How Parachute Packing Works in Skydiving

Table of Contents

• How to Pack A Parachute
• Who Packs Your Parachute?
• Can You Repack Your Own Parachute?
• Why Learning To Pack Matters

Key Takeaways

Parachute packing is a detailed, methodical process that plays a major role in how a canopy deploys and performs in the air. While most skydivers learn to pack their own main parachute early in their training, many still rely on experienced packers for convenience and efficiency. Certified riggers are required for reserve parachute repacks. Ultimately, understanding how to pack builds confidence, deepens your connection to your gear, and contributes to a smoother skydiving experience.

Parachute packing is the critical process of carefully folding and stowing a parachute back into its container after each use. Proper parachute packing helps to ensure reliable deployment, smooth openings, and overall safety during freefall and canopy flight. While it can look complex and intimidating in the beginning, the process follows methodical steps and is something that every licensed skydiver learns to do in the beginning of their progression through the sport.

How to Pack A Parachute

Most skydivers use the PRO pack (Progressive Ram-Air Orientation) method, which is the most commonly-taught packing technique. The other method is called flat packing, which – while much less common – is the preferred method of some old school jumpers. Sometimes you’ll even see folks laying their canopy flat on the ground before meticulously folding it to fit in the deployment bag. 

To give you an idea of the discipline and methodology that goes into packing, here’s a step-by-step overview of how to pack a skydiving parachute (main canopy) the PRO way. These steps are not intended to replace hands-on learning – taking an in-person packing class is vital to learning how to pack correctly.

Step 1: Preparation & Inspection

Lay out the rig on a clean surface. Inspect the canopy for tears, frayed lines, other damage and general wear and tear. Cock (uncollapse) the pilot chute, uncollapse the slider, and check that brake lines are clear and properly set. Perform a continuity check by walking the lines up from the risers to the canopy to remove any twists, step-throughs, or flip-throughs. 

Each packer does these steps differently, some perform their continuity check and slider-uncollapsing during the pack job, and others opt to cock their pilot chute after laying the canopy down (Step 3). 

Step 2: Flaking the Canopy

As the canopy lines are held taut over one shoulder, the canopy is flaked. This organizes the fabric so air can inflate the cells evenly during deployment. Flaking the canopy keeps things symmetrical and in neat order to prevent potential malfunctions, like line-overs. 

The packer will then pull the slider and quarter it to sit properly between the lines. A quartered slider is a must of every pack job. Sliders are in place to prevent hard or super-snippy openings – they’re a necessity. 

One important part of Step 2 is making sure the lines always have tension. 

Step 3: Cocooning & Folding

Compress the flaked canopy into a long, narrow “sausage” or cocoon shape and lay it on the ground, ensuring the lines maintain tension and the tail encapsulates the rest of the canopy. 

The next step is to S-fold the canopy (usually into three sections, sometimes two) while avoiding uneven pressure on the fabric. This helps keep all the hard work completed in the first two steps in the correct place! 

The end of Step 3 entails finagling the folded parachute into the deployment bag and placing the first two or three line stows. 

Step 4: Stowing the Lines

Neatly stow the rest of the suspension lines in rubber bands on the bag’s flaps. Many deployment bags vary slightly in design, and it’s important to follow manufacturer recommendations. Stowing the lines means keeping them taut while S-folding them across the deployment bag – the excess line is ‘stowed’ with a rubber band. 

Step 5: Closing the Container & Stowing the Pilot Chute

Insert the deployment bag into the main container. Close the flaps in the correct sequence according to your container and manufacturer standard; insert the closing pin through the closing loop; stow the bridle; and fold the pilot chute to place it in the bottom-of-container (BOC). 

Finish with a final gear check for proper pin seating, bridle routing, 3-ring routing, and handle security, along with overall wear and tear of the parachute system.

Who Packs Your Parachute?

Is packing a parachute hard? If you read through the steps above, you’ll see that packing a parachute takes a lot of skill, and it isn’t something anyone is born with. Those interested in becoming packers are trained by those with more experience than them, and over time they become more efficient, with an average pack-job taking around 45 minutes in the beginning and 10 minutes once experienced.

What is a parachute packer called who packs reserve parachutes?

A rigger! Riggers are certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to repack reserve parachutes and make minor modifications to parachute gear, such as sewing a patch.  

How much does it cost to have a parachute repack?

When it comes to main canopy pack-jobs, the cost is an average of $10. When it comes to reserve parachutes, these inspections and repacks sit around $100. This is because repacking a reserve is extra meticulous work. It needs to be done every 180 days or (obviously) every time it’s used, which happens if the main canopy is cut away. 

Should you tip your parachute packer?

It’s never expected, but always appreciated! Consider this insider tip – it’s common practice for licensed skydivers to reward their rigger with a bottle of their favorite liquor if they packed a “save”. A save is a reserve parachute that a licensed jumper had to use that was packed by their trusty rigger!

Can You Repack Your Own Parachute?

Yes – every licensed skydiver learns how to pack a main parachute! So, why do designated parachute packers exist? It’s hard work! Although completing an unassisted pack-job is required in order to achieve your solo skydiving license, many jumpers opt for the demonstration to be a ‘one and done.’ Some jumpers have bad knees or whacky backs and opt to use packers to avoid injury. 

Per the rules, only these people can pack a main parachute: 

• Certified parachute rigger
• Someone under the supervision of a certified parachute rigger (many packers)
• The person who intends to jump the parachute system next

These rules ensure compliance with FAA regulations and that safety is top priority.

Why Learning To Pack Matters

Learning to pack your own parachute is more than just a license requirement, it’s a skill that builds confidence and familiarity with your gear. Understanding how the folds, lines, and deployment mechanics all work together helps ease your mind before your jump. 

Even if you tend to rely on a packer, knowing the specifics of your gear can make the relationship between you and your parachute more harmonious, and in turn enable you to have a more relaxing skydive. 

Remember, we’re only scared of what we don’t understand. Don’t let packing be something that scares you off – get licensed and learn to pack your parachute at Skydive Monroe! Have questions? Reach out! We’re here to support your skydiving journey. Blue skies!