Montbell was established in 1975 in Osaka, Japan by Isamu Tatsuno, an outdoorsman who desired top-notch, performance-driven outerwear. To cater to a wider market, the brand has expanded beyond Japan and established two overseas branches. In 2003, Montbell America, Inc. was launched with its headquarters in Boulder, Colorado, and in 2005, Montbell Suisse SA was established.

The core philosophy behind Montbell's products is the concept of "Light and Fast." This means that their clothing and equipment are designed to be lightweight and easy to pack, without compromising on performance and protection. Their extensive range of outdoor apparel and gear covers various activities such as hiking, camping, climbing, and skiing. Through their collection of thoughtfully crafted clothing and gear for both men and women, they aim to keep adventurers warm, dry, and comfortable on their journeys.

Like any clothing, finding the right fit is crucial. Montbell offers a sizing chart to assist customers in determining the best size for their products. For Men's/Unisex products, sizes range from XS to XXL, while Women's products range from XS to XL. What differentiates Montbell from other brands is their inclusion of Asian fits in their clothing and accessories, such as gloves.

Among Montbell's popular products is the Storm Cruiser Rain Jacket, highly praised by outdoor enthusiasts and bloggers alike. The jacket is constructed with Gore-Tex fabric, known for its excellent waterproofing and breathability. It also incorporates ventilation options like pit zips and a two-way front zipper to regulate body temperature and prevent overheating.

In addition to their outstanding products, Montbell is dedicated to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The brand has adopted various eco-friendly practices, such as utilizing recycled materials in their products and packaging, as well as minimizing waste in their manufacturing processes.

Founded: 1975

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montbell_official/

Website: https://www.montbell.com/

Black Yak is a renowned outdoor clothing brand that originated in the mountainous region of South Korea. The brand takes its name from the Black Yak, a resilient and powerful animal that is well-adapted to extreme weather conditions. Drawing inspiration from this iconic creature, Black Yak strives to create clothing that provides maximum protection and comfort in the harshest environments.

Black Yak's clothing range covers a wide variety of outdoor activities, including mountaineering, skiing, hiking, and climbing. Their collection includes jackets, pants, base layers, gloves, and accessories, all designed to withstand the toughest and most unpredictable conditions.

One of the brand's key strengths lies in its innovative approach to fabric development. Black Yak collaborates with industry-leading textile manufacturers, such as Polartec, Schoeller, and Gore-Tex, to incorporate cutting-edge technologies into their products. This ensures that their garments offer superior breathability, weather resistance, and durability. The brand also uses recycled and eco-friendly materials whenever possible and collaborates with organizations like the Responsible Down Standard to ensure the ethical sourcing of down feathers.

In terms of design, Black Yak prioritizes functionality and performance-oriented features. Every detail is meticulously crafted to enhance movement, provide optimal ventilation, and enhance protection against the elements. The brand's attention to detail and high-quality craftsmanship have earned them accolades and recognition from professionals in the outdoor industry.

Founded: 1973
Headquarters: Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackyak.official/
Website: https://global.blackyak.com/

Goldwin is a Japanese brand specializing in outdoor clothing with a very technical aspect. Its design and philosophy have won over streetwear aficionados over the years. Created by Tosaku Nishida in 1958, the beginnings were made in the small town of Tsuzawa. Very early, Goldwin specializes in waterproof hiking clothing, then during the ’60s the line focused on ski clothing and activities related to the mountain.

Resolutely tech wear, the brand has gradually become known around the world for the quality of its clothing made in Japan. Although less famous than North Face, the Japanese brand is no less the model. It is indeed one of the first technical sportswear brands that have reached the heart of a wider public. Their extensive collection includes jackets, pants, base layers, mid-layers, gloves, and hats, all crafted with meticulous attention to detail and using advanced materials and technologies.

Their products are engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions, provide optimal insulation, and offer superior breathability. Whether it's their GORE-TEX® jackets that offer waterproof protection or their down-filled parkas that provide exceptional warmth, Goldwin ensures that adventurers can tackle any outdoor challenge with confidence.

In addition to technical proficiency, Goldwin's products feature sleek and contemporary aesthetics, making them equally suitable for urban environments as they are for outdoor adventures. The brand collaborates with renowned designers and incorporates fashion-forward elements into their designs, ensuring that wearers can look and feel their best while exploring the great outdoors.

