APCO Aviation HIKE User manual

Version 1.02
2018 11 19 01 23 (rev 1.01)
APCO Aviation
Setting Future Standards
Factory: 7, Chalamish Street - Industrial Park - Caesarea 38900 ISRAEL www.apcoaviation.com
Tel: [phone] Fax [phone]

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CONTENTS:
1Overview 4
2Protection 4
3Parts 5
4Specifications 5
5Karabiner / Maillon fitting and Wing / Riser Attachment 5
6Reserve Attachment 6
7Speed System Fitting & Adjustment 7
8Airbag Attachment 8
9Towing 8
10Tandem 8
11Accessories 9
12Fitting & Adjusting your Hike 9
13Flying 10
14Emergency Procedures 10
15Inverting & Packing your Hike 10
16Inspection, cleaning, maintenance and storage 11
17Recycling 11
18General Advice 12

WARNING
This is not a training manual. It is extremely dangerous to yourself and others to
attempt to use this or any other paragliding equipment without first completing a flying
course given by a qualified instructor.
Apco Aviation's equipment is carefully manufactured and inspected by the factory.
Please use this equipment only as described in this manual. Do not make any changes to
the equipment.
AS WITH ANY SPORT - WITHOUT TAKING THE APPROPRIATE PRECAUTIONS,
PARAGLIDING CAN BE DANGEROUS.

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HIKE HARNESS
1 Overview
The HIKE harness is our ultra-light, reversible paragliding harness/backpack. Designed for
maximum comfort while either flying or hiking with your paraglider. Split legs carefully
crafted, and ergonomic back support will insure relaxed flying and hiking.
Great for long mountain treks and challenging XC flights.
Generous size glider bag and well padded back support.
Only 1.3 kg. making it one of the lightest harnesses in this category.
2 Certification
The Hike Harness is EN certified (EN1651:1999, EN12491:2015) when used in
conjunction with the specific optional airbag from Apco (Product Code: 47035).
The Certification Label is at the end of this Manual.
Features
•Optional attachable airbag for extra protection (See more in Protection Tab)
•Split legs
•Emergency parachute shoulder attachment points
•Compression straps for volume adjustment
•Loop and slide buckle on chest – one click strap in
•Mesh side pocket
•Ergonomic breathable back support
•Generous volume to contain most solo wings [approx. 60 liter]
•Attachment points for poles / mountain equipment
•Adjustable shoulder and chest straps
•Two-position lateral strap to adjust seat position
•Weight – 1.3 kg.
•Speed bar ready
•Max Pilot Weight: 120kg
3 Protection
Reserve
The HIKE has emergency parachute shoulder attachment points, and a variety of external
reserve containers can be mounted on the harness. We recommend the Apco external
container for Mayday LT and SLT reserves with an LT or SLT Mayday Reserve Parachute
to complete your setup. Do not connect your reserve to the Maillons on the main hook-in
points (refer to page 6). For tandem reserve parachute use, see relevant section in this
manual on Page 8.
AirBag
An optional Airbag can be fitted below the seat.
The Apco Airbag for Hike is a separate unit, which can be ordered separately and can be
attached to your HIKE harness. It is a simple, light and inexpensive masterpiece – which
will be appreciated by every pilot/hiker.
•Quick and simple attachment.
•Only 220 gr.
•No rigid elements – nothing to break

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•From extremely high density, light, durable Oxford nylon
•Certified effective high volume airbag protection
•Shaped for minimum drag and maximum airbag efficiency
•Attractively priced – best value for money
4 Parts
5 Specifications
Harness Weight
1.3kg
Backpack Volume
55 litres
Size Range
160 – 190cm (pilot height)
Max Pilot Weight
120kg
Optional Airbag Weight
220gr
Certification
EN (when used with Airbag option)
6 Karabiner / Maillon fitting and Wing / Riser Attachment
Ensure that both the Main Hook-in Loops and the Lateral Hook-in Loops ate fitted correctly
to the maillons (or Karabiner / soft link). Attach the risers to the maillons as shown.
All Hike Harnesses shipped after October 2018 have a webbing retaining loop for the
lateral hook-in loops. This retainer loop simply holds the karabiner or maillon in position so
that it does not rotate. This is not a safety concern, but helps to keep things tidy. For
harnesses shipped before October 2018, we recommend using a rubber O-Ring on the
maillon or karabiner to hold the lateral loops in place (see image).
Pre October 2018 (with O-Ring installed)

