The NOVA ARTUS is an ultralight pod harness aimed at pilots who want to “go light and fly far” without compromising on comfort or safety. With a starting weight of only 2 kg (size S, without carabiners and protector), it is clearly positioned for hike & fly, vol biv and ambitious cross‑country pilots who also want a harness robust enough for regular use.
H2: Concept and positioning
The ARTUS is derived from NOVA’s race harness and brings much of that aerodynamic DNA into an everyday‑capable product. Reinforced, durable materials in the most stressed areas make it suitable for frequent flying, while its sleek pod and compact packing volume target performance‑oriented pilots who count every gram in their kit.
H3: Target group
NOVA clearly addresses pilots who need a very light yet high‑performance pod harness: hike & fly competitors, vol biv adventurers and XC enthusiasts. Thanks to split leg loops and refined geometry, the ARTUS offers precise handling and damping that will appeal to experienced pilots who spend many hours in the air.
H2: Construction, comfort and adjustability
Despite its minimal weight, the ARTUS aims for the comfort level of much heavier harnesses. The seating position is adjusted via back and shoulder straps, while pod length is fine‑tuned with three straps per side, marked for symmetrical setup. NOVA recommends a slightly reclined position with a horizontally aligned pod bottom to fully exploit its aerodynamic potential. A robust plastic footplate increases durability and protects the calves during take‑off, and the three‑step speed‑bar runs through low‑friction rings for efficient bar use on long glides.
H3: Storage and practicality
For vol biv and XC use, storage is a key criterion. The ARTUS includes a large back compartment, zip pockets on both sides of the pod, additional space under the seat and a detachable “kangaroo” chest pocket for essentials such as a power bank, snacks or small accessories. Velcro attachment points on the cockpit and shoulder straps help to position and secure instruments, while dedicated channels for hydration and pee tubes underline the harness’s expedition‑ready design.
H2: Protection and safety concept
Safety is a central theme in the ARTUS design. The reserve parachute sits in a highly visible front container with a V‑bridle running along the right side to the shoulders, optimising deployment geometry. The latest Update 2025 introduces the inflatable ARTUS AIR protector as standard, replacing aluminium elements in the upper back section to improve packability while maintaining extensive thigh‑to‑thoracic‑spine protection. The split leg loop system enhances comfort and roll stability, contributing both to passive safety and performance in turbulence.
H3: Materials and hardware
To reach the 2‑kg range, NOVA uses a mix of high‑tech lightweight fabrics such as Dynalight Dyneema webbing, 190D and 70D ripstop textiles, Skytex and DOKDO materials, combined with PE foam. The 2025 model features the latest EDELRID EASE Aerotec carabiners for a high strength‑to‑weight ratio, plus an improved colour‑coded locking system on the leg loops that mirrors NOVA’s red/green (left/right) scheme and reduces the risk of incorrect closure.
H2: Sizes and technical data
The ARTUS is available in three sizes (S, M, L) covering pilot heights below 165 cm, 160–180 cm and above 180 cm respectively. With the ARTUS AIR protector and carabiners, total harness weight remains impressively low at around 2.4–2.65 kg, depending on size. Maximum clip‑in weight is certified to 130 kg under LTF (100 kg EN), giving sufficient margin for many modern XC wing–pilot combinations.
H3: 2025 update highlights
The 2025 update refines the concept with a stronger footplate, the new EDELRID carabiner, revised colour coding and locking details, an entry strap to ease getting into the pod, and the move to the NOVA AIR‑Protector as the only configuration. Aluminium has been removed from the upper back section to make packing even easier and to reduce the risk of deformation.
H2: Who is the ARTUS for?
Pilots looking for a pure beginner harness will find the ARTUS over‑specified. Its natural home is with pilots who have solid experience, value performance and want a single, ultra‑light pod harness for everything from local hike & fly to big XC and vol biv missions. It fills the niche between fragile race harnesses and heavier, fully featured XC pods, combining race‑inspired aerodynamics with practical durability.
H3: Find out more and order
If you are considering the NOVA ARTUS for your next lightweight XC setup, review the full technical documentation, size charts and tutorials on the manufacturer's website. To configure your setup and order the harness together with matching equipment, contact Paragliding4.me – your specialist partner for NOVA gear and cross‑country solutions.