Founded: 1958
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldwin_official/
Website: https://www.goldwin.co.jp/

White Mountaineering, created by Japanese designer Yosuke Aizawa in 2006, presents a line of niche outdoor-inspired streetwear apparel and accessories. Drawing from his background in Product and Textile Design, Aizawa showcases his talent for meticulous craftsmanship and utility-driven construction in his collections. The brand offers a diverse range of streetwear clothing and accessories, with some pieces specifically suitable for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and mountaineering.

White Mountaineering is grounded and guided by three tenets: design, utility, and technology which Yosuke Aizawa amalgamates together through his innovative construction and premium fabrications. Therefore, the brand's clothing is created with functionality in mind. For instance, many of their jackets are crafted from waterproof and breathable fabrics, ensuring suitability for outdoor activities irrespective of weather conditions.

Furthermore, the brand's clothing often incorporates numerous pockets and compartments, providing convenient storage for essential gear. White Mountaineering is also renowned for its distinctive and visually striking designs. The brand frequently incorporates bold patterns and prints into its garments, making them visually distinctive.

Additionally, they regularly collaborate with other companies and designers to produce limited-edition collections. White Mountaineering is an excellent option for individuals seeking high-quality and fashionable outdoor attire. The brand's dedication to functionality and design makes their clothing ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who wish to both look good and enjoy nature to the fullest.

Founded: 2006
Headquarters: Sarugakuchou, Tokyo, Japan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitemountaineering_official/
Website: https://whitemountaineering.com/

Sherpa Adventure Gear is a contemporary outdoor brand that pays tribute to ancient customs. Sherpas serve as expedition guides to climbers wanting to explore the Himalayas, particularly Mount Everest. The brand employs cutting-edge technical materials and designs while also concentrating on sustainability, delivering excellent quality that is on par with well-known names in the industry.

The fabrics used by Sherpa are chosen based on their capacity to offer comfort, durability, and top-level performance because when you're hanging on the side of a mountain, you don't want your clothing or equipment to let you down. Each piece is devised to be waterproof, windproof, and highly breathable, so you remain comfortable and protected, even in damp environments. Wicking technology manages moisture to keep you cool and dry, while odor control neutralizes smells at the source of bacterial growth.

Furthermore, the four-way stretch provides full flexibility, while Polartec and Primaloft insulation keep your body heat without the bulk. Ideal for layering and incredibly soft and cozy, Sherpa clothing and gear is perfect for mountain expeditions or your everyday wardrobe. Sherpa collaborates with celebrated athletes to test and develop its products.

Finally, Sherpa Adventure Gear is committed to environmental and social responsibility. The brand is certified sustainable by some of the most demanding groups out there, thanks to its eco-friendly technologies, manufacturing systems, equipment, and practices. Sherpa provides educational scholarships to children in remote Himalayan villages and employs locals for both quality control and meaningful employment. Sherpa Adventure Gear honors its ancestry in high-alpine climbers by giving its customers the best in performance and value.

Founded: 2003
Headquarters: Narayanthan Kathmandu, Kathmandu Nepal
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherpaadventuregear/
Website: https://www.sherpaadventuregear.com/

Wildcraft is an Indian outdoor clothing and gear brand that was founded in 1998 by Gaurav Dublish and Siddharth Sood. The founders, both outdoor enthusiasts, recognized the need for high-quality outdoor clothes that could withstand the diverse and challenging terrains of India. Therefore, they aimed to provide reliable and durable products that could support individuals in their outdoor adventures.

Today, Wildcraft focuses on designing and developing products that cater to the needs of adventurers, hikers, climbers, and campers. They constantly push the boundaries of design and technology to ensure that their clothing withstands extreme weather conditions. The brand's attention to detail is apparent in their use of high-quality materials, advanced insulation technologies, and thoughtful design elements.

Wildcraft's jackets are one of their most popular product lines, known for their durability, functionality, and ergonomic design. They feature multiple pockets and compartments for organization, adjustable cuffs, hoods, and a range of insulation options to keep users warm and protected from the elements.

All of Wildcraft's products are designed to meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts, whether they are experienced climbers or casual hikers. With a commitment to quality and craftsmanship, Wildcraft is a brand that outdoor enthusiasts can trust to provide the best clothes for their adventures.

Founded: 1998
Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildcraftin/
Website: https://wildcraft.com/

And Wander is an outdoor brand that originated in Tokyo in 2011. Founded by designers Keita Ikeuchi and Mihoko Mori, who gained experience at Sakai Designs, the brand draws inspiration from their time spent in the Japanese mountains. Their collection includes a range of clothing and bags that are suitable for various environments, whether it's a misty forest trail or the urban streets of a daily commute.

