OUR HISTORY (1990-1999)
Super Tough Bag
1990
- Mr. Richard Fox, world cup winner in K-1 slalom, and Ms. Myriam Jerusalmi joined as MontBell advisers.
- A team used camels to cross the Taklamakan Desert (750 km/466 miles) in China, equipped with MontBell's Super Tough Bag and clothing.
- A Russian adventurer, Mr. Fyodor, reached the North Pole using the Super Expedition One-Piece Suit, Expedition Tough Bag, and more.
- Established MontBell Europe in Brussels, Belgium.
- Mr. Noriyasu Kumori used the Mountain Shirt, Therma-wrap, Denali Jacket and Bib to climb Mt. McKinley (6,194 m/20,321 ft).
- Opened a MontBell design office in California, USA.
Super Expedition
One-Piece Suit
1991
- Led by Ms. Junko Tabei, Team Tabei climbed Mt. Vinson Massif (4,897 m/16,066 ft), the highest peak in Antarctica. Used Super Expedition One-Piece Suit.
- The Broad Peak Mountaineering Party from the Tokyo University of Agriculture used the Moon Light Tent at the base camp and proved its long-term durability.
- The International Straits Club kayaked from Taiwan to Kagoshima (Kyu-syu) and used the Moon Light Tent.
- Mr. Kazuo Ikehara successfully motorcycled from China to Mongolia (5,400 km/3,355 miles). Used a MontBell Rain Suit.
NOLS
1992
- The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) from Wyoming, USA, used the Wishbone Pack, Freney Parka, and other equipment when mountaineering on Gasherbrum.
- Antarctic Walk and Antarctic Expeditionary party used the Expedition Tough Bag in Greenland and at the South Pole.
- Equipped with the L.W. Sit Harness, U.L. Zelt Tent, Storm Cruiser, and more, the Japan & India Women's Mountaineering party made the first ascent of Saraswati in Northern Garwhar.
Down Hugger
1993
- The Fuji Climbing Club used MontBell's ZeoLine Underwear and WB Expedition Pack to successfully climb the South Wall Cassin Ridge route of Mt. Denali (6,194 m/20,321 ft).
- All members of Japan's Gasherbrum 2 & 4 Mountaineering party reached the summit of Gasherbrum (8,035 m/26,362 ft). Used ZeoLine Underwear, Action One-Piece, and WB Alpine Pack.
- Introduced the advanced Down Hugger sleeping bag series.
- In cooperation with Kyo-Cera, the energy company, developed a clean power Solar Charger. This product was used by the JAC Tokai Crown Expedition party, Gunma Everest South-East Wall Expedition party, Yamanashi Alpine Federation Mountaineering party, and Hokkaido Karaboshi Mountaineering party.
Droites Parka
1994
- Innovated an adventure cycling bag system for extended bicycle trips.
- Mr. Shimizu and Mr. Kibino crossed Australia on solar-powered mini cycles and used the Stainless Mesh Cap, Gloves, and Cycling Clothing.
- The Asia University Antarctic Expedition party climbed Mt. Vinson Massif (4,897 m/16,066 ft), the highest peak in Antarctica. Used the Expedition One-Piece Suit and the Droites Parka.
- Nissan Private Japon finished the Paris-Dakar Rally using MontBell fleece and Chameece products, the Down Hugger, and WB Pack.
Wickron
1995
- Improved Wickron® to include different vertical sections, which greatly enhanced its wicking performance.
- A party from Rissho University wore MontBell clothing to canoe rivers in Tajikistan.
- Held 20 Year Anniversary Price Revolution, where all prices were reconsidered.
Gore Alpine Dome
1996
- Introduced a single wall tent, called the Gore Alpine Dome, using first generation Gore-Tex® fabric.
- Developed a Dryloft Expedition Down Jacket using the new wind-resistant, highly breathable Dryloft fabric engineered by Gore.
- The Nepal Himalayas Expedition party from Shinshu University reached the summit of Ratna Churi (7,035 m/23,080 ft). They used the Down Hugger, ZeoLine Underwear, WB Pack, and more.
- The Mt. Pumori Mountaineering party of Okayama Gakuyu-kai did a successful winter ascent of Mt. Pumori in Nepal. Used the Droite Parka and Bib, Alpine Tent, and other equipment.
- Launched OUTWARD, an information magazine for MontBell club members.
CLIMAPLUS™ 300 Jacket
1997
- Developed Hydro Breeze™, a polyurethane coating used on outerwear to provide exceptional waterproofness and breathability.
- Produced Polkatex™, an all-purpose durable, water-repellent fabric that's resistant to abrasion and corrosion caused by body oils.
- Introduced the MontBell Climaplus™ Fleece product line.
- Members of the Sensyu Alpine Club used the Droites Parka, Dryloft Down Jacket, and L.W. Expedition Pack 80 to climb Cho Oyu (8,201 m/26,906 ft).
- Mr. Yoshiharu Sekino used the Dryloft Down Hugger, Super Burrow Bag, and Gore Side-Zip Sleeping Bag Cover in his 53,000-km/32,000-mile Great Journey from Patagonia to Africa.
MontBell Summer Festival
1998
- Engineered an original last and used it for Gore-Tex® Tuolumne Boots, which feature an inner Gore-Tex® bootie and are suitable for trekking.
- Produced a fleece-laminated, polyurethane material called Climaprene™ for water sports apparel.
- Hosted the MontBell Summer Festival at Yoshino in Shikoku.
- Mr. Hiromichi Konno won the "North American World Cup" dog sled race in Alaska wearing the Fall Line Zip Out Jacket and Pants.
- Mr. Kuriaki wore the Tempest One-Piece Suit, the Alpine Down Jacket, and other MontBell products during his solo winter ascent of Mt. McKinley (6,194 m/20,321 ft).
Stellaridge Tent
1999
- Designed a folding kayak and started the MontBell offshoot, ARFEQ™ Kayaks.
- Created a revolutionary "wishbone-like" internal frame structure for large volume packs, giving name to the Super Wishbone Pack Series.
- Developed an ultra-light, double-wall tent design, named the Stellaridge Tent Series.
- Developed trekking poles.
- Mr. Yoshimaru Sekino used the Super Burrow Bag in his 53,000-km/32,000-mile Great Journey from Patagonia to Africa.
