The Harness Files: Part 1

Bastienne Wentzel explores what we all need to know about our back protection – whatever it’s made of

The Harness Files: Part 2
The Harness Files: Part 3

Paraglider harnesses don’t just support us and connect us to the wing. They constitute up to half of the weight of our equipment, determine the behaviour and handling of our wing, cause up to a quarter of the drag in flight, provide space for instruments, food, clothes and the reserve parachute and, arguably most importantly, provide safety at various levels.

Still, most pilots choose a harness based on a few crude criteria: open or pod; weight and pack size; cost; colour and comfort; sometimes aerodynamics; and maybe the type of protection (foam or air, thick or thin). In the best case you have looked up the EN...