lightweight

Modern fabrics and light materials have meant that a new breed of "Hike and Fly" pilots have been spawned. Taking us back to the early days of paragliding in terms of bag weight, but giving cutting edge wing performance, this category often fly a little better than their equivalent standard weight glider. This means walk-ups are easier, launches are generally easier and handling more agile. Fabric performance and coatings mean they will still have a good expected life span, but will need better care than a standard model. For the nervous, or inexperienced pilot, they may not be such a good choice as you can feel every movement in the air, which can be disconcerting.