Paragliding Essentials - Complete Gear List
This is my current Paragliding and Paramotoring gear. I try to keep this list constantly updated to accurately reflect what I have and I what I recommend.
Table Of Contents
Paragliding Harness
The Gin Verso 3 is a versatile reversible airbag harness that features a carbon seat plate and underseat rescue container, offering a balance of comfort, safety, and convenience. It's a lightweight option that doubles as a backpack, eliminating the need for an extra rucksack when hiking to launch sites.
Wing
The Gin Vantage 3 was my first wing. It’s considered an Intermediate B wing and a great first wing for pilots coming out of initial P2 training. The wing is extremely safe and forgiving. It is designed to take care of you while you go through your learning progression. I have loved mine and enjoyed some amazing experiences with it. Mine is at the end of it’s lifespan however, so I am currently trying some demo wings and will be updating this soon.
Reserve Chute
The Ozone Angel SQ is a high-performance square reserve parachute. It features a large surface area while maintaining a lightweight design, providing excellent pendulum stability and consistent sink rates across all sizes. I have never thrown mine, but have seen several deployments in person.
Concertina Bag
The Gin Compress Paraglider Concertina Bag is an innovative solution designed for paraglider pilots seeking a lightweight and efficient packing option. Weighing only 200 grams, it offers remarkable portability, making it lighter than standard stuff bags while providing superior compression for easier carrying.
Helmet
The Giro Quarter Helmet is primarily marketed as a cycling helmet, but its robust construction and protective features make it a viable option for paragliding enthusiasts seeking a reliable helmet that combines comfort, ventilation, and safety.
Sunglasses
The Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 sunglasses are great eye wear for Paragliding, combining enhanced visual clarity through Prizm technology, a comfortable fit, and the robust construction synonymous of the Oakley brand.
Neck Gaiter
Neck gaiters provide a shield against wind and sun exposure during paragliding and can be quickly adjusted to cover the neck, face, or head. They are lightweight and stretchy, allowing unrestricted movement while flying. These tube-shaped garments are an essential accessory for paragliders, offering versatile protection and comfort during flight.
First Aid Kit
Incorporating a first aid kit into your paragliding gear is not just a precaution; it is an essential part of responsible flying. "If you’re not always prepared, you’re never prepared". I keep this kit in the side pouch of my harness.
Lifestraw
Paragliding is a beautiful sport, but we may not always get to land where we want to. Keeping a LifeStraw with your gear ensures that you can stay hydrated if needed without the need to carry large quantities of water.
Inflatable Life Vest
When paragliding over water, wearing a life vest is a vital safety measure in the event of a water landing or emergency reserve throw. The Cirrus 26 is U.S. Coast Guard Type V life jacket that offers both automatic and manual inflation options
Paramotor & Frame
The Parajet Maverick Moster 185 is a high-quality, lightweight paramotor designed for both novice and experienced pilots. Its standout features include a titanium-alloy airframe that provides durability and resilience, making it an excellent choice for training and adventure flying.
Wing
Same as above. The Gin Vantage 3 is a great wing that can be used for both Paragliding and Paramotor. I have mostly used mine on paramotor adventures but have enjoyed some nice free glides on it as well including SIV Manuever’s training, and 3 weeks in Oludeniz Turkey!
Reserve Chute
The Ozone Angel SQ is a high-performance square reserve parachute. It features a large surface area while maintaining a lightweight design, providing excellent pendulum stability and consistent sink rates across all sizes. I have never thrown mine, but have seen several deployments in person.
Helmet
This helmet offers great bump protection. The ARC and NVG mounts make it easy to install Ear protection, comms, and an action camera such as a GoPro. Its not specifically rated for flying, but a great base for a DIY Paramotor helmet that doens’t require modifications like cutting or drilling.
Flight Deck
The Gin Flight Deck is a specialized paragliding cockpit designed for recreational, cross-country (XC), and competition pilots. It features a removable and adjustable 5-liter ballast holder, enhancing performance and adaptability during flights. This cockpit is praised for its compact design and robust construction, making it a reliable choice for pilots seeking functionality and durability in their gear.
Phone Leash
These lanyards allow pilots to securely attach their smartphones to their harness or body, significantly reducing the risk of dropping the device while in flight. This is particularly beneficial for accessing flight apps, GPS navigation, and communication tools without the fear of losing the phone.
