Skyward Chronicles: Latest Reviews in Paragliding Gear

The Gravis² paraglider by ICARO is positioned as the “heart of the B-class,” designed to blend above-average performance with high passive safety and user-friendliness. It caters to a broad range of pilots, from hike-and-fly enthusiasts seeking lightweight gear to newcomers to cross-country (XC) flying and experienced pilots preferring mid-B safety without major performance trade-offs. Additionally, it appeals to flatland pilots as an all-rounder and is paramotor-certified in select sizes.

The NOVA ION 7 is an EN/LTF B certified intermediate paraglider that boasts versatility, safety, and performance for a wide range of pilots. Designed using NOVA's advanced simulation-driven software, this three-line wing offers a synthesis of solid construction, aerodynamic innovation, and user-friendly features that make it both trustworthy for newcomers and capable for progressing pilots.

The PROGRESS 3 paraglider harness by Advance presents itself as a versatile, compact, and reversible harness-rucksack tailored to meet the diverse demands of paragliding pilots. It caters especially to those seeking a single, multi-functional system that comfortably supports travel flying, thermalling, short hike-and-fly tours, freestyle maneuvers, and training, all without the need for changing equipment. This innovative design blends full protection and comfort with notably low weight and minimal pack volume.

The Icaro Pandion is a thoughtfully designed basic to intermediate EN-B paraglider, aimed at pilots transitioning from school wings or entering B-class flying. It is positioned as a dependable “climber” with a completely new concept focused on delivering rich yet comfortable flying sensations with current technology. Targeted at thermal enthusiasts and leisure flyers, it offers easy and intuitive handling combined with strong passive safety and reliable performance, ideal for learning, thermalling, and first cross-country flights.

The UP MISTI is an acro–freestyle paraglider crafted for pilots seeking a robust and precise wing that excels in dynamic maneuvers. Developed in collaboration with renowned acro pilot Ondrej Procházka, the MISTI positions itself as an all-rounder designed for the acro scene, emphasizing durability and versatile trick capability over the lightweight minimalism typical of competition wings. This paraglider offers a compelling blend of strength, aerodynamic efficiency, and control tailored for acrobatic and freestyle flying.

The FLATBAG DLS is an innovative paraglider packing bag designed to offer a superior combination of lightness, compact packing volume, and wing protection. Developed as a successor to the Compressbag Tube, this bag is over 220 grams lighter, which is particularly beneficial for hike-and-fly pilots and those who are weight-conscious. Available in three lengths—2.35 m, 2.60 m, and 2.90 m—it matches various canopy maximum chord lengths with flexibility for slight trailing edge folding while maintaining proper closure. Its Glacier Blue color unifies the range and adds a subtle aesthetic appeal.

The BIPRO 4 is a professional tandem pilot harness designed specifically for daily intensive use. It balances simplicity, safety, and durability while maintaining a lightweight and compact form factor at only 2.7–2.8 kg. This harness is well-suited for working tandem pilots who require robust equipment for multiple flights per day, and also for leisure tandem pilots who prioritize comfort and practical features.

The Knitted Beanie by ADVANCE is crafted to meet the needs of individuals who seek both warmth and style during cold weather, catering to everyday urban life and rugged mountain adventures alike. Made in Germany with a blend of 50% new wool and 50% acrylic, it promises a functional balance of thermal insulation, comfort, and durability. Available in two colour options—rust and grey—this one-size-fits-all beanie simplifies choice while offering subtle style variations, identified by the article numbers 15953 (grey) and 15954 (rust).

The Advance T-Shirt Merino Hike & Fly is a high-performance technical merino wool T-shirt designed specifically for hiking and hike & fly enthusiasts. Crafted from 100% superfine merino wool, the shirt promises a soft, comfortable fit that works well either as a base layer or a standalone garment. This blend of comfort and functionality suits pilots and hikers facing a variety of weather conditions in mountainous environments where temperature and exertion levels change rapidly.

The Magic 2 paraglider, produced by Bruce Goldsmith Design (BGD), is a thoughtful blend of safety, performance, and usability tailored for new and progressing pilots seeking their first true flying wing beyond basic training. This EN/LTF-A certified wing, available in sizes from XS to L, is designed to offer maximum passive safety while also delivering satisfying handling qualities and respectable glide performance. The Magic 2 promises a reliable and enjoyable flying experience that grows with the pilot’s skills, making it a versatile choice for those advancing towards thermalling and beginner cross-country flights.

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.