Your Guide to Getting Started with Hike & Fly
Hike & Fly is just one of the many ways to enjoy paraglider. Hike the trails, enjoy the peace and quiet of nature and be rewarded with a contemplative flight - this is the program that attracts many pilots.
While in the past, hike-and-fly required a great deal of experience to be practiced safely, technical advancements in equipment and the sport’s growing popularity have made hike-and-fly accessible to pilots at an increasingly early stage in their development—but that doesn’t mean you should take risks. That’s why we’re offering you a roundup of tips, tools, and advice to help you develop the right habits as early as possible.
Preparation and Planning
Just as with hiking, skiing, rock climbing, or any other outdoor sport, it’s unthinkable to go on a ski tour without planning your trip in advance. Preparing your itinerary and carefully analyzing the conditions are the first steps you should take to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
There are many tools available to help you do this. Here are a few must-haves:
Weather Analysis
It may seem obvious, but it’s always good to be reminded: making sure the weather conditions are right is not only essential for your safety but also for fully enjoying a successful outing in pleasant conditions.
To start, it’s a good idea to check the national weather forecast to get a sense of the overall trend across the country. Understanding large-scale weather patterns helps you better grasp how the weather systems that shape our seasons work. This will put you in a better position to anticipate the weather in your area over the coming days.
Next, if the national weather forecast indicates favorable conditions for your region, you can proceed to a more detailed local analysis that will help you determine the key factors:
- Wind direction and speed (weather)
- Cloud patterns and their development
- Whether or not there is a risk of showers
- Temperatures
- Changes in Conditions Throughout the Day
- The presence of potential thermals and their strength
In addition to giving you (or not) the go-ahead to go on a cross-country flight, this weather analysis is essential for choosing the best place to go.
Topographic Analysis
You are now familiar with the region’s weather conditions and have identified an area where conditions appear favorable for free flight. Now it’s time to set out… in the literal sense of the word.
To do this, you'll use topographic maps! Maps are generally available in several formats:
- Paper maps: This lets you slip them into your bag and always have them with you. No more connection problems or dead batteries. On the other hand, you have to learn how to read maps correctly and find your way along the routes. Maps with too large a scale can make it difficult to see the trails.
- Digital version: Websites such as Geoportail.gouv for France, Maps of Switzerland for Switzerland, and Geoportal.de for Germany give you access to base maps that show hiking trails in detail. The advantage of the digital version is that it’s compact, easy to carry, and easy to consult since everything is on your phone. Features such as zoom and the ability to see your location on the map are also helpful for pinpointing your exact location while hiking. However, be aware of areas with no cell service, which can be common in the mountains. If you decide to rely on a digital map, make sure you have a backup plan in case of a loss of service or a dead battery!
On these maps, you'll find plenty of useful information to help you prepare for your Hike & Fly outing:
- Elevations and contour lines: These allow you to calculate the total elevation gain or identify the various slope gradients along your route.
- Terrain: Identify potential takeoff spots that face the wind, as well as downwind areas, to ensure a safe flight from takeoff to landing.
- Water sources: This information is primarily intended for people embarking on extended trips (bivouac flying s lasting several days or very long hikes) so they can replenish their water supplies and avoid the risk of dehydration.
- Plan Bs and backup options: If flying conditions aren’t suitable at the summit or if an obstacle prevents you from continuing on your route, it can be helpful to identify another trail or several takeoff sites. In general, having a good overview of the terrain you’re navigating can only be an asset!
In short, mapping out your route and checking what’s around you will help you avoid finding yourself in some very tricky situations. Keep in mind that when you’re cross-country flying in the mountains, you’re in a technically challenging environment where conditions change rapidly and can sometimes become hostile if you stray from your path.
Search for active or protected areas
Now that you've found a route that suits your skill level and the day's weather conditions, you need to check the local aviation regulations.
Be sure to consult an aeronautical chart to ensure you do not fly through any restricted or active airspace. These charts are often made available by specialized websites for each country; for example, the SIA website for French aeronautical information, NATS, its British counterpart, or the FSVL website for Switzerland, which lists the country’s airspace zones.
Also, make sure that your planned flight path (from takeoff through landing) does not pass through any protected areas, such as a nature reserve. It is essential to respect the environment, wildlife, and vegetation where you are hike-and-flying.
