The Advance WEIGHTLESS is a cutting-edge ultralight cross-country (XC) pod harness crafted for pilots who prioritize a balance between weight savings and full functionality. Derived from Advance’s renowned X‑Alps race gear, the WEIGHTLESS offers an attractive package for ambitious XC pilots, hike-and-fly enthusiasts, and vol-biv adventurers who seek race-grade performance without the fragility of pure competition gear.
Positioning and Target Users
This harness targets serious XC pilots and vol-biv competitors with a strong desire for an ultralight setup that remains highly functional. It carries the “competition DNA” from Advance’s X‑Alps athletes, maintaining the elite internal structure, seatshell, and strap system, while enhancing durability and user-friendliness for everyday XC and serial production usage. It suits pilots who want a performance-oriented pod harness without the compromises of minimalist race-only pods.
Weight and Portability
Starting at just 1.9 kg in size S with a certified load capacity of 120 kg, the WEIGHTLESS sits in an elite niche of light yet fully equipped XC harnesses. Advance’s “ready-to-fly” weight includes all essentials such as the reserve container and cockpit instruments, offering a realistic figure for buyers comparing harnesses. Complemented by the ultralight LIGHTPACK ULS rucksack (options from 52 to 70 litres at under 0.6 kg), the system delivers a comprehensive lightweight solution tailored for hike&fly and vol-biv missions.
Safety and Comfort
Despite shedding weight, the harness does not compromise on safety. It features an integrated reserve container attached to the shoulder supports, minimizing installation complexity and errors. Its Twin-Fit protector system combines a primary foam protector within the harness and a secondary foam in the backpack, enhancing safety while maintaining packing efficiency. Certification at up to 120 kg surpasses many competitors that limit at 100 kg. Comfort is achieved with a well-tested pod layout, targeted foam padding, and an elastane speedbag that improves fit and leg mobility — designed for all-day XC comfort rather than fleeting race conditions.
Aerodynamics and Performance
A standout performance feature is the rear aerodynamic fairing, which inflates via dual air scoops to stay taut and wrinkle-free. This reduces drag and enhances glide efficiency, while also improving longitudinal and yaw stability. Pilots pushing the limits of distance or racing will value these refinements, marking the WEIGHTLESS as not merely an ultralight travel harness but a serious contender in competitive XC flying.
Usability and Features
The WEIGHTLESS differentiates itself from minimalist ultralight pods by retaining a comprehensive feature set, including:
- Interchangeable speedbags in three sizes for tailored fit and easy replacement.
- An ultralight but functional detachable cockpit with a closable pocket and dedicated battery compartment, plus a spacious 20×13 cm instrument panel.
- Included accessories such as carbon footboard, windshield with cover, hook knife, speed system, Step-in-Aid, shoulder-strap shortener, and premium Ronstan pulleys.
Durability and Care
While sturdier than pure X-Alps race harnesses, the WEIGHTLESS remains more delicate than standard XC pods. The manufacturer explicitly advises pilots to “Handle with Care” to avoid damage from dragging, abrasion, and hard landings. This honest transparency underscores the trade-off between saving weight and enduring rugged use — it’s not a “set-and-forget” harness but one for conscientious pilots who understand the demands of ultralight equipment.
Sizing and Technical Range
Available in three sizes (S, M, L), the WEIGHTLESS accommodates pilot heights roughly from 155 to 200 cm. Chest strap widths and harness weights vary modestly between sizes. The rucksack comes in volume configurations tailored to size but also allows cross-size volume options to suit varying gear needs and flight missions—ideal for pilots mixing competitions, bivouacs, and travel flying projects.
Market Differentiation
The WEIGHTLESS is the first serial-production ultralight XC harness to combine:
- A built-in reserve container (eliminating the need for front-mounted reserves)
- Interchangeable, size-selectable speedbags
- Certification to 120 kg load capacity
Brand and Athlete Endorsements
With endorsements from elite X-Alps athletes like Patrick von Känel and Tom de Dorlodot, the WEIGHTLESS boasts a pedigree rooted in extreme expedition and race flying, now refined for broader use. This heritage builds confidence in the harness’s design quality and its suitability for demanding XC adventures.
User Feedback and Analysis
Positive Themes
Users and testers widely praise the harness for:
- Providing true ultralight race-style pod performance while maintaining crucial features like back protection, integrated reserve, and practical storage, certified up to 120 kg.
- Highly optimized aerodynamic efficiency derived from the X-Alps lineage.
- Delivering surprisingly good comfort for an ultralight harness, more practical day-to-day than pure race prototypes.
- The integrated reserve system avoiding a front container, enhancing safety and cockpit ergonomics.
- Strong brand trust in Advance’s engineering from the LIGHTNESS and X-Alps series.
Areas of Caution
Commonly cited caveats include:
- Durability concerns requiring pilots to carefully avoid abrasion, rough handling, and dragging on surfaces.
- Not recommended as a first pod harness or for inexperienced pilots due to its specialized geometry and delicate build.
- Over-specialized for casual or local flying where ruggedness, rather than extreme weight saving, is paramount.
- Limited large-scale customer reviews due to niche, high-end status—most insights come from expert testers and early adopters.
Conclusion: Who Should Choose the WEIGHTLESS?
The WEIGHTLESS is a top-tier, specialist harness designed for experienced XC and hike&fly pilots who prioritize performance and weight savings and are willing to maintain their gear diligently. It is ideal for pilots stepping up from simpler lightweight pods seeking aerodynamic gains, integrated safety, and comfortable XC features without the weight penalty of full competition harnesses.
Conversely, if you are a beginner, prefer local soaring, or demand rugged gear for rough sites, this harness’s delicate nature and specialized role may not suit your flying style.
For more detailed information about the WEIGHTLESS harness and to explore ordering options, please visit the manufacturer's website or order your equipment conveniently through Paragliding4.me.