Skyward Chronicles: Latest Reviews in Paragliding Gear

Introduction to COMPRESSBAG ULS

The COMPRESSBAG ULS is a conically shaped compression inner bag designed specifically for paragliders. Its primary advantage is its ability to significantly reduce the packed volume of a paraglider wing without adding substantial weight. Weighing from as little as 60 grams and available in five sizes (XXS, XS, S, M, L), this bag targets pilots who prioritize weight-saving and compact packing, such as hike-and-fly enthusiasts and cross-country pilots. A notable feature is its anti-snagging zipper, intended to protect the paraglider fabric and lines during closure, improving the packing experience.

The ADVANCE Hip Bag is a compact, water-repellent waist bag designed with everyday and outdoor use in mind, particularly appealing to paragliding enthusiasts and those leading active lifestyles. It offers five separate pockets, four of which are zipped, ensuring organized and secure storage for essentials like keys, phones, wallets, and tools. The water-repellent fabric provides basic protection against light rain or splashes, and the bag’s design is understated with a discreet embroidered ADVANCE logo. Available in Black and Anthracite, it caters to classic and subtle style preferences. However, detailed specifications such as dimensions, volume, fabric composition, and weight are not provided by the manufacturer, leaving some practical considerations to the user’s discretion.

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The ADVANCE Beanie Light is a thoughtfully designed, minimalist technical beanie crafted for active outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those engaging in paragliding, hike & fly activities, or any sport requiring a comfortable fit under a helmet. Knitted from a 50% wool and 50% acrylic blend, this beanie balances natural warmth and moisture-wicking properties with synthetic durability and shape retention. Unlike heavier hats, it lacks an inner fleece lining, which keeps its bulk manageable, prevents overheating during exertion, and avoids uncomfortable pressure points when worn beneath helmets. Its simple black color and one-size-fits-all design underline its functional, no-frills philosophy rather than fashion variety.

The NOVA VENTUS – free as the wind – is a modern, seatboard-style all-round paragliding harness designed for pilots who prioritise maximum passive safety and user-friendliness in a classic upright harness configuration rather than a pod style. Positioned as a versatile everyday harness, it suits training, local soaring, thermalling, and relaxed cross-country (XC) flying, rather than specialised hike-and-fly or competition pods.

The NOVA PENTAGON Light is an ultralight, five-sided reserve parachute designed specifically for hike & fly, climb & fly, and vol-biv paraglider pilots seeking maximum safety coupled with minimal weight and compact volume. Weighing only 810 grams in size 85 without the deployment bag, it is about 300 grams lighter than the standard PENTAGON, making it a favored choice among weight-conscious pilots and those participating in competition hike & fly. Available in two sizes—85 kg and 100 kg maximum payload—both sizes meet the EN 12491 certification with low descent rates of approximately 5.2 to 5.4 m/s, which is competitive among modern lightweight reserves in this category.

The BGD Cure 3 is a high-performance EN-C two-liner paraglider designed by Bruce Goldsmith Design (BGD) for experienced pilots who seek to excel in cross-country (XC) flights and serial-class racing. Combining advanced design features and cutting-edge technology adapted from BGD's competition and performance lines, such as the Diva 2 and Base 3, the Cure 3 stands out at the top of its EN-C category, offering a blend of impressive performance with commendable passive safety, clear feedback, and intuitive handling.

The LIGHTPACK DLS by ADVANCE is a lightweight, ergonomically designed paragliding backpack tailored for pilots prioritizing comfort, practicality, and low weight during hike-and-fly or cross-country flights. Available in 81 and 91-litre volumes with a starting weight as low as 620 g, it is ideal for pilots using modern light or semi-light wings and harnesses who still require sufficient capacity for all flying essentials, including clothing and accessories.

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The Icaro Pandion is a thoughtfully designed EN-B paraglider that provides a reliable and comfortable flying experience for ambitious beginners and recreational pilots. As the successor to the Instinct TE, this paraglider is engineered to offer an intuitive entry into the B-class segment while maintaining a high safety margin, making it an excellent choice for pilots stepping up from EN-A wings or those seeking a trustworthy climber for thermal-oriented flying. Its design blends modern features with pilot-friendly handling, ensuring that both safety and performance are well balanced.

The Nerv 2.0 helmet by Icaro 2000 / ICARO Paragliders is a premium airborne sports helmet designed as the successor to the well-regarded Nerv model. Certified under EN 966 for air sports, it offers a specialized level of protection beyond general cycling or ski helmets. Icaro highlights its leading balance of lightweight comfort and safety within its price segment, making it a popular choice for serious paragliding and hang-gliding pilots.

The ADVANCE PIBI Light Tandem Paraglider offers a unique proposition in the tandem paragliding world by blending lightweight portability with full tandem flying capabilities. Designed with the “PI philosophy” of minimizing weight and volume, the PIBI aims to serve pilots seeking a tandem wing that is much lighter and more compact than traditional commercial tandem gliders but without compromising safety, comfort, or handling quality.