[Previous entry: "The Closing Loop/Freebag Loop "Wall of Shame""]
[Next entry: "Smart Reserve Stabilizer Slack Should Be Checked"]

Is it a rush to make the next load? A belief your container is immune to premature openings? Or maybe you never received thorough main packing training? Whatever it is, I am seeing more sloppy main containers than ever before.

Most of the time jumpers get away without any consequences (other than an ugly, scary looking rig). But improper closing of a main container can also lead to out-of-sequence deployments, premature openings and/or malfunctions.

Not only can it be dangerous to have a sloppy or improperly closed main container, but it also ruins the clean, smooth look of the container your Chutingstar riggers worked hard to achieve with a properly closed reserve container.

For those just getting into the sport, see your local rigger for overall main parachute packing lessons. The following instructions and descriptions should be used more as a refresher and/or fine-tuning of your packing skills.

As you stow your main risers from the three rings and along the sides of your reserve container, make sure the risers closely follow the curves of the rig. The first photo shows a main riser rising up off the container. Risers stowed unevenly can lead to line twists on opening and also adds a snag point to your container during climbout and freefall.



The following photo shows a properly stowed main riser as it follows the contour of the reserve risers and container. From the point the risers are covered by the riser covers to the main container tray, the risers, line and toggles should be completely concealed. No portion of the main riser system should be exposed. Exposed lines, risers or toggles can lead to an unstowed toggle trailing behind you in freefall.



Once the lines enter the main container tray, the lines should be routed to the bottom of the tray. It is important to keep the lines away from the bottom of the reserve container. Lines stowed along the top side of the main container tray can get caught on the reserve container and rip the reserve container from the harness.



Place the main deployment bag into the main tray with the line stows toward the bottom of the tray (where the excess line was routed). Do not leave the bag cocked at this 45-degree angle or it will leave wrinkles and distort the shape of your main container.



Make sure all the usable space is filled with the main deployment bag by rotating the bag so the pilot chute attachment point/grommet is against the reserve container. Compress the bag into all four corners of the main tray as the main container flaps are closed in the order set by the manufacturer.



Side or bottom grommets should not be exposed like this on most container systems (Wings, Mirage, Javelin, Dolphin and the like). Exceptions to this rule include the offset main grommet systems on Vectors and the Infinity. Still, only the last two grommets on a Vector or Infinity should be offset. All other grommets should be hidden.



A properly-sized main canopy, main closing loop and correctly-placed main deployment bag will lead to a clean-looking main container as shown in these final photos. If you have any problems getting your main container closed properly or looking good, see your owner’s manual and local rigger for advice.





Happy Packing. Cheers!