Official Jet Pack Harness

Originally posted by Braks Buddy:

Exactlyt what I was thinking SITHcamaro. It looks a LOT like the seatbelt from a plane. Fett's jet pack sits on a small metal frame (this can be seen in a few of the MoM (not mine) pics as well as Chronicles). It is setup like most backpacks with two shoulder straps and a waist strap (which is actually more of a belly strap because it sits SO high up). I haven't really begun to search for this because I haven't really started working on the jet pack yet.

Originally posted by SITHcamaro:

How is everyone keeping their jet packs held up? I made a suspender type harness (one belt across the stomach, and one belt across the chest...tightly), but my darn jet pack keeps sagging down! The bottom of the jet pack ends up resting on my bottom!
<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT="">
It seems that the 2 straps going to the top of the jet pack makes the entire harness slip upwards slightly. My first version had adjustable jet pack straps..this time I sewed the straps in place permanently. I figured that they were re-adjusting themselves...maybe that was not the case.

Originally posted by Lynn TXP 0369:

I had the same problem..... It bugged the hell out of me..... But a lot of mine was also do to a loosish baggie jumpsuit that was sliding back as well causing the pack to fall back farther than normal with the full weight of the pack. I got a new jumpsuit and redid the harness straps and it seemed much better. Than I sold my pack and harness, I'm waiting to get my new pack and brandnew harness to see if the problem reappears...
Lynn

Originally posted by SITHcamaro:

Well, my flightsuit isn't loose, so that's not the prob.
<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/frown.gif ALT="">

I was looking for a good harness and this place has some pretty resonable prices (about half of what I have seen on other places) They are auto racing harnesses, see what you think. http://www.racerwholesale.com/ look under Harnesses

looks great....how the devil do you hook that up to the pack?



1 confused Bear

Which harness would you purchase from the site, and how would you go about in attaching it to the jet pack?

I'm so confused here and need some serious enlightenment before I being building my JP.

I bought the harness that had the round dial type connector (Not bad however the dial is about 1 1/2in thick, kinda digs inta the ribs!) What I did to connect the harness was to take the straps and cut them to length with enough to make a loop. To hold the loop I used a metal grommet and inside of that a pop rivet (seems like overkill but my jet pack is hevy) I then squashed it in a vice to make sure everything was tight. Now the jet pack can be connected a couple different ways. I noticed that on the film jet pack, it has a couple of 1 1/2in wide hooks, the straps have 1 1/2 wide rectangular metal loops. The hooks on the jet pack hook onto the loops on the straps. I would not set it up so that the straps are permanantly attached to the jet pack. If your jet pack is realitivly light (about 10 lbs) you may not need to get such a heavy duty harness. If you want any specific help on attachment ideas PM me.

Thanks for the detailed response. I was wondering if you could maybe post pics of how it attaches or maybe scan some sketches of how it goes? I really need to see this visually so I know what I'm doing. Thanks again.

Where is the best place to buy a Fett jet pack harness? How much do these usually go for?

Nobody offers them regularly to buy. I've heard "some dude who will remain nameless" offers some with his jet packs, but that's all. Everyone either builds theirs from scratch or modifies some kind of existing backpack equipment. I know at least a few of us (myself included)have used the old military PRC-77 radio harness, then modified in various ways to suit their particular setup.


Edit:Removed name in post.

Ok, this was given to me by a friend. This will give all of you a basic idea of how a harness system connects to the jet pack.



I surely hope this helps. If anyone else has pics or sketches of how their respective jet pack system works, PLEASE post it here. This topic is so vaguely covered, yet its so very important to the nature of the whole costume.

Hey Michael,

That looks sweet but what's that giant clip labeled "C"? Where would I find one like that?

Right now, I'm using straps that I cut off of an old army backpack. I've got them under my vest and they come out the back of it and through the back plate and have D rings on them. The straps coming out of the back of the jet pack have clips that snap on over the D Rings... the problem is.. putting it on is a pain because someone has to feed those straps through every time...

