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.
Design and Build Quality
The backpack is optimised to accommodate lightweight and compact paragliding equipment. A key design element involves packing the wing long and flat, which serves as a semi-rigid back panel akin to a trekking backpack frame. This feature improves load transfer and enhances carrying comfort. NOVA’s integrated compression system tightens the loaded gear along the back, boosting stability and keeping the centre of gravity near the body, which is crucial for comfort during rapid walking or running sessions.
Constructed mostly from paraglider fabric, the X-PACK 50 is lighter than traditional hiking backpacks. The “standard” version uses sturdier cloth and reinforcements than the more extreme, race-focused variant, aiming for increased durability suitable for everyday hike & fly use. However, users should expect the pack to be less rugged than heavy-duty backpacks, with minor damages like holes or tears being reparable with adhesive patches. Hence, the pack emphasizes a balance between lightweight design and sufficient durability rather than maximum toughness.
Carrying Comfort and Ergonomics
The backpack excels in ergonomic load distribution, crucial for hike & fly pilots on long ascents. With precise packing, weight can be shifted from the shoulders to the hips, thanks to adjustable load-control straps and a hip belt. The strap system allows modification of how close the pack sits to the back, adding comfort whether climbing steep hills or moving on flat terrain. NOVA even suggests a practical tip: placing a folded jacket at lumbar height between the back panel and paraglider can fine-tune support. Additionally, breathable spacer fabrics on the back panel, hip belt, and shoulder straps help reduce sweat penetration, protecting both the pilot and equipment.
Storage and Accessibility Features
The X-PACK 50 features multiple quick-access storage points. Long elastic mesh pockets on both sides run nearly the pack's full height, accessible from the top or through lower openings, perfect for stashing clothing, flasks, or other accessories without opening the main compartment. Shoulder straps also include mesh pockets inspired by trail-running vests for holding small essentials like snacks or sunscreen. Two Velcro straps on the shoulders provide convenient and secure mounting spots for GPS trackers or smartphones, facilitating in-move usability. Moreover, eight external gear loops, including four designed explicitly for helmet nets, allow pilots to attach additional poles, clothing, or gear externally, maximizing space.
Capacity and Equipment Compatibility
The manufacturer clarifies that the pack’s fit is highly dependent on wing size, harness type, packing technique, and accessories. Rather than a one-size-fits-all solution, the X-PACK 50 is particularly tailored to modern, compact, lightweight equipment. Pilots with bulkier or traditional gear might find the backpack less accommodating, emphasizing the importance of test-packing the individual kit before purchase. Its expandable volume via roll-top closure increases versatility but remains within the lightweight, minimalist paradigm.
Durability and Weather Resistance
As expected for an ultralight pack, the X-PACK 50 is not waterproof. NOVA notes that fully waterproof construction at this weight class is currently non-existent. Users are advised to employ internal plastic liners or large plastic bags to protect against moisture and rain. Additional protective compression bags for the wing are also recommended. The fragility trade-off is clear: increased overall performance and weight savings come at the cost of lower abrasion resistance and the need for careful handling.
Customer Reception and User Expectations
Up to now, detailed end-user reviews specifically for the X-PACK 50 are absent online, with most product pages showing no customer ratings. However, the product’s positioning and retailer presentations strongly suggest that its buyers value ultralight design, swift access to gear, and ergonomic comfort highly, while accepting limitations on durability and waterproofing. It is well suited for performance-focused hike & fly and vol-biv pilots who prioritize weight savings and plan to handle their equipment with care. Conversely, it is less suitable for casual pilots who want rugged, weatherproof, all-terrain backpacks for everyday use.
Summary: Pros and Cons of the X-PACK 50
- Pros: Exceptional low weight (~525 g), expandable volume (50+10 L), ergonomic load distribution optimized for active hiking and running, multiple quick-access pockets, ventilated back and straps, and external gear loops for versatile carrying.
- Cons: Limited durability compared to heavy-duty packs, non-waterproof construction requiring additional rain protection, capacity and fit suited only for compact, lightweight paragliding gear, demanding careful packing and handling.
In conclusion, the NOVA X-PACK 50 stands as a specialised ultralight backpack that expertly balances performance and minimalism. It provides elite-level hike & fly pilots with an optimized tool that enhances mobility, comfort, and organisation, while requiring intentional use and care. For those matching its intended use case, it promises to be an excellent companion for mountain adventures and competitive flying disciplines.
For more detailed information, visit the manufacturer's website. You can also order paragliding equipment at Paragliding.me to get started with your hike & fly setup.