content_image/604609.jpg content_image/604608.jpg
The earliest harness was nothing more than a swing seat that the parachutist sat on and then held onto the risers or suspension straps. It soon became apparent that if the openings were in any way uneven, it could be very precarious for the parachutist. While the sling seat worked for the ride down, it was necessary to add additional straps to secure the parachutist. These straps included the leg, back, and chest straps. The standard harness configuration is equipped to secure a torso, head, arms, and legs with straps. Others have been added over time for additional purposes, such as survival kits or cushions. Figure 2-14  shows a basic military style harness. This harness configuration has seven points of adjustment to allow fitting of most military personnel. 

<img src='content_image/604609.jpg'>

Most of the early parachute systems had the harness detachable from the containers. This allowed interchangeability for various models. In the 1970s, skydiving systems began to integrate the harness into a true harness/container assembly. This was accomplished by sandwiching the harness between the container and backpad and sewing them together. Figure 2-15  shows one of the earliest custom systems called the “super swooper.” This harness was the precursor of today’s sport harnesses. 

<img src='content_image/604608.jpg'>

As skydiving and the sport parachute industry has grown, most of the equipment is now custom-built for each individual. The standard piggyback harness configuration of today is a fixed main lift web with adjustments only at the chest and leg straps.  [Figure 2-16]  Elimination of the extra hardware and webbing has resulted in a dramatic reduction in weight of modern systems. Along with this has been an increase in comfort and flexibility. One of the most innovative designs adopted in recent years is the “articulated” harness. This design incorporates metal rings at the hip junction and the chest-strap attachment. [Figure 2-17] These rings allow a full range of motion both in the air and on the ground and increase the fit and comfort of the harness. Note however that hardware incorporated into the main lift web or junction of a harness should be equal in strength to the webbing or at least the certification of the harness. Type 7 harness webbing is 6,000 pounds tensile. Type 13 harness webbing is 7,000 pounds tensile. The stainless steel “RW-8” is certified to 3,500 pounds. The stainless steel 5010 Harness Ring is certified to 5,000 pounds. 

The “stepped” harness is not as strong as the continuous horizontal harness [Figure 2-18] . If point loading occurs on a stepped harness, stitching may break, and the junction can 

