Skyward Chronicles: Latest Reviews in Paragliding Gear

The BGD Anda EN/LTF-A is a super-lightweight paraglider designed to meet the unique demands of hike-and-fly, travel, and high-mountain paragliding adventures, while still being accessible to cautious beginners as their first wing. Incorporating an impressive balance of low weight, compact packing volume, and broad certified weight ranges, the Anda addresses pilot needs ranging from security and ease of use to meaningful real-world performance.

The Pandion paraglider by ICARO is a well-designed basic intermediate wing that targets pilots transitioning from school wings to the B-class level. It offers a reliable combination of safety and performance, appealing especially to thermal-oriented and leisure pilots aiming for a trustworthy first B-class wing. With a focus on intuitive, forgiving handling, the Pandion is also a suitable choice for talented students who may use it during training. The glider’s core advantage lies in its steady, confidence-inspiring behavior across all flight phases, from launching through thermalling to landing, facilitating pilot progression without unnecessary overload.

The Icaro Xenus marks a purposeful step into the world of freestyle paragliding, crafted especially for pilots ready to transition from standard cross-country (XC) or mid-B class wings into the dynamic arena of acro and freestyle basics. This compact EN-B certified wing is conceived as a “first real freestyle wing,” balancing agility, energy, and predictability with a forgiving flight envelope – vital for those exploring freestyle manoeuvres without jumping prematurely to demanding acro machines.

The Edelrid Aura Aluminum Carabiners present a compelling option for paragliding pilots seeking lightweight and reliable hardware for accessory purposes. Designed with a breaking load of 16 kN and weighing just 31 g, these aluminum carabiners cater primarily to secondary or non-primary load paths within harness systems and strap connections rather than as main wing-to-harness connectors.

Introducing the INVERTO Backpack

The INVERTO is an innovative, lightweight (985 g) paragliding backpack designed to serve dual functions: a 60-litre rucksack for hiking and a full-coverage airbag protector when paired with NOVA’s MONTIS mountaineering harness. It caters specifically to hike & fly pilots seeking an optimal balance of low weight, carrying comfort, and sufficient volume for equipment transport. The backpack boasts a well-organised layout, including a top pocket for essential quick-access items and side pockets tailored for a water bottle and camera, complemented by a ventilated carrying system that enhances comfort during long ascents.

The ADVANCE Hip Bag is a compact and sporty accessory designed primarily for active users, including paragliding pilots and outdoor enthusiasts. It features a practical and minimalist design, with five separate pockets—four of which are secured with zippers—that allow organized storage and easy access to essentials such as phones, keys, wallets, and small tools. Made from water-repellent material, the bag provides basic protection against light rain and moisture, making it suitable for use on take-off sites, hikes, and everyday outdoor activities. Its clean aesthetic, highlighted by subtle logo embroidery and available in neutral Black and Anthracite colors, aligns well with ADVANCE’s technical yet understated style.

The OMEGA ULS by ADVANCE represents a cutting-edge ultralight EN/LTF D two-liner paraglider tailored specifically for highly experienced pilots seeking maximum performance in cross-country (XC), hike-and-fly races, and top-tier competitions like the X-Alps. Combining the demanding performance of EN-D class wings with notably reduced weight and relatively manageable handling, the OMEGA ULS positions itself as a flagship racing wing optimized for agility, efficiency, and endurance in alpine and adventure scenarios.

The Advance OMEGA ULS is an ultra-lightweight, EN/LTF D-class two-liner paraglider tailor-made for very experienced, performance-focused pilots. It is specifically designed for cross-country flying, hike-and-fly racing, and high-level competitions such as the demanding Red Bull X-Alps. Its core concept blends top-tier competitive performance with remarkably low weight and relatively accessible handling for its demanding class.

The BGD Lynx 2 – EN C Lightweight Cross-Country Paraglider represents a compelling choice for experienced pilots seeking a high-performance wing that balances comfort, safety, and practical durability. Designed with a hybrid 2.5-liner structure—three-liner in the center and two-liner at the tips—the Lynx 2 provides much of the speed, glide efficiency, and rear-riser authority characteristic of modern two-liners, while retaining the forgiving stall behavior and extended brake range of three-liners. This innovative design positions the Lynx 2 as a uniquely accessible yet performance-oriented wing within the EN-C category, ideal for cross-country (XC) and hike-and-fly pilots who want reliability without the usual complexity or fragility of high-end models.

The X-PACK 50 is an innovative ultra-light hike & fly backpack created by NOVA, designed specifically for paragliding pilots who favour compact, lightweight gear. Weighing just 525 grams, it stands out by balancing minimal weight with notable carrying comfort and practical features, making it an attractive choice for hike & fly competitions and intensive mountain adventures. Its main compartment offers about 50 litres of volume, extendable by an additional 10 litres through a roll-top closure—yielding an effective carrying capacity of around 60 litres when fully expanded.

The Flat Visor Cap by ADVANCE is designed as a lifestyle accessory tailored for paragliding pilots and brand enthusiasts who seek a casual, aviation-inspired look both on and off the flying hill. This black, flat-brimmed, unisex snapback features high-quality embroidered ADVANCE logos on the front and back, ensuring durability and an upscale finish compared to printed alternatives. Its universal “one size fits most” snapback design offers broad adjustability, making it especially convenient for clubs, schools, and teams sharing merchandise. Crafted from 100% cotton, the cap promises comfort and breathability in warm launch site conditions, though it requires mindful care to preserve its shape and embroidery over time. While it does not provide technical flying benefits, its appeal lies in style, sun protection, and brand representation, ideal for pilots wanting to showcase affiliation at events and everyday wear.

The Foot Rest AX / BO / SU / PR 3 (set) is a specialized foot stirrup accessory designed exclusively for select ADVANCE paragliding harness models. Supplied alongside a compatible speed system, this accessory is crafted to augment pilot comfort and performance without compromising safety and certification standards. Its primary function is to enable pilots to maintain a more extended leg position, facilitating efficient and comfortable use of the speed bar during accelerated flight phases. ADVANCE explicitly recommends using the supplied speed system in conjunction with the foot stirrup to ensure the harness’s certified performance and safety compliance remain intact.