How almost anyone can pack their parachute in 7 minutes

First I go over hard openings, why they happen, and how to pack your parachute to avoid them.
Then I show you how anyone can pack their parachute in about 7 minutes.
Want one for yourself?
USA:
www.packmonkeydesigns.com
UK shoppers:
www.dzsports.co.uk/pack-monkey
Euro Shoppers:
sky-shop.eu/packing-monkey
www.360skypro.com/products/pa...
Australian/NZ shoppers:
/ 102985348176836
***We will no longer be selling through Amazon (Aug 2022). You can still read the 100+ reviews there: amzn.to/2lCick5

[@jonesaway]

This looks like a real DZ couch

[@nolanwoody4365]

The reason you flake is to minimize the abrasion the fabric gets from the lines. Rather than stuffing the nose cells, PD recommends rolling 3-4 cells inwards to slow down inflation. Works like a charm.

[@connornicklaus5286]

This is what my dz packer recommended that I do, as you said it works like a charm

[@Dizzyswoops]

Good luck to you buddy! I admire people who think creatively and try to come up with new interesting ideas in the activity they enjoy!

[@Statureman]

I have a somewhat new sabre2 210 and pack monkey absolutely helps manage fabric and make packing easier. I think flaking may be more about on-heading openings as it is about opening speed. It seems My canopy fishes around less finding its heading when the flakes are neat and even. That said I think you are likely correct in making sure the slider grabs as mach air as possible first. I'm going to experiment with how the slider is presented next time I'm at the dz.

[@packmonkeydesigns]

Interesting, I hadn't thought of the flaking influencing the amount of searching the canopy does. My first thought is that would be more strongly influenced by the order and amount the cells inflate. But after thinking about it, flaking might influence that. I will try some experiments next time too.

[@normsimpson2342]

I really like that pack monkey, I'll have to get one. That being said, I'm not running a race to pack. I spend maybe 10 minutes, maybe a little less packing. Getting the slider right is so important! A nice presentation to the wind is critical for a smooth opening...

[@toddp765]

I've a pack mat so I can pull my rig to me on my semi-snowless. It speeds things up a bit as I don't have to walk the D-bag back and it also keeps the rig from floor abrasions/grass/dirt when I'm having to nature-pack. Don't want a ton of gear to pack but will check PM out. Thanks.

[@packmonkeydesigns]

Thank you Todd for leaving this comment. James

[@m1a1stud]

Thanks for the video. I'll definitely try this method.

[@packmonkeydesigns]

Let me know if you have any thoughts or questions. As you know, there is a lot of advice floating around (in skydiving and in life) and you should pick and choose what makes sense to you. James.

[@m1a1stud]

20 jumps Sabre 3, 210, no problems. Works great.

[@whenwhathuh]

I have a pack money. If my pack job has gotten sloppy from a long break, I always use it to get me back in the game.

[@Robin-de8zg]

some of the eliptical canopies like the pd canopies and icarus canopies have removable slider systems and those sliders catch way more air than the traditional sliders with the gromets and they flap like hell

[@skydiver333nacer2]

good job bro.. think you very much

[@michaelwilliamsd.o.5006]

LOVE THE MONKEY! Rookie jumper with 210. I hated packing until my wife bought us a pack monkey. Love your technique and totally agree all that flaking is useless in light of the chaos at deployment. Be neat but not OCD. I just wish I had invented such a great product. Thx

[@packmonkeydesigns]

Thank you for the kind words Michael! James

[@michaelwilliamsd.o.5006]

@@packmonkeydesigns I am well into using your technique and still totally agree with you. My openings are better than ever no line twist no signs of any damage whatsoever. It has changed my Sky Diving world in so many good ways!! Also, my back and neck are so less painful from the better openings using this technique. Many at the drop zone, Come over when they see me using the pack monkey to ask questions. Some have it but never really understood how to use it. I show people your technique and they all love it. Brilliant idea. Thank you!

[@packmonkeydesigns]

@@michaelwilliamsd.o.5006 Thank you Michael!

[@Robin-de8zg]

semi stowless bags works a bit like those freebags that are used to deploy reserve canopies

[@AnthonyVella]

I’m so excited to start my skydive training that I find myself watching videos on packing… I’ve got the bug.

[@packmonkeydesigns]

It is an amazing sport and community!

