Learn how to fold a Iris Parachute

Here is a handy guide how to pack the Iris parachute. In this demonstration we use our Prachute Rigger Jig you can purchase here. Use the jig to help hold the shroud lines tight to make folding easy.

NOTE: If you are packing the Skycat or Harrier launchers then please refer to these products Help files.

Download the guide How to fold an Iris Parachute here.

IMPORTANT: UNDERSTAND THAT WE MAKE NO WARRANTY THAT THIS IS THE BEST WAY OR THAT IT WILL WORK IN YOUR CASE. AS ALWAYS YOU TAKE FULL RESONSIBILITY TO ENSURE YOUR PARACHUTE IS PROPERLY PACKED AND THAT A SUTABLE DEPLOYMENT METHOD IS PROVIDED! Now that this is out of the way we can begin!

Step 1: Wooden Jig to assist mounting

We use this simple wooden JIG to assist with mounting the parachute. We clamp it to the edge of the table. This allows the lines to be sorted between left main, center pull, right main.
Step 2: Another view of jig

We have a little closing "gate" that keeps the lines in the slots.
Step 3: Separate lines at the bridle

Pull out the shroud lines and separate these also into left main, center pull and right.
Step 4: Extend lines and anchor

Then anchor the lines to a chair of something else. We use a piece of paraline with quick-links to attach the lines to a chair. We keep the lines pulled out tight while
Step 5: Extend line bundles and drop into jig

With the bridle anchored extend the line bundles out and drop into the jig, left, center right.
Step 6: Another view of lines in jig
Step 7: Close "gate"

Close the gate to keep lnes in place.
Step 8: Extend the lines till taught

With the lines dropped into the jig, and anchored on the chair extend the lines so they are taught.
Step 9: Connect deployment bag

If you are using a deployment bag, or a chute liner now is a good time to connect it.
Step 10: Iris top loop - where is it again

We have folks ask us where the top look is! With the chute mounted in the gig you can easily open up the canopy top and see the loop.
Step 11: Pull canopy out from jig

Now with the lines in the jig and tight pull the canopy out to the other side of the jig.
Step 12: Fold back gores to find label

Working on the canopy left side (jig to the right) fold back all the canopy gores until you get to the label. This marks the bottom-left gore.
Step 13: Flake the gore

Now flake the first gore with the label. Do this by pulling out the first seam tight so it goes to the center. Pull out the fabric away from the center and flatten. Note the fabric inside the flattened gore is also tight and wrinkle free.
Step 14: Pull out the next gore

Pull out the next gore and flatten on top. Again make sure the seam is inside and tight. Neatly flatten the gore.
Step 15: Pull out the gore fabric

This shows pulling out the gore fabric.
Step 16: Another view folding the gore

Pulling on the outer edge, and the inside fabric out will cause the canopy inside to be nicely organized.
Step 17: Complete the left side - 6 gores

This is a IFC-72 chute with 6 gores so we flake the first six gores on the left side.
Step 18: Hold in place with weights

After you have the first six gores flaked keep them in place with some kind of weight.
Step 19: Now the right side

With the left side done go around to the right side and fold back the top five gores.
Step 20: Now Flake right side

Like the left side flake the right side neatly stacking the gores.
Step 21: All done flaking, now fold into center

Now that the gores are perfectly flaked we will fold the sides in/ We start bi folding the right side into the center.
Step 22: Now fold again

Go around to the left side and fold in this side to the center. When done the chute will be about 1/3rd the width before folding.
Step 23: Remove lines from Jig

At this point the basic canopy is folded and well organized. What happens next depends on how you use deploy the chute. For this example we will load into a deployment bag.
Step 24: Start stuffing it in

We start by pulling in the leash, then grab the folded chute top and begin to stiff it in.
Step 25: Keep going

Keep Z-folding in the canopy until it's all inside. This is a CDB-4, 9"L bag which has plenty of room for this canopy,
Step 26: Lace the lines

Neatly lace the lines under the elastic strap. Be careful to not put the center pull under the elastic or it can hang up.
Step 27: Done lacing the lines

All the lines are now laced.
Step 28: Now let's load the parachute liner

We've switched out the deployment bag for a chute liner.
Step 29: Z-Fold the canopy

In this example we will do a rocketry-style fold and wrap. Then use the chute liner (instead of a Nomex Blanket) to protect the parachute. But we first need to z-fold the canopy.
Step 30: Z-Fold complete
Step 31: Pull lines up center

This is similar to our other pictorial on how to pack the parachute.
Step 32: Roll and wrap

Roll the canopy over the center lines, and then roll the lines around the canopy. Do not twist the lines while you roll them.
Step 33: All wrapped

Lines are all neatly wrapped now
Step 34: Slip into chute liner
Step 35: All done!
Step 36: Push into Airframe