Paragliding in the backcountry is an exhilarating blend of adventure, self‑reliance, and deep immersion in nature. Unlike day‑trip hill‑site launches, multi‑day outings require you to carry everything you'll need---from flight gear to camp supplies---while keeping the pack light enough to hike for hours each day. Below is a step‑by‑step guide to help you trim the fat, protect your equipment, and stay comfortable on long‑haul flights.
Start With a Packing Philosophy
| Principle | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Weight = Energy | Every extra kilogram translates into steeper climbs, slower descents, and more fatigue. |
| Modularity | Separate "flight" and "camp" modules so you can drop gear when you're not flying. |
| Redundancy, Not Excess | Carry backups for critical items (e.g., reserve parachute, firestarter) but avoid duplicate luxuries. |
| Weather‑Proofing First | Moisture is the enemy of both your gear and your body---seal everything before you seal your pack. |
Choose the Right Backpack
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Capacity & Shape
- 30‑45 L is the sweet spot for two‑to‑four‑day trips.
- Look for a vertical main compartment---easier to stack the wing and harness stacks.
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Internal Frame vs. External
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Attachment Points
- Dedicated wing‑sling loops or gear straps to keep the canopy out of the main compartment.
- Side compression straps for a stable load while hiking.
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Water‑Resistant Features
- Roll‑top or zippered rain cover.
- Waterproof zippers (e.g., YKK AquaGuard).
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- Hip belt with padding to transfer weight to your pelvis.
- Adjustable suspension system for a snug fit on varied terrain.
Break Down the Gear List
A. Flight Essentials (≈ 8--10 kg)
| Item | Weight (approx.) | Packing Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Paraglider wing (packed) | 3--4 kg | Use a wing bag with a compression strap; place it against the back panel to keep weight low. |
| Harness (with integrated reserve) | 2--2.5 kg | Remove detachable components (pockets, harness‑attached tools) before packing. |
| Reserve parachute (compact) | 0.5 kg | Store in the harness pocket or a separate zippered pouch for quick access. |
| Helmet + goggles | 0.8 kg | Helmet can sit on top of the pack when in transit; goggles in a small dry‑bag. |
| Variometer + GPS (compact) | 0.2 kg | Secure to the harness strap---no need to pack them in the bag. |
| Technical clothing (wind‑proof jacket, softshell pants) | 1.5 kg | Roll tightly, use compression sacks; wear the jacket on the trail to save space. |
| Small repair kit (tape, spare lines, sewing needle) | 0.1 kg | Keep in a transparent zip‑pouch on the external frame for quick retrieval. |
B. Camp & Survival Gear (≈ 7--9 kg)
| Item | Weight (approx.) | Packing Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Four‑season tent (ultralight) | 1.5 kg | Pitch‑ready; place at the bottom of the pack to create a stable base. |
| Sleeping bag (down, 30 °F/‑1 °C) | 0.8 kg | Store in its compression sack, but avoid over‑compressing to retain loft. |
| Sleeping pad (inflatable, 350 g) | 0.35 kg | Roll and stow in a separate sleeve; can double as a floatation aid. |
| Cooking system (stove + fuel canister) | 0.6 kg | Fuel canister fits in a side‑pocket; stove nestles alongside food. |
| Food (freeze‑dried meals, snacks) | 2 kg | Use vacuum‑sealed pouches; distribute weight evenly across the pack. |
| Water (2 L) | 2 kg | Carry in a collapsible bladder; mount on the external frame for easy access. |
| Navigation (paper maps, compass) | 0.2 kg | Put in a waterproof case attached to the hip belt. |
| First‑aid kit (compact) | 0.3 kg | Place in a dedicated zip pocket near the top for fast reach. |
| Misc (headlamp, multitool, firestarter) | 0.25 kg | Store in the main compartment's internal pockets. |
Tip: Weigh each item before you pack. Even a 100 g reduction on 15 items saves 1.5 kg total.
Packing Order: From Bottom to Top
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Base Layer (Heavy, Non‑Fragile)
- Tent, sleeping bag, and food sit at the bottom.
- This creates a stable "foundation" and keeps the pack's center of gravity close to your hips.
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Mid‑Section (Core Load)
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Upper Section (Light, Frequent‑Access)
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External Attachments
- Water bladder, trekking poles, and helmet (if you prefer to wear it) attached to the frame.
- Keep stabilizer straps tight to prevent shifting while you walk.
Weather‑Proofing Techniques
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Dry‑Bags for Electronics
- Use a roll‑top dry‑bag for your variometer, GPS, and spare batteries.
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- Insert a few small packets in the main compartment to absorb moisture from sweat or condensation.
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Rain Cover Strategy
- Deploy the pack's built‑in rain cover as soon as you notice drizzle; re‑zip all external compartments before heading off the mountain.
Weight‑Saving Hacks
| Hack | Implementation |
|---|---|
| Compress the Wing | Use a heavy‑duty compression strap and wrap the wing around a sturdy tree or rock before packing. |
| Add a "Gear‑Swap" Day | If the itinerary allows, leave non‑essential items (extra food, spare line) at a bivouac for use on later days, reducing daily load. |
| Hybrid Clothing | Choose garments that serve dual purposes (e.g., a jacket that doubles as a bivy). |
| Minimalist Cooking | Opt for cold‑soak meals that require only water---no stove, fuel, or cookware. |
| Multi‑Function Tools | Replace a separate knife, bottle opener, and saw with a single compact multitool. |
Test, Tweak, and Iterate
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Back‑packing Trial
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Simulated Launch
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Weather Drills
- Pack and unpack in a rainy environment to confirm your waterproofing holds up.
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Post‑Trip Review
Final Checklist (Pack‑Day Quick‑Look)
- [ ] Wing securely strapped, compression tightened
- [ ] Reserve parachute accessible in harness pocket
- [ ] Helmet, goggles, and variometer attached to harness or top of pack
- [ ] Tent, sleeping bag, and food at the bottom, evenly distributed
- [ ] Water bladder filled, mounted, and leak‑checked
- [ ] All zippers closed, rain cover stowed on top of the pack
- [ ] Dry‑bags sealed, silica packs inside
- [ ] Weight distribution checked---pack sits low and centered on hips
Closing Thoughts
Optimizing a paragliding gear pack for multi‑day backcountry trips is a balance of physics, foresight, and a little creative problem‑solving. By systematically categorizing gear, mastering weight distribution, and weather‑proofing every component, you'll move faster, climb higher, and enjoy longer flights with less fatigue. Remember: the best pack is the one you can re‑pack smarter after every adventure. Safe flying, and happy trekking!