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Post October 2018 (with retainer strap)
7 Reserve Attachment
The reserve parachute system / container should be fitted by a suitably qualified person.
We recommend using an Apco Light External Container for Mayday LT and SLT with a LT
or SLT Mayday Reserve Parachute, combined with a pair of dyneema Light Universal
Bridles.
•Attach the ends with the small loops of the bridles to the shoulder attachment points
using larks head knots.
•Attach the reserve to the two bridles with a single larks head knot by passing the
two large loops of the universal bridles through the small loop of the reserve bridle,
and then passing the reserve through the two large loops of the universal bridles.
•Attach the Reserve container to the chest strap using the attachments straps.
•Tidy the bridles using the Velcro routing ties on the right side of the harness.
Reserve Deployment in accordance with instructions provided with the reserve container.
Ensure that your reserve is repacked at the specified interval.
WARNING
Do not connect your reserve to the square maillon rapide #5 (Code: 43121F) on the
main hook-in points. The harness is designed and tested to take reserve opening
shock loads on the shoulder attachments, and the abovementioned maillons are
rated for flying, not reserve shock loads.

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8 Speed System Fitting & Adjustment
The Hike is not supplied with a speed bar as most wings are supplied with one, and the
ball bearing pulleys are optional, and can also be installed later if not ordered with the
harness. If you do not have one, they are available from Apco as an accessory. Before
installing the speed system on the harness, be sure to check the manual of your
paraglider and follow it in addition to this. Speed system adjustment is best done by
hanging the harness in a simulator. Attach your wing risers to ensure proper adjustment of
the speed system length. This process is easier if you have a friend to help you. A well-
adjusted speed system will be on full bar when your legs are fully extended, and still easy
to reach and apply.
•Remove the brummel hooks from the sewn loops at the ends of the speed system
lines.
•Route the speed bar lines through the guiding eyelets and then through the speed
system pullies.
•Replace the brummel hooks back on the speed system lines.
•Clip your wings risers into the maillons on the harness, and attach the speed bar
brummel hooks to the matching brummel hooks on the risers.
•Sit in the harness and have a friend hold the risers up to simulate flying. Now
shorten the speed bar lines to a point where the par is situated close to the guiding
loops on the front of the harness, but not so close that you cannot reach and apply
the speed system with your legs.

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9 Airbag Attachment
The Airbag attachment is available as an optional extra. It is attached to four loops under
the seat of the harness, and one Velcro closure that wraps around the lower leg-spread
adjustment strap, with the intake facing forwards. The airbag is certified and offers
excellent impact absorption.
10 Towing
Connect your tow release to the maillons according to instructions provided with the tow
release (usually where the risers are attached to the harness).
11 Tandem
The Hike Harness can be used for tandem flying for pilot, passenger or in both positions.
In the case of being used at the pilot harness, the reserve parachute container should be
side-mounted, and the bridles routed as for solo flying, but, connected to the reserve
attachment point of the spreader bars and not to the shoulder attachment points of the
pilot harness itself. Care must be taken that the reserve handle does not snag during
launch and cause a accidental deployment.
WARNINGS
It is important, before your first flight after installing the speed system, to check and ensure that
the speed system is not set too short, as this would mean the speed bar will be applied throughout
the flight.
If you use a side mounted reserve container, make sure that the speed system cannot under any
circumstances release the reserve handle and cause a accidental deployment when applying the
speed system.

