Vol-Bivy in the Sierra

No way!

Forget pack-rafting … Where is the BPL "how-to" video series for this!

In the national parks. I know BASE jumping isn't but how about this. Either way, it is super cool.

Wow. Very cool. Not sure it's legal, but try and catch them!

Too cool!!! How do I learn how to do this and what gear do I need to do it?

This looks amazing…or I bet it would be once I finished puking and could concentrate on the views. Motion sickness-prone, bleh.

http://www.usairnet.com/Paragliding/

"Wow. Very cool. Not sure it's legal, but try and catch them!"

Its completely legal. The air space is administered by the FAA and foot launched soaring craft need to follow the rules laid out by that organization, but beyond that you can fly pretty much where you like (or within legal soaring airspace anyway).

“Too cool!!! How do I learn how to do this and what gear do I need to do it?”

John you have to learn how to soar first. Soaring sports in the US are self regulated and managed through the US Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association. Its pretty straight forward, but getting into vol-bivy is going to require some air time and dedication. Most of these guys have at least a P4 certification and a lot of hours in the harness. I took my first vol-bivy flight when I made P3 (although I did a lot more walking than flying).

Matt, I didn't mean the flying part (which I defer on the legality to to you), but more so the camping in various spots without a permit. As as I said before, try and catch them!

OIC, yeah its a bit difficult to get a permit for backcountry travel when the range of your possible camping sites could be hundreds of kilometers apart.

No thanks. I'd rather walk. "Up close and personal," as Howard Cosell used to say.

"No thanks. I'd rather walk. "Up close and personal," as Howard Cosell used to say."

Hey, you know, to each their own. Some appreciate the grand view from 17,000'.