Choosing a Location
In Hike & Fly, takeoff can sometimes be a technical challenge. If you’re just starting out or are used to taking off from well-equipped sites (with a landing mat, wind sock, and marker), you might feel a little lost during your first few outings. This return to the basics is good practice, but that’s no reason to take risks.
Before setting out on your hiking flight, use satellite imagery (Google Maps, Geoportail, Google Earth) to check that your planned takeoff site is suitable. Also refer to your topographic map to assess the slope’s gradient. Choose nice grassy slopes and avoid rocky areas!
If you’re new to paragliding, it’s best to start with a route that takes you to an official launch site—or even one you’ve visited before. Walking with a paraglider on your back can be quite a physical challenge for someone who isn’t used to it, so you need to save enough energy and maintain your concentration to avoid making any mistakes during the flight.
That’s why we recommend starting with a cross-country flight at a familiar flying site. By eliminating the uncertainties inherent in flying, you can focus on the new challenges of the walking phase while carrying your gear on your back.
The next step is to tackle routes that are a bit more “off the beaten path” but still busy enough that you won’t be left to fend for yourself.
Let’s take the example of the Hike & Fly route at Col de Frêtes, above Annecy. This hike-and-fly route is so popular and heavily trafficked that the takeoff site—though in the wilderness—is equipped with a beacon during the summer. It’s rare not to run into anyone at all during the entire hike-and-fly flight. Plus, the landing is at the official Perroix landing site, making it an ideal route for continuing to improve your skills without flying completely blind.
If you are ever unable to land in an official field and find yourself forced to make an emergency landing, you will need to choose your field carefully.
Ideally, choose a grassy field with no crops. If that’s not possible, try to choose one that has already been mowed so you won’t damage the farmers’ work. Once you’re done, leave the field quickly, taking the shortest route. Of course, pack up your equipment outside of any private property.
Ask for advice
If you’re completely unfamiliar with the area where you plan to go Hike & Fly, you can contact the nearest school for advice. Instructors and professionals at free-flight centers are best suited to provide you with accurate information about local aerology and nearby routes.
Whether it’s online in groups and forums or at the launch site while chatting with people, you’ll quickly realize that there are many pilots who would be happy to share their Hike & Fly experiences and favorite routes with you. Don’t hesitate to take the time to talk with more experienced paragliders.
Flight Equipment
Choose equipment that's appropriate for your skill level
Just as Hike & Fly is growing exponentially, specialized gear is naturally following the same trend. Whether it’s lightweight, ultra-lightweight, beginner-friendly, or high-performance, the number of products in this category continues to grow on the market, and you’re spoiled for choice.
In this jungle of products, each one as appealing as the next, how do you choose the one that's right for you?
Choose a course based on your skill level
Just as a beginner wouldn’t try to take off in the 2 p.m. thermals in the middle of spring, it’s out of the question to start hike-and-fly with a 2,000-meter elevation gain (also known as “d+”) and a cliff launch in a scree field. Start with a simple route.
Obviously, the definition of “easy” will differ between a seasoned trail runner and someone who has never gone hiking before, but generally speaking, a hike with 500 meters of elevation gain is a reasonable starting point for trying out the activity without risking arriving at the summit completely exhausted. You can then adjust the difficulty of your next hike based on how tired you felt during this introductory hike.
This first Hike & Fly session also allows you to assess your ascent speed, which will be very useful later on when choosing your routes. In fact, in addition to choosing a site suited to your skill level (as we detailed in the “Choosing a Site” section), you also need to plan for the time you expect to take off, and to do that, you need to be able to estimate how long it will take you to walk to your destination.
Choosing a Kite
The most important thing is to choose a wing that matches your skill level and that you know you’ll feel comfortable with. Cross-country flying can sometimes take you over technical terrain with complex air conditions, so it’s essential to feel at ease under your wing so you can focus on flying and avoid unnecessary stress.
If you’re a beginner, you might want to consider a post-training wing that offers the highest level of passive safety while keeping your pack light, such as the BIRDY2. With its EN-A+ certification and semi-light construction, this progression wing is perfect for safely getting started with Hike & Fly.
Then, as you become a little more advanced, you'll mainly have a choice between three types of sails:
These wings are not designed exclusively for the " hike & fly " and strike a balance between lightness and durability, much like the STEP X (EN-B+), for example.
They allow you to do everything with a single wing (Hike & Fly, soaring, local flying, cross-country flights, etc.) and are designed for pilots who want to try a little bit of everything with a single wing.
