Skydiving is an exhilarating sport that involves a considerable amount of risk, which is why safety should always be a top priority. When you're a beginner, the process of purchasing the right skydiving equipment can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing the perfect harness. The harness is the critical piece of equipment that connects you to the parachute system, and its fit and comfort are essential to ensuring your safety and enjoyment during your jumps. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the factors to consider when selecting a skydiving harness, offering expert advice to help you make an informed choice.
Why the Right Harness Matters
Skydiving harnesses serve as the connection point between the skydiver and the parachute system. The harness itself is typically made of durable webbing and attaches to the container (which holds the parachute) and the main and reserve parachutes.
A well‑fitted, comfortable, and high‑quality harness ensures:
- Safety : Proper fit helps in distributing the forces during deployment and landing, minimizing the risk of injury.
- Comfort : The more comfortable your harness is, the easier it will be to focus on your jump instead of constantly adjusting your gear.
- Control : A harness that fits correctly allows you to have better control over your body in freefall and during landing.
Types of Skydiving Harness Systems
Before you start looking for the right harness, it's important to understand the two main types of harness systems:
1. Jumpsuit/Harness Combo System (RSL‑equipped)
This system is usually preferred by tandem skydivers and beginner jumpers. It's often a single unit that includes the jumpsuit and harness system. The system is designed for ease of use, offering simple adjustments and a robust safety feature, including an automatic activation device (AAD) that can deploy your reserve parachute in the event of an emergency.
- Best for: Beginners and tandem skydivers.
- Features : Easy to wear and comfortable, suitable for all types of jumpers, including those who might be doing their first jump.
2. Freefall Harness & Container System
The freefall harness is the most common harness used by solo jumpers. It's a specialized piece of equipment designed for freefall and accurate parachute deployment. These systems are designed for experienced skydivers who need greater control, comfort, and durability.
- Best for : Experienced skydivers or those pursuing their skydiving licenses.
- Features : Provides greater flexibility and adaptability, with more adjustable straps and features to customize the fit for comfort.
3. Tandem Skydiving Harness
For tandem instructors and jumpers, a tandem harness is used. It is specifically designed to carry two people and features reinforced straps and additional padding for comfort and support.
- Best for: Tandem jumpers and instructors.
- Features : Reinforced and padded for additional comfort and safety when carrying two people.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Skydiving Harness
When selecting a harness, several factors should influence your decision. Here's a breakdown of the most important aspects to consider:
1. Fit and Comfort
One of the most critical factors in choosing a harness is ensuring it fits correctly. A harness that is too loose or too tight can cause discomfort and even affect your safety. A well‑fitted harness should feel snug but not restrictive, offering ample room for movement without excessive slack.
- How to Check Fit : The harness should sit snugly on your body, with straps that are easily adjustable. The leg straps and chest straps should not dig into your skin, nor should they be too loose. Additionally, the harness should fit comfortably over your shoulders, providing support without pinching.
2. Safety Features
A harness is only as good as the safety features it comes with. A good harness should include a variety of safety systems, such as automatic activation devices (AAD), cutaway systems, and RSLs (Reserve Static Line). These features are vital in an emergency situation and ensure that you have an extra layer of protection should anything go wrong during your jump.
- Automatic Activation Device (AAD) : This device automatically deploys your reserve parachute if you fail to do so after a certain period of freefall.
- Cutaway System : In the event of a malfunction, the cutaway system allows the skydiver to release the main parachute and deploy the reserve.
- RSL (Reserve Static Line) : This system automatically deploys the reserve parachute if there is an issue with the main parachute deployment.
3. Material and Durability
Skydiving is a sport that subjects equipment to extreme forces, including high winds, rapid descents, and abrupt landings. The harness should be made from durable materials, such as high‑quality webbing, that can withstand these stresses without compromising safety.
- Material to Look For : Nylon and polyester are commonly used in skydiving harnesses due to their strength, durability, and resistance to abrasion.
4. Weight and Flexibility
Although it's important that the harness is durable, it should also be lightweight enough to not impede your movement during the jump. A heavy harness can make freefall less comfortable and may reduce your ability to control your body during the descent.
- Look for : A lightweight but durable harness that is designed for comfort and ease of movement.
5. Adjustability and Customization
Different body types and jump styles require different harness configurations. Look for a harness that is fully adjustable to ensure that it fits you well. Many modern harnesses allow you to customize the fit with adjustable leg straps, chest straps, and shoulder harnesses.
- Importance of Adjustability : A harness that can be fine‑tuned ensures that you can achieve the perfect fit, maximizing both comfort and safety.
6. Padding and Cushioning
If you plan to make long‑duration jumps or frequently engage in skydiving, padding becomes a significant consideration. Adequate padding in the back, hips, and thighs reduces the pressure points during the jump and improves overall comfort during freefall and landing.
- Where to Focus on Padding : Make sure that the harness has padding in critical areas such as the back, hips, and thighs.
7. Brand Reputation and Reviews
When choosing a skydiving harness, it's essential to purchase from reputable brands with a long history of providing high‑quality gear. Well‑known brands often include Rigging Innovations, UPT (United Parachute Technologies), and Mirage Systems, among others. Check for reviews and ratings from other skydivers to ensure the product you're interested in meets expectations.
- Best Brands : Research the most reputable brands and ask for recommendations from experienced jumpers or instructors.
Popular Skydiving Harness Options for Beginners
Here are a few options for beginners to consider when purchasing a skydiving harness:
- UPT Vector III : Known for its comfort and safety features, the Vector III system is one of the most popular harnesses in the world. It has a fully adjustable fit and comes with excellent safety features.
- Mirage G4 : The Mirage G4 system is known for its lightweight design and ease of use, making it an ideal choice for beginners. It offers superior comfort and flexibility while still maintaining high safety standards.
- Rigging Innovations Icon : This harness is designed for solo jumpers and features high durability and ease of use, with an easy‑to‑adjust fit and good support.
Conclusion: Make the Right Choice for Safety and Comfort
When selecting a skydiving harness, prioritize safety, comfort, and the right fit. Your harness is more than just a piece of equipment---it's your lifeline in the sky. By considering factors such as fit, safety features, material durability, and customization, you can make a choice that will help you enjoy your skydiving experience to the fullest.
Skydiving is an amazing adventure, and investing in the right harness will ensure that your experience is both thrilling and safe. Take the time to find the right fit and always prioritize quality when it comes to your skydiving gear. Happy jumping!