Best Paragliding Reserve: How to Choose the Right Rescue Parachute
Your reserve parachute is the one piece of equipment you hope you never use — but it must work perfectly when you need it. Choosing the right reserve is not optional. It’s critical.
Choosing The Right Paragliding Reserve
A reserve parachute — your rescue, your “mayday”, your last option — is an essential part of your flying kit. We hope we never throw it, but when we do, everything depends on it.
There are multiple designs, sizes, and configurations available today. This guide will walk you through how they work, the differences between them, and how to choose the right one for your flying.
How Does a Paragliding Reserve Work?
In simple terms, you carry a parachute packed tightly inside your harness. When deployed, it is thrown into clean air, inflates rapidly, and stabilises your descent.
The system is connected via bridles to your harness or karabiners, allowing you to descend safely.
Fastest Opening Paragliding Reserve
Opening speed is critical. A fast deployment reduces altitude loss and increases survival margin.
- Round reserves: fastest inflation
- Square reserves: slower but more stable
- Rogallo: fast but requires control
Reserve Deployment Height Loss
Most deployments result in 30–70m of altitude loss before full inflation.
This depends on reaction time, throw technique, and air conditions. The biggest mistake pilots make is waiting too long.
How Big Should My Paragliding Reserve Be?
Reserve size is based on your all-up flying weight:
- Your body
- Harness
- Wing
- Equipment
A lower wing loading results in a slower descent and safer landing.
Paragliding Reserve Types
Round
Fast opening, simple design, but prone to oscillation.
Square
More stable, lower descent rate, widely preferred today.
Hybrid
Combines stability and performance, but more complex.
Steerable (Rogallo)
Advanced system with directional control. Not for beginners.
Reserve Containers & Placement
Most beginner harnesses include an under-seat reserve container.
Lightweight harnesses may require a front-mounted system, which adds complexity and is not recommended for beginners.
Compatibility
Not all reserves fit all harnesses. Always check volume compatibility and manufacturer recommendations.
Certification
Always choose a reserve certified to EN12491, ensuring tested deployment, stability, and structural integrity.
Packing & Setup
Your first reserve installation should be done by an instructor or experienced pilot.
Understanding how it is packed is critical — it directly affects deployment.
Inspection & Repacking
Your reserve should be checked and repacked annually by a qualified professional.
Many clubs organise repack events where pilots can practice deployment.
Recommended Reserves
Need Help Choosing?
We’re happy to help you choose the safest setup for your flying.
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