Goggles
Smith Optics Squad goggles are an excellent choice for paramotoring, offering a blend of performance and comfort tailored for dynamic outdoor conditions. They have a wide field of view, and antifog lenses making them a reliable eye protection option that enhances the flying experience
First Aid Kit
This is the same medical kit as above with the Paragliding. I keep them in the side pockets of my harnesses. I have several of these and have used them many times.
Tool Kit
The Vittorazi tool kit is an essential accessory for maintaining and servicing the Moster 185 paramotor engine. It allows for basic repairs and adjustments during paramotor expeditions. I keep this in the side pocket of my harness.
The GEWAGE Adjustable Torque Wrench is a compact and versatile tool designed for precision and ease of use. It is the perfect compliment to the Vittorazi Tool Kit. It comes with a comprehensive set of attachments and features an adjustable torque range of 3-10 Nm.
Parasock
The Parajet Parasock Protective Cover is designed to provide full coverage of your paramotor, effectively protecting it from dust during storage and repelling water and dirt during transportation. Made from durable stretch fabric, the Parasock ensures that your equipment remains in optimal condition, safeguarding it from environmental elements that could cause wear and tear.
Stuff Sack
The Parajet Lightweight Stuff Sack is an essential accessory for your paramotor, designed for convenience and portability. This compact and lightweight stuff sack fits seamlessly under your seat or in the side pockets, making it an ideal option to bring with you during flight for packing and protecting your wing when you have an unexpected landing and need to be picked up.
Spark Plug
Having an extra spark plug for your paramotor provides peace of mind and ensures that you’re always prepared for any unexpected issues during flights. The NGK BR9ES and NGK BR8ES are a reliable choice for engines like the Vittorazi Moster 185 and Atom 80, making it them an essential component for optimal performance. The BR8ES are better suited for sea level flying, and the BR9ES are better suited for higher altitude flying. (Use a gap of .8 mm - .9 mm)
Lifestraw
Paramotors can take us to some amazing places, but some of those places can be rough if we have a motor out and an unplanned landing. Keeping a LifeStraw with your gear ensures that you can stay hydrated if needed without the need to carry large quantities of water.
Synthetic Oil
Amsoil SABER Professional Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil is great for the Vittorazi Moster 185 paramotor engines. I mix at a 50:1 ratio.
Flexible Funnel
This flexible funnel is designed for hard-to-reach areas which is great for adding fuel to the Parajet Maverick Paramotor as the gas port is tucked in behind the harness.
Fuel Jug
This fuel jug was designed for motorsports and outdoors enthusiasts and features a robust square design that maximizes storage efficiency and stability. It is equipped with an ergonomic handle for easy handling and dispensing.
Wind Meter
This Digital Wind Speed Anemometer is a compact and lightweight instrument designed for measuring wind speed and direction with high precision. It has a bright digital displays that provides real-time data, making it a great tool to have on site for kiting and flying sessions to measure wind speeds and gusts.
Tie Down Straps
Extra tie down straps are always nice. You never know how things are going to go down. One minute your loading up your Paramotor to go for a flight, and the next thing you know your taking your buddy and his motor too! I like to keep several extra straps in my tote for those unpredictable occasions.
Wind Sock
A wind sock is a major asset for takeoffs on very low wind days, and especially nice for landings. The windsock doesn’t take up much room and is great to have available!
This telescoping flagpole is made from lightweight fiberglass and designed to handle most weather conditions. It’s perfect for windsocks.
Socks
Heated socks are a smart choice for paragliders who wish to enjoy winter flying while ensuring their safety and comfort in cold weather conditions. Cold feet can eventually get numb which can impair your landing ability.
Thermal Base Layer
This base layer offers a fleece lining which traps heat close to the body while wicking away sweat, ensuring that you remain warm and dry during flights in frigid temperatures. This is particularly important since paragliding exposes pilots to wind chill, which can significantly lower perceived temperatures.
Heated Jacket Liner
The heated polar fleece liner is a great gear option for cold weather paragliding, providing both warmth and comfort during extreme conditions. The soft, breathable fabric traps body heat while allowing moisture to escape, ensuring that you remain dry and warm.
Heated Glove Liners
Designed to provide warmth and comfort, these glove liners feature electric rechargeable heating that ensures consistent warmth close to your hands but thin enough to allow you to wear a wind proof thermal layer over them.