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12 Accessories
We recommend that you always fly with the following accessories in or on your harness:
•Reserve parachute
•Hook knife
•Helmet
•Radio
•Flight Instrument & Live Tracker
•First aid kit, torch & and self rescue equipment
13 Fitting & Adjusting your Hike
This is best done by hanging the harness in a simulator or in a similar safe manor.
The Hike Harness does not have buckles on the leg straps, and must be warn like putting
on pants. It is also possible to put it on without opening the chest strap, which is especially
convenient if you have a reserve mounted on the chest strap. This adds safety to the
harness, in that it is impossible to forget to close your leg straps before take-off.
Putting on the Harness
Hold the harness by the shoulder straps and step over/into the harness, one leg at a time,
taking care to put each leg correctly into each leg loop. Next raise the shoulder straps onto
your shoulders and pass your arms out to the sides elbows first. If the chest strap buckle
is open, close it now. Do a check to ensure it is on correctly.
Shoulder Strap Adjusters
These ensure that the harness is suspended at a comfortable height on the ground and
during take-off. Put the harness on and tighten the straps to raise the harness so that the
leg straps are close to your crotch. One should be able to stand up straight comfortably
once adjusted, without feeling discomfort on the shoulder or leg straps.
Lumbar Adjustment
The Hike harness has two settings for back angle. One slightly more reclined that the
upright setting. This adjustment can only be done on the ground prior to flight, and is best
done in a simulator. There are two loops on each lateral strap, and the adjustment is made
by changing the loops used on the flight maillons.
All Hike Harnesses shipped after October 2018 have a webbing retaining loop for the
lateral hook-in loops. This retainer loop simply holds the karabiner or maillon in position so
that it does not rotate. This is not a safety concern, but helps to keep things tidy. For
harnesses shipped before October 2018, we recommend using a rubber O-Ring on the
maillon or karabiner to hold the lateral loops in place (see image in assembly section on
Page 5).
Chest Strap
If open, close the chest strap buckle immediately after putting the harness on. Note that it
is possible to put the harness on with this buckle closed (recommended), reducing the risk
of accidentally taking off with it open. The chest strap buckle is closed by passing the male
side through the female side, and adjusted narrower by pulling the black tab on the free
end of the chest trap to the right, and released (wider), by pulling the coloured tab
attached to the male side of the buckle to the left. It is recommended to fly with the chest
strap adjusted to the width that your wing manufacturer recommends (usually 42cm

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between karabiners / maillons). Wider settings will give better weight shift, and
more feed back from the wing, and a narrow setting will restrict these.
Upper and Lower Leg-spread Adjusters
These can be adjusted in flight according to personal preference, but it is recommended to
set in a simulator before the first flight. If using the harness as a tandem pilot harness,
these should be further open than for solo flying. A wider setting will make the harness
more responsive in weight shift, and will transmit more feedback from the wing. Find your
own “sweet spot”.
14 Flying
The Hike is an easy, light, but yet very comfortable harness, offering superb in-flight
comfort, even on long flights. In the air it is also very stable and reassuring, but without
reducing weight-shift capabilities. Be sure to follow all the instructions in this manual
before the first flight, and use it accordingly. The harness is fairly upright, which improves
pilot cohesion with the wing, and reduces the chances of experiencing line twists during
extreme flight situations. Before landing, slide forward into a standing position by
straightening your legs downwards, so that you are ready to land on your feet and run if
needed.
Harness Related Preflight Checks
Always check the following points before taking off:
•Harness webbing, sewing and materials in good condition
•Wing (risers and speed system) connected correctly
•Harness buckles closed correctly
•Karabiners / Maillons closed securely
•Harness adjusted correctly
15 Emergency Procedures
Water Landing
In case of water landing, land cross or down wind to ensure that the wing falls far away
from you, and not on top of you. If needed, use your hook-knife to escape the harness.
Tree Landing
Choose the most suitable looking tree, set up against the wind, and aim for the centre /
crown of the tree, flair as normal, secure yourself to the tree. Assess the situation, and call
for help if needed.
16 Inverting & Packing your Hike
Flight mode
Open the main zipper of the backpack, remove your wing and other equipment from the
backpack, and ensure there are no small / loose items inside that may be lost (It is best to
store small items in the zipped accessory pockets on the back of the backpack).
Now invert the backpack into itself so that the harness is on the outside, and the shoulder
and waist straps of the backpack is inside the backpack. Store any items not needed
during flight in the backpack and close the zips. It is not recommended to carry heavy
ballast in the backpack during flight. The side compression straps, which are now inside
the backpack can be clipped tightened to bring any load in the backpack closer to your

