Mountain Equipment

Mountain Equipment's journey began in Manchester, England, in 1961. Founded by a group of passionate climbers and mountaineers, the company set out with a clear mission: to create gear that could withstand the harshest conditions on Earth. This commitment to excellence has driven Mountain Equipment to push the boundaries of outdoor gear design and technology for over six decades.

What sets Mountain Equipment apart is their unwavering focus on performance. Every product, from their iconic down jackets to their cutting-edge waterproof jackets, is designed with the end-user in mind. The company's team of designers and product testers includes professional mountaineers, guides, and outdoor enthusiasts who put each piece of gear through its paces in real-world conditions.

Mountain Equipment's dedication to using only the highest quality materials is a cornerstone of their success. They work closely with suppliers to source the best fabrics, insulation, and components available. This attention to detail ensures that every Mountain Equipment product meets the exacting standards of performance and durability that outdoor enthusiasts demand.

Innovation has always been at the heart of Mountain Equipment's design philosophy. The company has been responsible for numerous breakthroughs in outdoor gear technology over the years. For example, they were among the first to introduce the use of GORE-TEX fabrics in mountaineering jackets, revolutionising waterproof breathable technology in the outdoor industry.

In recent years, Mountain Equipment has made significant strides in reducing its environmental impact. This commitment to sustainability is evident in their use of recycled materials in many of their products, as well as the implementation of more sustainable manufacturing processes.

One of the company's most notable initiatives is the "Down Codex" programme. This ensures that all down used in Mountain Equipment products is ethically sourced and traceable. The programme goes beyond industry standards, providing transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain. This commitment to ethical production extends to other materials and manufacturing processes, reflecting Mountain Equipment's holistic approach to responsible business practices.

Mountain Equipment's product range covers a wide spectrum of outdoor activities, from high-altitude mountaineering to everyday hiking and trekking. Their product lines include insulated jackets, waterproof shells, fleece layers, trousers, sleeping bags, and accessories. Each category is carefully designed to meet the specific needs of different outdoor pursuits, ensuring that adventurers have the right gear for their chosen activity.

As we delve deeper into the world of Mountain Equipment, we'll explore their most popular product lines, the technologies that power their performance, and the reasons why outdoor enthusiasts continue to trust this brand for their most challenging adventures.

When it comes to staying warm in extreme conditions, Mountain Equipment's down jackets are hard to beat. The company offers a range of options, from ultralight jackets for alpine climbing to robust parkas for polar expeditions. At the heart of these jackets is high-quality down insulation, known for its exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio.

The Mountain Equipment Lightline Jacket is a classic in the world of down insulation. This iconic piece has been a favourite among mountaineers and winter adventurers for years. The secret to its success lies in its combination of high-quality 700 fill power down and a durable water-resistant outer fabric. The Lightline Jacket provides exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for activities where every gram counts.

For those seeking the ultimate in warmth and weather protection, the Mountain Equipment Makalu Jacket is a top contender. Named after the fifth highest mountain in the world, this jacket is designed to withstand the most extreme conditions. It features a combination of 800 fill power goose down and Mountain Equipment's own DRILITE® LOFT waterproof breathable fabric. This combination ensures maximum warmth retention even in wet conditions, a crucial factor for high-altitude mountaineering.

Mountain Equipment's expertise in down insulation is perhaps best exemplified by their Lhotse Jacket. This technical piece is designed for serious alpinists and features a host of advanced features. The jacket uses a body-mapped insulation system, strategically placing different weights of down in key areas to optimise warmth and mobility. The outer fabric is made from GORE-TEX Pro, providing unparalleled protection against wind and water while maintaining breathability.

While down insulation excels in dry, cold conditions, synthetic insulation comes into its own when moisture is a concern. The Mountain Equipment Saltoro Jacket showcases the company's expertise in synthetic insulation technology. This jacket uses PrimaLoft® Gold insulation, which maintains its insulating properties even when wet. The Saltoro is an excellent choice for damp climates or activities where perspiration management is crucial.

