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Last updated Sunday, 18 Oct 2026
| Parachutes | Price |
|---|---|
| Parachute Dragon Fly Bora 120 | £20.93 |
| Parachute Dragon Fly Fantasy 120 | £21.18 |
| Crotch Strap Helly Hansen | £21.34 |
| Parachute Dragon Fly Gilavar 140 | £25.72 |
| Parachute Dragon Fly Kona 160 | £29.76 |
| Parachute Dragon Fly Lilah 160 | £29.76 |
| Parachute Dragon Fly Santana 200 | £34.69 |
Jumping out of a plane is one of those life moments where gear choice isn’t just about comfort — it’s about survival. Your parachute is the heart of your skydive, and the rest of your kit is the nervous system that supports it. Picking the right canopy, container, automatic activation device (AAD), and accessories can make your descent smoother, safer, and a lot more fun. Think of it like choosing the right tires for a road trip: the better the match, the more control you have when the unexpected shows up.
Most modern sport parachutes are ram-air, rectangular or tapered “square” canopies that fly like wings. They offer steerability, glide, and predictable openings. Round canopies are legacy designs still used for some student rigs and military cargo; they open reliably but have little forward glide. If you’re aiming for precise landings and controlled flight, ram-air canopies are the industry standard.
Reserves are legally required for most sport jumps and are packed and certified by a rigger. They’re designed to open reliably and operate safely in emergency situations. Reserve canopies are conservative in performance compared to mains — that’s the point — and they’re sized specifically for the rig and the jumper’s weight. Never skimp on reserve quality or maintenance.
Tandem parachute systems are built to carry two people — an instructor and a passenger — and use oversized canopies, reinforced containers, and dedicated harnessing. Typical tandem canopies range from about 360 to 520 square feet, giving stable, slow descent for first-time jumpers. If you want to take someone on their first skydive, make sure the tandem system is certified and maintained by professionals.
Wingsuits turn your body into an airfoil, increasing glide and horizontal travel. They’re paired with specific canopy choices: many wingsuit pilots prefer larger, docile canopies for landing. High-performance canopies for experienced jumpers focus on speed and agility, ranging from very small, aggressive canopies to larger, docile ones for accuracy. Wingsuits and aggressive canopies are not for beginners — think of them as performance sports cars, not daily drivers.
The canopy is the fabric wing that slows your fall. Modern canopies are made from tapered, cell-structured nylon with reinforced seams and attachments. Canopy size is measured in square feet; a bigger canopy equals slower descent and slower forward speed, while smaller canopies give faster openings and more agility. Typical ranges you'll hear about: student canopies often fall between 170 and 280 square feet, sport canopies between 120 and 250 square feet, and tandem canopies around 360–520 square feet. Always match canopy size to your exit weight in pounds and your experience level.
The container houses your main and reserve canopies and straps the system to your body. A good container distributes load, keeps the canopies protected, and allows for easy maintenance access. Harnesses come with different cut points and adjustments — comfort and proper fit are essential, particularly for long days of jumping. Think of the container/harness like a backpack: it needs to hold everything securely and sit comfortably on your shoulders for many hours.
AADs are small electronic devices that automatically deploy the reserve if you pass a preset altitude while still falling at a high rate of speed. Popular models include Cypres and Vigil. They are not a substitute for discipline, but they are a proven last line of defense, and many drop zones require one. Keeping your AAD serviced and battery-checked is as important as your last rig inspection.
The pilot chute is the small parachute that catches air and pulls the main canopy out of the container. Bridles and deployment bags control the smoothness and timing of openings. Quality pilot chutes and proper rigging reduce the chance of line twists and hard openings, so periodic inspection and replacement of worn items are critical.
Picking canopy size is often the most discussed decision for new and experienced jumpers. The goal is to balance safety, performance, and landing accuracy. Beginners should generally choose a bigger canopy to maintain a forgiving flight pattern and slower landing speed. An example guideline: if you weigh 160 pounds exit weight, a sport canopy in the 170–200 sq ft range is typical for those building skills; an experienced jumper of the same weight might fly a 140–160 sq ft canopy for more performance. For tandem jumps, the canopy will be sized to handle combined weight — that’s why tandem canopies are considerably larger.
