Montbell America

Great product my fiancé used a down jacket hiking through the high Sierras several years ago and I plan to do the same when we return to that snowy segment of the trail this summer, however poor customer service. I ordered a size based on the measurements provided by the company and it was too large. Unfortunately return shipping is at the expense of the customer and I was told that in less than friendly terms by the representative over the phone. With locations only in Boulder and Portland, I feel that the ability to return something should be part of their customer satisfaction.

Well here’s something you won’t find down in Texas, now nor probably ever as there’s rarely a need to dress warm down in those poached parts.
Mont Bell is actually a Japanese company that specializes in extremely light weight while at the same time warm, apparel. As my wife is Japanese it was particularly fun to visit this store while she gave me a tour, explaining the high tech features of the clothing, it’s popularity in Japan and it’s rarity to find a store like this in the US.
They also have a great selection of footwear, but that same old problem that haunts me, nothing in size 14. I mean come on, everything’s bigger in Texas, but I’m a California for gods sake, don’t any of you guys up in Montana, or sorry, Colorado, have big feet? And you know what they say about that right?
Friendly service.
Oh yeah, and no sized 14 socks either…

I don’t buy a lot here but what I do get, I end up loving. Well made and sized. Great sales at end of season.

I purchased a rain jacket from MontBell. When I wore it in a rain storm on a canoe trip, moisture soaked through on my shoulders. When I got home I tested the jacket under a stream of water from a faucet and, yes, moisture again seeped through. I sent the jacket back to MontBell and they insisted the jacket did not leak. They mailed it back and would not refund my money despite multiple phone calls and conversations with the customer service rep and his boss at MontBell. When I said that REI or Patagonia would have taken it back without question, the customer service manager said that he believed those companies were doing a disservice to the outdoor clothing industry by their satisfaction guaranteed return policy. I will never buy from MontBell again.

Hey, check out this place. Check it out before you go into N. Face next door.
It’s a Japanese company which only has a couple stores in the US, we’re lucky enough to have one right here. They have an extensive collection of real outdoor wear, especially jackets. You’ll also find the typical selection of climbing harnesses, hardware, shoes. And backpacking gear, supplies, etc. They aren’t REI in terms of all this misc gear which they don’t make, but you can get some of your shopping done here.
As is my usual Unilocal contribution, I’ll tell you that in the back corner of the store is the clearance area. I always walk through it. Currently, there’s a MSR backpacking stove, various gloves and hats. They always have climbing shoes on sale back there.

I have been in this store at least three times and have always experienced great customer service. In general I have found Montbell items to be of tasteful design and highly quality (present season jackets excepted due to a poor choice in lining material and colors). Additionally, unlike The North Face, there’s always a clearance area.
Note on sizing: Montbell is Japanese owned so don’t expect supersized American sizing. That being said I have found sleeve length to be plenty long for me.

I ordered a sleeping bag and pad from them online, and so far very impressed. I picked the down version, pricier but a lot lighter. The pad is thick, 1.5 inches, and inflames easily. Great customer service, quick delivery. Will test it over the Labor day weekend!

I was visiting from out of state and a friend mentioned that she had a jacket of this brand and loved it for being thin and lightweight while being able to withstand the elements.
This store is located in what appears to be a shopping center. The store is fairly spacious and clean and well organized. The clearance section is located toward the back of the store, marked by a large red sign hanging above. Even this section is well organized compared to many other stores.
Employees here were friendly and attentive without being overly aggressive. Parking is in a lot, and there were empty spaces when I went.
There weren’t many people in the store when I went, but I don’t know if this is the norm.
Overall, clean store, friendly non-​overbearing employees. I liked it, and with the great deals to be scored in the clearance section, I’d be back if I actually lived here.