For those who need a versatile piece that can handle a range of conditions, the Mountain Equipment Garwhal Jacket is worth considering. This hybrid jacket combines synthetic insulation in moisture-prone areas with down in the core, offering the best of both worlds. It's an ideal choice for activities like ski touring or winter hiking, where conditions can change rapidly.

Mountain Equipment's commitment to sustainability is evident in their down jacket range. The company uses only RDS (Responsible Down Standard) certified down in all their products, ensuring that the insulation is ethically sourced. Additionally, many of their synthetic jackets now incorporate recycled materials, reducing the environmental impact of production.

The technology behind Mountain Equipment's insulated jackets goes beyond just the fill material. The company has developed a range of innovative features to enhance performance and user comfort. For example, their EXL® system uses elasticated seams and a tailored fit to allow the insulation to loft fully, maximising warmth. The Super Alpine Hood, found on many of their technical jackets, is designed to fit over a climbing helmet while still providing full face protection and visibility.

Mountain Equipment's insulated jacket range also includes lighter options for less extreme conditions or for use as mid-layers. The Mountain Equipment Superflux Jacket, for instance, offers a balance of warmth and breathability that makes it ideal for high-output activities in cold weather. Its slim fit and stretchy side panels allow for excellent freedom of movement, making it a favourite among climbers and skiers.

For those seeking the ultimate in packability, the Mountain Equipment Arete Jacket is worth a look. This ultralight down jacket compresses into its own pocket, making it an excellent emergency layer for mountaineering or a versatile piece for travel.

As we can see, Mountain Equipment's insulated jacket range offers something for every outdoor enthusiast, from casual hikers to professional mountaineers. Their commitment to quality, innovation, and performance ensures that whatever your adventure, there's a Mountain Equipment jacket that's up to the task.

At the heart of many Mountain Equipment waterproof jackets is GORE-TEX technology. This revolutionary membrane has set the standard for waterproof breathable fabrics for decades, and Mountain Equipment has been a key partner in its development and application in outdoor gear. The Mountain Equipment GORE-TEX jacket range includes options for various activities and conditions, from lightweight hiking shells to robust mountaineering jackets.

One standout in the Mountain Equipment waterproof jacket lineup is the Lhotse Jacket. This technical piece is designed for serious alpine pursuits and features GORE-TEX Pro fabric, the most durable and breathable option in the GORE-TEX range. The Lhotse Jacket is built to withstand extreme conditions, with reinforced areas in high-wear zones and a helmet-compatible hood. Its articulated cut allows for excellent freedom of movement, crucial when tackling technical climbs or navigating challenging terrain.

For those seeking a more versatile option, the Mountain Equipment Garwhal Jacket offers an excellent balance of protection and breathability. This jacket uses GORE-TEX with PACLITE® Plus technology, which offers reliable waterproofing in a lighter, more packable form. The Garwhal is an ideal choice for activities like hiking, trekking, and general outdoor use where weight and packability are important considerations.

Mountain Equipment's expertise in waterproof technology extends beyond just GORE-TEX. The company has developed its own proprietary waterproof breathable fabric called DRILITE®. This fabric is used in jackets like the Mountain Equipment Vulcan, offering excellent performance at a more accessible price point. DRILITE® is known for its durability and breathability, making it a popular choice for a wide range of outdoor activities.

Mountain Equipment's waterproof jackets are not just about the fabric technology. The company has developed a range of features designed to enhance performance and user comfort. For example, many of their jackets feature the Mountain HC Hood, a fully adjustable hood that provides excellent protection and visibility without restricting movement. The Alpine fit, found on their more technical pieces, is tailored to allow for layering while minimising excess fabric that could interfere with harnesses or backpacks.

For those who need maximum protection in extreme conditions, the Mountain Equipment Changabang Jacket is hard to beat. This top-of-the-line mountaineering shell uses a combination of GORE-TEX Pro and GORE-TEX Pro with GORE® C-KNIT™ backer technology. This innovative construction offers supreme durability and weather protection while maintaining excellent breathability and a soft, quiet feel against the skin.

