As an ultramarathon runner turned paragliding enthusiast, I quickly realized that the biggest challenge of multi-day expeditions isn't the distance or the terrain---it's the weight. Every gram counts when you're hiking to a launch site, carrying your gear on a long XC flight, and then trekking to camp with nothing but your wits and your backpack. For years, I struggled to reconcile my need for high-performance paragliding gear with the brutal reality of expedition weight limits. Standard paragliding setups are great for day flights, but when you're on the trail for days or weeks at a time, even a few hundred grams can make the difference between a fun adventure and a survival slog.
That all changed when I started experimenting with ultralight paragliding gear. By stripping out non-essentials, switching to lightweight materials, and reconfiguring my entire setup, I was able to shave 2.5kg off my total pack weight without sacrificing safety or performance. Here's how I did it---and how you can too.
The Ultralight Paradigm: Key Principles for Multi-Day Pilots
To get your gear weight down to where it needs to be, you have to rethink everything. These are the guiding principles behind every decision I make about my paragliding kit:
- Every component must earn its weight : If it doesn't directly contribute to safety, performance, or comfort, it's getting left behind. No exceptions.
- Materials matter more than ever : Switch to the lightest, strongest materials available---Dyneema lines, carbon fiber risers, and silicone-coated fabric for your wing. Every gram counts.
- Redundancy is a luxury you can't afford : On a multi-day expedition, you can't carry backup gear for every component. Focus on making each piece as reliable as possible, and accept that some redundancy (like a backup vario or PLB) is worth the weight.
- Multifunctionality is key : Look for gear that can do double duty. For example, a lightweight, insulated jacket can serve as both wind protection in flight and warmth on the ground.
Essential Ultralight Paragliding Gear for Expeditions
Here are the specific gear choices I've made to keep my pack weight under control without sacrificing performance or safety:
Wing: Go Smaller, Go Lighter
For multi-day expeditions, a smaller wing is almost always the right call. Not only do smaller wings weigh less, but they're also easier to pack and handle on the trail. I switched from a 25m² wing to a 19m² model, and the weight savings were huge (1.8kg vs 1.2kg dry weight). Sure, it means I have to hike a bit harder to get airborne, but the tradeoff is worth it for the extra mobility and reduced pack weight. Top picks for ultralight wings include the Ozone Atom 3 (starting at 1.1kg for the 17m² version) and the Niviuk Takoo 3 (1.25kg for the 19m² model).
Harness: Comfort Meets Ultralight
Standard paragliding harnesses are designed for day flights, not multi-day treks. Look for a harness with a minimalist design, lightweight materials, and removable protection (like spine protectors or foam padding) that you can take out if you're not flying. The Metaman Nimbus harness weighs in at 1.1kg with protection, and 0.8kg without---a huge difference when you're on the trail. Consider a harness with integrated storage for your lines, risers, and other small gear to keep everything organized.
Lines and Risers: Cut Weight, Not Safety
Switching to Dyneema lines saved me 150g per riser, and using carbon fiber risers instead of aluminum or steel dropped another 100g. That might not sound like a lot, but it adds up fast when you're talking about multiple risers and dozens of meters of line. Make sure to inspect your lines regularly (every 50 flight hours or after any major incident) to ensure they remain safe and functional.
Instruments: Minimalism Rules
For ultralight flying, you don't need a fancy GPS or a high-end variometer. A simple, stripped-down vario like the Kestrel POD (<100g) paired with a minimalist GPS watch (like the Garmin Forerunner 255, ~50g) gives you everything you need to navigate and soar without the weight. Consider disabling unnecessary features on your GPS watch, like heart rate monitoring or music playback, to save battery life.
Safety Gear: Reserve and PLB
Your reserve and PLB are non-negotiable, but that doesn't mean you can't optimize their weight. Look for the lightest reserve parachute that meets your safety needs (the Cyberdyne Mini Reserve weighs 1.1kg) and a PLB like the McMurdo FastFind 220 (~300g). Make sure to repack your reserve regularly (every 6 months or after any deployment) to ensure it remains functional.
Clothing and Accessories: Layering for Success
On multi-day expeditions, your clothing has to do double duty: keeping you warm on the ground and protecting you from wind and sun in flight. I use a single, versatile layering system that includes:
- An ultralight, insulated jacket (like the Montbell Ex Light Jacket, ~180g) for cold mornings and evenings
- A windproof, breathable shell (like the Rab Microlight Jacket, ~140g) for flying
- Thermal base layers (like the Smartwool Merino 150 Base Layer, ~200g) for colder conditions
This system keeps me warm, dry, and protected without the weight of a full "paragliding-specific" outfit.
Packing and Transport: The Final Weight Challenge
Even with the lightest gear, how you pack and transport it matters. Here are a few tips for keeping your overall pack weight manageable:
- Use compression sacks : Compression sacks can reduce the volume of your wing and harness by up to 50%, making them easier to stow in your backpack. I use a dry sack for my wing and a stuff sack for my harness to keep everything dry and compact.
- Distribute weight evenly : Make sure to distribute your gear weight evenly throughout your backpack to avoid strain on your back and shoulders. I pack my heaviest items (like my harness and reserve) closest to my back, with lighter items (like clothing and snacks) towards the outside.
- Consider a paragliding-specific backpack : Backpacks designed specifically for paragliding gear often have features like reinforced padding, multiple compartments, and straps for securing your wing or harness. The Osprey Talon 22L is a great option for ultralight pilots, with a dedicated paragliding compartment and plenty of storage for other gear.
Putting It All Together: Total Weight Savings
By making these changes, I was able to drop my total paragliding pack weight from 7.2kg to 4.1kg---a savings of 43%. That's the difference between a heavy, slogging hike and a fast, enjoyable trek to the launch site. Every gram counts on a multi-day expedition, and every bit of weight you can shave off your gear will make your adventure faster, safer, and more enjoyable.
The beauty of ultralight paragliding isn't just in the weight savings---it's in the freedom to fly more, hike further, and explore places that would be off-limits with a heavier setup. By choosing the right gear, optimizing your setup, and being ruthless about what you carry, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: high-performance flying and ultramarathon trekking, without compromise.