A Hang glider has a rigid frame maintaining the shape of the wing, with the pilot usually flying in a prone position. The paraglider canopy shape is maintained by air pressure and the pilot is suspended in a sitting or supine position. The hang glider has a “cleaner” aerodynamic profile and is capable of flying at much higher speeds, in higher winds, and longer distances than a paraglider.
The paraglider folds up into a backpack so is transported easier. The hang glider, due to its rigid frame, is usually transported on a vehicle with a roof rack and requires about 20 minutes to set up and again to take down.