Sustainability is also a key consideration in Mountain Equipment's waterproof jacket range. Many of their jackets now use recycled fabrics, and the company is constantly working to reduce the environmental impact of their production processes. For instance, the Mountain Equipment Saltoro Eco Jacket uses 100% recycled GORE-TEX fabric, offering top-tier performance with a reduced environmental footprint.

For those seeking a lighter option for fast-moving activities, the Mountain Equipment Impellor Jacket is worth considering. This ultralight piece uses GORE-TEX Active technology, which offers excellent breathability for high-output pursuits. Its minimalist design and low weight make it an excellent choice for trail running, fast hiking, or as an emergency shell for mountaineering.

Mountain Equipment's waterproof jacket range also includes options for urban use. The Mountain Equipment Metro Jacket, for example, combines weather protection with a more casual aesthetic, making it suitable for everyday wear in unpredictable weather.

As we can see, Mountain Equipment's waterproof jacket range offers solutions for every type of outdoor enthusiast, from casual hikers to professional mountaineers. Their commitment to using the best available technologies, combined with thoughtful design and attention to detail, ensures that whatever the weather throws at you, you'll be prepared with a Mountain Equipment waterproof jacket.

The Mountain Equipment fleece range is renowned for its quality and performance. These garments serve as excellent mid-layers, providing warmth without bulk and offering good moisture management. The Mountain Equipment Eclipse Hooded Jacket is a prime example of their fleece technology. Made from Polartec® Classic 200 fabric, this jacket offers an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio and quick-drying properties. Its slim fit makes it ideal for layering under a shell jacket, while the hood provides additional warmth when needed.

For those seeking maximum warmth in a fleece layer, the Mountain Equipment Touchstone Jacket is hard to beat. This heavy-weight fleece uses Polartec® Thermal Pro® fabric, which offers exceptional insulation while remaining highly breathable. The textured outer surface of the fabric helps to trap air, enhancing its insulating properties, while the smooth inner face feels comfortable against the skin.

Mountain Equipment's expertise in layering systems is perhaps best exemplified by their softshell range. The Mountain Equipment Frontier Hooded Jacket is a versatile piece that can serve as both a mid-layer and an outer layer in milder conditions. Made from a stretchy, wind-resistant fabric, this jacket offers excellent freedom of movement and breathability, making it ideal for activities like climbing or ski touring.

For high-output activities in cold conditions, the Mountain Equipment Switch Jacket is an excellent choice. This hybrid mid-layer combines stretchy fleece panels for breathability with insulated sections for warmth. The result is a highly versatile piece that can adapt to changing conditions and activity levels.

Mountain Equipment's commitment to sustainability is evident in their mid-layer range as well. Many of their fleece products now incorporate recycled materials, reducing the environmental impact of production. For example, the Mountain Equipment Concordia Jacket uses fabric made from recycled plastic bottles, offering high performance with a lower ecological footprint.

The company's expertise in insulation technology extends to their mid-layer range with products like the Mountain Equipment Transition Jacket. This lightweight piece uses PrimaLoft® Silver Insulation Active, which offers excellent warmth even when damp. Its low bulk and high compressibility make it an ideal mid-layer for a wide range of activities.

For those who prefer natural fibres, Mountain Equipment offers options like the Kore Sweater. Made from a blend of merino wool and synthetic fibres, this mid-layer offers the warmth and odour-resistance of wool with the durability and quick-drying properties of synthetic materials.

Mountain Equipment's attention to detail is evident in the features of their mid-layers. Many pieces include thumb loops to prevent the sleeves from riding up, zippered pockets for secure storage, and adjustable hems and cuffs for a personalised fit. The company's Alpine fit, found on many of their technical mid-layers, is designed to work seamlessly with their outer layers, ensuring optimal performance of the entire layering system.

The versatility of Mountain Equipment's mid-layer range is showcased in pieces like the Sigma Jacket. This lightweight fleece can serve as a mid-layer in cold conditions or as an outer layer in milder weather. Its high collar and close-fitting hood provide additional warmth when needed, while the stretchy fabric ensures unrestricted movement.