Since its establishment, And Wander has remained true to its brand philosophy of finding pleasure in mountain activities. Instead of completely reinventing their styles each season, the brand focuses on refining and improving existing designs. This approach allows them to prioritize performance while encouraging outdoor exploration without compromising functionality.

Materials like PolarTec®, PrimaLoft®, and Pertex® Quantum Air are frequently incorporated into their designs, demonstrating their commitment to quality and functionality. Collaborations with brands like Salomon and Barbour White Label further showcase their versatility and appreciation for practical everyday wear.

Environmental sustainability is a priority for And Wander. The brand strives to use eco-friendly materials and production methods whenever possible. They frequently utilize recycled materials in their clothing, and they have partnered with organizations like 1% for the Planet to support environmental initiatives and reduce their ecological footprint.

Founded: 2011
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andwander_official/
Website: https://www.andwander.com/

Kailas is an activewear brand specialising in running shoes, trekking and climbing gears, apparel, and accessories. Kailas was founded in China, in 2003 and widely known as the most technical and innovative outdoor brand in China. The brand name “Kailas” comes from the name of the holy Tibetan mountain Kailash. The mountain is a sacred destination of religious pilgrimage.

They offer a wide range of products, including jackets, pants, base layers, gloves, and accessories. Kailas utilizes advanced materials and technologies to ensure durability, breathability, and weather resistance in their garments. Their attention to detail and craftsmanship contribute to the reliability of their products in challenging environments.

Kailas places a significant focus on innovation, consistently exploring new designs and materials to improve their offerings. They collaborate with outdoor experts, athletes, and industry professionals to gather feedback and insights for continuous product enhancements. This dedication to innovation enables Kailas to deliver cutting-edge outdoor clothing that meets the ever-evolving needs of outdoor enthusiasts.

Kailas emphasizes social responsibility and ethical business practices. They prioritize fair labor conditions and maintain transparent supply chains, ensuring that workers are treated with dignity and respect. By upholding high ethical standards, Kailas establishes trust among its customers and contributes positively to the outdoor industry.

Founded: 2003
Headquarters: Guangzhou, China
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kailasgear/
Website: https://kailasgear.com/

K2 is a renowned outdoor clothing brand that specializes in providing high-quality gear for various outdoor activities. The brand takes its name from the second-highest mountain on Earth, Mount K2, which represents the adventurous and challenging spirit that the brand aims to instill in its products.

K2 utilizes advanced fabrics that are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, ensuring that outdoor enthusiasts will be well-protected and comfortable during their adventures. Whether it's hiking, skiing, or mountaineering, K2 offers a wide range of clothing options that are specifically tailored for each activity, ensuring optimal performance.

Moreover, K2 understands the importance of functionality and practicality in outdoor gear. The brand's products are designed with a focus on versatility and durability. For instance, K2 jackets are equipped with features like adjustable hoods, waterproof zippers, and ventilation systems to allow users to adapt to changing weather conditions. The brand also pays attention to details like reinforced stitching and abrasion-resistant panels, ensuring that their clothing can withstand the rigors of outdoor activities.

K2 takes pride in creating well-designed clothing that not only performs exceptionally well but also looks good. Their products are available in a variety of colors and designs, offering outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to express their individual style.

Founded: 1962
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outdoork2/
Website: https://k2snow.com/

Inspired by his love of baseball following a trip to the U.S., founder Rihachi Mizuno established Mizuno in 1906 hoping to increase interest in the quintessential American sport inside Japan. While it started out selling mostly baseball gear, over the next 70 years Mizuno would expand its offering greatly, creating equipment and clothing for tennis, golf, skiing, track and field, boxing, soccer, and less widely played sports like handball.

During the 1980s, Mizuno made developments that would contribute to making the brand what it is today. Each Mizuno garment is meticulously crafted to ensure durability, functionality, and optimal fit. The brand combines technical features with ergonomic designs to provide athletes and adventurers with the best possible performance and comfort.

Mizuno integrates cutting-edge technologies into its outdoor clothing. For example, their apparel often incorporates moisture-wicking fabrics to keep the wearer dry and comfortable during intense activities. Additionally, the clothing may feature breathable panels or ventilation systems to enhance airflow and regulate body temperature.

Mizuno believes in the values of sport, and the same values form and cultivate the corporate culture of which the brand is proud: friendship, team spirit, fair play, and respect for others. When encouraged to be innovative, an energetic and motivating corporate culture will foster.

Founded: 1906

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outdoork2/

Website: https://jpn.mizuno.com/