A parafoil for operation at high altitudes, in low density air, or at low airspeeds, and methods for opening same. Some versions of the parafoil comprise members connected to the parafoil canopy. When the parafoil canopy is in a stowed configuration, the members are constrained. When the canopy is released from its stowed configuration, the members open or assist with opening the canopy. The members may also be attached to a base structure, which is attached to the payload. The members may comprise rods or hollow tubes and use a fulcrum near the base structure, or a spacer plate. The ends connected to the canopy may be restrained by a parachute bag containing the stowed or packed canopy. The parachute bag can be opened prior to or during detachment of the parafoil from the flight vehicle.