The NOVA MONTIS+ sets a new standard for ultralight hike & fly pilot harnesses, expertly merging minimalist design, comprehensive safety, and genuine comfort tailored for alpine and mountain flights. This system combines NOVA's MONTIS harness with the reversible INVERTO rucksack, delivering pilot versatility from short soaring sessions to demanding alpine endeavors.
Versatility and Lightweight Design
At the heart of the MONTIS+ is versatility. When the INVERTO rucksack is attached, pilots enjoy a protected, comfortable hike & fly setup ideal for carrying wing, helmet, and essentials in a generous 60-litre pack. Removing the rucksack reveals an ultralight harness weighing approximately 300 grams, perfect for weight-critical alpine ascents. The finished system weighs about 1.3 kilograms for sizes M, L, and XL — an impressive feat given its comprehensive safety features.
Safety Features Beyond the Norm
The MONTIS+ boasts a standout safety advantage: an integrated airbag protector that extends from the knees to the neck, covering the entire spine instead of just the seat area. This extensive coverage yields significant passive safety, validated by an energy absorption rating of 26 g, well within certification norms (PH 131.2015 and LTF certifications) and supporting a maximum pilot clip-in weight of 130 kg. The split leg-loop design (without a seatboard) enhances maneuverability and glide stability while remaining light and comfortable.
Comfort and Usability
Comfort is notable considering its minimalist weight. Pilots report the split leg loops provide better damping and reduced rolling than many lightweight mountain harnesses, making longer flights more pleasant. The harness geometry is thoughtfully optimized for pilot height, with sizes S, M, L, and XL featuring tailored ergonomics to ensure balanced handling and seating across the spectrum of pilot sizes. Innovative features like NOVA’s Friction Buckle system, replacing metal buckles with Dyneema cords, reduce weight and potential failure points.
Real-World Pilot Feedback
Customer and tester reviews consistently describe the MONTIS+ combined with the Ibex 3 wing as a safe-feeling and forgiving setup, praised for its robustness and reassuring flight behavior in thermic and turbulent conditions. Pilots particularly appreciate the harness’s flexibility, using it for repeated mountain hikes and thermal flights rather than just sled runs. The comfort-to-weight ratio is well balanced, with no compromises on build quality observed.
What Pilots Like
- Flexibility: True hike & fly functionality with easy packability and compatibility with lightweight wings.
- Safety in Flight: Forgiving flight characteristics and excellent lift feedback reduce pilot workload and increase confidence.
- Comfort: Minimalist design without sacrificing comfort, even during extended flights.
- Build Quality: Durable materials and excellent finishing withstand demanding alpine use.
Considerations and Trade-Offs
- Performance: Some users, especially lighter pilots near minimum weight limits, find the Ibex 3 wing and Montis+ combo a bit slow in strong thermals, often resolved by wing size adjustment rather than harness design.
- User Profile: The harness favors experienced pilots prioritizing weight and pack volume over maximal protection and storage; it may be less intuitive for first-time harness users accustomed to heavily padded setups.
- Storage and Solidity: Limited internal storage and less in-flight solidity compared to heavier cross-country harnesses, inherent to ultralight split-leg designs.
Matching Marketing Claims
Flexible: Validated by diverse pilot applications—from alpine hikes to thermal soaring—confirming its adaptability.
Safe: High subjective safety and certification standards with full spinal protection corroborate the claim.
Ultralight: Genuine ultralight weight (around 300-400 g for the harness alone) with durability and comfort intact.
Conclusion and Practical Advice
For intermediate and advanced pilots seeking a secure, lightweight, and comfortable harness suitable for mountain and hike & fly activities, the NOVA MONTIS+ delivers remarkably well. However, pilots aiming for maximum protection, extensive storage, or less technical gear should consider these compromises. Proper wing sizing is crucial for lighter pilots to avoid feeling underpowered in active conditions.
Discover more detailed information about the MONTIS+ on the manufacturer's website and order your equipment conveniently from Paragliding4.me to experience this versatile system for yourself.