Montbell in Japan

There really isn't that much discount for the newest gear, though MontBell prices are very favorable compared to similar companies like Patagonia or Mountain Hardwear or Montane. Plus there is the added concern of the dollar being really weak right now and therefore the exchange rate is terrible from your end (Europe is even worse). MontBell does have a number of outlet stores though (two that I know of, in and near Tokyo, in Ebisu and in Makuhari) where you can get some good deals. The gear there tends to be a little behind the light, newer stuff.

Japan is not usually the place to come to for discounts, unless it's in electronics.

My understanding — from reading Miguel and Brett's posts (the two Gearsha pimps of Japan) — is that MontBell stuff are cheaper in Japan than they are here in the US. Any non-Japanese brands, however, expect prices there to be higher.

I guess I forgot to clarify that i meant montbell gear. I was under the impression that montbell stuff was a little bit cheaper but i guess that was incorrect.

MontBell stuff — being a Japanese brand — are cheaper in Japan than they are here in the US — discounted or not. Obviously, if you can find what you want at the outlets that Miguel wrote about, then even better!

"MontBell stuff — being a Japanese brand — are cheaper in Japan than they are here in the US — discounted or not. Obviously, if you can find what you want at the outlets that Miguel wrote about, then even better!"

Correct. And you can actually sometimes find the US model gear at the Mont Bell clearance stores in Japan, which may be useful if you need the bigger sizes. The clearance store in Ebisu was closed (well, actually it was a pile of rubble) when I swung through Tokyo in August but may have reopened now.

Oh, and we are now finally settled back in Australia after our Japan/UK/Japan/Australia odyssey.

Arapiles

Check out the Japanese site in English; all prices are listed in yen so you can compare. URL is http://en.montbell.jp/

I mainly used the Ebisu store which is right outside the station. However on my last trip in October the entire building had disappeared due to ground up renovation. The Shibuya store is the next most convenient, but a little tricky to find first time.

Two of the MB outlets have recently closed, the ones at Ebisu and Odaiba. Closest one to central Tokyo now is the outlet corner in the Yokohama location. And Yokohama is a great place to visit anyway, so that's my recommendation for Jon. 2006 725FP down products are a great deal, IMO, such as a #7 UL down bag for about $105.

Arapiles, good to hear from you. I'm studying up for another winter in the Japan Alps; hope you are finding your own challenges there down under.

Hi Brett

Thanks for the good wishes. I keep finding myself doing mental lists for walks in the Alps this winter, then realising that I won't be returning until probably next Autumn or winter. Bugger. I should plan some walks here with my Miniposa – I'm thinking of repeating the trip I did which triggered my search for lighter alternatives, but this time with the LW gear. I PM'ed you on the other email.

Regards

Arapiles

The real deal (for a Canadian anyway) is that Brett (or Miguel) can ship Montbell products faster, cheaper and with no tax – there is no Montbell gear in Canada – my shipping is routinely $30-$40(Fron the MB website) on a item, plus I pay a little for duty…Although the price may not be substantialy cheaper from Japan, I save on the extras.

Methinks Brett and Miguel — our twin 'gearsha' pimps — should visit MontBell's flaship store as well as its outlet — do a "live" webcast — and let us "call in" our purchases! :)

Nm

David,
Thanks for the link – free shipping in Canada on orders over $150?! That's good news! But, with the dollar where it is, not sure if I'll be ordering from them :(
I'll keep them in mind though.
Steve