Guide: Choosing Your pod harness
When you’re moving toward cross-country flying, getting a pod harness often becomes a must if you want to be properly equipped. Many pilots believe that the cocoon offers a significant performance boost for cross-country flying, but that isn’t necessarily the main reason you should take the plunge.
So what are the real benefits of a baby swaddle? Why—and, more importantly, when—should you switch?
At Supair, harness design is at the heart of what we do. We put all our expertise to work for pilots to help you find the gear that best suits your needs and your flying style. Let’s break down everything you need to know to choose the right harness.
What is a cocoon?
A comfortable and aerodynamic harness, the Cocon is designed for cross-country flying. It is intended for experienced pilots who want to take up cross-country flying.
While this definition may seem simple, there are many different types of harnesses designed for all kinds of pilots. As a result, choosing the right harness can be complicated if you don’t have access to all the necessary information. But don’t worry! This article is here to guide you.
The Different Types of Cocoons
Standard cocoons
Standard harnesses are primarily designed for recreational cross-country pilots and paragliders looking for their first pod harness.
The focus is on comfort and accessories. Since weight and size aren’t the top priorities, the designers have padded and reinforced the entire frame and structure to provide maximum comfort, storage, and practicality during flight. The pilot therefore has access to all the necessary features: instrument holders, cockpit, radio pocket, ballast pocket, etc.
These “all-comfort” cockpits are sometimes equipped with a rearfairing , also known as a “foil” or “fairing,” as on the DELIGHT 4 Sport. This design improves the harness’s performance by reducing drag caused by the pilot. The rear fairing also helps stabilize the harness along the yaw axis, enhancing pilot comfort and helping maintain an optimal flying position.
Harnesses equipped with a foil are suitable for pilots who already have experience flying with a cocoon. We recommend that those looking to buy their first cocoon choose a harness without a rear fairing to make it easier to get the hang of it. This is particularly true of the DELIGHT 4 , which was designed to offer comfort and simplicity.
The "Light" Cocoons
Although cocoons are primarily designed for cross-country flying, they are also compatible with other activities such asHike & Fly or bivouac flying. With this in mind, lightweight cocoon harnesses have entered the market. These harnesses prioritize lightness and compactness so they’re easy to carry in a small backpack while still offering all the benefits of a cocoon harness in flight.
When lightness is a priority, other characteristics are affected during the design process. For example, “light” cocoons are less reinforced to reduce their weight, which means they must be handled with care to ensure a lifespan similar to that of standard cocoons.
For competition walking and flying, every component is designed to create the lightest and most compact harness possible. In contrast, harnesses designed for the “ bivouac flying ” primarily aim to offer ample storage space with numerous spacious pockets.
Lightweight cocoons are still comfortable, however. Since the seat is often less firm than that of a standard cocoon, certain models may be better suited to specific body types. It is therefore essential to try out the models before buying to find the one that best suits your body type and needs.
It’s worth noting that lightweight harnesses often offer fewer adjustment options. For this reason, it’s all the more important to try on a lightweight under-frame harness before purchasing. Similarly, since the adjustment systems are designed to be as lightweight as possible, they can be harder to access to adjust while in flight.
To let you strike your own balance between lightness, compactness, and comfort, the STRIKE2 has the advantage of being customizable. Although very lightweight, it offers various levels of customization:
- If you want to fly for a long time in comfort, install all the accessories for the STRIKE2 : mini-trapeze, back pad, finger carabiners, etc.
- On the other hand, if you're looking for the lightest possible setup, remove all the "comfort" accessories, install the Connects, the inflatable protector, and off you go!
Modular cocoons
Much harder to find on the market,the EVO LITE 2 is the gold standard among modular harnesses. It’s a sit-back harness ideal for learning and local flying, which transforms into a “ pod harness ” in just a few seconds by adding a “ speedbag ”—perfect for cross-country flights.
This type of harness is an ideal choice for pilots transitioning to cross-country flying.It allows you to have a single, versatile harness that adapts to your needs and will serve you well for a long time.
Whether you're just starting out or an experienced pilot looking to explore new possibilities,the EVO LITE 2 adapts to your flying style thanks to its modularity and innovative design.
