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James

Site owner at Canadianomad

I sold everything 8 years ago to play professional sports & explore the world. After living in 7 countries, I made this to share everything. 100% authentic and strange!

Latest posts by James (see all)

• Review: Linx Saber – The absolute best budget unit? - November 3, 2024
• The Best Lightweight & Reversible Paragliding Harnesses – Megalist - September 4, 2024
• LONO FLOW Barefoot review –THE #1 high-quality, affordable king? - July 2, 2024

Whether for Hike and Fly, travel, or daily use, I’ve compiled a list of all the best harnesses around.

Weight, volume (rucksasck), and other features are assuming size M, or universal if only one size available.

If a harness has a removable airbag module, the weight of the harness without module will be listed first, then the weight of harness + airbag (and others)

If reserve is listed no, then it means a (separate) front mount reserve container must be purchased and used.

Some harnesses has individual special traits, details discussed under the table.

I have not used and tested all these harnesses and refrain from making too many subjective comments as a result. Discuss in the comments below your thoughts & opinions of a specific harness!

I HAVE NOT used all of these harnesses and cannot give personal or performance information. I have just compiled sizing, weight, and other info.

Advance

Renowned Swiss manufacturer. Known for high-quality build, performance, and high prices. Often used as the reference point of a ‘good’ product. One of the “Big 4” paraglider manufacturers.

Boundless

Fits inside the rucksack without actually needing to turn anything inside out. Very beginner friendly with large amounts of protection. Ease of use is high and has integrated underseat reserve.

• High levels of passive safety
• Very easy to use
• Seatboard
• 3.95kg, or 3.25kg without backpack

Suitable for soaring, hike and fly, cross country, and any general flying. Very good build quality, sturdy, and able to handle a lot of abuse.

Easiness 3

Lightweight reversible harness. Designed for general flying and hike and fly with spacious 63l backpack offers plenty of room for wing and lightweight equipment.

• Integrated underseat reserve
• Split leg design (seatboardless)
• Suitable for hike and fly.
• 2.3kg, or 1.8kg without airbag.

Large enough to store a lightweight wing with vol biv equipment. Strong Advance build quality. Relatively lightweight without compromising on durability. Airbag auto-inflates when in the air.

Progress 3

Versatile middleweight reversible harness. Large volume 80L rucksack. Similar to Easiness 3 but with better protection and durability. In many ways can be thought of a hybrid as the Easiness 3 and Boundless 3.

• Integrated underseat reserve
• Air-foam hybrid protector
• 3.6kg

Also split-leg design (seatboardless) like the Easiness 3, but with improved protection which is ready after unpacking, where Easiness 3 requires flight to occur for airbag to fully inflate. Strong Advance build qulity.

Strapless 3

Ultralight string harness available in just 1 size, with removable airbag module. Designed for the absolute lightest carry weight for alpine and ultralight applications. Compatible with front reserve container.

• Superlight
• Removable airbag and front mount reserve compatible
• Absolutely tiny pack size – barely noticable!
• 250 grams weight, 470 grams with protector.

Not as suitable as daily-use, durable harness. Airbag sold separate, front reserve compatible (sold separate). Best used for short flights under 1 hour due to mediocre comfort.

AirDesign

Smaller French manufacturer known for their highly-optimised harnesses and well-designed paragliders.

Le Slip

Ultralight string harness availble in 2 sizes (SM & ML). Designed for superlight purposes of alpine, mountain, and ultralight applications. Compatible with from reserve container.

• Ultralight
• Removable airbag and front mount reserve compatible
• Very large airbag
• 220 grams, 480 grams with protector

Main benefit of Le Slip over other string harnesses is the airbag is certified to under 20G impact rating, which is very good!

Bonus: Le Slip means underwear in French.

Gin

Large Japanese manufacturer known for their solid build quality and high-performance. One of the “Big 4” paraglider manufacturers.

Switch 2

A one-size reversible lightweight harness. Hybrid seat design which combines the advantages of split-leg (storage, ground handling, dampened air movements) with those of seatplate (improved wing control in air). Has underseat reserve and non-removable airbag.

