---
title: How to Plan a 100 km Cross‑Country Paragliding Trip: A Step‑by‑Step Checklist and Gear Guide
siteUrl: https://logzly.com/skylineparagliding
author: skylineparagliding (Skyline Soar)
date: 2026-06-18T16:12:08.396774
tags: [paragliding, crosscountry, gear]
url: https://logzly.com/skylineparagliding/how-to-plan-a-100-km-crosscountry-paragliding-trip-a-stepbystep-checklist-and-gear-guide
---


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A 100 km flight feels like a dream for most pilots, but it’s also a test of preparation. One gust of wind or a missing piece of gear can turn a soaring day into a scramble for safety. That’s why I’m breaking down the whole process into a simple checklist and a gear list you can trust. If you follow these steps, you’ll spend more time looking at the horizon and less time worrying about the details.

## 1. Know Your Goal and Your Limits

### 1.1 Set a realistic distance

A 100 km trip isn’t just “fly far”. It’s a series of legs, each with its own launch, climb, and landing. Start by looking at the map and marking out a route that stays within the thermal strength you usually see in the season, using a reliable flight‑planning resource. If you normally get 2 m/s lift, plan for legs that can be covered with that power. Over‑ambitious routes end up with you stuck in a valley waiting for a lift that never comes.

### 1.2 Check your experience level

I still remember my first 80 km attempt – I was thrilled until I ran out of fuel (read: altitude) halfway through. If you’ve only done a few 30 km trips, add a safety margin of at least 20 km. That gives you room to turn back or find a safe landing if conditions dip.

## 2. Map the Route

### 2.1 Choose launch and landing zones

Pick a launch that you know well – a hill with a clear take‑off path, no trees, and a reliable wind direction. Then mark at least three potential landing spots along the way. Use a top‑ographic map or a flight‑planning app to see the terrain, roads, and any obstacles. I always keep a “plan B” field marked in red; it’s saved me more than once.

### 2.2 Identify thermal hotspots

Thermal hotspots are places where the sun heats the ground more than the surrounding area – often over fields, rocky outcrops, or dry roads. Plot these on your map; they become your “fuel stations”. In my own trips, I’ve learned to follow the line of a river in the early afternoon; the water keeps the air cool, so the land beside it heats up and creates strong lift.

### 2.3 Use a flight‑planning tool

There are a few free tools that let you draw a route, calculate the distance, and even estimate the time based on your glide ratio. I like the one on Skyline Soar’s partner site because it shows the elevation profile in a clean graph. It’s also useful when planning a [200 km cross‑country adventure](/skylineparagliding/how-to-plan-a-200-km-crosscountry-paragliding-trip-stepbystep-checklist-gear-guide). Upload the route, check the total climb needed, and make sure you have enough altitude reserve.

## 3. Weather Check – [The Real Deal](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Real+Deal&tag=organizationtip101-20)

### 3.1 Look at the forecast 24 hours ahead

Check the wind direction, speed, and any fronts moving through the area. A light southerly breeze in the morning that shifts to a strong westerly in the afternoon can ruin a planned line. If the forecast shows gusts over 15 km/h at your launch site, consider postponing.

### 3.2 Study the day‑before trend

Thermal strength often follows the day‑before weather. A sunny day with clear skies the night before means the ground will be warm and thermals will be strong. A rainy night leaves the ground damp, and you’ll get weaker lift. I keep a [small notebook](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=small+notebook&tag=organizationtip101-20) of “yesterday’s weather vs today’s lift” – it’s a cheap but surprisingly accurate predictor.

### 3.3 Use a real‑time wind app

Even after you launch, a quick glance at a wind [app on your phone](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=app+on+your+phone&tag=organizationtip101-20) can tell you if a low‑level wind shift is coming. If you see a sudden change in direction, be ready to adjust your line or find a landing spot early.

## 4. Gear Checklist

Below is the gear I never leave home without for a 100 km trip. Keep the list on a [sheet of paper](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=sheet+of+paper&tag=organizationtip101-20) or in a note app and tick each item before you head out.

