redramdriver 0 #1 April 15, 2004 OK...so here I am, got the new container ordered and being made while we speak, don't want to just drag it around on the floor when I get it, so looking around the .net I find a couple of packing mats, pretty nice looking to not much of a choice. The price is reasonable for most, but what kills me is that for a $35.00 packing mat it's gonna cost me upwards of $12.00 or better in S&H fees. I could be wrong here, but does anyone have a decent gear store with a decent packing mat that isn't going to charge me almost half of the price for S&H? Any other opinions out there will also help. Blue OnesSo, you bring your beer? Its 5 o'clock somewhere POPS #9344 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DJL 235 #2 April 15, 2004 I just thought this up. Instant ghetto packing mat: Get an old pair of bluejeans and go to work with a pair of scissors and some thread. Cut the jeans at the knees, cut the front half off up to the hips and then inward to a point just below the button and over the zipper. (You'll snap the button when you pack and drag.) Should lay out like a square after you sew the legs together. Run your pullup through the back center belt loop to tie off your risers when you pack."I encourage all awesome dangerous behavior." - Jeffro Fincher Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GravityGirl 0 #3 April 15, 2004 Sounds crafty. Old jeans are already worn out though. How many times can you drag a pair of jeans before they spring a leak? Sorry. I'm just sitting here getting weird visuals about your post. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Peace and Blue Skies! Bonnie ==>Gravity Gear! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DJL 235 #4 April 15, 2004 Edit to directions: If you discover that you've used jeans that are so old they're threadbare then punch yourself in the dick. Also, if you ever try to wear this thing that now looks like an ass cape...punch yourself in the dick."I encourage all awesome dangerous behavior." - Jeffro Fincher Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FrogNog 1 #5 April 15, 2004 Quote Sounds crafty. Old jeans are already worn out though. How many times can you drag a pair of jeans before they spring a leak? Sorry. I'm just sitting here getting weird visuals about your post. Don't make me test that and find out. (My preferred hobby fabric is denim. I have like 50 pairs of used jeans, most already disassembled, in my fabric closet. -=-=-=-=- Pull. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nightjumps 1 #6 April 15, 2004 You can go to your local carpet store and get a remnant for free. Poke two holes for each shoulder and slip some twine thru the holes and WallAAHH! Instant packing mat. About thirty cents. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The111 1 #7 April 15, 2004 When I had about 30 jumps someone showed me how to hold the bag between my knees (standing) and walk toward the container as I stow my lines. I still do this. No need to drag anything...www.WingsuitPhotos.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnRich 4 #8 April 15, 2004 Quote OK...so here I am, got the new container ordered and being made while we speak, don't want to just drag it around on the floor when I get it, so looking around the .net I find a couple of packing mats... If you request it, the container manufacturer will probably make you a drag mat using matching materials to your rig, and can ship it with the rig. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kaerock 1 #9 April 15, 2004 Yea, it's pretty damn easy to modify your packing methods to not include dragging your rig. I do my locking stows by sliding my bag towards the rig just a tiny bit, making sure I have tension, do the stows. Then I get up, move my bag to about 12-18" from the end of my risers then do the rest of my stows, making sure the lines are not tangled, twisted or snagged. I do this in one movement so it saves me time and energy. If you have good tension on the locking stows, you'll not have a problem with the rest of them. -Rory Quote When I had about 30 jumps someone showed me how to hold the bag between my knees (standing) and walk toward the container as I stow my lines. I still do this. No need to drag anything... You be the king and I'll overthrow your government. --KRS-ONE Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
redramdriver 0 #10 April 16, 2004 I will see if that is an option i can get ...thanksSo, you bring your beer? Its 5 o'clock somewhere POPS #9344 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #11 April 16, 2004 Quote No need to drag anything... Good point. There are a couple advantages to having/using a packing mat even if you don't drag your rig when stowing the lines. If you jump someplace where you have to pack outside on grass or dirt, using a packing mat with a suncover will protect your container from the sun (nylon's #1 enemy) and also from grass stains and dirt. Even if you pack under a roof on carpet and don't drag your rig, if you aren't using a packing mat your container is still going to pick up dirt and dust from the carpet and UV rays are still going to be hitting it... I've got a real nice suncover packing mat from Square One in my gear bag. I'd recommend it or one like it to anyone; the padding at the bottom where you kneel when closing and the pockets for rubberbands/pull up cords are nice to have. But the carpet remnant idea combined with a towel to cover the container would be a cheap and easy alternative. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The111 1 #12 April 16, 2004 Quote using a packing mat with a suncover will protect your container from the sun (nylon's #1 enemy) My container's not made of nylon. Sorry Lisa, just wanted to nitpick. Good points otherwise. www.WingsuitPhotos.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #13 April 16, 2004 Quote My container's not made of nylon. Cordura isn't nylon? I learn something new every day... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The111 1 #14 April 16, 2004 Man, I am so busted. I really didn't know Cordura was nylon. Apparently *I* learned something new today. Thanks, BYTCH. www.WingsuitPhotos.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #15 April 16, 2004 I dont think its only Nylon. I think its a Nylon-Poly blend...Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nacmacfeegle 0 #16 April 16, 2004 "My container's not made of nylon." In fairness, I've seen leather Teardrops from Chris Thomas. Dunno if he still does them.-------------------- He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me. Thomas Jefferson Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrig 1 #17 April 16, 2004 There was a time, long ago, when you ordered a new harness-container, a packing mat, matching the rig, was included. Doesn't seem as though that is the case any longer. The carpet idea is great! I've seen many of them in use at several DZ's. Also, the carpet offers more drag and reduces the need of a weight while you are pro-packing. You might talk with your rigger and see if he couldn't possibly make one for you. Good luck! Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
