APCO Hike vs APCO Goal
Ultralight reversible or open lightweight harness — 1.3 kg for the mountains versus 2.9 kg with a full protector.
The Hike is APCO's ultralight reversible harness: 1.3 kg, harness and backpack in one, EN-certified with the optional airbag. The Goal is the open lightweight harness 'suitable from first steps of schooling onwards': full-featured, EN/LTF up to 120 kg, from 2.9 kg including the 17 cm Airfoam protector and Lexan plate.
Quick compare
| Criterion | APCO Hike | APCO Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Concept | Ultralight reversible (harness/backpack) | Open lightweight harness, full-featured |
| Weight | 1.3 kg | 2.9 kg (S/M) / 3.35 kg (L/XL), incl. protector |
| Sizes | one size | S/M and L/XL |
| Pilot height | 160–190 cm | up to 180 cm / 180–195 cm |
| Max. pilot weight | 120 kg | 120 kg (EN/LTF) |
| Protector | optional airbag (code 47035) | 17 cm Airfoam + Lexan plate, integrated |
| Certification | EN 1651:1999 / EN 12491:2015 with optional airbag | EN/LTF up to 120 kg |
| Seat | split legs, no seat board | Polycomb seat board |
| Buckle system | — | Get-Up system (2 buckles), Fidlock magnetic chest buckle |
How APCO positions the two
- Hike — “our ultra-light, reversible harness/backpack”: maximum comfort while flying and hiking, split legs, ergonomic back support. “Great for long mountain treks and challenging XC flights, ideal for speed flying and ridge soaring.” Only 1.3 kg.
- Goal — “a lightweight open harness suitable from first steps of schooling onwards”. APCO’s development goal: “simple, yet comfortable, lightweight, yet durable — aimed at anyone from students through weekend pilots”. A full-feature harness, fully certified up to 120 kg, from 2.9 kg including the foam back protector.
What the Hike does differently
The Hike reaches 1.3 kg through the reversible build without a seat board or integrated equipment. The airbag is optionally attachable — the EN certification applies in conjunction with exactly this airbag (code 47035). Reserve containers attach externally.
What the Goal does differently
The feature list comes from the manufacturer:
- 17 cm Airfoam protector plus Lexan plate — the plate spreads sharp impacts over the protector’s entire area
- Get-Up system: only 2 buckles secure the whole harness — leg and chest straps are linked so neither can be forgotten
- Reserve handle big, reflective, positioned under the main carabiner — findable by sliding the hand from riser to carabiner straight to the handle
- Polycomb seat board, Dyneema webbing (weight saving with no compromise on strength), ultra-durable bottom material against sliding butt landings
- Storage: large rear compartment with a CamelBak mesh pocket and drinking-tube port, a deep side pocket (accessible in flight), instrument velcro on the shoulder strap
- Back incline adjustable to 2 preset positions, Fidlock magnetic chest buckle (usable even with gloves)
Recommendation
Hike for long mountain treks, XC, speedflying and soaring — per APCO 'one of the lightest harnesses in this category'.
To the APCO Hike →Goal for schooling through weekend flying — per APCO 'the go to choice' from the first steps of training: simple, comfortable, light and durable, with a full protector as standard.
To the APCO Goal →