Skydiving and backpacking are both high‑adrenaline pursuits that demand meticulous preparation. When you combine them---spending weeks or months on the trail while still planning to jump---your rig becomes the most critical piece of equipment you'll carry. A well‑maintained parachute system not only ensures a safe flight, it also saves you from costly repairs and wasted jumps. Below is a practical, step‑by‑step guide to keeping your skydiving rig in top shape from the moment you hit the trail until you return home.
Prepare Your Rig Before You Go
| Task | Why It Matters | Quick Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Full Inspection | Catch wear, stitching issues, or hardware fatigue early. | Do a pre‑flight rig inspection (RSL) with a certified rigger or experienced jumper. |
| Deep Clean | Removes oils, dirt, and sweat that can degrade fabric and hardware. | Use a mild soap, rinse with fresh water, and air‑dry completely. |
| Lubricate Moving Parts | Prevents stiff sliders, hooks, and buckles that can seize in cold or wet conditions. | Apply a silicone‑based lubricant to sliders, release handles, and buckles. |
| Pack in a Dry Bag | Protects the container from moisture, sand, and debris while you're on the trail. | Place the packed container inside a water‑proof dry sack with zip‑top closure. |
| Load spare parts | A broken line or torn hook in the backcountry can be catastrophic. | Pack a small repair kit (spare lines, a few metal rings, a mini‑sewing kit, spare buckles). |
Packing & Transport: Keep the Rig Safe on the Trail
- Use a Rigid Frame Backpack -- A pack with a hard shell or internal frame prevents the container from being crushed under heavy gear.
- Separate the Reserve -- Store the reserve in its own protective sleeve; it's a life‑critical component that should never be compressed.
- Compress But Don't Over‑Compress -- Pack the main container snugly to avoid shifting, but leave a little wiggle room for the container's shape; over‑compression can damage the fabric or the internal structure.
- Shield From UV -- Even on cloudy days, UV exposure at altitude can weaken fabric. Cover the rig with a reflective tarp or a UV‑blocking rain cover when you set camp.
- Avoid Direct Contact With Moisture -- Place the rig on a dry liner or a small bivy sack, not directly on the ground or damp sleeping pad.
Daily Maintenance Routine While on the Trail
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Morning Visual Scan
- Look for moisture buildup, sand grains, or torn seams.
- Check the airflow openings (vents) for blockages.
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Touch‑And‑Feel Test
- Run your fingertips over the canopy surface; any rough spots may indicate abrasion.
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Line Check
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Hardware Quick‑Check
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Quick Dry
- If the rig gets wet (rain, river crossing, dew), pat it dry with a microfiber cloth and place it in a well‑ventilated part of the pack for at least 30 minutes.
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Re‑Pack or Re‑Stow
Dealing With Weather & Environment
| Situation | Maintenance Action |
|---|---|
| Rain or Snow | Unpack ASAP, shake out excess water, and use a silica‑gel packet or small desiccant pouch inside the dry bag. |
| High Altitude (Cold) | Cold can make plastic buckles brittle. Store the rig near a heat source (e.g., inside your sleeping bag) for short periods to keep materials flexible. |
| Dust/Sand | After a dusty hike, give the rig a gentle brush‑off with a soft‑bristle brush before packing. A light vacuum with a handheld battery‑powered unit works well. |
| Salt‑Water (Coastal) | Rinse the rig with fresh water as soon as possible; salt corrodes metal hardware and weakens fabric. Follow with a thorough dry. |
| Extended Sun Exposure | Keep the rig shaded when you're camped; use a reflective tarp or a spare clothing layer to cover it. |
| Insects & Small Animals | Store the rig in a sealed dry bag; consider a paper towel or mothballs (in a breathable pouch) to deter pests. |
Mid‑Expedition Inspections
Every 3--5 days (or after every 2--3 jumps) conduct a mid‑trip inspection that replicates your standard pre‑flight check:
- Canopy Look‑Over -- Examine seams, panel attachments, and any patches.
- Line Length & Tension -- Verify that each line is the correct length and free of twist.
- Hardware Tightness -- Use a small torque wrench or your hand to confirm that nuts, washers, and rings are snug but not over‑tightened.
- Reserve Deployment Test -- With the container open, pull the reserve handle to ensure smooth action (no sticking). Do not release the reserve.
- Altimeter & Instruments -- Check battery levels, clear any moisture from the display, and recalibrate if needed.
If any anomaly shows up, address it on the trail (repair, replace, or postpone the jump) rather than risking a faulty rig later.
Emergency Repairs in the Backcountry
| Problem | Quick Fix | When to Seek Professional Service |
|---|---|---|
| Frayed Line | Trim the frayed section, splice a short piece of backup line using a splicing sleeve or knot (e.g., double fisherman). | If the splice is near a load‑bearing point or you're unsure of line integrity. |
| Broken Buckle | Use a metal snap or a spare buckle from your kit as a temporary replacement. | If the buckle fails under load or you have no spare. |
| Torn Fabric (Small) | Apply a fabric repair tape specifically rated for parachute material. | For any tear larger than 2 cm, or if the tape compromises the canopy's aerodynamic shape. |
| Stuck Release Handle | Apply a few drops of silicone spray, work the handle back and forth gently. | If the handle remains sticky after cleaning, replace it. |
| Corroded Metal Ring | Clean with a small wire brush, apply a light coat of corrosion‑inhibiting spray. | If the ring shows pitting or cracking, replace it. |
Pro tip: Keep a compact parachute repair manual (or saved PDF on your phone) for reference; muscle memory often beats improvisation.
Post‑Trip Care -- Bringing the Rig Home
- Full Wash -- Use a specialized parachute cleaner; avoid harsh detergents that can degrade the coating.
- Dry Completely -- Hang in a well‑ventilated, shaded area for at least 24 hours. A low‑temperature fan can speed the process.
- Professional Inspection -- Even if everything looked fine on the trail, book a ground‑school/rig inspection with a certified rigger before your next jump season.
- Document the Trip -- Write a quick log noting any issues, repairs, and conditions encountered. This becomes a valuable reference for future trips.
Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't Pack the Reserve with Heavy Gear -- Compressing the reserve can distort the deployment bag and affect opening performance.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight While Packed -- UV radiation can degrade the fabric even inside a bag if the material isn't UV‑protected.
- Never Rely Solely on Visual Checks -- Some issues (e.g., micro‑tears, internal fabric wear) require a tactile inspection or professional assessment.
- Don't Skip the Desiccant -- Moisture is the silent enemy; a small desiccant packet does wonders in a dry bag.
- Stay Organized -- A chaotic pack leads to accidental line snags during the hike. Keep the rig in its own compartment and secure all loose ends.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining a skydiving rig on an extended backpacking expedition is a balance of prevention, vigilance, and quick problem‑solving . By preparing your equipment before you depart, establishing a disciplined daily routine, and knowing how to perform basic field repairs, you protect both yourself and your investment in skydiving. Remember: a jump is only as safe as the rig you wear, so treat it with the same respect you give the backcountry trails you love. Happy trekking---and clear skies!