Bob-A-Fett
BH-1171
NEG Webmaster
www.501neg.com

I'm very confused as to what "C" is. How would that snap?

Looks good!

Quote:I'm very confused as to what "C" is. How would that snap?

The big clip thing on the jet pack would just slide/set-in the thing on the belt.... but where would ya find those things?

Ohh...I see. Hmm. Anybody around here in the snaps business?This is still a little confusing. Ok, on "A", do they go around like suspenders? It seems to me they are on the wrong side of the belt to go through the back plate to the jet pack. shouldn't they beside the front buckle? Does anyone actually have a harness like this that you could take pics of?

EDIT: I see, the "A" straps go under the armpit around to "B"?

Does this harness work for you?

I am with blastech thinking that the a strap should go over your shoulders to support the backpack. I have been putting off my harness but maybe the I can get one together in the next week or two.

Looks good. Or how about a harness tutorial???



Now that would rock!!



Jodo

Blastech wrote:Ohh...I see. Hmm. Anybody around here in the snaps business?This is still a little confusing. Ok, on "A", do they go around like suspenders? It seems to me they are on the wrong side of the belt to go through the back plate to the jet pack. shouldn't they beside the front buckle? Does anyone actually have a harness like this that you could take pics of?

EDIT: I see, the "A" straps go under the armpit around to "B"?

Look at the diagram to upper-right.... the one on the left is confusing, the "A" part would go OVER your shoulders and through the slots in the back armor piece then connect to the JP.

EDIT: I think that diagram is off. Or i'm not understanding whats going on.

No, I sent this to my cousin, who doesn't even know Fett, and he explained it to me. It's like a backback, that doesn't connect to the pack, but the belt. you put on the belt first, attaching it to C on the jet pack. Then, you bring the A straps up under your arms and over your shoulder, back threw the cut out slots in the backplate. This is really a good design... It seems like the one they used since we can see the belt so much, but no straps. I'm gonna try to reconnsruct this one.

Ahh, Blastech explained it accurately. Thats exactly how it works. Sorry for the confusion. But my friend was in a hurry and just sketched out a quicky diagram. I wish he still had his harness system, but he sold his Fett costume on eBay.

If anyone has their own way of using their own harness, please post here. We need as much info as we can use.

When constructing parts A & B, what are you guys going to use? Are you going to use snaps like backpack snaps? Or hooks or some sort?

Does anyone know where you can buy the things they used on the real suit? They are these hook looking things. I seem to remember Mesaback's suit having these. Have you guys seen em anywhere?

I also would like to know.... i'll probably built my own harness when the time comes but i'm clueless as to where i can find the hook things, they look pretty basic. Anybody have any ideas? the strap material is pretty common/easy to find.
Heres a pic:

also anyone know what the two metal "buttons" are called and where to get them?

Is that pic from the MoM exhibit or from your own costume?

Looks to be MOM.

mcabrera1275 wrote:Is that pic from the MoM exhibit or from your own costume?

From the MotM exhibit. (came from the Boba Fett ref CD Braks compiled and did a CD tree thing)

mcabrera1275.... That is the exact same harness system I have and it works 1000% It is the system that came with my RA pack.

The whole system consists of nothing more than a work web belt, 1" web straps, 2 X 1" plastic click clips, asstorted hardware to hold web straps and cuboard handle to the web belt, a cuboard handle, and some sheet metal.

The straps so go under the arms and over the shoulders, but criss cross them over the chest when you do so, this helps disperse (sp?) the weight of the pack on your shoulders.

Lynn

Hey Lynn,
If you have any pictures of your harness set-up, I'd really be interested in seeing them. The criss-cross idea seems interesting.

Here you go... This is the exact system depicted in use in the drawing above.







HTH,
Lynn

Great Pics Lynn!! Did that harness come extra? Or with the price of the pack? Once again, thanks for the pics.