From the leading edge to the tips of the struts, these wings are designed to lighten your pack. They’re ideal for cross-country flying and, thanks to their light weight, you’ll hardly notice them in your pack. The LEAF3 Light falls into this category.
However, you must take good care of this equipment, as it is naturally more delicate than standard versions of the products. This difference in durability won’t be noticeable during normal use of your paraglider, but dragging your wing across a particularly abrasive surface, for example, is likely to damage a so-called “light” wing more quickly than a conventional one.
Whether they're mountain wings (such as the EIKO2) or single-surface wings, these are highly specialized products designed for hike-and-fly.
These are the lightest wings on the market, but keep in mind that they are generally less suited for thermal flying and are, as a result, slightly less versatile than the wings described earlier.
In addition, monosurface wings tend to lack speed, which can sometimes be a disadvantage in the mountains, where it is often windier.
Please note that the certifications for certain mountain-style wings, such as the EIKO2, may vary depending on the wing all-up weight . The more you load your wing, the more dynamic and faster it will be. The less you load it, the more forgiving and flexible it will be. Be sure to carefully read the manufacturer’s recommended load range when selecting your wing size so you aren’t caught off guard!
Below, you can see the size chart for the EIKO2 as well as how the wing performs based on the pilot's weight.
Choosing a Harness
As for harnesses, we discussed this topic in a previous article. You can find all our tips for choosing a harness by clicking the button below.
Finally, no matter what your skill level is, if you have any doubts about choosing your equipment, don’t hesitate to contact your usual shop or your instructor. They’ll be in the best position to guide you toward the best choice and the product that suits your riding style and profile.
Example
You want to go on a morning cross-country flight and take off in calm conditions. You choose an east-facing takeoff site with 750 m of elevation gain and climb at an average rate of 500 m of elevation gain per hour. In theory, it will take you 1 hour and 30 minutes to hike to the launch site. Since it’s an east-facing slope, you need to take off early to avoid encountering thermals. If you’re aiming to take off around 9:30 a.m., you’ll need to set out no later than 8:00 a.m.
Prepare the rest of your gear
Now that you’ve chosen your route and launch site, all that’s left is to pack your gear. In addition to your glider, harness, and reserve parachute, here’s a sample list of equipment that’s useful for cross-country flying:
Packing List for the Hiking Flight
It’s absolutely essential. No matter how long your hike is, walking with a backpack on your back puts a strain on your body, so you need to stay well-hydrated. Remember that if you’re thirsty, you’re already in the first stage of dehydration! Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink.
Whether you're flying or hiking, you'll encounter terrain that can sometimes be rugged, and good shoes are essential to avoid injury. Choose shoes that provide proper support for your feet. The sole should have small lugs, which will come in handy on muddy or slippery terrain.
It's important to protect your eyes, so don't forget your sunglasses!
If you're flying with a mask, make a note of it on your list so you don't forget it. Also, remember to bring a pair of sunglasses to wear during the hike.
Hiking poles are very useful for distributing the strain between your legs and arms. They also help you maintain your balance and provide support on winding trails.
Heads up: Before heading out on a paragliding hike with your poles, make sure they fit in the back pocket of your harness. It would be a shame not to be able to use them on the descent…
Protecting yourself from the sun is essential, especially during the hot season when heatstroke and sunburn can happen in the blink of an eye. Be sure to bring your sunscreen with you so you can reapply it along the way.
As for walking:
When choosing what to wear, be sure to check the weather forecast for the trailhead… but also for the takeoff location! Remember that the temperature drops by about 0.65°C for every 100 meters of elevation gain. A 1,000-meter elevation gain can therefore cause the temperature to drop by 6.5°C! (Assuming there are no temperature inversions or other atmospheric phenomena affecting temperature variation.) So bringing a light sweater isn’t a bad idea if you’re tackling significant elevation gains, even in the middle of summer.
To choose the right outfit for Hike & Fly, you can follow the same advice given to hikers:
Your first layer should be made of a breathable fabric that doesn't trap moisture. Avoid cotton and opt for technical fabrics that dry quickly.
Depending on the season, be sure to bring a layer to protect yourself from the cold: a fleece or a down jacket—it’s up to you to choose based on the temperature and your preferences.
Hikers usually bring a third layer to protect themselves from the wind or rain. But let’s be honest: if showers are in the forecast or the wind is blowing hard enough that you need a windbreaker, you should stay home instead of going on a hike!
And finally, be sure to bring a change of clothes. If you’ve worked up a sweat on the ascent, you can quickly catch a chill during the flight if your base layer is still damp.