Helmets protect against impact and noise and are often required at many drop zones. There are full-face and open-face designs; full-face helmets provide better cold protection and aerodynamic efficiency. Popular brands like Cookie and Icarus are widely used. Comfort and correct sizing are key; a helmet should be snug but not painful.
Altimeters come in wrist, chest, and audible formats. Wrist altimeters (analog or digital) are common for visual reference, while audible altimeters provide automatic altitude alerts in your ear. Many jumpers carry both a wrist altimeter and listen for audible cues, especially during busy jumps and canopy flight. Set your alerts to the heights that match your training and local requirements.
Jumpsuits help with stability and body position; they also protect from wind and cold. Goggles will keep your eyes clear during freefall, and gloves can protect your hands on canopy handling. Choose gear that fits well and is appropriate for your climate — nothing ruins a jump like cold, numb fingers trying to feed toggles.
Regular maintenance keeps your rig airworthy. This includes scheduled reserve repacks, AAD maintenance, and line and fabric inspections. Packing tools like a packing mat, weights, and proper container closing techniques matter. If in doubt, go to a certified rigger — their experience is worth the cost.
There are several highly regarded manufacturers in the sport. United Parachute Technologies (UPT), Performance Designs (PD), Sun Path, and Aerodyne are frequently mentioned for main canopies and containers. For AADs, Airtec’s Cypres series and Vigil devices are industry staples. Wingsuit brands include Squirrel and Phoenix-Fly. When comparing models, look for reviews from jumpers who match your weight and skill level and check the manufacturer’s recommended exit weight charts.
Purchasing skydiving gear can be a serious investment, but price comparison platforms can help you find the best offers and manufacturer discounts. Comparison sites aggregate price lists and seasonal promotions so you can quickly see where savings exist without visiting every vendor. Besides new gear, many experienced jumpers trade used canopies and rigs through vetted drop zone boards — just verify repack and service records before buying. Lastly, check for package deals: many manufacturers bundle container, main, and reserve options that can save money versus piecemeal buys.
Buying new gives you the latest materials, warranties, and a known service history. It’s peace of mind in a sport where reliability matters. Used gear is cheaper but requires diligent inspection: ask for serial numbers, reserve repack logs, AAD service receipts, and canopy loft history. A used canopy with low jumps and a clean inspection can be a great value, but if in doubt get an expert rigger to inspect it. Remember: a cheap parachute isn’t cheap if it leads to increased risk.
Your parachute system needs regular attention. Reserve canopies usually require repacking by a certified rigger every 180 days in the U.S., and AADs have service intervals and battery replacement schedules. Local aviation authorities and drop zones often set rules about required gear and minimum training levels — check those before flying. Think of maintenance like a car’s oil change: you could skip it, but you wouldn’t want to do that on a cross-country trip.
So you’re ready to go solo — congratulations. Before the flight, run a final checklist: verify your container and freebag are properly closed, confirm your main and reserve serial numbers and repack dates, ensure your AAD battery is in date, check your altimeter settings, and do a physical gear fit test. Do a mock harness check with an instructor and confirm landing area conditions. If anything feels off, walk away and get it inspected. Confidence in your gear translates to better focus and better performance in the sky.
Small items often yield big benefits. A breathable packing mat, a lightweight, high-visibility pilot chute spare, extra toggles, and a spare altimeter battery can make life easier at the DZ. For travel, a padded rig bag protects your investment. Consider a small logbook or digital app to track jumps, canopy experience, and maintenance dates — organized data prevents missed repacks and expired service intervals.
Whether you start with static-line, tandem, or AFF (accelerated freefall), your gear should match your training. Student rigs are typically designed to open gently and provide a predictable canopy. As you progress into intermediate and advanced maneuvers, you may transition to smaller or more responsive canopies. Always consult your instructors and manufacturer recommendations when moving to a new canopy size or type.
Choosing parachutes and skydiving gear is a balance of safety, performance, and budget. With the right information and careful comparison shopping, you can find equipment that fits your goals and keeps you flying safely. Remember: buy the best you can afford, maintain it religiously, and lean on experienced jumpers and certified riggers for guidance.
