Advance paragliding harness accessories represent a specialized category of add-ons and hardware designed to enhance, customise, and optimise the performance and comfort of Advance brand paragliding harnesses. This review explores the gamut of available accessories, analysing insights both from the manufacturer’s detailed descriptions and valuable customer feedback drawn mainly from long‑form harness reviews and pilot forums. By understanding these components — from footrests to cockpit modules and carabiners — paragliders can make informed choices tailored to their flight style and rig requirements.
The accessory line focuses on improving pilot comfort and operational control through items like adjustable footrests for specific harness models (AXESS, BOUNDLESS, SUCCESS, PROGRESS 3), ergonomically integrated inner reserve containers for safer deployments, and speed system bars available in carbon or lightweight versions, giving pilots material and weight options aligned with XC or hike-and-fly priorities. Protective neoprene covers for reserve V-lines add durability by reducing wear and preventing tangles. Tandem spreaders, radio pockets, and front-mounted zip containers serve crucial roles in tandem configurations and streamlined equipment organization. The Step-in Aid notably assists pilots in entering pod-style harnesses smoothly post-launch, while comprehensive cockpit modules like the Cockpit CARRY enhance instrument visibility and storage ergonomics.
The accessory suite is rounded out with safety essentials such as hook knives mounted for rapid access, and an extensive range of certified Edelrid and AustriAlpin carabiners and connectors. These differ in shape, material, weight, and locking mechanisms, allowing pilots to balance between minimal weight for lightweight flying and robust durability ideal for intensive or tandem use. The overall catalog epitomizes detailed technical versatility rather than marketing a single product, offering pilots the tools for a finely tuned harness system.
Cockpits and Instrument Consoles
Advance Cockpit CARRY
Despite sparse public star-rated customer reviews, specialist test reviews and ADVANCE’s reputation describe the Cockpit CARRY as a lightweight (~440 g), pilot-friendly cockpit module that integrates seamlessly with the Advance harness ecosystem. Highlighted benefits include well-organized storage sections—a zipped valuables pocket and dedicated power-bank space with cable exit—offering modern XC pilots effective instrument management. The neoprene cover and magnet clip closure ensure both protection and ease of use with gloves during flight. However, it is primarily designed for ADVANCE harnesses, raising fit questions for non-ADVANCE users, with limited long-term durability data publicly available. Capacity is moderate, suiting typical XC needs but possibly limiting for expeditionary pilots. Overall, it stands as a tidy and well-thought-out accessory inviting further end-user feedback for full appraisal.
Built-in Cockpits on Advance Pod Harnesses
Impress 4 "Smart Cockpit"
The Impress 4 pod harness boasts an integrated cockpit praised for its ergonomic instrument visibility and practical storage. Reviews commend the ease of in-flight access—including with gloves—and the aerodynamic integration which reduces drag and prevents flapping. Storage is described as generous for serious cross-country pilots, yet some bivouac enthusiasts seek even larger compartments. While its complexity may pose an adjustment for minimalist pilots, it is regarded as one of the superior integrated cockpits available.
Lightness 3 & 4 Series
Incremental improvements define the Lightness line. Lightness 3's detachable cockpit earned praise for secure fixing and tangle reductions, though space can be tight with heavy instrument setups. Lightness 4 advances storage volume by approximately 35%, improving cockpit access with a magnetic catch and better organization, complemented by included accessories such as windshields and hook knives. Early reviews favor the increased capacity and practical design without compromising aerodynamics, although long-term user feedback continues to accrue.
Weightless Detachable Cockpit
The ultralight Weightless harness series offers an impressively light yet functional detachable cockpit suitable for hike-and-fly pilots prioritizing minimal weight. It includes separate compartments for instruments and batteries with cable management. The trade-off is a more delicate construction requiring careful handling and modest storage capacity, marginally limiting for extended multi-day usage.
Windshields and Small Accessories
Windshields integrated with ADVANCE pod harnesses deliver noticeable protection against wind chill and face fatigue in longer cross-country flights. Pilots appreciate the calm airflow that facilitates instrument reading, though some report slight fogging issues in humid or cold conditions and urge careful packing due to fragility. The placement and quality of smaller accessories like hook knives and closures are generally positively noted, consistent with ADVANCE’s attention to logical, well-executed design solutions.
Integrated Backpacks and Reversible Systems
Easiness 4 Reversible Harness and Integrated Backpack
The Easiness 4 stands out for ergonomic comfort and versatility in reversible harness/rucksack systems. Customer reviews universally commend its lightweight yet comfortable design, effective backpack volume, and hiking-optimized straps derived from X-Alps innovations. While the pack volume suits mostly compact hike-and-fly kits, the built-in airbag adds safety at a modest volume cost.
Lightpack Series (Lightpack 3 and Lightpack DLS)
Designed specifically for Lightness and Weightless harnesses, the Lightpack series earns praise for ergonomic comfort during hikes and form-fitting size matching harness geometry, striking a balance between lightness and robustness. Their limitation lies in not accommodating overly bulky equipment, especially tandem wings or large bivouac loads, and pilots transitioning to non-ADVANCE harnesses might seek alternative packs.
Cross-Cut Themes in Customer Feedback
Across reviews, several consistent themes emerge: ADVANCE accessories reflect high manufacturing quality and neat craftsmanship; their designs prioritize pilot ergonomics combined with functional organization and in-flight usability; styling remains conservative and focused on longevity rather than aggressive aesthetics; ultralight models necessitate careful handling due to trade-offs between weight and durability; and finally, a notable scarcity of standalone customer reviews on some accessories means reliance on specialist and embedded comments within harness reviews for insight.
Buying Guidance
If you are an ADVANCE harness user seeking a standalone cockpit, the Cockpit CARRY is a well-integrated solution worth considering, particularly for tidy cable management and accessories, although long-term durability feedback remains limited. When opting for pod harnesses such as Impress 4, Lightness 3/4, or Weightless, the integrated or supplied cockpits generally fulfill pilot needs without requiring aftermarket additions unless specific layout preferences arise. Windshields are advisable for pilots flying lengthy cross-country routes in cooler conditions, enhancing comfort notably. For reversible or pack-integrated systems, ADVANCE offers some of the most ergonomic and durable options in the lightweight category, meeting the needs of versatile hike-and-fly pilots.
For more detailed product specifications and to explore the entire accessory lineup, visit the manufacturer's website. You can order your Advance paragliding equipment and accessories through Paragliding.me, ensuring expert advice and authentic products.