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body. There are two Velcro loops for attaching hiking poles on the left side of the
harness. Take care when using these to ensure that they do not interfere with take-off of in
flight.
Hike Mode
After landing, pack your wing neatly and fold it so that its size matches the dimensions of
the backpack. Invert the harness into the backpack mode and place the wing inside the
backpack. Take care that there are no bulky parts of the harness folded in a
uncomfortable way between the wing and your back. Stow larger additional items inside
the main compartment with the wing and pack smaller items in the two zipped accessory
pockets on the back of the backpack. Close and tighten the side compression straps on
the backpack. There are Velcro hiking pole attachments on the right side of the backpack.
Put the backpack on and close the hip belt and chest strap before finally adjusting the
shoulder straps so that the weight is supported mainly on the hip belt. Aditional items can
be attached using the side compression straps and the two side mesh pockets can be
used to carry water bottles and other items.
17 Inspection, cleaning, maintenance and storage
Pre-flight inspection
The harness should be inspected before every flight to ensure that it is airworthy. Special
attention should be paid if the pilot was dragged on launch or had a bad landing where
part of the harness may have been damaged by contact with the ground. During
inspection, all webbing, materials and thread / sewing should be inspected for damage or
deterioration due to use, abrasion or aging etc. If damage is found, do not fly and send the
harness for repair to a qualified person, or to Apco.
Manufacturer’s Inspection
The harness should be inspected on an annual basis by Apco or designated / approved or
qualified person to confirm airworthiness.
Maintainance and Cleaning
If the harness needs to be cleaned, do so with a damp cloth and do not use cleaning
chemicals. Air-dry out of direct sunlight.
Storage
Store in a cool dry place, and under no circumstances should a wet or damp harness be
packed and stored – dry it first.
18 Recycling
If you need to dispose this item, do so in an environmentally responsible manner. Recycling of
many parts of the wings and harnesses is possible, and there are some organizations that
manufacture reusable shopping bags, windsocks, backpacks and more using old donated
paraglidingequipment.Fundsraisedareoftenusedforcharitabledonations.Searchtheweb,or
contact The Cloudbase Foundation for more information or advice. Do not dispose of a retired
wing or harness with normal household waste. 

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19 General Advice
Aqualifiedpersonoragentofthecompanyshouldcheckyourequipmenteveryyear.
Theequipmentiscarefullymanufacturedandcheckedbythefactory.Nevermakechangestothe
harness,canopyorthelines.Changescanintroducedangerousflyingcharacteristicsandwillnot
improveflyingperformance.
Do not put your equipment in direct sunlight when not necessary. In order to protect your
equipmentduringtransportationorwaitingtimewerecommendone ofour lightweightstorage
bags.

Paragliding and Paramotor flying should always be done in a way that has minimum impact on
wildlifeandtheenvironment.Respectaccessregulationsandthewishesandrightsoflandowners.
Donotlitterorstartfires,donotsmokenearyourorotherpeopleswingandequipment.Donot
launch,flyorlandinamannerthatharasses,disturbsorendangerspeople,wildlifeorproperty.
Tosummarise-don’tbeajerk!

Ifyouhaveanydoubtsaboutflyingconditions-donotbegin.

IfyouhaveanyquestionsregardingApcoProducts,pleasecontactyourdealerorApco.

Lastly,beequippedwithacertifiedemergencyparachuteandhelmetoneveryflight.
APCO wishes you many hours of enjoyable flying.
Take Air!

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