For those seeking maximum breathability in a mid-layer, the Mountain Equipment Eclipse Hooded Zip-T is worth considering. This lightweight fleece uses Polartec® Power Grid™ fabric, which features a grid pattern that efficiently traps warm air while allowing excess heat and moisture to escape. This makes it an excellent choice for high-intensity activities in cold conditions.

Mountain Equipment's mid-layer range also includes options for more casual use. The Lumiko Hooded Jacket, for instance, combines the performance of a technical fleece with a more relaxed fit and style, making it suitable for both outdoor adventures and everyday wear.

As we can see, Mountain Equipment's mid-layer and fleece range offers a wide array of options to suit different activities, conditions, and personal preferences. Whether you're scaling a challenging peak, embarking on a multi-day trek, or simply enjoying a day hike, there's a Mountain Equipment mid-layer designed to keep you comfortable and performing at your best.

When it comes to outdoor adventures, having the right legwear is just as crucial as having the proper upper body gear. Mountain Equipment's range of trousers and pants is designed to provide comfort, durability, and functionality across a wide range of activities and conditions. One of the standout products in Mountain Equipment's trouser range is the Ibex Pant. This versatile softshell trouser is designed for use in a variety of mountain environments. Made from a durable, water-resistant fabric, the Ibex Pant offers excellent protection against wind and light precipitation. The fabric's four-way stretch ensures unrestricted movement, crucial for activities like climbing or scrambling. The Mountain Equipment Men's Ibex Pant has become a favourite among outdoor enthusiasts for its combination of performance and comfort.

For those tackling more challenging conditions, the Mountain Equipment Lhotse Pant is an excellent choice. These GORE-TEX Pro trousers are designed for serious mountaineering and alpine climbing. They offer unparalleled protection against wind and water while maintaining breathability. Reinforced kick patches and crampon protection areas ensure durability in high-wear zones, while the articulated knees and gusseted crotch allow for excellent freedom of movement.

Mountain Equipment's expertise in designing for specific activities is evident in products like the Comici Pant. These lightweight softshell trousers are tailored for rock climbing and mountaineering. The slim fit and stretchy fabric allow for unrestricted movement on technical routes, while the abrasion-resistant knees and seat ensure durability. The inclusion of harness-compatible pockets demonstrates Mountain Equipment's attention to the specific needs of climbers.

For those seeking maximum protection in extreme conditions, the Mountain Equipment Fitzroy Pant is hard to beat. These fully waterproof overtrousers use GORE-TEX Pro fabric to provide ultimate weather protection. They feature full-length side zips for easy on and off over boots, and reinforced areas for durability. The Fitzroy Pant is an essential piece of kit for anyone venturing into challenging alpine environments.

Mountain Equipment's attention to detail is evident in the features of their trousers. Many models include articulated knees for improved mobility, adjustable waistbands for a perfect fit, and reinforced areas in high-wear zones. The company's Alpine fit, found on many of their technical trousers, is designed to work seamlessly with harnesses and other mountain equipment.

For warm-weather adventures, Mountain Equipment offers options like the Comici Short. These lightweight, quick-drying shorts are perfect for climbing or hiking in hot conditions. The stretchy fabric and gusseted crotch ensure unrestricted movement, while the UPF 50+ sun protection helps guard against harmful UV rays.

The versatility of Mountain Equipment's legwear range is showcased in products like the Mission Pant. These convertible trousers can be quickly transformed into shorts, making them ideal for changeable conditions or multi-day adventures where pack space is at a premium. The durable, quick-drying fabric makes them suitable for a wide range of activities.

For those who prefer a more relaxed fit, the Mountain Equipment Approach Pant offers comfort without compromising on functionality. These cotton-blend trousers feature a regular fit and multiple pockets, making them suitable for both outdoor adventures and casual wear.