Wouldn't it be a heck of alot easier to just sew the clips to the back of your vest, feed them through the backplate, and maybe put some elcro between the backplate and the jet pack? You could almost do it yourself that way as well.

The weight of the jet pack would be way too much weight for the vest to hold it. You gotta have something that is gonna hold up a 10-15lb pack. Don't even think about velcro to hold a heavy pack, your just asking for trouble. LisaFett holds hers on with vlecro, but hers is only about 3lbs. a 10+ lb. pack is much different.
Lynn

I was wondering if backpack clasps (snaps) would work in holding the jet pack to the harness. I really want to use snaps than hooks..and I was wondering if the snaps would be able to hold a 10lb pack. I would think it would since my backpack for school is sometimes pretty heavy.

What do you think? Thanks.

Personally I plan to use the metal hooks as've been shown here recently. When it comes to a 10-pound, $100-$250+ piece of art strapped to my back I don't feel comfortable with plastic

I think the bottom line for me is that when you're in that costume you can't see everything going on around you. When you're (most of us) taking and posing for pics with people they get so close you can't even see them because your blind spots are so big. It only takes one a$$hole to get right in there and unsnap the **** thing... I imagine even one side unsnapped could potentially cause some serious problems.

something more the design of the mom fett picture would be better I should think. First it's metal and substantially stronger. And second, anyone screwing with it will have to lift those ten pounds up or pull your strap down, either way the physical alarms would immediately go off as someone is molesting you back there. With the plastic one it just takes a pinch...

That's my take on it. My primary concern, having wandered the vegas strip frequently, would not be point-stress or stability, but rather the one idiot that thinks it'll be fun to screw with you!

It just depends on where you'll be taking it. When you think crowds, think fool-proof.

And when you think of garbage, think of Akeem...

Hope this helps,
Phil

I agree w/ Journeyman, except does anyone know where to buy those hook things??

thats what are wranglers are for and so far till I started Jango I did a pretty good job and keeping jerks off of you NCG guys.


Bear

True enough

I've yet to be seriously molested (at least unwillingly
while trooping with the NCG.

Phil

I haven't had a problem but the other Fett in the NEG did. He was at a movie theater opening weekend when some teenaged punks came up behind him and pushed down on his jet pack almost dragging him to the ground! Come to find out, they also stuck gum onto his helmet. Jerks!

My take on the metal hook things.......
Personaly, I have been costuming with my Fett suit for over three years now and I hate the metal hook things as I have had them on my first pack and they have failed on me, NEVER AGAIN!

I don't trust them to fold as I have had one come undone when the pack lifted up when I sat down and I never knew it until I went to stand up and 13lbs of pack went winging off to one side. Thank god my spotter was right there saw it and she caught my pack before it hit a wall.

That is why I went to the plastic click clips, they are sturdyier than you think and it takes alot more to unhook them if not impossible then those metal clips. It takes alot to unhook them and even more to hook them.
I have never had a problem again.

If you are worried about someone unhooking your pack, that is why you have spotters to watch you and protect your back on the side lines. They are there to prevent things like this.

For someone to unhook your pack with the metal hook clips all it takes is a quick up and in motion and it is off quicker then anyone can ever unhook the plastic clips.

My .02....

mcabrera1275......
Take a look at my pack harness clips on my pack in my privious post, are those the ones your talking about? They are back pack clips from a camping store and I trust them 10000% I have been using them for over almost three years and they havn't failed on me yet.
Lynn

Thanks Lynn,

I'm convinced and going to go with the backpack clips on my jet pack. I know it does take some formidable pressure to unclip those..I can't think of something else releaseing them other than someone purposely unclipping them.

I'll get mine at Joann's fabric store. Thanks again.

I ordered a jet pack harness from Richie the other day. I'll post pics of the actual harness so that everyone knows exactly how this contraption really works. I'm hard at work on assembling my jet pack together, so hopefully when its all done, I'll show detailed pics of how the whole thing attaches from harness through backplate to jet pack.

