Kortel Design is a brand that truly speaks to pilots: harnesses developed in real-world conditions, with a strong identity and technical choices that often stand apart. Founded in 1999 and based at the foot of Mont Blanc, this French brand has established itself in the free-flight world thanks to well-designed, robust products built to last.
At Kortel, every harness is developed with particular attention to three key elements: comfort, in-flight efficiency and build quality. Above all, the brand does not follow the crowd: many models feature a specific approach, often with no direct equivalent on the market.
Kortel has a true ability to think outside the box: the brand innovates and designs products that are not simply copies of what already exists. Kortel harnesses are known for their reliability and long-term durability. The development process takes time (often several months, sometimes a full year) to achieve a fully refined result: harnesses with real personality, often unmatched by competitors.
Choosing a Kortel harness also means supporting French craftsmanship driven by a small team of passionate designers, capable of addressing very specific needs. Kortel does not aim for mass production; instead, the brand focuses on true niche harnesses, particularly relevant for practices such as bivouac flying or reversible cocoon harnesses.
Kortel Design’s R&D department works continuously to push concepts further and deliver truly refined harnesses. The brand is especially recognised as a pioneer of 3D-moulded geometry, an approach that provides a level of support and comfort rarely found elsewhere. In practical terms, this improves harness feedback, precision, and the ability to remain well supported over long flights.
Kortel has also made its mark on the market with the soft Dyneema connectors, known as Connect, popularised through the T-Bone system. A different way of connecting the harness to the wing, offering highly sought-after benefits: weight savings, reliability and durability.
Another Kortel signature, particularly visible on the Kolibri, is the storage volume. This is not an afterthought: it is designed from the very beginning, fully integrated, spacious and practical. The result is a harness that clearly stands out and aims for true autonomy, especially for bivouac flying.
In 2026, Kortel is also the only brand offering a true reversible cocoon harness, a concept that remains extremely rare in the paragliding world.
Finally, it would be impossible to talk about Kortel without mentioning one of its most iconic ideas: the shoulder-strap-free harness, which largely contributed to the reputation of the Karver. On paper, it may seem surprising. In the air, the concept delivers on its promises: compactness, strength and comfort, without compromise.
The Kortel range is broad enough to cover most flying practices, from training pilots to highly committed flyers. The key is choosing a harness that matches your flying programme: site flying, cross-country, hike & fly, tandem or a focus on performance.
For beginner pilots, site flying or training schools, the Koncept remains a safe and proven choice: simple, reassuring and efficient. For those seeking a more technical and more comfortable product, the Karma 3 is an excellent alternative.
Pilots focused on hike & fly and mountain flying, looking for a lightweight and/or reversible harness, will naturally turn to the Kruyer 3. The reversible function can be achieved by connecting it to the Sak 3. For pilots for whom every gram counts, the Kliff 3 is the lightest harness in the Kortel range. It is also available in an airbag version via the Kim module.
For tandem, speed riding, speed flying or soaring, the Karver 2 remains the reference within the Kortel range: robust, versatile and reliable.
For cross-country flying, the Kuik 3 in cocoon version and the Kooka are particularly well suited. However, for pilots focused on bivouac flying, the Kolibri EVO with its large storage volumes is clearly the harness to prioritise.
Competition pilots or those seeking maximum performance will opt for the Kannibal Race, a cocoon harness designed for efficiency and high-level flying.
Finally, for tandem flying, Kortel offers several solutions: the Kid allows children to be flown safely in all situations. For standard passengers, the K-Flex, with its innovative back height adjustment system, adapts to a wide range of body types with a single harness. Pilots can also use the Karver 2 combined with the tandem module, allowing a single reserve parachute to be carried for the entire crew.
Like any serious manufacturer, Kortel integrates protection systems into the structure of most of its harnesses, whether under-seat or back protection. Certified foam-bag protections can be found on models such as the Kolibri, the Kid and the Kannibal Race.
The K-Flex, as well as other models such as the Koncept, are equipped with an airbag system, recognised for its efficiency and light weight.
For the Kolibri, an optional inflatable module is also available, ideal for reducing both volume and weight in your backpack, particularly for bivouac flying or hike & fly.
Think you’re done with Kortel? Think again. The brand goes far beyond harnesses and offers an extremely comprehensive range of backpacks, accessories and reserve parachutes. From the highly regarded Sak Biplace, a true reference among professionals, to the Sak Kolibri 80, Kortel provides almost everything a pilot may need.
Here is an overview of the main products offered by the brand.
Kortel is particularly well known for the quality and robustness of its backpacks, offering a carrying comfort appreciated by many pilots.
The solo pilot range includes the K17 and K27 models, as well as the Kompact for single-skin wings.
For ultra-light wings, the K40 and K60 backpacks are ideal. Pilots flying light and compact equipment (for example a light cocoon combined with a light wing) will appreciate the K75.
Competition pilots may turn to the K220, while tandem pilots will naturally choose the Biplace 2 backpack.
The key strength of Kortel backpacks? A carrying comfort recognised by many pilots.
Kortel offers two types of reserve parachutes. The Krisis is a square reserve equipped with a steering system allowing directional control after deployment. The Krisis Rogallo, as its name suggests, is a rogallo, making it a steerable reserve.
Around these reserves, Kortel provides all essential accessories: reserve containers such as the Kontainer V4, pods for the Krisis, riser covers, reserve risers, carabiners and other components required for a clean and safe installation.
Finally, Kortel Design develops a full range of paragliding accessories: speed systems, cockpits, ballast bags, various carabiners, and even a drag chute. A complete, coherent range designed to meet the needs of the most demanding pilots.
At Air et Aventure, we fully support the Kortel Design brand. Beyond product quality, it is also a team of passionate people we truly appreciate, with a clear vision of paragliding and well-designed equipment. We use, recommend and trust Kortel products on a daily basis.
If you have any questions regarding Kortel Design harnesses or the entire range, our team is at your disposal to assist you. Feel free to contact us via our contact section: a specialised advisor will reply as quickly as possible.
Thanks to our permanent in-store stock, we are generally able to deliver Kortel products within 48 to 72 hours. Do not hesitate to contact us to check current availability for Kortel Design harnesses and accessories.
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