I really enjoy jumping in the winter and thought I’d share a few thoughts. It is true that it can be 40 degrees colder at altitude than on the ground and we will be spending some of that time with 120+mph wind chill. So yes, it can be freaking cold.
The good news is that we aren’t exposed to it for very long, adrenaline can help you care less than you normally would, and it doesn’t require much extra gear to make it comfortable.
In general you want things that are warm and thin. You need something that will fit under your jumpsuit without restricting you too much. Think about using layers so you can easily adjust as the day progresses.
Make sure to try everything on and do handle checks before you get on a load
##Underoos
Underoos – Long Johns of some sort. I like the under armor compression tops, but I’ve also just used plain cotton long johns. On really cold days, 2 layers can be a life-saver. For me, 2 long john bottoms are warmer and more comfortable than 1 long john and jeans. Long warm socks can also be helpful.
##Top Layer
Anything on top of the underoos should be thin, and not so bulky that it changes the fit of your jumpsuit/gear too much.
##Gloves
You will want gloves, but you don’t need your ice-fishing mittens. I’ve used everything from the ‘skydiving’ gloves, to football receivers’ gloves, to 3 dollar a pair Home Depot garden gloves. The key is they need to be thin and fit you well. You need to be able to feel your handles easily. You just need something to keep the direct wind off your hands for a few minutess. A tip for the really cold days would be to put on a pair of latex gloves on under your other gloves. They insulate so much your hands will probably sweat, and they cut the wind 100%.
##Neckwear
I also really like some sort of balaclava for my neck (my helmet is open-faced… but even in a full-face having your neck covered a bit can be nice). The iFly variety seem to be in vogue this year.
##Handle Checks
My other advice would be to make sure to try everything on and do handle checks before you get on a load. With the gloves and extra clothing, standard things like finding your pilot chute/handles or even buckling your helmet might be a little different than you are used to. The first time you try all of that out shouldn’t be in the loading area, on jump run, or at pull time.
##It’s worth it!
Winter jumping has a lot of perks! In December you can do night jumps at 7pm! The shorter days also allow for more bonfires, dinner and hangout time than when the sunset load is wheels up at 9pm. The planes climb faster, and your canopy will fly and land better in the thicker air. The whuffo to jumper ratio is usually more in the jumper’s favor compared to the summer days. Gear up, and come play this winter!
