ICARO’s Alba is a modern round-cap rescue system for solo Paragliding pilots who place maximum value on reliability, fast opening and low sink rate in a compact, lightweight package.
Alba: the “white” reserve with a clear mission
Developed as a non-controllable, manually triggered round-cap centerline rescue, the Alba focuses on one thing above all: getting you down safely when everything else has gone wrong. Its classic concept is refined with current materials and manufacturing methods to deliver high strength and predictable behaviour even under demanding conditions.
Who the Alba is designed for
The Alba targets pilots who consciously choose a traditional round canopy but do not want to compromise on performance. It is aimed at recreational and cross-country pilots looking for the highest reliability, very fast inflation, low sink rate and pronounced pendulum stability, while also benefiting from small pack volume and reduced weight.
Sizes, loads and sink rates
The rescue is offered in three sizes – Alba 85, 105 and 130 – each dimensioned for a specific maximum load of 85 kg, 105 kg and 130 kg. All versions remain clearly below the maximum sink rates specified in the European Standard, with values around 5.4–5.45 m/s at maximum loading. This translates into reduced impact energy on landing and therefore a tangible gain in passive safety.
Lightweight yet robust construction
Despite its focus on strength and durability, the Alba remains pleasantly light: from about 1.4 kg including container for the smallest size up to around 1.95 kg for the largest. The pack volumes from approximately 3,000 to 3,850 cm³ make it easy to integrate in a wide range of harness compartments, an advantage both for light equipment concepts and for compact XC setups.
Technical details that enhance safety
ICARO relies on CNC-cut canopy panels whose edges are coated so that they do not stick together in the pod. This meticulous processing is designed to support a clean, rapid deployment sequence. Line materials are carefully selected for very high strength and favourable stretching characteristics, which help to moderate opening shock at high speeds and contribute to stable descent behaviour.
Performance below certification limits
By using proven fabrics and lines from renowned manufacturers, the Alba achieves opening times and sink rates that stay below the thresholds required by the European Standard across all three sizes. For pilots this means an additional margin of safety beyond pure certification compliance – especially relevant in real-world emergency scenarios with high airspeeds or complex rotations.
Pricing and positioning
With net retail prices starting around 572 EUR for the Alba 85 and reaching approximately 622 EUR for the Alba 130, ICARO positions this rescue in the quality-conscious, but still accessible segment. In return, pilots receive a reserve that combines traditional round-cap virtues with up-to-date engineering, materials and workmanship.
More information and ordering
To explore detailed technical data, manuals and certification documents, visit the manufacturer's website. To receive advice on sizing, harness compatibility and to order the Alba as part of a complete equipment package, contact Paragliding4.me – your specialist partner for selecting and configuring Paragliding gear tailored to your flying profile.