You'll like RA's harness! The pics I posted in this thread is an actuall RA harness and how it is set up, just not with all the armor and vest, and is more than likely what you'll get unless he has changed it's design since I got mine last Dec.
I love it, although I need to add some padding to the shoulder straps as I found out after wearing it for a couple hrs. they dug into my shouldes pretty good.

I think it will take more than a pinch to release the plastic clips. Just because its plastic doesn't mean they're not durable. I will tie a 10lb weight to the clips and see if I can dislodge or unclasp them in any slight way other than the real way of unbuckling them. An experiment worth taking.

My local army surplus store has about 6 of em in stock. I tried one on. Even though its a metal frame it still hugs your back. Quite comfortable.

Tabomabi wrote:My local army surplus store has about 6 of em in stock. I tried one on. Even though its a metal frame it still hugs your back. Quite comfortable.

How much do they go for? What is the name of the store?
Thanks

TK-1889

It is called a field radio harness sold at most local army surplus stores. I got mine yestarday for $19. The metal posts are easily removed with a Dremel.

I found this one online, but it's $35.

Brasstony is about right. I tried one on the last time i was there, but it looked nothing like the one fetthunter found though, it was just a metal frame with straps, not padding.

RA makes one, totally is awesome takes up the whole weight of the pack, you totally forget your wearing the thing.



Daddy-

I bought a Sears hardware back support and modified that. It works great and helps my lower back

Mine looks like FettHunter's link.

Hey folks,
I rigged a harness for my jet pack over the last week and it's different than most I've seen so I thought I'd document and post it in case anyone else was hard up for one.

http://www.ezshots.com/album.cgi?mereel/JETPACK

Every pic has a larger version and plenty of commentary (in my opinion).

I used two shotgun shoulder straps and some nylon strapping for the main harness. I also have a heavy-duty belt, suspenders, and some metal hook guides.

Ask any questions you might have,
Thanks for looking,
Phil

Do anyone knows if I could still buy one of these Radio Harness (based on the time of this reply)?

DarthVader1 wrote:
Do anyone knows if I could still buy one of these Radio Harness (based on the time of this reply)?

I know that on Ebay I could still find some (which I did), but they don't sell them for less than &#36;20 and not counting the shipping and handling. Like I said before, I'm looking for the cheapest, most accurate, and easiest way to do this. This is the reason I haven't completed my JP, just because I'm missing the harness, and I think I found it.

DarthVader1 wrote:

Like I said before, I'm looking for the cheapest, most accurate, and easiest way to do this.

Unfortunately, cheap and most accurate generally don't go hand in hand with this costume. Many times you may have to sacrifice one for the other or make it yourself.

Mirax H wrote:

DarthVader1 wrote:

Like I said before, I'm looking for the cheapest, most accurate, and easiest way to do this.

Unfortunately, cheap and most accurate generally don't go hand in hand with this costume. Many times you may have to sacrifice one for the other or make it yourself.

Actually, I've been doing some research into what the original harness might have been, and so far the average price of the harness is between &#36;10-20. I showed some pics of the harness to a buddy of mine who used to be into rescue stuff--he swears that it's an SCBA pack. SCBA--Self Contained Breathing Apparatus. Basically, the pack that holds oxygen tanks for firefighters. And after looking at some pics of newer models of SCBA packs, I think he's right.

General note for everyone though--don't go out and buy an SCBA pack yet! I need to do more research into which model it was, and then I'll pass that info along to everyone. That way, everyone who wants a more accurate harness can get the right version of SCBA pack. Trust me on this one--so far I haven't seen the exact model pack, and some of the pack designs out there are just plain wrong.

So give me some time on this fellow TDHers, and I'll get you that info ASAP. If anyone else has some input on this, please let me know. Thanks!

sweet!!!

Really impressive. I sense that phantomfett will be a great asset for the forum, so as efxarts. Really interesting info.

