This unique sewing pattern is designed to promote down loft while keeping the thread used during stitching to a minimum insuring the garment is as light as possible.

We utilize some of the smallest fibers and thinnest fabrics available to achieve a highly compressible ultra-light garment. This silky 7-denier shell has the feel of cotton, but is durable enough to withstand the rigors of normal use for an insulated inner piece. Weighing in at a spartan 21 grams per square meter this highly wind resistant fabric is one of the lightest used in the outdoor industry!

Fill power (or loftiness) refers to the volume in cubic inches that 1 ounce of down will displace. The higher the fill power, the less down is needed to achieve a given thermal profile. All other things being equal (fabric, construction method, and fill amount), a jacket made with high fill power down (1000) is lighter and more compressible than an equally warm one made with lower quality down (650).

At Montbell, we source down from both the European and Chinese 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.