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Over the last several years I’ve come across several interesting substitutions for closing loops, washers and freebag loops. Some are theoretically safe, just out of the norm and very creative. But some of the substitutions were unsafe and definitely unapproved by the container manufacturer. And lastly, a few were made of the correct materials but not constructed properly or inspected well before installation.

Anyway, I’ve started a “Wall of Shame” on a corkboard at Chuting Star Rigging Loft. Below is a photo of some recent additions.



The two loops on the far left came out of main containers. The first loop was found in a local rig and had the loop tied around the washer. While this still “worked,” it is not correct. The closing loop length should be set, knots tied and/or stitched down and the washer slipped over the loop to rest against the knot.

The second loop is constructed correctly with a set knot, washer and some stitching. The amount of stitching for this main closing loop is a little overkill, but okay. The real problem with this loop lies in the washer, which is actually an American penny with a hole drilled through the center. I’ll give it a “10” for creativity, but a zero for being a smart idea. The drilled hole is rough and is cutting into the loop…and the penny is not an approved material/part by the manufacturer.

A quick note before I move on to reserve loops, most of the problems I see with main closing loops have to do with length. Many jumpers leave their main closing loops on the long side to make it easier to close the container. The only problem with an “easy to close container” is that it is also “easy to open” in the plane, during climb out or in freefall. Make sure your closing loop is the correct length. Main container grommets on containers such as Javelin, Mirage, Dolphin and Wings should sit on top of each other. The main grommets on Vector, Infinity and the like will have a slight offset on the last two grommets. In either case, none of your grommets should be visible once the main pin cover flap is closed. If you have any questions, ask your local rigger or call the appropriate manufacturer.

The middle loop came out of a Javelin reserve container previously packed by an Alabama rigger. The knot has almost completely slipped through the washer. This Javelin did not have a Cypres, so using the normal washer and Spectra closing loop is okay, but make sure the knot is big enough to stay behind the washer. And the overall loop length was more than an inch too long as well. Even when no Cypres is present, we use a Cypres washer and Cypres Spectra closing loop material for all traditional reserve containers.

So what is the loop with the two rubber bands? Well it was one rigger’s substitution for a freebag loop. This came in on a Tear Drop container’s freebag, last packed by a Tennessee rigger. Theoretically this probably would work, but it’s definitely not approved by the manufacturer as far as materials and length. Also, it may not slip through the freebag channel as easy as a traditional freebag loop in the event of a line stow hang-up.

A few weeks ago, another twist on this type of loop showed up on Javelin. This time, the rigger had tacked a rubber band to both sides of the freebag channel, threading the rubber bands though the grommets on the respective sides. While Jump Shack has allowed a rubber band freebag mod for its Racer containers, this type of mod is not allowed on Javelin containers. More than likely in both previous instances the riggers did not have the proper materials and tried to make do with what they had lying around…not acceptable.

Finally, the long double-ended loop on the end with the fraying came out of a Softie emergency container. The internal grommets at the base of the container were not seated properly, causing major damage to the loop. The damaged loop was found during an inspection/repack and was close to breaking. We reset the grommets and replaced the loop. A thorough reserve/container inspection should include the grommets for proper seating, while checking for any rough edges.

I’ll have more from this “Wall of Shame” next week…