About the "most accurate" statement, I agree with MirahX, there's not much info about this from the real one, but what I meant was to have one that really fits me, that could be customizable in case that I decide to change the way to connect or hang the JP to my back (I have a few ideas, that I'll share with the forum later if I'm successful). I've seen lots of different harnesses around: some basic, some padded, some strong, some weak, some small, some big... finally I got my hands on the military radio harness to see how it works. Some people says that it's really comfortable and strong, besides padded. I'll let you know as soon as I get it by mail (well, like one of the guys said: it cost me &#36;30, and not including shipping and handling :S

Thanks everyone for your input and to let me see your points of view (besides of my little mistake).

I like the Back support idea

i bought a french army web gear belt and shoulder harness from an army store for &#36;10.00..

Does anybody have a picture of one? What do you think of it? I am considering ordering it, feedback would help


thanks

<image src=http://www.r2ro.com/images/harness1.jpg>

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Just when you thought your costume couldn't possibly get any hotter All kidding aside, nice harness, it looks comfy and well supportive!

Great job!

Looks like you can barely feel the weight of the jet pack.

Of course, now we'd like a tutorial! Is that an Eddie Bauer backpack/daypack?

Hey, I like the stitching!

Man that's cool!

Thanks fellas.

Yep thats the Eddie Bauer with a fair amount of alterations. A few thanks to Camero Dude, thats my Stitching Biatch.

Tutorial? pics say alot - no? I was hoping this images would give a good tutorial. But if there is any question - just send them my way

There was extra padding attach to the the bottom of the camel thingie, and there will be velcro attached to the bottoms of the jet packs and the bottom of the backplate so that it would stop the swaying.

I'm also adding foam inside the camel thingie instead of water. heh heh. for more confort.

Mirax H wrote:
Just when you thought your costume couldn't possibly get any hotter All kidding aside, nice harness, it looks comfy and well supportive!

Hotter as in Hot! Hot! or weather Hot? :p

Only when you suck it in.

***?

Arturo,I really like that harness.It's the one aspect of my costume that is still in the questionable stage.I like how it comes to the bottom of the chest area so it won't be seen underneath the vest.

Was it's height something that had to be modified/trimmed to that size?

Is ebay a good source for these? Are they old,or a new item?

Everything else about it seems pretty self explanatory by your pics once I get one of those backpack/daypack Eddie Bauers.I think I could modify one with no problem if I could get ahold of one.

Steve

SEEKER wrote:

Hotter as in Hot! Hot! or weather Hot? :p

Well, I was referring to the weather but since it's you wearing it either can apply

Looks great Turo. Couple of Q's though:

1. How did you attatch the clips to the pack that attatch to the harness?
2. Is this only for the Jango costume bacause it looks like it makes the JP ride a little high for a Boba? (or is this just me?)

DL44 - I modified the front by adding the leather vest thingie. and added the back lower support. And also added new adjustable straps.

Is ebay a good source for these? Are they old,or a new item?
Are you refering to the camel pack? if so no I still see them at Target.

Thanks man.

TK-Fett - the clips are adjustable I always thougth that you had to put them on permanet so it would't move, but for some reason with that nylon/cotton straps the dont move for shiet.

I sewn the straps to the top of the camel pack. You can't hardly see the stitching there cuz its black thread.

Its not you, but you're right the jet pack does ride high - just the way I like it. But it will be for all 3 packs. Jango's, Boba's and stubby pack. With these new straps, the height could easly be adjusted.

Hope that helps.

Turo

Sounds like it has gone through some serious mods. Any before/after pics just for a point of reference ? Did I mention that I really like that pack

Steve

Sweet man. I can't beleave you posted all those pics with your girlfriends in them. What a let down Just kiddding.

nice harness!

