For tandem paragliding, wear closed-toe shoes, comfortable clothes you would wear on a short hike, and bring a layer for altitude. Avoid sandals, skirts, dresses, and any loose flowing fabric that can catch in the harness. Your pilot provides all flight equipment — harness, helmet, and the wing itself. You just need to dress for a casual outdoor morning.
That is the short answer. But what you wear can genuinely affect how comfortable and enjoyable your flight is. Here is the full breakdown — what to wear, what to bring, and what to leave behind.
What to wear: the essentials
Footwear
Closed-toe shoes are non-negotiable. You are hiking up a ridgeline and running a few steps at launch — sandals, flip-flops, or open-toe shoes are not safe for either. The best options:
- Hiking shoes or trail runners: ideal. They give ankle support on the ridge hike and grip for the launch run.
- Sneakers or athletic shoes: perfectly fine for most guests. If the trail is dry, regular sneakers work well.
- Hiking boots: great for ankle support, especially if you have any instability concerns.
Avoid: sandals, Crocs, flip-flops, dress shoes, heels, or anything that does not fully enclose your foot.
Clothing
Dress for a short, casual hike — not a fashion shoot. The priorities are comfort, freedom of movement, and warmth at altitude.
- Pants or athletic shorts: both work fine in summer. In spring or fall, pants are warmer.
- T-shirt or light athletic top: comfortable and non-restrictive.
- Mid-layer or light jacket: temperatures at altitude run 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than on the ground. Even on warm Boulder summer days, bring something to throw on before launch.
Avoid: skirts, dresses, or any loose, flowing fabric. The harness wraps around your thighs and hips — flowing fabric catches, bunches, and causes discomfort during flight. Tight, form-fitting clothing (leggings, athletic gear) is much more comfortable than anything loose.
Hair
Long hair should be tied back before you launch. Loose hair in the wind during flight gets tangled, uncomfortable, and can obscure your view. Bring a hair tie if you need one — it is a small thing that makes a real difference.
What to bring
Sunglasses
Bring a pair you do not mind wearing in the harness. At altitude, even on overcast days, UV exposure is higher than at ground level. Polarized lenses work well for reducing glare off the Reservoir and the plains below. Make sure they fit securely — a pair that slips off your nose is a problem when you are two hundred feet in the air.
Sunscreen
The Boulder sun at altitude is intense. Apply sunscreen before you arrive — not just to your face, but to the backs of your hands and any exposed skin. SPF 30 or higher is recommended. Do not rely on cloud cover to protect you — UV penetrates clouds at this elevation.
Water
Wild Sky provides water at the flight site, but bringing your own is smart, especially for summer flights. The hike is short but gains elevation quickly. Stay hydrated before your flight — dehydration can amplify any motion sensitivity.
A small day bag or backpack (optional)
If you want to bring a phone or personal items, a small pack that you can hand to a non-flying companion at launch is fine. Do not carry anything loose in your pockets during flight. Your pilot will remind you of this during the briefing, but get into the habit early.
What to leave behind
Loose objects
Anything that is not secured will fall or fly away during flight. This means no loose phones without wrist tethers, no sunglasses on top of your head (wear them on your face or leave them behind), no GoPros on poles or mounts without proper attachment. Loose objects are a safety hazard — they can hit the pilot, tangle in lines, or become projectiles.
Wild Sky allows small phones in wrist-grip mounts. If you want flight footage, the $35 HD photo and video package is the better option — Joshua’s chest-mounted GoPro captures angles a handheld phone cannot match.
Heavy backpacks or large bags
You are hiking a ridgeline and sitting in a harness. Large backpacks are awkward during the hike and impossible to wear during flight. Leave luggage at your car or with non-flying companions at the park.
Jewelry or accessories that can catch or fly off
Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and scarves can catch in the harness or become uncomfortable at speed. Stud earrings are fine; dangling earrings are not. Scarves are a definite no.
Seasonal adjustments
Spring (April–May): The ridge can be cool even when the city is warm. Bring a proper mid-layer — a fleece or light puffy jacket — and consider wind-resistant pants. Ground-level temperatures in the 60s can feel like the 40s at launch elevation.
Summer (June–August): The most forgiving season for clothing. A t-shirt and shorts are comfortable on the hike, but still bring a light layer for the launch site. Afternoon flights in July and August can have strong thermal wind — a light jacket keeps you comfortable while you wait to launch.
Fall (September–October): Layers matter most in fall. Temperatures drop quickly in September, especially on the ridge. Consider a fleece, light hiking pants, and a wind shell. The views of autumn foliage in the Boulder Valley are worth the extra preparation.
What Wild Sky provides
To be clear about what you do not need to bring: Wild Sky provides all flight equipment as standard on every flight.
- Harness: a full body harness sized and fitted at the launch site
- Helmet: a certified paragliding helmet fitted before launch
- Paraglider wing: brand-new Niviuk equipment on every flight
- Reserve parachute: rigged and ready on every flight as standard
- USHPA temporary student membership: handled on-site
- Pre-flight briefing: covers everything you need to know
You show up in comfortable clothes with closed-toe shoes. Wild Sky handles everything else.
Quick packing checklist
- Closed-toe shoes (hiking shoes, trail runners, or sneakers)
- Comfortable pants or athletic shorts
- Light layer or jacket (10-15 degrees cooler at altitude)
- Sunglasses (secured, not perched on top of your head)
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+, applied before arrival)
- Water bottle
- Hair tie (if needed)
- Phone with wrist tether if you want to capture footage (or book the $35 video package instead)
That is everything. Simple, practical, and nothing your closet probably does not already have. See you on the ridge.