The promise is a hike-and-fly harness that has storage and also significant in-flight comfort. Marcus King clips in to see if it delivers.
I actually had the reversible version of the original TransAlp harness from Woody Valley that was released in the early 2000s. It was a favourite, which was comfortable and practical. Unlike other reversibles from the time it actually had a bag that was big enough for your wing, helmet and other kit such as climbing gear. When I heard that Woody Valley were re-using the name I was intrigued to see what it would be like.
Not reversible
Well the new TransAlp 2 is not a reversible harness, it’s now a modular lightweight harness. Neither is it a super-light string harness – if you want one of those and are looking to shave every gram Woody Valley have the Denali.
Instead, the TransAlp 2 is billed as a “harness for hike-and-fly for those who want compact volumes without sacrificing comfort in flight.” Available in four sizes, the XL I was sent weighs in at 1kg, including the karabiners.
Getting seated
The base harness uses two leg pads without a seatboard. It is similar in fact to the Crest, a reversible harness with built-in reserve and airbag that we reviewed in issue 230.
Like the Crest, clipping in is simply a case of connecting the two leg loops to the main karabiners; both loops and karabiners are colour-coded to make this foolproof. Apart from that there is just a high chest-strap to keep the shoulders in place to do up and an elastic loop for the speed bar to put on your foot: simple!
The complete kit with airbag protection and front-mounted reserve. Photo: Charlie King and Marcus King
Storage
What storage can there be on a hike-and-fly harness? Unlike many of this type of harnesses that rely on you hanging your rucksack off your shoulders in flight, the TransAlp 2 has a spacious rear pocket. There is even an inner pocket for a drinks bladder or just to keep things separate, although sadly there is no pass-through for a drinking tube. I could easily fit my 70l rucksack, concertina bag, walking poles and drink in the pocket. Unusually for this type of harness there are air inlets on each side which inflate the rear pocket to give it a smooth shape in the air – just watch out that nothing small can fall out.
On the shoulder straps you will find a Velcro patch for a vario / tracker and on the other a Recco patch. Recco patches reflect radar signals transmitted by a detector that can be used to quickly scan large areas in a search and rescue mission.
One omission is any side pockets or place to store the ubiquitous selfie stick.
Modular
The base harness is part of a system which can optionally add an airbag and a front-mounted reserve. The airbag is quickly attached with four plastic clips and a couple of maillons (or softlinks can be specified): you won’t want to do this all the time so it can be left in place.
The airbag itself is inflated either with a supplied inflation bag or using your lungs. It’s nice to see that Woody Valley have tethered the mouthpiece so it can’t be lost and it only takes a few breaths to fully inflate. Once inflated it protects under the seat and curves round your lower back, it doesn’t stick out far as some others do. It is rated at 35G in the certification.
Combined bridles with clip-in loops plus a clip to stop it rising up when deploying. Photo: Charlie King and Marcus King
Another option is the front reserve pouch. It has combined bridle and clip-in loops making it quick and easy to attach to your main karabiners on launch. It’s nice to see there is a clip at the bottom to attach to the harness to stop it lifting up when you pull the handle. The handle is easy: nice and big, bright red and easy to locate. There is a Velcro pad on top and tie-in loops for your instruments.
The final option available is the outer rucksack. It comes in three sizes so you can choose the one appropriate for your kit. The harness is supplied with a lightweight rucksack that will just fit the harness but you can use it for swimming kit or shopping etc if you don’t keep your harness in it.
Well padded, with chest straps that clip directly into the main karabiners. Photo: Charlie King and Marcus King
In-air comfort
There is a good level of adjustment available with the back angle, seat angle and of course shoulders with locking buckles to stop settings slipping. The main strap length can also be adjusted, so you can increase stability, although overtightening can increase the likelihood of twists.
The leg pads are large and nicely padded. Getting in and out for take-off and landing is simple. I found the harness gives good freedom of movement for running. The only niggle is on the ground the inner sides of the leg pads can dig in, so it’s not an ideal groundhandling harness.
In the air there are no such niggles. With plenty of adjustment it is possible to set the harness to give you good support. The leg loops have a short tape between them that stops your legs falling apart and helps give a more united feel to the harness. I flew a couple of hour-long cross-country flights with the set-up and found it comfortable.
I flew the harness with a selection of wings from simple hike-and-fly gliders to lightweight EN-Cs with relatively high aspect ratio. In all cases I felt I could comfortably control the wing with weightshift, using pressure on the leg pads. I didn’t find myself getting thrown from side to side in stronger conditions and in fact I was surprised at how stable and secure it felt.
As with the Crest, the speed bar is unstiffened but, thanks to the elastic loop you put round your foot, it’s always at hand. It’s easy to use and, with pulleys in the harness, doesn’t added friction. I flew with bar for long periods without discomfort.
The verdict
This is another great harness from Woody Valley that sits nicely between the Crest and the ultralight Denali. If you are looking for a 1kg harness that will stand up to everyday use it’s a great choice. With very similar geometry and in-flight sensations whether you choose this or the Crest will depend on whether you want any of the extra options and if you want to be able to choose to take them on a given day. It’s become a regular on my hike-and-fly outings and makes for a good travel harness where you can simplify things for the beach or add all the options for XC flying.
Manufacturer’s specifications
- Woody Valley say: “The ideal harness for hike-and-fly for those who want compact volumes without sacrificing comfort in flight”
- Pilot level: All levels
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Height (cm): <168, 165-178, 175-188, >1.85
- Weight: 884-1,000g, back protection 429g
- Certification: EN / LTF
Marcus King is 193cm tall and flew the XL size
Published in issue 244 (October 2023)