• Lightweight
• Strong build quality
• 2.4kg
• For pilots 155-190cm tall

Large 80L rucksack suitable for transport of wings of almost all sizes. Simple fastening system, and good Gin build quality. A versatile and practical harness.

Yeti Convertible 2

Very lightweight reversible harness with split-leg design. Removable airbag with integrated reserve compartment. A 40L rucksack volume suitable for lightweight paragliders and compact gear.

• Very lightweight
• Good build quality
• 1.86kg, 1.36kg without airbag
• Compact carry volume

Improved load distribution in backpack form. Only 40L volume makes it only good for small or lightweight paragliders. Fully-featured for proper hike and fly adventures with loops, attachment points, compression straps, etc. Split-leg design.

Verso 3

Sturdy middleweight reversible harness which is fully-featured. Seatboard, underseat reserve, durable materials. 95L rucksack volume can store almost any paraglider.

• Versatile and fully-featured
• Seatboard
• 3.9kg
• Tough and well-made

Improved durability across the board and effective pre-inflation system for improved airbag efficacy before flight. Pack volume large enough for vol biv. Highly comfortable in-flight.

Icaro

Smaller German manufacturer, famous for their Nerv 2.0 helmets and quality paragliders.

Xema 2

Middle-heavyweight reversible harness. Emphasis on protection with optional ‘Lightshield’ protector for mid-upper spine protection and auto-inflating airbag for instant protection.

• Durable and strong build quality
• Some of the most protection
• 4.0kg
• Large rucksack volume

Integrated underseat reserve and accessible in-flight pockets. Speedbar sold separately. An ideal beginners harness suitable for school, training, progression, soaring, light XC use. Large rucksack to fit all but the largest of wings.

Xema Light 2

A lightweight version of the Xema 2 harness. Also compatible with ‘Lightshield’ mid-upper back protection. Outfitted with RECCO reflector for improved locating function in case of emergency.

• Among the most protection in lightweight reversible
• Sturdy build quality
• 2.7kg
• Large rucksack volume

One of few lightweight reversible harnesses with upper-mid back support (Lightshield sold separately). Intergrated underseat reserve. Ideal for hike and fly, travel, soaring, light XC. Fits most paraglider sizes in spacious rucksack.

Independence

Smaller German company highly known for their high-quality reserves and well-made gear

Hike

Very light reversible harness designed for hike and fly. Purpose-built with removable airbag or foam protector. Split leg design and integrated reserve container in airbag. Available in 2 sizes (M & L)

• 1.5kg, 1.2kg without airbag
• Among lightest of large-volume rucksacks
• Purpose-build for hike and fly
• Compatible with Connect Pro foam protector (890g)

Rucksack capacity of 63L which will fit all but the largest paragliders. Pockets on hip belts for improved hiking function.

Looping

Middleweight reversible harness with seatboard and reversing system separates rucksack from airbag to reduce damage to protector. Integrated underseat reserve and excellent airbag deceleration rate less than 20g for improved safety.

• 3.7kg
• Large volume rucksack
• Durable build
• Versatile

Suitable for beginner pilots and XC flying – responsive and user-friendly harness with improved packing system to prevent damage to protector and wing.

Kortel

Reputable mid-sized French manufacturer known for their boutique, practical, and innovative harnesses and backpacks.

Karver II

A lightweight minimalist harness with more comfort, features, and durability than a typical string harness. Compatible with reversible airbag/rucksack (Sak III) and front mount reserve. Uses a split-leg design.

• Very lightweight and compact
• Completely detaches from airbag/rucksack
• 840 grams + 945 grams Sak III
• One of lightest hike and fly systems

Ideal for soaring, hike and fly, light XC and vol biv – the rucksack has a 60L volume and backpacking features with trekking pole storage, compression straps, etc. Among the lightest harnesses with large carry volume.

