Introduction to Mont Adventure Equipment
Mont Adventure Equipment was born out of frustration—and a refusal to settle for subpar gear. After years of battling the elements with adventure clothing and equipment that just didn’t hold up, Andrew Montgomery—better known as Monty—decided he’d had enough. In 1978, armed with a borrowed sewing machine and a lot of determination, he made himself a sleeping bag, a down jacket, and a tent. Word spread, friends started commissioning their own pieces, and by 1981, Mont Adventure Equipment officially launched. What began as a personal mission to build gear he could rely on has become one of Australia’s most trusted outdoor brands.
Our choice of Back Pack – 55L Tanami Back Pack
I’m reviewing the 55L Tanami, but it also comes in 60L and 65L options depending on your height. There’s only one colourway in the Tanami range, and it’s designed to handle adventures up to five days. Mont offers a few other packs in this multi-day category, but this time around, it’s the Tanami that I’ve been lucky enough to put to the test.
The Unboxing
I was pleasantly surprised when it arrived. The colour looked even better in person—more of a deep teal than the brighter blue it appears to be in the website photos.
Once I unboxed it, it was clear this is a serious contender in the multi-day adventure category. Having grown up near rugged terrain & mountains, I’m very aware of the other competitors that exist in the adventurer gear space. The clean yet rugged aesthetic, paired with that tough Infinity Corespun Canvas, instantly screamed, “Let’s go bush.”
The tanamis build quality really stood out to me and felt more like a long-term expedition partner than a weekend fling.
Features
As tactile as I am, the first thing I had to do was go over the entire pack and figure out how everything worked. There’s no shortage of attachments, straps, and clever design features to hook, fasten, or fine-tune the fit. It’s clearly built for serious hikes, but I can also see it pulling double duty as a travel bag for short getaways. Bonus points for the removable top lid—it’s a great way to lighten the load on day hikes when the weather’s playing nice.
At just 2740g (MD), the Tanami is relatively lightweight for a multi-day pack. I found it easy to get the fit dialled in—everything adjusted smoothly and quickly. Once it was fully loaded, it felt snug, secure, and surprisingly comfortable. The hip belt and harness system gave great support without restricting movement, and I liked that I could tuck away a few of the front straps to avoid snagging along the trail. Bonus points for the back panel ventilation—it helped keep things cooler and less sweaty, which is always a win. No pressure points, no constant adjusting—just a solid, comfortable fit that let me focus on the hike.
Useability on Trails – What stands out
Canvas – This isn’t flashy nylon. The Infinity Corespun Canvas gives off vintage expedition vibes with a seriously modern backbone. It’s also coated with a wax based polymer which makes it water-resistant, UV-stable, and anti-bacterial.
Harness System – The MotoActive harness is substantial without being bulky. It hugs the body and invites a proper load. Fully adjustable for different torso lengths and body types.
Utility – Dual daisy chains, compression straps, hydration compatibility—it’s quietly loaded with everything you need, and nothing you don’t.
Aussie-Made Durability – That iconic Mont build sets it apart immediately from the flood of off-the-shelf imported packs.
The Vercict
Supporting local doesn’t just feel good—it is good. Mont’s quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and locally made canvas means this bag was made for the Aussie environment, not just to look good on a shelf. In a sea of ultralight synthetics and over-hyped gimmick gear, the Mont Tanami is refreshingly real. For those who like their gear tough, tested, and timeless, this pack is an instant classic. Whether it’s your first serious trek or your fiftieth, the Tanami doesn’t just carry your gear—it carries the weight of experience.
What we are Addicted to? It’s bombproof, but not bulky. Technical, but not overbuilt. Comfortable, even under stress. Plus, the nostalgia of canvas mixed with modern tech feels like a return to roots—but upgraded.Everything has a purpose. From the removable lid to the expandable front pocket and the streamlined layout, there’s no excess fluff—just smart, functional features
What we need to be more Addicted? I wish there was a slightly bigger pouch to tuck my phone into. I like snapping photos, filming bits of the trail, or checking maps as I go, and the small pocket on the front shoulder strap just didn’t cut it. That said, the zip pocket on the top of the pack was easy enough to access, even while wearing it. The side bottle holders, on the other hand, were a bit tricky to reach once the pack was on—not deal-breakers, but definitely something to note. This pack has a single main compartment with top access only, which might be a bit of a drawback for those who prefer dual entry points at the top and bottom.
Mont Adventure Equipment – Check out the range.