Switching from the seated harness to the cocoon takes just a few seconds with a simple zipper, making this quick and easy. To switch from a seated position to one with your legs extended, a single strap allows you to adjust the angle of the seat platform: the angle should be wider when the speedbag is installed than when you are in a seated position.
In cocoon mode,the EVO LITE 2 offers all the benefits of a standard cocoon: an instrument holder, an integrated cockpit, radio pockets, and significantly improved comfort and performance.The EVO LITE 2 is synonymous with versatility and efficiency, offering pilots who are advancing in their skills a unique and durable solution for every aspect of their paragliding experience.
XC Competition Harnesses
Competition harnesses are specially designed to meet the demands of experienced pilots who participate in high-level competitions. Featuring advanced aerodynamics and an extended flying position, these harnesses minimize drag and optimize flight performance. Their extensive range of accessories makes them heavy and bulky harnesses equipped with multiple storage options, including pockets for flight instruments and hydration systems.
They are often equipped with two compartments for reserve parachutes, providing additional safety in the event of an emergency. In addition, to improve stability and safety during a spin, competition harnesses may include a pocket for attaching an anti-G parachute.
Although they are complex and require technical skill to use, the combination of comfort and aerodynamics makes competition harnesses an essential choice for those seeking to maximize their performance and push themselves to new heights in high-level competitions.
Ultra-lightweight, high-performance shell
The ALP single-handedly creates a new product category: ultra-light “submarine-style” harnesses. Designed for highly experienced pilots who excel at “ hike & fly, ” this harness stands out for its innovative design and extreme lightness. Due to its unique nature, we will not go into detail aboutthe ALP in this guide, which is dedicated to choosing your first pod harness.
However, for those who are curious or passionate about paragliding gear,the ALP is well worth a look. Its innovative design and features make it the product of choice for those seeking maximum performance combined with unmatched compactness. If you’d like to learn more about this unique harness, feel free to explore its specific features:
Criteria for Choosing Your Cozy Retreat
Now that we've reviewed the different types of baby carriers available on the market, let's take a look at the factors to consider when making the right choice.
Your type of practice
Your paragliding experience is the first factor to consider when choosing the harness that's best for you.
If you fly mainly at your local site and are starting to make short cross-country flights, a standard or modularfirst-time glider will be the ideal choice.
On the other hand, if you prefer the hike & fly or the bivouac flying, or if you need a lightweight and compact harness, the Cocon Light will better meet your needs. For pilots looking to improve their skills and seeking a versatile harness capable of adapting to different flying styles, the Cocon Modulable is a smart choice.
The first step in your decision-making process is to clearly identify your needs and preferences. Take the time to define exactly what you expect from your harness before researching the different models available at your retailer.
Comfort
Whether you choose a lightweight harness or not, you need to make sure the harness fits your body type well; otherwise, it will quickly become uncomfortable. This is particularly important for lightweight harnesses, which have less rigid frames. Keep in mind that even though designs are intended to suit as many people as possible, some models may be a better fit for your body type than others.
Before making your purchase, take the time to try on your harness in the flight simulator—or better yet, in flight. This will allow you to experience how comfortable it is in a real-world situation.
Don’t hesitate to ask your dealer for help in getting personalized advice and making the necessary adjustments. Incorrect adjustments can turn an excellent harness into an uncomfortable piece of equipment, preventing you from properly evaluating which models are right for you and which aren’t.
Positioning your sail within the range of all-up weight
When choosing a wing, it is essential to stay within the all-up weight (all-up weight) range recommended by the manufacturer. If you are replacing a heavy harness with a lighter model (or vice versa), make sure your all-up weight still falls within the range recommended for your wing.
For example, if you’re used to flying in the middle of the all-up weight range and switch to a “cocon light,” you may find yourself at the lower end of the range. This change in positioning within the all-up weight range will affect your wing’s behavior.
In summary, whether you’re lightening your gear or opting for a heavier harness, it’s essential to always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding the paraglider’s “ all-up weight .”
Accessorizing
The more accessories a harness has, the heavier it will be. As a result, lightweight harnesses often offer fewer features than, for example, cross-country or competition harnesses.
Defining your flying style and needs will help you determine the right level of equipment: Do you need a wide cockpit for your instruments? Do you need a “ speedbag ” that allows you to install a Penilex system? How many pockets do you need to store all your personal belongings?