Kruyer III

A stripped down ultralight version of the Karver II. Even lighter yet more sturdy than other ultralight string harnesses. Front reserve compatible and works with Sak III for reversible airbag/rucksack combination. Split-leg design.

• Ultralight but sturdier than other string harnesses
• Compatible with Sak III
• 390 grams + 945 grams Sak III
• One of lightest hike and fly systems

60L rucksack spacious enough to fit all but the largest wings. Primarily intended for hike and fly and alpine missions. Durable, but not as hard-wearing as heavier harnesses.

Kuik III

Unique reversible and modular pod and open harness combination – speedbag added or removed to change based off flying intention. Fully-featured for XC flying with instrument deck, hydration bladder pass-through, and more. Front-mount reserve.

• Modular pod or open harness
• Durable, full-featured design
• 3.53kg as open, 4.5kg as pod harness
• One of a kind

Spacious rucksack to fit almost any size wing. Large auto-inflating airbag for passive safety. Best suited for soaring, cross country, and moderate hike and fly. Not the lightest, but the only hybrid pod/open harness on the market.

Niviuk

Large sized Spanish manufacturer known for their large selection of high quality wings and harnesses.

Konvers 2

Middle-heavyweight reversible harness designed for all-around flying with a well-designed hiking backpack. Standard snap buckles, double-density foam comfort seat, and sturdy construction.

• 4.1kg total weight
• 50L rucksack (M)
• Nitinol-reinforced airbag
• Durable and versatile

Best for soaring, hike and fly, and light XC use. A very simple, intuitive, and well-constructed harness for the progressing pilot. Rucksack volume a little bit small in S and M sizes (40 & 50L), L and XL at 60 and 70L. Integrated underseat reserve.

Roamer 2

Very lightweight reversible harness with removable airbag, designed for lightweight mountain and alpine missions. Small rucksack volume of 37L better suited to small or lightweight paragliders. Split leg design.

• Hiking-specialised rucksack design
• 1.42kg or 1.18kg without airbag
• Compact and figure-fitting
• Among the smallest reversible harnesses

Strong build quality despite light weight. Appears like regular rucksack when hiking. Enough storage for minimalist and ultralight gear. Front mount reserve compatible.

Neo

Small boutique French manufacturer with high focus on speedriding and mountain activity. Renowned for their exclusive focus on quality harnesses.

Shorty

Unique very light harness designed for paragliding and speedriding. Non-reversible design which allows for fastening of harness without flipping it inside out! Good weight savings, Koroyd Propack back protection, and optional removable airbag possible. Front container and speedbar compatible.

• Unique non-reversible backpack design
• 1.5kg size M, 1,92kg with airbag.
• 65L rucksack volume
• Full back protection

Very easy sitting/standing position changing, compact, lightweight, practical – a bespoke solution with completely modular protections. Best suited for soaring, speedriding, hike and fly, and lightweight use.

String

Ultralight string paragliding harness ideal for running, hiking, paralpinism, etc. Removable airbag and front container compatible. Entirely Dyneemap ripstop construction. Speedbar compatible.

• 240g (M), 770g with airbag
• Airbag – 24G shock absorption value
• 3 sizes available
• Tiny pack volume

Available in 3 sizes (most string harnesses only available in 1) with a large protection area for airbag. Beautiful design, typical of the brand. Best suited towards shorter flights.

Nova

Itus

Modular middleweight reversible harness – seatboard or seatboardless, airbag, and SAS-TEC protector. Backpack completely detachable. The SAS-TEC protector works as a back section of the rucksack to improve load-carrying comfort. Fully-featured and ready for many applications.

• Highly modular system
• Durable and innovative build
• 3.7kg fully featured, 2.7kg without rucksack and protector.
• Unique seatboard or seatboardless

Emphasis on safety with removable mid-upper back protector and auto-inflating airbag with 28g deceleration value. Hydradtion and USB cable outlets cable outlets. Large 77l rucksack stores all but the largest of large paragliders. Rucksack entirely detaches for easy washing.

