Following reports of isolated tree deaths throughout Kosciuszko National Park in 2007-08, sub-alpine forests in the Australian Alps are now in widespread decline.
“I heard that the Mont Dragonfly had been released only days before what was likely to be the only backcountry campout of a particularly strange winter. I begged our Gear Editor Mattie to see what he could do and a few days later I was picking it up for a loan as we blitzed through Canberra. To the range!”
“Our decade-long relationship with Australian company Mont Adventure Equipment is one we cherish very much. As well as using their off-the-shelf down and fleece clothing and base layers, we are also very proud to sport their bespoke shell suits every time we step onto the polar ice.
Heading up Hotham we couldn’t believe two things. 1. We were allowed out to camp after having the Mont Dragonfly Tent during a month of corona lockdown restrictions and unable to try it. 2. That we made it up and over Hotham given how much snow there was... and low!
As of 2019, Mont Adventure Equipment is certified by the Responsible Down Standard (RDS). RDS certification ensures that the down in RDS labeled products is guaranteed to have been sourced in accordance with the Responsible Down Standard.
"I had an excellent tour on the Main Range with clients recently largely in part due to the awesomeness of the Moondance 1 FN. Wow, the perfect guides tent, plenty of room, and able to sit up and cook comfortably..."
My last trip of the Covid winter was to the Du Cane Range in Tassie’s Central Highlands, often regarded as the most beautiful alpine scenery in Tasmania. After paddling the length of Lake St Clair, I changed to hiking and snowshoeing mode and trekked into the verdant lushness of Pine Valley, surely one of the most exquisite forests in Australia.
My wife and I are fortunate to live on a 10 acre bush block in southern Tasmania. From our front verandah, we can see two mountains to the south-east, Collins Cap and Collins Bonnet, both a part of the Wellington Range. Collins Bonnet, in particular, is a fine-looking mountain and it is currently dusted with a good covering of snow and ice, so it seemed like a suitable destination for a short sharp trip.
The Dragonfly is a robust 4 season shelter for 2 or even 3 campers. Designed to withstand severe winter conditions, the Dragonfly is ideal for traverses of Australia’s alpine peaks. Photos courtesy of alpine guide and photographer Mike Edmondson.
Mont Staff Member Alex and friends went searching for skiable snow in the ACT. “The return trip is 20km long and has approximately 800m elevation gain. This is a hard day walk, but if you’re looking for a challenge with rewards of great views (well, unless you get caught in a whiteout like us), Stockyard Spur is an excellent outing year-round.”