If weight isn't an issue, you can go all out with harness accessories, such as by integrating a safety kit in case ofa tree landing on theDELIGHT 4 and DELIGHT 4 Sport , for example. Ultimately, it’s all about striking a balance between comfort, functionality, and weight to find the harness that best meets your expectations and suits your flying style.
The type of protection
Protection is a key component of the harness's structure.
Unlike an airbag, a foam- inflatable protector e helps stiffen the frame and provides a more uniform seating surface. However, the design of cocoon-style harnesses does not allow for easy integration of air inlets, which complicates the installation of airbag protection.
Finally, to ensure a sufficiently thick “air cushion,” the use of an airbag protector increases the height of the harness. As a result, its profile will be less aerodynamic. This is one of the reasons why most cocoons are equipped with foam protectors or inflatable protectors.
The type of protection you choose for your harness also affects how compact your pack is. Airbags and inflatable protectors are much more compressible than their foam counterparts, making them an ideal choice for lightweight harnesses. On the other hand, if comfort is more important to you than weight or compactness, it’s best to opt for harnesses that offer foam protection. This type of protection is generally wider and covers a larger area, providing additional support.
Stability, Cushioning, and Handling
The frame structure, the arrangement of the straps, and the height of the attachment points all play a crucial role in the harness’s flight behavior. Designing a harness is a science of balancing three distinct factors: stability, cushioning, and control. Each of these characteristics influences overall performance and the flying experience.
- Stability: This refers to the harness’s ability to minimize unwanted movements during flight. Stability is achieved through a rigid structure or through ABS, both of which have a significant impact on how harnesses perform. ABS technology was invented by Pierre Bouilloux, the founder of Supair.
- Damping: This refers to the harness’s ability to absorb small, insignificant movements during flight. Damping is achieved through the ability of the harness’s materials (primarily the straps) to deform.
- Handling: Refers to the ease and responsiveness with which the pilot can maneuver the glider using the harness controls. A harness that is very responsive to pilot input is often less stable, allowing for more effective weight shifts—and thus more effective use of the harness controls.
Your goal is to find a harness that not only meets your preferences for stability and cushioning but also works in harmony with your wing. The synergy between your paraglider and your harness is essential to ensuring your comfort in flight.
For example, a very stable beginner wing will be more enjoyable to fly when paired with a harness that provides good feedback, allowing the pilot to receive precise information about the air mass. Conversely, a more technical wing combined with a harness that tends to be stable prevents the pilot from being overwhelmed with unnecessary information.
Maintenance and Durability
The final factor to consider when choosing your harness is its maintenance and durability. Depending on your flying style and the environment where you fly most often, certain pieces of equipment will be better suited to ensuring the longevity of your harness.
If you’re flying over abrasive terrain, such as rocky ground, gravel, or sand, we do not recommend using an ultralight harness. Although these models are durable, their thinner fabrics and less-reinforced frames are more susceptible to dust and abrasion.
In general, to extend the life of your harness, avoid letting it rub against the ground, store it away from direct sunlight and moisture, and if in doubt, have it inspected by a qualified repair shop.
And finally… When should you switch?
The ideal time to switch to a pod harness depends on several factors. If you’re starting to consider longer, more demanding flights, or if you’re looking to maximize your comfort in the air, now is probably a good time to consider making the switch.
A cocoon can provide greater stability, a more comfortable flying position, and reduced drag. These factors become important as soon as you move beyond flying at your local site. If you feel that your progress is pushing you toward greater performance and comfort, then purchasing a pod harness could very well be the next logical step in your development as a pilot.
In summary, choosing the right harness is essential to optimizing your flying experience. Whether you’re a beginner pilot, a hike & fly enthusiast, or a seasoned competitor, there’s a harness tailored to your specific needs. Take the timeto determine your flying style, your comfort preferences, and the maintenance required to ensure the longevity of your equipment.
Remember that the combination of your harness and your wing plays a key role in your comfort during flight. By doing your research and trying out different models, you’ll be able to find the harness that will accompany you on all your adventures in the air.
Don't hesitate to ask your retailer for advice —they'll be able to help you find the best option for you.