Montis+

Ultralight string harness with removable airbag/rucksack (Nova Inverto). One of lightest airbag + harness + rucksacks on market. Large 60L volume storage in rucksack to fit most wing sizes. Split leg design and front reserve compatible.

• Ultralight harness with largest airbag protector
• Hiking-oriented rucksack
• 300 grams harness, 1.3kg with Inverto airbag/rucksack
• Minimalist design

Large airbag covers from pelvis to upper spine with 26 g energy absorption value. Among lightest high-volume rucksacks around. Harness best suited for alpine and mountain missions of shorter flights.

Ozone

Large, reputable French manufacturer known for their high-quality products, performance, and design. One of the ‘Big 4’ paragliding manufacturers.

Oxygen 1

Verylight harness designed for lightweight adventures with emphasis on comfortable flight with padding. No airbag or integrated reserve. Front-reserve compatible. No airbag option.

• 1.3kg
• 30L rucksack volume
• Lightweight comfort option
• Minimalist

Enough space for a single skin or ultralight double-surface wing with 30L of storage. Fulfils same role as Ozo 2 harness below, just with more comfort and durability.

Ozo 2

Ultralight string harness for lightweight adventures. Removable 30L rucksack module – no airbag or integrated reserve. Front-reserve compatible. Adjustable shoulder straps for improved comfort and detachable leg straps.

• 270g, 550g with backpack
• 30L rucksack volume
• Trail-running pack design
• Three available sizes

Designed for a bit more comfort and durability than the typical string harness but still very lightweight and compact. 30L backpack fits all sizes of Ozone Ultralite wing. Speedbar compatible. Minimalist in every way.

Solos

Light-middleweight reversible harness for all skill levels. Hybrid leg-strap/seatboard design with removable seatboard. Optional foam or inflatable protector. In-flight comfort optimised and sturdy construction.

• 3.3kg size M
• ~60L rucksack volume
• Tough materials
• Hybrid seatboard design

Ideal for a progressing pilot – removable seatplate adds for experimentation between the two design types. A good overall hardness for soaring, ground handing, hike and fly, light XC.

Solos Lite

Lightened version of the Solos – similar features just with weight shavings – compromise of durability for weight savings.

• 2.3kg size M
• ~60L rucksack volume
• Hiking-focused backpack design
• Full-featured

Main differences between Solos vs Solos Lite is the chest and leg straps on Solos Lite are not adjustable, and the leg straps are fastened by aluminum T-buckles rather than Austri-Alpin easy-click buckles. Goes down to 2.1kg without seatboard and with softlinks instead of carabiners.

Switch

Very light all-purpose harness designed for speedflying, speedriding, hike & fly, soaring, and short XC. Durable and fully featured. Removable back protection with underseat reserve and rucksack. Easy transition from running to skiing to flying.

• 2.2kg size M, 2.925kg with airbag/reserve/pack module.
• ~55L rucksack carry volume
• Highly modular system
• Rugged build quality

A stellar does-everything product from Ozone – ideal for the multi-sport athlete who does speed riding, paragliding, ski, hiking, etc.

Skyman

Reputable medium-sized German manufacturer known for their quality equipment all across the board.

Hike

Identical to Independence Hike harness.

SupAir

Highly-renowned French manufacturer with class-leading harnesses.

Altirando Lite 2

Fully-featured midweight reversible harness designed for the progressing pilot. Hybrid seat design with seatboard. Hiking-optimized backpack design which is removable from harness. Many comfort adjustments and strong build quality with many pockets and features. Click-buckles for quick dis/engagement.

• 2.2-3.0kg in size M
• ~60L backpack volume
• Strong build quality
• Removable backpack

Removable backpack a strong feature to those who want to use their own dedicated rucksack. Full-featured with hydration-bladder passthrough, foam backrest, speedbar, footrest/stirrup compatible, pre-formed airbag, ease of use – a simple and intuitive harness.

Radical 4

Modular reversible harness with removable airbag module. Intended for mountain and hiking use. Standalone a lightweight string-style harness with small storage volume for lightweight adventures, airbag module with underseat reserve also has backpack. Front reserve compatible, seatboardless.

