 Peak Shell jacket NZ$285 (280g) |
Mont Bell Peak Shell jacket and pantsIf you are checking out this page then it is likely you are the type who wants their wet weather gear to be light – either because you want it to pack away to nothing in your super-light pack or you don't want it to slow you down when you are wearing it. But shedding grams from a garment usually equates to reducing durability. For example, many lightweight jackets are made of 2.5-layer materials (e.g., Goretex Paclite) as opposed to 3-layer materials. In 2.5-layer materials, the waterproof membrane is the same as for a 3-layer material, but the surface nylon is made lighter and the inner protective layer is done away with and replaced with a coating. Hence, we get a light jacket, but one more prone to being worn away, particularly from the inside and over the shoulders where a heavy pack will rub. So wouldn't it be super if shells could be made lighter but maintain a higher degree of durability? Aargh, let's get to the point – you know we are hinting at the Peak Shell jacket and pants. For a start, the inner layer of the fabric is a proper inner layer; that is, the Peak Shell is a proper 3-layer garment. The fabric is made lighter by massively reducing the surface nylon weight. And this is only possible because Mont Bell use Ballistic nylon, which is 3 x stronger than conventional nylon that is 20% heavier. So in summary, the Peak Shell is a 3-layer garment that is no heavier (and usually lighter) than the 2.5-layer options out there. In addition, the Peak Shell jacket and pants have waterproof zips. (Note that storm flaps that cover regular zips add weight, and if made of light fabrics, they often blow open in a strong wind.) |
 180cm mat NZ$170 (555g)
Inflatable pillow NZ$50 (70g) |
Mont Bell Sleeping MatsIt is natural to compare any sleeping mat with Thermarest mats, since they have been the front runner for so long (and good on them for being so). In our case, we are comparing the Mont Bell series with the Thermarest Prolite 4 series typically used by mountaineers. A major difference between the two series is that the Mont Bell mattresses use thinner but more solid foam, whereas the Prolite 4 series uses a thicker foam with cut-away sections. The result is the Mont Bell mattresses are firmer and the Prolite mattresses are spongier. The Mont Bell mattresses are lighter and less bulky - essentially you get another 30cm length for the same weight and bulk. For example, the 150cm Mont Bell mattress and the 119cm Prolite 4 are almost identical in weight and storing size. In addition, you don't have to force the Mont Bell mattresses into their stuff sacks to the same degree (i.e., the stuff sacks are made a more reasonable size). The Mont Bell mattresses are also less slippery and slide around less. Standard features of the Mont Bell mattresses include tabs to join mattresses together (including side-by-side), tabs to attach the Mont Bell inflatable pillow and a strap to attach your own improvised pillow comprising clothes in a sleeping bag stuff sack. All these features stop things sliding around in the middle of the night. A major plus in getting a Mont Bell mattress or pillow is that the storage sack and repair kit are provided as standard. The inflatable pillow is one of the greatest inventions. It is so light (70g) and small you will never leave it behind no matter how light you are travelling. It is even contoured for the head. |
 800-fill #3 Spiral |
Mont Bell #3 Spiral sleeping bagMont Bell sleeping bags are discussed in a lot of detail on the sleeping bag page. Here we simply introduce the Mont Bell #3 Spiral sleeping bag because it suits the needs of most trekkers and ultralight alpinists. It keeps most people happy to zero degrees; that means it is likely to suit your needs both above and below the bushline, whether in a tent or hut. Light-weight alpinists who are happy to wear some clothing to bed use the bag in tents and snowcaves, and are more than toasty in a high-altitude hut. So, if that has sparked your interest, head to the sleeping bag page and learn all about how the #3 Spiral has 800-fil down, Polkatex water repellancy, stretch fabric, and Ballistic nylon. |
Ultralight Dome 2 NZ$620
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Mont Bell Ultralight Dome 2-person tentThe Ultralight Dome is a 2-person hiking tent weighing 865 grams, which is about the weight of my old bivy bag. The Ultralight Dome is a single-skin tent, meaning there is no inner tent. The tent is obviously designed to be light. That means no inner tent and no vestibule. If those are features that you would prefer to have then consider one of the other options on the tent page. The Ultralight Dome suits the solo trekker or two trekkers happy to cook and keep their packs outside. To protect the floor when on rough ground and to add further waterproofness when heading out in poor weather, the optional footprint is highly recommended. The tent is a 3-season hiking tent (which means it will withstand poor weather but not excessively strong mountain winds), yet despite its low weight, it is not a flimsy tent, having DAC Featherlite poles (see the tent page for a nerdy discussion on tents). Specs are: |
Light Zelt NZ$170
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Mont Bell Light Zelt 1–2-person tentThe Light Zelt is the minimalist's tent, weighing only 370 grams. We are now looking at a tent that you could use in a game of catch when packed. It is typically used without tent poles (trees, trekking poles, skis or anything handy are used instead), and the tent poles are an optional purchase (another 250 grams). Obviously the Light Zelt is a tent best suited to pitching out of the wind. It accommodates one person nicely, and two if you really have to. It is particularly suited to those who are into running 4-day tracks with a day pack. Specs are: |
Ultralight sleeping bag cover NZ$190 |
Mont Bell Ultralight Sleeping Bag CoverThe Ultralight Sleeping Bag Cover is an alternative to a full-on bivy bag. Not everyone wants or needs the full thing. This cover is for those who are simply concerned about a leaky tent, dripping snowcave or dew/light rain while sleeping in the open. It can also be used for bivying in worse weather if the head is under shelter (e.g., in a small snow cave or under a rock overhang) and the body is exposed to the elements. This waterproof/breathable cover weighs only 180 grams. Having a lightweight 'bivy bag' also means that the weight of the material isn't preventing your down sleeping bag from fully lofting. |
 Versalite 50L NZ$245 |
Mont Bell Ballistic Versalite Pack 50LAll over this site you'll see references to Ballistic nylon - 3 x stronger than conventional nylon that is 20% heavier. Mont Bell again uses Ballistic to make the 50L Versalite pack. The weight? 1.13kg. Features include an ice axe attachment, water bladder compartment, side pockets for carrying trekking poles and an extendable lid allowing over-loading and a rope to be carried. In practice, the Versalite is very ... versatile. This is because it is a lightweight pack that can be impressively overloaded with excess gear. The pack lid just keeps on rising as you load more in to your pack liner, and the harness is designed to carry such a load. Then, as you munch your way through your five days' worth of food, you end up with a light load for your final days rather than a half-empty 3–4kg pack. Thin fabric is used for the main compartment of this pack so it is not suited for bushcrashing-type activities. |
