How to pack a Deployment Bag
We often receive this question: "What is the best way to pack a parachute into a deployment bag?" To answer, we've provided a pictorial below on how these bags should be packed.
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 SUITABLE DEPLOYMENT METHOD IS PROVIDED!
Note about packing the Iris Ultra: It packs the same as the elliptical parachutes; however, the initial organization of the canopy is slightly different. We have a video on how to pack the Iris Ultra into a deployment bag:
The example below shows how to pack a CFC-120" parachute into a CDB-55, 12"L. This would fit into just 12" of a 5.5" or 6" airframe.
We're packing a 120" parachute into this small bag.
Step 1 - First, organize the parachute lengthwise. DO NOT FOLD OR WRAP! Instead, stuff it like you would a sleeping bag.
Step 2 - Connect the parachute's top loop to the shock cord inside the bag. This keeps the bag with the parachute after deployment. This is OPTIONAL!
Step 3 - Temporarily put tape around the shroud lines before packing. This keeps the skirt of the parachute and shroud lines together while packing.
Step 4 - Now grab the crown of the parachute and stuff it in.
Step 5 - And keep stuffing...
Step 6 - and stuffing...
Step 7 - and stuffing...
Step 8 - ...until you're up to the skirt of the parachute. Then push that in. The parachute is springy and will try to pop out.
Step 9 - Next remove the tape, which has done its job of keeping the shroud lines together and organized.
Step 10 - Grab the shroud lines at the base of the skirt...
Step 11 - ...and pull them up neatly in a loop together just past the last elastic band.
Step 12 - Then, tuck the shroud lines under the straps...
Step 13 - ...and keep going. You can double-up several folds under the same strap loop. KEEP IT NEAT!
Step 14 - And keep doing it... If you don't like how it's going, start over.
Step 15 - Getting near the end now!
Step 16 - Finally, the last length. Do NOT put the bridle under the straps; it will bind. If you have room, you can put shock cord under the straps as well.
Step 14 - Fold over the flap and we're done! Be sure to connect a pilot parachute to the top of the bag to pull it off.