Mountain Equipment's expertise in insulation technology extends to their legwear range with products like the Compressor Pant. These synthetic insulated trousers are designed for use in extremely cold conditions, either as a mid-layer under shell trousers or as an outer layer in dry, cold weather. They're an excellent choice for winter mountaineering or polar expeditions.

While jackets, mid-layers, and trousers form the core of any outdoor kit, it's often the accessories that can make or break an adventure. Mountain Equipment's range of accessories is designed to complement their apparel lines, providing the finishing touches that can elevate your outdoor experience. One of the most crucial accessories for any outdoor enthusiast is headwear. The Mountain Equipment cap range includes options for various conditions and activities. The Mountain Equipment Squall Cap, for instance, is a versatile piece that offers protection from both sun and light rain. Made from quick-drying fabric with a DWR finish, it's an excellent choice for activities like hiking or climbing. For colder conditions, the Mountain Equipment Branded Knitted Beanie provides warmth and style, featuring a classic design with the Mountain Equipment logo.

When it comes to protecting your extremities, Mountain Equipment's glove range is hard to beat. The Mountain Equipment Guide Glove is a standout product, designed for serious mountaineering and winter climbing. These gloves combine GORE-TEX waterproof breathable technology with PrimaLoft insulation to provide warmth and protection in extreme conditions. For less demanding situations, the Mountain Equipment Touch Screen Glove offers dexterity and warmth, with conductive fingertips that allow use of touchscreen devices without removing the gloves.

When it comes to carrying your gear, Mountain Equipment offers a range of backpacks designed for different activities. The Mountain Equipment Ogre 33+ is a versatile alpine pack, featuring a stripped-back design that's perfect for technical climbing and mountaineering. For longer expeditions, the Mountain Equipment Tupilak 45+ offers increased capacity without sacrificing performance features.

For those venturing into snow-covered terrain, Mountain Equipment's gaiter range provides essential protection. The Mountain Equipment Glacier Gaiter, for instance, uses GORE-TEX fabric to keep snow and moisture out of your boots, crucial for maintaining comfort on winter hikes or ski tours.

Mountain Equipment's attention to detail extends to smaller accessories like stuff sacks and dry bags. These seemingly minor items can make a big difference in organising and protecting your gear. The Mountain Equipment Waterproof Stuff Sack, for example, uses lightweight, waterproof fabric to keep essential items dry in any conditions.

The company's t-shirt range offers both performance and casual options. The Mountain Equipment Groundup Logo Tee, for instance, is made from organic cotton and features the company's logo, making it a great choice for everyday wear or as a base layer in milder conditions.

For those seeking additional warmth without bulk, the Mountain Equipment gilet range is worth exploring. The Mountain Equipment Compressor Vest, for example, provides core warmth using synthetic insulation, making it an excellent choice as a mid-layer or standalone piece in cool conditions.

Mountain Equipment's sock range complements their footwear offerings, with options designed for different activities and conditions. The Mountain Equipment Mountain Sock, for instance, uses a blend of merino wool and synthetic fibres to provide warmth, moisture management, and durability.

As we can see, Mountain Equipment's accessory range is as comprehensive and thoughtfully designed as their apparel lines. From hats and gloves to sleeping bags and backpacks, these products are designed to work seamlessly with Mountain Equipment's other offerings, ensuring that adventurers are fully equipped for whatever challenges they may face in the great outdoors.

Mountain Equipment's expertise in insulation technology extends to their sleeping bag range. The Mountain Equipment Helium 250 sleeping bag, for example, uses high-quality 700 fill power down to provide excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. The bag's EXL system allows it to expand when you move, reducing cold spots and improving overall thermal efficiency. For more extreme conditions, the Mountain Equipment Snowline sleeping bag is rated for temperatures as low as -22°C, making it suitable for winter camping and high-altitude expeditions.

For those needing additional warmth around camp or during rest stops, the Mountain Equipment Rampart Jacket is an excellent option. This insulated belay jacket uses synthetic PrimaLoft insulation, which maintains its insulating properties even when damp. Its oversized design allows it to be worn over other layers, providing instant warmth when activity levels drop.