Gloves
The -10℉ Waterproof Winter Gloves are designed to provide exceptional warmth and protection in cold, wet conditions. They featuring a waterproof membrane that effectively blocks out cold air and moisture ensuring your hands stay dry and comfortable. They also have a 3M Thinsulate insulation offer that traps in warmth making them suitable for extreme temperatures.
Neck Fleece
Made from soft, insulating fleece, this neck gaiter effectively traps heat while remaining breathable, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as paragliding in cold winter conditions.
Duffel Bag
I carry all my lightweight Paracamping gear in this duffel bag. It’s big enough to carry everything i need, but not to big that it’s unbearable to launch and land with. I secure it to my swing arms with carabiners and let it rest on my lap during the flight.
Hammock Tent
This Hammock Tent takes up more space than standard compact tent options, but it offers more flexibility as it can be used as a standard ground tent, or suspended of the ground for more comfort and security. It is ultralightweight, rugged, and does fit just fine with the rest of my paracamping gear.
Mattress Pad
The Powerlix Ultralight Sleeping Pad is a compact and comfortable sleeping pad that packs down small for backpacking or paracamping. There are smaller options on the market, but this does fit my paracamping gear and offers more comfort. The carry bag also doubles as a pump to inflate it by connecting it to the port and rolling it up to force trapped air into the mattress. It’s a very clever design and works well.
Sleeping Bag
Your sleeping bag needs to be warm, compressible, and moisture-resistant. Down bags provide the most warmth for their weight. Synthetic bags tend to be more affordable and still relatively lightweight. Look for a mummy-style bag rated for the expected temperatures. Use a sleeping pad for insulation from the ground. For summer camping or when lower temperatures are not of concern, I like this FARLAND compact 20°F sleeping bag. It packs very small, and offers enough comfort at night for Paracamping.
Pillow
Keeping with the theme of comfort, if you have the room, a pillow is a welcome addition. This Travel pillow from Wise Owl packs down really small and works great for lightweight camping. I have one of these with my travel gear also and use them often.
Mess Kit
Some Paracamping adventures may not require much for food or cooking but its still nice to have options. This mess kit from GSI is well made, durable, compact, and designed to be used over small camp stoves.
Stove
An ultralight backpacking stove allows you to cook meals without the weight of lugging extra food. This lightweight folding wood stove stores flat when not in use, and does not require you to carry any additional fuel.
Multitool
Camping and Multitools just go together, and the long time leader of the game is Victorinox. I keep the Victorinox Hiker with my kit. It has just enough offerings to cover most needs, but retains a small and compact form.
Folding Knife
A multitool is great, but we all know a dedicated knife is better. I have had a Benchmade Griptilian in my backpacking setup for about 10 years and its still going strong.
Headlamp
Headlamps and flashlight are key for nighttime visibility. Consider battery type, brightness, light modes, and weather resistance. I have had great success with this Energizer Rechargeable Headlamp. I actually have several of these but keep one specifically staged with my Backpacking/ Paracamping gear. This headlamp offers different brightness settings as well as red and green illumination and has a respectable battery life.
Flashlight
I find headlamps to often be more convenient, but handheld flashlights still have a place. I also like having at least two forms of illumination for redundancy.
Powered Paragliding Bible 7
The Powered Paragliding Bible, authored by Jeff Goin, is recognized as the definitive guide for paramotor and powered paraglider pilots. This comprehensive manual spans over 300 color pages, offering detailed insights on various aspects of powered paragliding, including safety protocols, equipment selection, and advanced flying techniques.
Understanding The Sky
Understanding The Sky by Dennis Pagen serves as an essential meteorological guide for pilots. This revised edition delves into the intricacies of weather patterns crucial for various types of flying, including paragliding and ultralight aviation. Pagen's work emphasizes understanding air flow, micro-climates, and cloud formations to enhance safety and decision-making for pilots. With nearly 50 years of experience, Pagen's insights make this book a vital resource for anyone interested in aviation weather.
Paragliding Pilots Training Manual
This manual encompasses essential topics such as aerodynamics, flight principles, and pilot techniques, catering to a wide range of skill levels from beginners to experts. It is designed to enhance understanding and proficiency in the dynamic sport of paragliding, making it an invaluable tool for pilots seeking to improve their skills and knowledge in the field.