As for the flight:
Depending on the length of your hike, it’s a good idea to bring a small snack to give you a boost: a granola bar, fruit jelly, fruit compote, dried fruit, a sandwich… Choose foods that won’t get squashed or crumbled into bits in your backpack.
We strongly recommend that you not try to save weight at the expense of safety. Especially since helmets today can be very lightweight. The PILOT helmet weighs only 380 g… It would be a shame to go without one!
Whether you’re cross-country flying, launching, or hike & fly, the rule is the same: wearing gloves lets you quickly grab a line without risking a burn—it’s a safety measure. It’s important to be able to lower your wing at any time by grabbing the brake line, for example. Choose gloves of the appropriate thickness for the season, but make sure your winter gloves still fit through the brake handle.
Despite the extra weight it may add, the reserve parachute remains a very important safety feature.
In fact, when you're out hiking and flying, you'll find yourself encountering locations and wind conditions that are unfamiliar to you.
To avoid any unpleasant surprises, don't hesitate to bring a lightweight reserve parachute .
For your comfort during the flight, feel free to bring any other flight accessories you think might be useful: a radio if you’re flying with others, Variometer, etc.
Thespeed bar is a safety device that we recommend you always carry with you. It can be very useful in the event of strong winds or if you accidentally enter a wind tunnel.
A few band-aids and a small bottle of hand sanitizer don’t take up much space—it would be a shame to go without them. Especially since, when you’re hiking, a minor injury can happen in the blink of an eye.
All you have to do is store all the above items in your rucksak, with your Hike-and-Fly glider and harness.
When packing your backpack, pack the gear you'll need for your hike so that it's accessible without having to unpack everything.
Before you set off, make sure that all the gear you’re bringing in your rucksack also fits into the storage pockets of your harness so it doesn’t get stuck up there.
Once you're on your way to your hiking trip
Monitor weather conditions
Even if everything looked good during your last weather check, conditions can change throughout the day—and they can change very quickly in the mountains. During your hike, always keep an eye on how the sky is changing and pay attention to the wind you can feel.
Even if the weather remains clear, keeping an eye on conditions throughout your climb will help you better understand the wind conditions you’ll encounter at takeoff and during your flight.
Being environmentally friendly
When you’re out in nature, be mindful and respectful of the flora and fauna. Avoid straying from marked trails, keep noise to a minimum, and don’t leave any trash or items behind. The fewer traces you leave of your visit, the better.
While cross-country flying allows us to fly over wild landscapes—a true feast for the eyes—it is our responsibility to protect this fragile environment.
Knowing When to Let Go
It may happen that during your climb or once you reach the takeoff point, conditions are not what you expected. Perhaps the weather has deteriorated faster than anticipated, or maybe you overlooked something during your analysis… Regardless, the facts are clear: the safety of your flight is not guaranteed.
As the saying goes: “When in doubt, there’s no doubt!”
Walking back down can be really frustrating, but knowing when to call it quits is the most important quality for a Hike & Fly pilot.
Always plan for the possibility that you might have to hike back down, whether to ensure you have enough energy for a potential hike down or to allow enough time before nightfall to reach your starting point.
If you’re flying in a group, be mindful of the influence other pilots may have on you. If you think the conditions are beyond your skill level but all your friends seem eager to go, there’s no shame in backing out. Forcing yourself to fly just because you don’t want to look like a “scaredy-cat” is a very bad reason to take to the air.
Remember: Not everyone sets their boundaries at the same level, and respecting your own is essential to staying safe and having fun.
Rest assured: no hiking trip is worth putting yourself in danger.
Enjoy!
Here's our final piece of advice: make the most of every moment!
Being immersed in the heart of nature and hiking along trails that lead to breathtaking landscapes is an extraordinary opportunity that our sport offers us.
All that's left for you to do is savor these special moments in the company of Mother Nature.
5. Want to take it a step further?
Are you already an experienced cross-country flyer, and does the desire to go further tickle your wings?
Maybe it's time to move on to the next level: the web bivouac flying. This topic is so broad that it's easy to ask yourself, “But where do I start?”
Our answer to this question can be summed up in two words: FLY TOPO!
This video series is available to help you discover easy and accessible routes so you can embark on your bivouac flying adventure with complete peace of mind.
The FLY TOPO series is regularly updated with new route suggestions. Find all the routes already available in our digital guidebook:
