The ADVANCE WEIGHTLESS represents a pinnacle in ultralight cross-country (XC) pod harness design, merging race-level performance with practical features tailored for serious hike-and-fly, vol-biv, and competition pilots. Developed as a refined derivative of ADVANCE's X-Alps race harness, the WEIGHTLESS offers a compelling proposition centered on the ethos "Less is more fun," boasting one of the lowest weights in its category—starting from just 1.9 kg in a fully equipped setup. This harness is not designed for beginners but for experienced pilots who demand extreme weight savings without compromising safety or comfort.
Positioning and Target Users
The WEIGHTLESS targets a niche group of highly performance-oriented pilots who prioritize long-distance XC flights and challenging mountain adventures while maintaining an absolute minimum equipment weight. It uniquely bridges the gap between fragile X-Alps race prototypes and heavier commercial XC pods by delivering a lightweight pod harness with full safety features and an integrated reserve parachute. Ideal for hike-and-fly competitors, vol-biv adventurers, and seasoned XC pilots, this harness demands a level of handling discipline unsuitable for novice pilots.
Key Strengths of the ADVANCE WEIGHTLESS
Race-Proven DNA
The structural heart of the WEIGHTLESS harness—its seat shell, internal framework, and strap system—derives directly from ADVANCE’s 2021 X-Alps athlete model. This heritage ensures the harness inherits top-tier geometric design, precise feedback, and a highly aerodynamic form that have been validated in world-class competition. Though sharing materials with the athlete version, selective reinforcements enhance durability and lifespan for practical everyday use.
Ultralight Yet Fully Operational
Weighing in at a realistic 1.9 kg for size S including all essential components such as the reserve container with handle, carabiners, cockpit, and protection foam, the WEIGHTLESS stands out in the ultralight category. Furthermore, it offers a maximum load certification of 120 kg—a substantial advantage over many rivals limited to approximately 100 kg—thereby accommodating heavier pilots and vol-biv gear without sacrificing safety or performance.
Comprehensive Safety and Practicality
The harness features an integrated reserve compartment attached directly to the shoulder supports, simplifying deployment and minimizing rigging errors compared to common front-container setups in ultralight harnesses. Its innovative Twin-Fit Protector system combines a main foam protector within the harness plus an optional backpack with integrated back foam, offering flexibility in packing and packing volume without compromising impact protection. The protector's design eliminates the need for pre-inflation, facilitating repeated takeoffs and landings with ease.
Integrated Ultralight System Concept
Complementing the harness is the LIGHTPACK ULS ultralight backpack, available in multiple volume options (52, 60, and 70 liters) suited to harness size and pilot needs. This thoughtfully designed system ensures harmonious integration between harness, backpack, and protector, reducing complexity and compatibility issues common in setups cobbled from disparate components. Included is a comprehensive kit featuring the speed system, cockpit, windshield, carbon footboard, hook knife, and other essential accessories.
Aerodynamics and Performance
A rear fairing with air scoops stabilizes and inflates the harness’s tail, smoothing airflow and significantly enhancing glide performance and yaw stability. This aerodynamic refinement is particularly beneficial on long XC glides and in headwind conditions, delivering a perceptible boost in performance and calmness in flight—features often reserved for higher-end race harnesses.
Comfort and Ergonomics for Extended Flights
Despite its ultralight nature, the WEIGHTLESS provides commendable comfort through a carefully engineered internal structure and seat shell design with strategic reinforcements. The interchangeable speedbag available in three sizes allows pilots to customize leg fit for maximum comfort and efficient control. Crafted from stretchy elastane with a carbon footboard, the speedbag eases entry and exit, and can be independently replaced—a practical advantage for durability.
Cockpit and Instrumentation
The harness includes an ultralight, detachable cockpit equipped with a closable pocket and dedicated battery compartment. Its 20 × 13 cm instrument surface offers ample space for large flight computers or multiple devices, enhancing pilot usability. Standard inclusion of a windshield further augments the functional setup tailored for XC pilots.
Brand Credibility and Image
ADVANCE's reputation, especially rooted in X-Alps victories and elite athlete endorsements (notably Patrick von Känel and Tom de Dorlodot), underpins the WEIGHTLESS's identity as a performance-driven harness proved in demanding mountain and expedition settings. This strong brand narrative resonates with pilots aspiring to elite XC performance.
Potential Weaknesses and Trade-Offs
Durability and Sensitivity to Handling
As with many ultralight harnesses, the WEIGHTLESS requires conscientious handling. Its lightweight materials are vulnerable to abrasion and damage from dragging on rough terrain or harsh landings, which can shorten its lifespan. This sensitivity positions it better as a specialist gear piece rather than a rugged “workhorse” harness for abuse-prone flying conditions.
Complexity vs. Simplicity
While light, the harness remains a full-featured pod with multiple removable components—rear fairing, cockpit, adjustable protector elements—that elevate setup complexity. Pilots seeking the simplest possible hike-and-fly harness may perceive the WEIGHTLESS as somewhat elaborate and demanding in correct maintenance.
Niche Target Market
The harness is unsuitable for beginners or casual local flyers due to its high-performance tuning and premium pricing. Its advantages are most leveraged by those regularly engaging in extended XC, hike-and-fly, or vol-biv flying, while others might prefer simpler, more robust alternatives.
Pack System Dependency
Optimal functionality of the protection and packing system depends on the supplied LIGHTPACK ULS backpack. Pilots wanting other back-up packs must be prepared to compromise on protection or packing efficacy.
Customer and Tester Feedback Highlights
Positive Insights
- Complete Weight Transparency: Pilots appreciate the true "ready-to-fly" weight of ~1.9 kg that includes all critical components, setting a trustworthy benchmark for comparison.
- Comfort on Long Flights: Despite the ultralight design, comfort is rated highly, with multiple reports noting the ergonomics resemble heavier pods more than fragile race prototypes.
- Integrated Safety Features: The Twin-Fit protector and built-in reserve container are consistently praised for usability and protection without the inconvenience of front containers.
- Aerodynamic Efficiency: Users report evident glide improvements and better harness stability due to the rear fairing’s design.
- Thoughtful Usability: The detachable cockpit and LIGHTPACK ULS backpack receive commendations for practicality and system coherence tailored for ultralight XC missions.
Critical Observations
- Fragility: The harness demands gentle care; pilots highlight risks of abrasion damage and advise cautious ground handling.
- Not Beginner-Friendly: Setup complexity, geometry, and flight behavior require experience and are not forgiving to novices.
- Limited Broad User Reviews: Details come mostly from expert testers and niche users, limiting large-scale casual feedback.
Who Should Consider the WEIGHTLESS?
This harness excels for experienced, performance-focused pilots who regularly engage in hike-and-fly, vol-biv, and long XC flights. It is especially suited for those who demand race-level aerodynamic performance, integrated safety features, and minimal pack weight. Conversely, it is less suited for those new to pod harnesses, pilots flying regularly from rocky or abrasive sites, or those prioritizing ruggedness over weight savings.
Final Assessment
The ADVANCE WEIGHTLESS is a highly specialized ultralight XC harness delivering a rare synergy of low weight, aerodynamic performance, practical safety integration, and long-ride comfort. It rewards disciplined, knowledgeable pilots prepared to handle the harness with care and to fully exploit its design advantages over simpler or heavier alternatives.
For more detailed information, specifications, and ordering options, visit the manufacturer's website or purchase your equipment through Paragliding4.me.