Packing....

[Stumpy 284]

OK, sorting out the lines is fine, getting all the air out is fine, stowing the lines and getting the container closed, no problem. However, getting it in the bag, hmmmm. I know that it is mostly practice, but has anyone got any tips? I have been shown a few different things by different people at the DZ but thought someone on here might have something that might work for me. (and i don't want to psycho pack just because i can't pro pack very well, i want to make that choice when i am competent at both!)
Would like to spend my next weekend jumping rather than rolling around swearing at my canopy

Never try to eat more than you can lift

[gus 1]

Have a look at the sequence of pictures on PackingParachutes.com, is that how you're folding the canopy? There's an alternative method where you do that first fold last, once the rest of canopy is already in the bag - it can make it much easier to control that slippery zp. You've probably seen it already but if not then have someone show you.

Gus

OutpatientsOnline.com

[riggerrob 643]

How about the method that the Canadian 8-way team was using a decade ago?
We start by folding the canopy in half and stuffing it into the top of the d-bag.
Next we fold the top 1/4 of the canopy into the d-bag.
Finally we stuff the slider into the middle of the d-bag.
There are also some tricks with your knees that help control the canopy, especially when the first fold tries to squirt out of the d-bag.

[masterrig 1]

Hey, Rob!

After reading your post, about The Canadian team's method of packing, I couldn't help but think; 'how simple!' I'm going to have to get that idea going at the DZ.

Chuck

[Harksaw 0]

Here's my suggestion, though I'm not quite sure how much reading this can help. I kind of need to show in person.

When the canopy is ready to be put in the bag, reach your left hand underneath the end closest to the bag. On the bottom side with your hand, have your thumb grabbing the left side of the rolled tail, and your index finger grabbing the right side of the rolled tail. This makes sure it won't come unrolled.Put your right hand on top where the first fold is going to be made, and bring your left hand on top of that. (This might be the fold you are used to be doing second - I find it easier to do it first.) Now, you can hold the very top of the canopy, the part where the bridle attaches, with your thumb, and hold the two parts of the tail together with your fingers- This lets you hold the entire thing together with one hand, while you bring the bag around it with the other. Put the bag on the left side of the canopy first, then when its in, grab the right side of the canopy and squeeze that in by pushing against the side that is already in the bag. Straighten it out, then grab the base of the canopy (by the lines) and tuck that in the center.

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I started skydiving for the money and the chicks. Oh, wait.