At Montbell, we source down from both the European and Asian markets to satisfy a variety of characteristics (supply/availability, low cost, consistent quality, humane practices, etc.) and maintain our lofty standards. Every season we seek to balance the superior quality for which we are known and the lowest possible raw materials cost. We change down sourcing companies frequently to insure that our customers have access to superior products at the lowest price possible. In the course of these efforts, Montbell never purchases down from operations that practice “live-plucking” methods. We only utilize down plumes and feathers collected as a by-product of water fowl raised to meet the demands of the food industry.

We will continue to look for sources of down that maximize value to our customers and allow Montbell products to perform at the highest level.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) develops and publishes international standards for all types of products. Based on the continued development of EN 13537, ISO 23537 is a test designed and performed by an independent third party that seeks to standardize the way temperature ratings or thermal guidelines are established for sleeping bags. All of Montbell’s sleeping bags are independently tested at the Institute for Environmental Research at Kansas State University.

<Testing Methods>
A full length mannequin covered “head to toe” with heaters and temperature sensors is outfitted with base layer top, bottom, hat and socks. The mannequin is place in the sleeping bag and both are put into a climate chamber. The mannequin is heated to simulate body warmth. The air temperature is measured in the chamber and on the surface of the mannequin. From these measurements, the thermal value of the sleeping bag can be calculated. Based on the measured insulating ability of the tested sleeping bag three temperature results or recommendations are provided.The following assumptions are used as the “gender standards” for all temperature calculations.
*Man (25 years old, 70 kilograms, 1.73 meters tall)
*Woman (25 years old, 60 kilograms, 1.6 meters tall)

<Temperature Ratings>
COMFORT
Based on the lowest temperature at which a “standard” adult woman is deemed able to have a comfortable night’s sleep.
LOWER LIMIT
Based on the lowest temperature at which a “standard” adult male is deemed able to have a comfortable night’s sleep.
EXTREME
This survival rating is established using the “adult woman” standard. It is not advisable for consumers to use the extreme or survival rating for general use. The best guideline temperatures for purchase decisions are the Comfort and Limit ratings.