The NOVA MONTIS+ presents itself as an innovative, ultralight hike & fly paragliding harness system expertly designed for pilots who prioritize flexibility, safety, and low weight without compromising comfort. Combining the renowned MONTIS harness with the reversible INVERTO rucksack, the total system weighs approximately 1.3 kg and offers a spacious 60-litre rucksack volume, making it ideal for a broad range of flying experiences—from casual evening glides to challenging alpine tours.
Design and Key Features
At the heart of the MONTIS+ is its unique “two-in-one” concept. The INVERTO backpack can be transformed into an integrated airbag-style protector when in harness mode, providing a substantial safety advantage. When removed, the MONTIS harness itself weighs about 300 grams, offering an exceptionally minimal setup for extreme or weight-sensitive mountain missions. This gives pilots the choice to prioritize either maximum protection and comfort or outright minimalism depending on the flight objectives of the day.
Safety and Protection
The system emphasizes robust passive safety standards. The integrated protector covers the spine from the knees up to the neck vertebrae, shielding more than just the seat area, which is uncommon in ultralight harnesses. Certified under safety standard PH 131.2015, the MONTIS+ supports a maximum clip-in weight of 130 kg and achieves an energy absorption value of 26 g, demonstrating its compliance with stringent safety requirements despite its lightweight construction.
Comfort and Usability
Comfort remains a priority in both hiking and flying contexts. The reversible rucksack with a 60-litre capacity is designed to accommodate gear comfortably. The harness dispenses with a traditional seat board in favor of split leg loops, enhancing maneuverability and damping during flight. This specific design allows smooth glides with reduced roll, ultimately improving the flying experience. Moreover, the ergonomic seating position is tailored for relaxation. The harness is available in sizes M, L, and XL, each with custom geometry ensuring pilots of various builds enjoy an optimal fit.
Material and Construction Highlights
- Ultraleight materials and “Light Weight” optimized construction techniques
- Friction Buckle system with Dyneema cords rather than metal buckles for reduced weight and enhanced simplicity
- Innovative “Inverted Bag” concept ensuring the reversible rucksack functions perfectly both as backpack and harness component
Technical Specifications and Target Audience
All sizes feature the same 60-litre volume, with height recommendations tailored to pilot stature: under 175 cm for M, 175–190 cm for L, and over 185 cm for XL. The product’s color range is limited to NOVA Red/Black, focusing attention on function rather than style variations. Positioned squarely within the hike & fly and para-alpinism sectors, the MONTIS+ is devised for users valuing compactness, lightweight systems, and sufficient safety over the extensive adjustability and luxurious padding typical of heavier XC harnesses with full pod fairings.
Customer Reviews of MONTIS+ Child Carriers: Strengths and Weaknesses
Customer feedback regarding Montis child carriers, which share design philosophies related to weight and practicality, reflects a strong consensus around several advantages and some noted limitations.
Strengths
- Very low weight: Users consistently praise how light the carriers feel compared to competitors, beneficial for longer hikes and lighter parents.
- Good price-performance ratio: Offering robust features, like a stable frame and practical storage, Montis products frequently hit the mark for value-conscious buyers.
- High load capacity and stability: Capable of carrying children up to 25 kg plus equipment, users attest to the stable design and convenience of features like a kick-out stand.
- Comfort and safety for the child: Customers commonly highlight comfortable seating, secure multi-point harnesses, adjustable seating height, and practical sun/rain covers.
- Practical storage options: Large compartments and additional pockets meet the needs of day-trippers carrying essentials without separate bags.
- Solid build quality: Reports show durable materials and workmanship, contributing to overall customer satisfaction.
Weaknesses and Criticism
- Fit limitations: Some users with very tall or very short frames report difficulty achieving optimal fit, leading to discomfort on long hikes.
- Adjustment sensitivity: Proper comfort strongly depends on careful fitting, which can be fiddly for first-time users.
- Solo handling difficulty: Putting on the fully loaded carrier alone can be challenging, requiring practice and routine.
- Ventilation and padding: While adequate for many, some users feel these areas could be improved, especially in hot weather or with heavier children.
- Isolated quality issues: Occasional reports highlight defects and mismatches between product assumptions and user expectations, though these are relatively rare.
Overall Customer Impression
Overall ratings across multiple platforms typically range between 4.0 and 4.4 stars out of 5. The dominant user experience suggests that Montis carriers, including models akin to MONTIS+, excel as ultralight, stable, and safe solutions providing excellent comfort for children at an attractive price point. The trade-off tends to be in adult fit and adjustment complexity compared to more expensive competitors offering broader sizing and comfort adjustments. For users within an average body size range and willing to invest some effort in fitting, these carriers represent a compelling choice for hiking and travel with young children.
Ready to explore more about the innovative MONTIS+ system? Visit the manufacturer's website for comprehensive information, or order your equipment through Paragliding.me to experience ultralight freedom in flight.