Skyward Chronicles: Latest Reviews in Paragliding Gear

The Edelrid Aura is a well-engineered lightweight aluminum carabiner designed specifically as an accessory for paragliding harness or riser connections. With a breaking load of 16 kN, it meets the safety standards required for typical paragliding applications when operated within certification limits. Weighing only 31 grams, it offers pilots a durable yet minimal additional weight, which is particularly advantageous for those engaged in hike-and-fly adventures or who prioritize weight-conscious gear setups. Compatibility with common strap widths of 22 mm and 25 mm adds versatility, easing integration into a wide variety of harness and riser configurations.

Advance paragliding harness accessories represent a specialized category of add-ons and hardware designed to enhance, customise, and optimise the performance and comfort of Advance brand paragliding harnesses. This review explores the gamut of available accessories, analysing insights both from the manufacturer’s detailed descriptions and valuable customer feedback drawn mainly from long‑form harness reviews and pilot forums. By understanding these components — from footrests to cockpit modules and carabiners — paragliders can make informed choices tailored to their flight style and rig requirements.

The Flat Visor Cap by ADVANCE is a black, flat-visor lifestyle cap featuring prominent logo embroidery, designed as a casual accessory for paragliding pilots and fans. Its unisex design, coupled with an adjustable snapback closure, ensures it fits a wide range of head sizes comfortably. Made from 100% cotton, it offers breathability and comfort, making it an ideal choice for launch sites, flying bars, or everyday wear. Available in black (article number 15924) and anthracite (article number 151006), this cap blends functional qualities with a modern streetwear appeal.

The Lite Biplace is a lightweight round rescue parachute designed specifically for tandem paragliding by ICARO. It adapts the proven technology and materials from ICARO's single "lite" reserve parachutes into a tandem (biplace) configuration, supporting a maximum certified load of 220 kg. This model prioritizes maintaining stable flight and low sink rates through a large canopy area of 66 m² made up of 36 cells, without sacrificing weight or safety. It features a round, head-central-line design with a drawn-in vertex, where use of high-quality lightweight materials allows the preservation of canopy surface without the need to reduce size to save weight.

The Concertina Bag Mini from NOVA is a highly specialized, ultra-light concertina/compression bag tailored specifically for small mountain and hike-and-fly paragliding wings. Weighing in at only 135 g, it offers pilots an optimal balance between weight savings and effective protection for their gliders, particularly those equipped with nitinol rods such as the Bantam 2 and Bantam X. Measuring 205 cm in length and 30 cm in width, this bag significantly reduces packed volume compared to standard paraglider bags, making it a preferred choice for pilots seeking to minimize backpack bulk.

The Concertina Bag Ultralight by NOVA is specifically engineered as a minimalist concertina packing solution designed to meet the exacting needs of paraglider pilots who prioritize ultralight gear and efficient packing. Weighing only 155 grams, this bag offers an exceptionally lightweight option to reduce carried weight during alpine or hike-and-fly adventures. The 260 cm length and 37 cm width dimensions cater well to the "regular" paraglider wing size when packed carefully in a concertina fold, preserving the structural integrity of the wing cells.

The Advance LIGHTPACK ULS is a specialist ultralight backpack crafted mainly for paragliding hike & fly enthusiasts. Offered in three volumes — 52, 60, and 70 litres — and starting at a remarkably low weight of about 550 grams, it is designed precisely for pilots who seek to minimise pack weight without sacrificing comfort and usability during strenuous mountain approaches.

The DAYPACK by ADVANCE is a 20-litre capacity backpack designed for everyday and leisure use, serving as a compact alternative to the larger COMFORTPACK model. Available in Coral Blue and Ruby Red, and weighing approximately 600 grams, it offers a lightweight yet robust option for users seeking practicality and protection, especially for electronics during daily commuting or travel.