A Complete Guide to Skydiving Gear for New Jumpers
The Essentials: A Quick Overview
It can be confusing and overwhelming trying to figure out what you’ll need, how to decide on it, and where to buy it. In this guide, we’ll explain the gear you’ll need and what factors to consider when buying.
Container / Harness System
This is the heart of your rig. Your container holds your main and reserve canopies, AAD, and pilot chute. The fit of your container is important for safety and for ease of flying. An ill-fitting container can work against you in the sky. If you’re buying used, try it on to make sure it fits you well, and always run it by a rigger to be sure it’s airworthy and double check on the value. If buying new, it should fit like a glove.
You may have noticed brands such as UPT Vector and Sunpath Javelin around your DZ. These are the containers you’re likely to see most, and for good reason.
Fit: When you buy new, your container will be measured exactly to your size. If you’re just starting out and buying used, ask a rigger, trusted instructor, or S&TA at your local DZ to help verify the fit and condition.
Tip: If you’re buying online, confirm the sale and rig at a verifiable DZ and speak directly with their rigger before purchasing. It’s the best way to avoid scams and make sure the gear is as advertised. It’s not unusual to have the container shipped to you for fitting before purchasing.
The main pilot chute wears out with use, so check in with your rigger or container brand about when it should be replaced.
Main Canopy
Your main canopy might change quite a bit in the beginning. Beginners should always choose conservative canopies that match their experience level and keep them safe while they learn how to fly their wing, land in different conditions and take canopy courses. Performance Designs is a good place to start. They offer canopies that are peppy and safe enough for new skydivers without losing any of the fun.
Tip: A lot of canopy manufacturers will allow demos of their canopies to prospective new buyers at DZs, boogies or by request. This is a great way to get familiar with how different canopies fly before you buy. Again: if buying used, be sure to verify the canopy through a DZ or rigger who will inspect lines and the canopy condition.
Reserve Canopy
Your reserve canopy should be chosen with the mindset of “in the worst-case scenario, which canopy would I want?” A very common reserve is the PD Optimum. Never compromise on reserve quality or repack cycles (every 180 days in most countries, one year in some). Your reserve canopy wing loading should be a maximum of 1.4, but aim for even lower to give yourself the best chance at a safe landing in the worst-case scenario and check your reserve manufacturer’s specifications.
Tip: If you have the chance to demo reserves at an event or through the demo program, do it! These canopies perform different and it’s great to get familiar with what to expect in case of an unexpected reserve ride.
Automatic Activation Device (AAD)
An AAD is a small device put inside your harness by a rigger that automatically deploys your reserve if you’re still in freefall below a certain altitude. AADs have saved many lives of skydivers who have lost altitude awareness or were unable to pull their main. Most DZs around the world require AADs, and for good reason. The CYPRES AAD is used widely in skydiving for its reliability and cutting-edge technology.
Tip: When buying new, it’s good to check when the AAD will need to be serviced and how many years is left on the unit. This will have an impact on its value.
Altimeters (Visual + Audible)
Most students start with a visual altimeter (analog or digital) when they’re learning how to skydive. When jumpers start flying with other people, it’s time to add an audible to your helmet. An audible quickly becomes one of those non-negotiable pieces of gear once you start flying with others. It keeps you aware when there’s a lot going on. The audible has beeps to remind you of breakoff, deployment, and your decision altitude. LB Altimeters are very reliable altis, and Deep & Steep is a newer company with audibles and visual altis that include GPS data, which is super handy for canopy jumps and knowing jump run and where you’re at in relation to the DZ.
Tip: You’ll want to work up to having two audibles at some point. Especially as you start to grow reliant on the audible, you’ll want a backup to be sure you stay safe.
Photo by Jesse “Tex” Leos
Helmet
There are two helmet styles to choose from: open face and full face. The choice mostly comes down to personal preference. Open-face helmets are loved for their comfort, the feeling of the wind, and the ability to communicate easily, while full-face helmets offer more protection and make the skydive quieter. Cookie and Tonfly are among the most widely used.
A helmet would be a good investment early on as it’s unusual to find rentals.
Tip: When shopping for a helmet, make sure it’s impact-rated as high as possible. You want the best protection for your head. You can search Paragear for options.
Jumpsuit
You can get away with jumping in street clothes for a while, but once you buy a suit, you’ll see why it’s such a game-changer. Different suits have different purposes with some being specific for static flying (baggier), some tighter with 4-way stretch (dynamic, freestyle, small bodies), and some with grips and booties (belly). Choose one that matches your discipline. Tonfly make durable suits of all kinds.
Tip: Used suits are often sold on Facebook. These are easier to size than a rig. Although suits can be expensive, be sure to check the prices of new suits vs. used suits. Maybe you want to invest in a new suit that fits right early on. If you’re a cold-weather jumper, be sure to measure for layers underneath. If you’re jumping mostly in warmer weather, many companies offer shorter versions.
Eye Protection
Goggles are necessary for open-face helmets. There are many brands out there, and a lot of dropzone shops carry them for sale, as well you can grab them on ParaGear.
Gloves & Layers
Gloves are a personal choice. Some people jump with gloves year-round; others won’t jump in gloves no matter the temperature.
Be Smart When Buying
New or used? Used gear can save thousands, but inspect everything with or through rigger. It’s smart to have the seller drop off the gear to a dropzone rigger. Have it inspected there, and call the DZ directly to confirm you’re speaking with their rigger.
Most jumpers can spend $5–8K on a first full setup, often in stages.
Find a trustworthy rigger. They often have a good eye for used gear and can inspect and consult on buying options.
Final Thoughts
Start simple, buy safe, and grow your setup as you progress. Your gear evolves with you, get to know it, ask questions if you don’t. Trusting and knowing your gear adds a layer of confidence to your flying that can’t be beat.
