When paragliding, I try to avoid shuttles and gondolas if possible. Hiking up to the launches has many benefits: it’s free, I get good exercise, and I can go whenever I want without worrying about whether the shuttles or gondolas are running.
For me, another added benefit is that after a great hike up, the flight is just a great dessert. Even if the conditions are bad and the flight is just a glide down, at least I got to spend time in nature and sweat a little.
I first saw the Expe Race while working at the Red Bull X-Alps 2025, where I was conducting the pre-race gear checks for the athletes. Used by Niviuk’s team pilots, like Jean de Biolley and Celine Lorenz, the backpack seemed simple and effective. While the athlete’s version is slightly modified from the regular Expe Race 50, most of the design remains the same.
As someone who carries all their gear up on foot almost every time and also likes to run with paragliding gear, I find the backpack a crucial part of my flying gear. Thats why I decided to give Niviuk’s Expe Race 60 a try.
Overview
Niviuk Expe Race has a pretty straightforward, “dry bag”-type of design. There is a singular zipper running through the middle of the backpack. At the top, there is a roll-top that is secured with two buckles.
The fabric and the zipper are made out of waterproof material. I have not been caught in the rain yet, but I think the contents of the backpack would stay dry, as long as the roll-top is rolled up properly.
The material seems quite fragile, at least to punctures. I managed to get a couple of small holes in the fabric after only a few days of use. Luckily, the rips have not started to spread, at least so far.
According to Niviuk’s data sheet, Expe Race 60 weighs 467 grams and has a volume of 60–70 litres (80 x 50 x 22 cm). For Expe Race 50, weight is 455 grams and size 50–60 litres, with dimensions of 75 x 40 x 20 cm.
My previous paragliding backpack was Advance’s Lightpack ULS 70. While I was generally happy with the Lightpack, it was slightly too big for my gear. When jogging, the contents would bounce around uncomfortably, so I went ahead and downsized a little.
Design and features
Advance’s Lightpack ULS has a “regular” zipper that loops around the backpack. I prefer the single-zipper solution in Niviuk’s backpack because it is easier to close the backpack without anything getting caught in the zipper, and the other side does not slip while you close it. Also, the single zipper seems a bit more heavy-duty, which hopefully makes it less likely to fail.
My typical loadout for a regular summer paragliding day consists of an Advance Weightless harness with foam protector (size L), BGD Lynx 2 (ML) in Supair’s compress bag, helmet, pair of poles, a light synthetic down jacket, gloves, and some small bits and pieces like a radio and snacks.
While my stuff left a little too much room for the Lightpack ULS, with Niviuk’s backpack, it is now the opposite problem. The harness and wing fit in perfectly, but the helmet does not. It is possible to jam the helmet in with a bit of force, but as the upper part of the backpack with the roll-top creates kind of a “neck”, my helmet is just a tiny bit too big to fit in nicely. It is annoying, as otherwise the whole kit is very close to a perfect fit to my liking.
The usable space in the Expe Race 60 is definitely smaller than in the Lightpack ULS, even though the data sheet says the Expe Race can be stretched to 70 litres.
Unlike the Lightpack ULS, there is no additional net to keep the helmet outside the backpack, so, at least so far, I have not been able to find a better solution than stuffing everything in with a bit of force and fiddling around.
In general, Expe Race offers only a few extra pockets and features. There is only one zip pocket at the long side of the backpack, where you can stuff something small like car keys, wallets or similiar stuff. There are also two open stretchy pockets on the sides, where you can stuff for example a water bottle or a jacket. There are also loops to attach poles or ice axe.
Shoulder straps have load lifters, a bit of velcro, and pockets for two soft flasks, that are easy to drink from. There are also two stretchy pockets in the hip belt for snacks.
For the users of water reservoirs like Camelback, there is no specific pocket or hole for the tube. I personally prefer soft flasks, but for some people, this may be a deal-breaker.
Comfort
I find Expe Race 60 generally good to carry around. Big part of the comfort comes from the very tight fit of my gear inside, as nothing is moving inside even while jogging.
Compared to the Lightpack ULS, the Expe Race 60 is taller and narrower. I personally like this, as it brings the weight closer to my body.
I am very tall, 200 cm, so the backpack could be slightly longer for me. Now the hip belt sit too high on my waist. Unfortunately, as far as I know, none of the paragliding backpacks come in different sizes.
This is something manufacturers should work to address, as one size definitely does not fit all. The same backpack can’t be comfortable for someone my size or for a shorter woman at the same time.
The back panel is made of a stiffer material and has small grooves that improve breathability. They work, and the back panel is much more breathable compared to the Lightpack ULS. The material feels good against the back, even without a shirt on.
The shoulder straps and hip belt are made out of two “strips” of material, and have a slit between them. This makes them breathe well. I find the strap design comfortable overall.
The shoulder straps and hip belt feel similar to those of a running vest. The hip belt is minimal, and its primary function is to keep the backpack in place rather than carry significant weight.
As expected, Expe Race is definitely built for lighter loads. My gear weighs around 10–12 kilograms in total, depending on how much water I have, and I think that is about the maximum the backpack can comfortably carry. It would work even better if the gear were even more compact and light.
Conclusion
So far, I like the Expe Race 60. It is light and is comfortable to carry. I like the tall, narrow design because it keeps the load close to my body. Running with the backpack on is comfortable, and so are long climbs.
The back panel and straps breathe reasonably well. The zipper seems quite durable, but the fabric itself can be prone to small punctures, or maybe I am just unlucky.
With the correct technique, it is easy and fast to fill the backpack. However, it is recommended to try out the backpack with your own gear before purchase. Despite its 60–70-litre capacity, the backpack’s narrow neck makes the usable space tight. Fitting the helmet can be tough, and without a net to carry it outside, it can create a big problem.
As expected, Expe Race is a specialized tool for hike-and-fly races or fast-and-light hike-and-XC fly adventures. It is a very lightweight backpack designed for compact, lightweight gear and for running with your paragliding gear.
If you don’t find yourself running up the hills with your paraglider and cutting every possible gram isn’t your primary objective, Expe Race can feel even a little too minimalist.