SEEKER, i see all the pretty pics, and b/c my harness is uncomfortable and just ******, i think i might convert to your method, i have a stubby (jet pack, keep your minds out of the gutter) can you show how you put the OTHER clips on the jet pack, that seems to be my hard part. pics perhaps? in a PM or e-mail? thanks.

Matt, this is what you are looking for :http://tdh.prop-planet.com/viewtopic...c=3290&forum=9

Mirax H wrote:
Matt, this is what you are looking for :http://tdh.prop-planet.com/viewtopic...c=3290&forum=9

That helped alot, considering as how I have the same stubby pack, but the straps look realy long comming off the pack, are they cut short later, or what? maybe post some pics like that. And Seeker any chance on a materials list that went into the wondferful harness? i need to make a new one, and fix my pack.

When I first glanced at the Harnes, it sorta looked like a Jansport Backpack. :p but it looks sweet, I just might go with your new harness idea - Good stuff Seeker

I checked Target the other day with no luck They only had Eddie Bauer backpacks that were large,and bulky.I'll keep an eye out for a small camel pack.

Steve

Nice job on the harness Seeker. Great stuff!

If anyone needs a Stateside vendor for the Stealth Camelbak, buzz me and I'll send you to my Military bud and supplier.

Stay safe.

Tim.

Turo...


An Eddie Bauer harness!!!!!

Man you`re living large!!!! Nice setup.

RA makes top of the line stuff. He made the suit Jeremy Bulloch wore last month at his appearance. I haven't seen his harness, but knowing RA's work, and having some of his stuff myself, I would buy it, sight unseen. Just my opinion.

Wes

Let's face it, RA is just one of the God Guru's of Fett Gear. He does awesome work.

Jango_Wes wrote:
RA makes top of the line stuff. He made the suit Jeremy Bulloch wore last month at his appearance.

does anyone have pics of that event?

Boba Freekk wrote:
does anyone have pics of that event?

No pics of Jeremy, but here is some of the event:

http://tdh.prop-planet.com/viewtopic...c=3912&forum=1

I was thinking of ordering the harness myself..How much is it? Any pics of it?

-Mikael

I bought the Harness system from RA for &#36; 50.00, its a neat system you can wear it two ways 1. over the shoulder or 2. cross your heart style. He also did my JP, so he attached the mteal lip at the bottom of the pack for even weight dist. He makes it with extra slack for a perfect fit. sorry about the cheese-ball picutres, but here ya go

If I knew about this harness...I'd have bought this one long time ago, and before I started assembling my JP...

Robert

Can anybody repost this diagram? It's not showing up for me here.
Thanks.

I like to see this topic go 'bump bump bump.'

I'd like to see these pics as well, should I decide to redo the harness.

Mods, I echoe both of this guys here...I would like to see the pics of the diagrams. I'm planning to redo my harness, which I have an idea.

Robert

I went ahead and made my own, this was the very, very last item I needed - I'M FINALLY DONE! This is the BUDGET version and not screen-accurate version. I needed one as low-profile as possible!

I modified the voice amp harness I made for my Sandtrooper and it seems to work well. All you need is black straps, sold by the foot from the hardware store and buckles from the fabric store. Then you'll need to sew them together. I may still need to add padding for comfort. Total cost: about &#36;8. Have a look and let me know if this doesn't make sense. Here's my diagram and the finished photos (oh, and no training-bra jokes!)

...ahem.

http://www.TK409.com/images/fett/harness/1.jpg
http://www.TK409.com/images/fett/harness/2.jpg
http://www.TK409.com/images/fett/harness/3.jpg
http://www.TK409.com/images/fett/harness/4.jpg
http://www.TK409.com/images/fett/harness/5.jpg
http://www.TK409.com/images/fett/harness/6.jpg
http://www.TK409.com/images/fett/vest/3.jpg

There is nothing we can do about the broken images. It looks like the pics were Lynn's before they went kaput.

TK409,
I like the design. How long have you worn this at one time? Does the bottom strap ever get to a point where it's rubbing your armpits? Less than comfortably, I mean...