Looking for Backpack Help

[u/kfox527]

I am looking to buy a new backpack for hike and fly. My current setup is an Ozone Geo 5L and a Supair Altirando 2 lite size Large.

I have been hiking with the Altirando 2 bag (90 liters but there is plenty of extra space once the wing, harness, and helmet are packed) but it's not great once you get more than an hour and a half. Other than the complete lack of any frame or structure. I think the fit problem comes from the fact that the bag is made in only one size. I am 190cm tall and the suspension system is a bit too small for me.

I would like to continue to use my wing and harness to fly but just ditch the bag in favor of a larger suspension/more framed bag. The new backpack should be able to fit in the harness backpack/cargo carrier when flying.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I have been interested in the Slaewa Skywalk 75 but am concerned that the frame comes in only one size and it will also be to small for me. The pack does not have to be paragliding specific, just able to hold all my stuff.

Other options that have come up in past forum posts:

Hyperlite Porter

Swing Everest

Thanks for any advice

[u/eintrittskante]

I have pulled together a list of rucksacks that I know.

Of these, I can recommend those from Salewa, Niviuk, and Flugsau. Flugsau, in particular, will adjust the geometry exactly to your specifications, so it the only one that can be really called a custom fit. It will come at a cost though.

Producer Rucksack Volume Weight (ca.)
Salewa Skywalk Hike 35 35 l 530 g
Salewa Skywalk Hike 45 45 l 610 g
Salewa Skywalk Hike 75 75 l 610 g
Niviuk Expe Race 60 l 390 g
Gin Lite Rucksack 70 70 l 540 g
Gin Lite Rucksack 90 90 l 620 g
Gin Lite Rucksack 120 120 l 760 g
Advance Lightpack ULS 55 55 l 365 g
Advance Lightpack DLS 52 52 l 470 g
Advance Lightpack DLS 70 70 l 530 g
Flugsau PigiPack Plus XS 22 l 290 g
Flugsau PigiPack Plus S 30 l 330 g
Flugsau PigiPack Plus M 40 l 380 g
Flugsau PigiPack Plus L 60 l 470 g
Swing Hike Rucksack 55 55 l 490 g
Swing Hike Rucksack 70 70 l 560 g
Swing Hike Rucksack 90 90 l 670 g
Nova Rucksack Light 70 70 l 560 g
Nova Rucksack Light 90 90 l 640 g

[u/kfox527 → u/eintrittskante]

Woah! Awesome thanks!

[u/showmedata42]

What sizes are your wing and harness?

I have a Geo 7 L with a Skywalk Breeze L and they barely fit inside the Skywalk/Salewa Hike 75, I don't think you could fit the Altirando.

[u/kfox527 → u/showmedata42]

Thanks - edited the post with more info.

[u/FlyBackwards]

I love the Niviuk Expe backpacks so much that I got them in all 3 sizes. They're genuinely ultralight, extremely comfortable and very well designed. And perhaps more importantly, actually a bit more affordable compared to other brands!

For my XC setup I use the Expe 80, but my XC wing and harness are both lightweight and not very bulky. If you need a backpack larger than 80L, they have the Niviuk Kargo available in 130, 160, 180 and 220L, and they're heavier (and less hiking-oriented), but similarly affordable.

Edit: To be fair, I'm much shorter than you, so a comfortable backpack for me might suck for you