### 4.1 Wing and Harness

- **Wing**: A certified 22–24 m² wing with a good glide ratio (around 9.5:1). Make sure the lines are fresh and the cells are clean.
- **Harness**: My go‑to is a back‑type harness with a built‑in reserve parachute pocket. It should have a comfortable seat and enough storage for a small [water bottle](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=water+bottle&tag=organizationtip101-20) and a [snack bar](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=snack+bar&tag=organizationtip101-20).

### 4.2 [Safety Equipment](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=safety+equipment&tag=organizationtip101-20)

- **Reserve parachute**: Pack it in the harness pocket, check the deployment handle, and verify the container is not expired.
- **Helmet**: A lightweight, well‑ventilated helmet with a visor. I keep a spare strap in my pocket just in case.
- **Radio or [GPS tracker](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=GPS+tracker&tag=organizationtip101-20)**: A small two‑way radio for ground crew contact, and a GPS tracker that can send your position if you need rescue.

### 4.3 [Navigation Tools](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=navigation+tools&tag=organizationtip101-20)

- **Smartphone with flight‑planning app**: Pre‑loaded with the route, offline maps, and a [battery pack](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=battery+pack&tag=organizationtip101-20).
- **Compass**: A simple magnetic compass as a backup if the phone dies.
- **Altimeter**: My wrist‑mounted altimeter gives me instant altitude and climb rate.  
  For longer trips, consider referencing a [safety‑focused long‑distance planning guide](/skylineparagliding/how-to-plan-a-safe-200-km-crosscountry-paragliding-trip-stepbystep-checklist-gear-guide).

### 4.4 Clothing and [Personal Items](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=personal+items&tag=organizationtip101-20)

- **[Layered clothing](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=layered+clothing&tag=organizationtip101-20)**: A breathable [base layer](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=base+layer&tag=organizationtip101-20), a wind‑proof mid‑layer, and a light down jacket for high altitude chill.
- **Gloves**: Thin, grippy gloves that keep your hands warm but still let you feel the brake lines.
- **Sunglasses**: [Polarized lenses](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=polarized+lenses&tag=organizationtip101-20) to cut glare off the clouds.
- **[Water and snacks](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Water+and+Snacks&tag=organizationtip101-20)**: At least 1 liter of water and [energy bars](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Energy+Bars&tag=organizationtip101-20); you’ll burn calories fast when you’re climbing.

### 4.5 Miscellaneous

- **[Repair kit](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=repair+kit&tag=organizationtip101-20)**: Spare lines, a small needle, and some tape. You never know when a line might fray.
- **First‑aid kit**: A few band‑aids, [antiseptic wipes](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Antiseptic+Wipes&tag=organizationtip101-20), and [pain relievers](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pain+relievers&tag=organizationtip101-20).
- **[Trash bag](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=trash+bag&tag=organizationtip101-20)**: To keep your gear dry if you get caught in a sudden rain.

## 5. The Day‑Of Routine

1. **[Arrive early](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Arrive+Early&tag=organizationtip101-20)** – Give yourself at least an hour before launch to set up, check the gear, and do a quick walk‑through of the launch area.  
2. **Do a gear walk‑through** – Verify the wing is packed correctly, lines are untangled, and the reserve is accessible.  
3. **Run a short test launch** – If the wind feels right, do a quick 2‑minute launch to feel the lift and check the brakes.  
4. **Confirm the route** – Open the map on your phone, glance at the compass, and make sure the first thermal hotspot is in sight. If you need a quick reference, the [essential cross‑country flight plan](/skylineparagliding/essential-crosscountry-paragliding-flight-plan-a-stepbystep-checklist-for-safe-longdistance-soars) is handy before you take off.  
5. **Take off and enjoy** – Keep an eye on your altitude, stay within the thermal line, and remember the “plan B” landing spots.

## 6. Post‑Flight Review

When you land, take a few minutes to note what worked and what didn’t. Did you miss a thermal? Was the wind stronger than forecast? Write it down in your flight log. Over time, these notes become a personal weather‑reading guide that no app can replace.

A 100 km cross‑country flight is a blend of careful planning, solid gear, and a dash of intuition. By following this checklist, you’ll give yourself the best chance to turn that long line on the map into a smooth, soaring adventure. The sky is waiting – now go chase it.