About Mountain Method
Mountain Method Ltd is a small family business owned and run by Fiona Butcher. Based here in wetter-than-average Cumbria, we have access to a vast range of rain in all its forms, from famous Lake District mizzle, to proper stair rods. In fact we know a lot about rain, wind and snow - our waterproofs are tested in real weather!
As with most waterproof clothing manufacturers, our origins go back to a time when you could not buy the kit you needed to keep dry and warm in the outdoors. In the early 1970’s a small company was born called Tulloch Mountain Craft, based in the Highlands of Scotland, making waterproofs and pile jackets (the pre-cursor to the fleece of today).
The company folded in the mid-seventies, and in 1981 the founder, David Challis, set up another company in the Lake District, called Mountain Method, which became registered in 1986.
Run from the family home, in those days, the hot air seam sealing machine had not been invented, and the seams were sealed with glue, painted on with a brush! A childhood memory is the smell of solvents in the front porch!
Fortunately, the hot air seam-sealing machine was invented, and things became far easier, and I daresay a lot more waterproof from then on!
The breathable membrane was invented, and with it the birth of very advanced fabric technology.
The firm moved to its present small factory unit location in 1993, and in 1996 after the death of David, his daughter Fiona Butcher took over the running of the company.
Made in England! We can say this totally truthfully! Everything is done on the premises here in Millom. (No sneaky having garments made in China, then finishing them off in the UK and then adding Made in UK label – the job is all done here!)
Making waterproofs is something we are very good at! We have been doing it for a long time, and have a long-serving workforce. Our staff are skilled, experienced and proud of the garments they make. Quality control is second nature to us.
We pride ourselves on our delivery times – we are flexible and can deliver when you need it!
Virtually all our fabrics and trims are sourced in the UK. The fabrics we use are tested to nearly twice the British standard for waterproofness – any cloth that does not meet this standard is no good to us, you, or your customers! (and we go out in real rain as well!)
All seams are sewn in bonded nylon thread for extra strength, and then fully seam-seal taped for total waterproof confidence.
We make a lot of special one-off made to measure garments, and have worked with a number of customers in developing new products – we can work with you to your specific design requirements.
