere, Montbell’s rain shells and fleece layers have a similarly no-nonsense appeal – ultra-light, exceptionally packable, and built to perform without fuss.
The aesthetic is pared-back, the branding is subtle, and the ethos is simple: let the gear do the talking. It’s the kind of kit that works just as well on an actual mountain as it does on a weekend city break. For people who appreciate performance but don’t feel the need to broadcast it. If you know, you know. If you don’t, it’s time to start paying attention.
According to the brands official website, the UK online store and Keswick shop are due to open in Spring 2025.
Next up: The best gorpcore brands for outdoor style.