• 920g, 2.2kg with airbag/backpack/reserve module
• ~10L storage as naked harness, ~60L with reversible module.
• Running-vest inspired backpack design
• Strong build quality

Versatile and modular – a good harness for adapting to soaring and hike and fly, or long-distance comfort with additional protection. Among the lightest and toughest full-featured reversibles.

Swing

Medium-sized German-based manufacturer known for their performance paragliders, RAST system, and miniwings.

Brave 4

Modular lightweight harness with removable airbag and Swing ZIPON rucksack. Adaptable for speedflying, speedriding, hike and fly, and regular paragliding. Speedride/speedflight module with small 22L carry volume for small loads, backpack volume of aprox. 45 litres. Front reserve compatible with split leg design.

• Optimized for speedriding, speedflying, and lightweight hike and fly
• Modular for small or mid-volume loads
• 1.2kg without modules, +270g speedride/speedfly module, +532g airbag, +790g ZIPON rucksack (2,8kg with all modules)

One of few speedriding and speedflying reversible lightweight harnesses around with airbag and reserve. Durable and strong build quality. Hydration bladder, compression straps, skis and poles attachments, etc – many features.

Connect Reverse 3

Heavyweight reversible with integrated Deuter carrying system for rucksack. Fully-featured and durable. Seatboard design with integrated underseat reserve. Optional Lightshield back protector for upper back protection and instant-ready airbag.

• Fully-featured heavyweight
• High levels of passive safety
• 4.5kg
• Best in class Deuter Alpine System in backpack mode

Very suitable for beginner pilots who want a comfortable rucksack and harness. High ease of use, large rucksack volume fits all but largest of paragliders. Hydration bladder, trekking pole storage, sppedbar retractor, many pockets – very feature-rich. Durable and rugged – very suitable for beginner pilots and heavy usage.

Woody Valley

Italian manufacturer well-known for their high-quality harnesses.

Crest

Lightweight reversible harness with detachable rucksack. Seatboardless design with underseat reserve and airbag. RECCO reflector integrated.

• 1.48kg size M, 1.98kg with backpack
• 55L backpack storage volume (70L for L and XL)
• Fully-featured with reduced weight
• Strong build quality

One of the lightest fully-featured harnesses with a removable rucksack. Many people don’t like the included backpack. Best used for hike and fly, soaring, light XC, and general use.

Transalp 2

Lightest of their catalogue, a very lightweight yet well-featured reversible harness with removable airbag module. Small pack volume, front reserve compatible, and more featured than typical string harness. Seatboardless design, speedbar with stirrup, and RECCO reflector.

• 924g size M, 1.35kg with airbag.
• Small 23L in-flight back storage to hold gear/bag
• Compact inflatable airbag
• 12L in-pack volume

Fits inside included 12L mini rucksack. Available in 4 sizes. Minimalist but more durable than typical string harnesses.

Wani 3

Fully-featured mid-heavyweight harness for beginner and progressing pilots. Designed for comfort, protection, simplicity, and versatility. Rigid seatboard, padded back, easy in-flight handling. Always-inflated airbag with internal spring. Lightshield upper back protection. Underseat airbag and speedbar.

• 4.05 kg size M
• 88L rucksack volume (M)
• High levels amount of protection
• Fully-featured

Hiking-focused features included on rucksack including hydration bladder routing, pockets, buckles, trekking pole pouch, etc. A very tough airbag fabric for durability. A very strong harness for beginner-intermediate use.

Wani Light 2

Lightened version of Wani 3 with high levels of passive safety and hiking-specific features. Rapid-inflating airbag with underseat reserve, simple buckle closure system, stable frame geometry, speedbar, and tough build quality.

• 2.75kg in size M
• 88L rucksack carry volume (M)
• Hiking-focused design
• High levels of comfort and adjustability

A versatible harness for soaring, hike and fly, travel, and light XC. Spacious rucksack volume for carrying all sizes of wing and extra equipment even for vol-biv. A good progression harness.