The STRAPLESS 4 by ADVANCE represents the cutting edge of ultralight mountaineering and Hike & Fly harness technology, targeted at pilots who demand minimal weight and compact packability without compromising on safety or functional usability. Building upon the proven strapless design lineage, this latest model refines ergonomic seat shaping for enhanced comfort during extended flights and introduces a reengineered accelerator routing that delivers smoother pressure distribution and greater speedbar travel—key for performance flying in challenging alpine environments.
Innovations and Safety Features
The STRAPLESS 4 innovates with an optional inflatable protector, ADVANCE's first inflatable impact guard. Weighing just 220 g—the same as its predecessor's airbag—it provides impact protection already at take-off, rather than activating only after inflation during flight. The harness itself remains extremely light, with weights around 235 g for size M and 255 g for size L. When combined with Edelrid Aura carabiners (62 g) and the speed system (30 g), the entire system stays under 350 g, fitting the demanding needs of mountaineering, bivouac flying, and ultra-light Hike & Fly projects where every gram counts.
Design and Durability
Offered in two sizes calibrated to pilot heights (M for 155–185 cm, L for 178–202 cm), the harness ensures optimized fit and comfort with tuned chest strap widths for stability alongside an agile, weight-shift sensitive feel characteristic of strapless setups. Despite its minimalist construction, it is certified to EN 1651:2018+A1:2020 standards for a maximum take-off weight of 120 kg, higher than typical for this category, thus accommodating heavier pilots or gear loads. The airbag protector meets NfL 2024-2-785 requirements and obtains separate CE certification, underscoring a strong safety focus within its ultralight frame.
From a materials standpoint, the main and leg straps employ 4 mm D-Pro high-strength Dyneema cords rated to 13 kN, offering robust structural integrity for demanding alpine usage. The outer fabric uses Skytex 38 universal paraglider cloth, balancing lightness with durability, while the seat area is reinforced with Nylon 40 BE - DE R/S to resist abrasion during ground contact. This combination achieves a rare harmony of extreme weight savings married to practical resilience, though pilots should note it requires careful handling compared to bulkier harnesses.
Equipment and Usability
The harness package includes two high-quality Edelrid AURA carabiners, featuring anti-twist LITE elements to assist with riser orientation during clipping. The lightweight accelerator system integrates a step-in aid to simplify launching, while multiple adjustment points—on shoulder straps, leg pads, and accelerator rings—ensure fine-tuning for fit and performance. Despite appearing visually simplistic and relying on straps, the STRAPLESS 4 is meticulously engineered for genuine performance, not just theoretical weight reduction.
User Experience and Target Audience
This harness is designed with experienced Hike & Fly and mountaineering pilots in mind—those who regularly combine strenuous ascents with short, sometimes technical flights. Its strap-only construction and absence of a traditional seatboard offer a high degree of sensory feedback and wing control precision favored in alpine flying. The updated ergonomic seat and option for the inflatable protector help mitigate the typical compromises on comfort and safety seen in earlier strapless designs. The harness is also compatible with ADVANCE’s Frontcontainer ZIP Light and compatible reserve parachute systems like the SQR Light, enabling a fully integrated ultralight setup.
Positive Feedback from Paragliding Community
Expert reviews and user comments from the ultralight hike-and-fly tandem niche highlight the harness's ultra-low weight and compactness as standout benefits. The STRAPLESS 4 sustains confidence through compliance with rigorous structural loads and offers clear size guidance for predictable in-flight positioning, which pilots appreciate. Overall, the sentiment within its target demographic is optimistic and praises the harness for fulfilling demanding performance expectations.
Considerations and Trade-Offs
However, feedback also notes the harness's minimal padding and lack of a built-in impact protector for the harness alone, making it less suited for lengthy commercial tandem flights or recreational pilots seeking passive safety. The suitability remains limited to pilots comfortable with minimalist gear in controlled settings. Comfort trade-offs become evident on extended flights, given the strap-based leg support design.
Conclusion
The STRAPLESS 4 stands as a flagship ultralight harness meticulously crafted for expert hike-and-fly mountaineers looking for the absolute minimum weight without sacrificing vital safety certifications or usability for alpine flying. It successfully improves user comfort over previous generations while introducing novel safety features like the inflatable protector. Though niche and specialized, this harness delivers a potent combination of performance, lightness, and safety for its intended audience.
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