NEO Stay Up 2.0

This second version, the NEO StayUp 2.0 is the result of a close collaboration with NEO ambassadors, Max Pinot and Tim Alongi. They live and fly at the same spot as NEO, which makes creativity and the sometimes daily modifications easy. The StayUp 2.0 is very similar to the last Promodel used in the latest H&F races such as X-Alps, Bornes to Fly and X-Pyr, among others. In order to meet the demands of flying in these competitions, we redesigned the 3D shape of the NEO seat for more comfort, stability, and precision in handling.

GEOMETRY AND BUCKET SEAT

COMFORT

The new fabric molding of the bucket seat offers higher comfort and better back support with fewer adjustments. In fact, the number of adjustments decreased significantly to just one for the back inclination. The rest of the seat adapts to most body types. The addition of the  Koroyd PROPACK back protection offers additional support by stiffening the seat.

The comfort of the NEO StayUp 2.0 is also a result of its ergonomics. Getting in the pod is very intuitive after take off. The stability in the sitting position makes the pod very accessible and will please pilots new to pod harnesses.

The larger carbon foot plate offers greater comfort in flight as it is easy to change the position of the feet, especially while using the speedbar. This plate also allows increasing the overall volume of the pod to make using the speedbar easier.

LIGHTNESS AND DURABILITY

No compromises were made in terms of durability for a harness weighing less than 2kg. The harness is 80% ripstop Dyneema, developed 5 years ago and whose durability has been more than proven. No other material used in hike and fly harnesses on the market is this resistant.

The whole structure is made up by HMPE (high-modulus polyethylene) webbing for minimum weight.

Pilot comfort is a priority, which is why we kept a soft and precise adjustment thanks to smooth chest strap adjustment, despite the extra weight of the buckles.

Parts subjected to wear, such as the pod closure and the carbon foot plate are easily replaceable without the need of a workshop.

The StayUp was designed to last.

PASSIVE SAFETY

The NEO StayUp 2.0 includes two protections:

– Under the seat. The 8cm NEO-Koroyd 2.3 is certified EN, LTF and CE. If provides efficient protection in all phases of the flight for such a light weight and small volume. The protection is narrower than the NEO-Koroyd 2.0 for a smaller volume when packed.
NEO-Koroyd 2.0 for a smaller volume when packed.

– On the back, The Koroyd PROPACK protection is CE (EN1621) certified. It only weighs 145g and protects the spine against punching (rock or hiking poles inside the bag, for example).

The harness can be used without the protection. The NEO-Koroyd 2.3 can be easily removed by opening the zipper under the seat. For the ProPack, just remove it from the back pocket.

BOOOMTAG®

The NEO StayUp 2.0 is the first NEO harness to include a Booomtag®. It’s an NFC (Near Field Communication) chip with information about your product. It is located close to the carabiner on the right side of the harness. By scanning it with your NFC smartphone, you can:

– Register the product to prove ownership by creating a free Booomtag® account

– Provide your emergency contact information (3 SOS/ICE numbers per account)

– Mark your gear as ‘lost’ when lost or stolen. Any honest finder can contact you, and ownership can only be transferred with your consent

– Access document and technical information such as user manuals

– Receive important information about the product
(tips, safety notices, etc).

– Upload the product invoice so you’ll never lose it

Accessories

Container Lite 2.0

The harness includes a front container for the rescue parachute. This container was completely redesigned and integrates more naturally and aerodynamically on the pod. The container closes using 2 zippers locked by a central handle. A loop on the side of the container allows connecting it to the safety system to prevent the container from twisting. To adapt to most light rescues, the container comes in 4 sizes, from S to XL, and it is compatible with the harness in all its sizes. It can therefore be exchanged by your local reseller.

The rescue bridles come preinstalled in the container.

Instrument Panel Pocket

A new accessory was added to the StayUp 2.0: a cockpit with integrated pocket. This Instrument panel cockpit lets you attach your instruments permanently. On take off, just pass it around your neck and place it on the container. A hole in the pocket lets you pass the cables for charging.

After landing, the harness easily changes to walk mode with you or inside the rucksack, with all its contents.

A new kind of Velcro® was used. It catches less grass, it stays clean longer, and it is stronger against shearing: your instruments won’t fall while running for take off. On the contrary, this Velcro® is easy to remove after the flight with your instruments on it. A piece of matching Velcro® is delivered with the harness to place it on your instrument.

Speedbar

The harness features a light 3-step speedbar. The dyneema lines are routed through ball-bearing Allen Brothers pulleys. The pulleys are easily removable thanks to textile shackles that allow changing them for larger pulleys or Auto Ratchet pulleys.

Pockets and stowage

– BIV pocket (optional): the Koroyd’s protection pocket can be replaced by a larger bivouac pocket.

BIV Pocket, bivouac pocket that converts into a rucksack

What’s often the biggest problem on a bivouac trip? Carrying extra luggage on the flight.

NEO has come up with a solution: you can easily zip this pocket/bag onto the Stay Up 2.0 in place of the protective pocket. Unlike the usual solution, which simply involves removing the Koroyd, the BIV Pocket offers an additional storage volume of around 15 liters.

This volume is divided between a zippered main compartment and two separate side compartments, ideal for storing a tent pole, for example. A front patch pocket with key hook completes the package.

Plus: this bag is also an ultra-light backpack, with adjustable shoulder straps, and weighs just 180 g.

R&D TEAM – MATHIAS FRANCOU

“The Stay Up 2.0 is the result of long observation of the Stay Up 1.0 in its practical environment and advanced research work on the Promodel. We’ve kept the DNA: the combination of lightness and durability. As for the rest, we followed our conviction that everything can be improved! A lot of work has been done on the chassis to provide greater comfort, continuity of support and steering precision. It’s been a fascinating process, working in collaboration with our pilots to find the right balance and come up with a harness that’s easy to forget in flight.”