[@1stPersonStateConsciousness]

I need these videos recommended to me

[@steveaustin1820]

Justbgot mine...for a new canopy it saves heaps of times...I think everyone should learn to pack without one but once your reaady to shave off time in your packing it is the way to go...alot of jumpers knock it but haven't tried one...ressentful for sure.

[@packmonkeydesigns]

I agree, thank you for leaving a comment Steve. James

[@eatgrass123]

I've seen these at my local DZ and I'm about 150 jumps in and for the life of me still struggle to get the canopy in the bag. I guess it's just not something I'm natural at, so I just ordered one of these. I know an AFF instructor who struggled with packing and they use one too!

[@packmonkeydesigns]

Thank you! Please let me know if you have any comments or feedback. But you are bang on: packing is sort of a skill, and just like anything some people find it easy and some find it tough. I also am not a natural, which is why I made the Pack Monkey. James

[@jeremyschaeffer7316]

Hey man i like it! Going to order the pack monkey and pull up cord, what kind of deployment bag is that you're using?

[@packmonkeydesigns]

Hi Jeremy, sorry for the slow response. That is the d-bag included with the Vector 344 (semi-stowless) and a sabre2 135 canopy.

[@wilfredoquintana4092]

What do you recommend for newer jumpers a large canopy or a smalleer one.

[@stevenquinones5624]

I just purchased. Was thinking it would be useful for the ends of pack monkey to be magnetic. This way they hold together on their own.Any thoughts ?

[@packmonkeydesigns]

This is something that has been suggested and I have considered it, so good idea. However (so far) I have not figured out a way to both 1) reliably work to my manufacturer on this, since you can imagine there are plenty of ways this could be messed up: that if the magnets were placed incorrectly or weren't strong enough or too strong; and 2) magnet placement might mean that it would no longer accommodate a large range of canopy sizes. I am not saying it is not possible, just the amount of effort required vs the extra benefit might not be worth it? That is the way I am thinking about it right now.

[@ppgtraininguk]

Nice 👌

[@mattwoodford1820]

I don't bother with the first shake. I grab the nose with one hand, the C's,D's and brakelines with the other and stretch and shake and that puts the lines in the right place. I mushroom burrito my PC which is a bit quicker and makes it bulkier to fit tighter into the BOC. Also, cos we have a bus from the PLA to the packing shed, cock pilot chute, untangle bungies and stow brakes while waiting. Takes me about 10 mins to pack when I push I think (tho I never timed it properly) but I use no pack monkey, have a fully stowed back and use a pull up. My old canopy is fairly easy to get in the bag but will be getting a new one soon so gonna invest in a pack monkey I reckon cos it looks like it manages the canopy well and keeps the salty oily sweat off what will be quite an expensive piece of nylon! Thanks for the video!

[@packmonkeydesigns]

I like your tactics. It just goes to show that there are a bunch of different ways to make the process easier and more efficient. And if you decide to buy a new canopy, pack monkey would be a good investment if you have difficulties managing the new slippery fabric. Thank you for taking the time to leave this comment! Blue Skies, James

[@KeithBarrowsToday]

How about packing a large canopy? It seems to me the ratio between slider and canopy sqft is much higher on your handkerchief than it is on my Silhouette 230. I do know that pilot chute size & slider size both contribute to harder openings. It is why I had an instant open malfunction. Pilot chute was too large, slider too small, ended up with the dbag off before full extension = instant open! I will be paying attention to the slider size and packing position more closely when I get back to jumping. Thanks for the thought you put into this presentation.

[@packmonkeydesigns]

Hi Keith. That opening you describe sounds brutal! I have never measured but I assume that canopy manufacturers are mostly aware of the tradeoffs between slider sizing: Too small and you risk frequent hard openings, too large and the opening might be too slow? There are probably other considerations too, I would be curious if anyone knows the answer.

[@KeithBarrowsToday]

@@packmonkeydesigns - from my log book: Jump 105: 6 pt 6 way went really well. Blew the center cell on opening. Emergency procedures were done without thinking. 4A lines, 3 B lines, 2 front right lines & 1 left front line (below the junction from the canopy) AND center cell ripped in half. (The tail did not rip but front and cell did.) It was like hitting a brick wall at 120 MPH - but only with your shoulders and hips. I bruised my sternum, with my helmet whiplash was that bad. I should have been knocked out but I wasn't. Grateful for that as it was one jump with no AAD as I was test jumping a rig and canopy I was looking to purchase. My AAD was already on order. My Raven Save story was in the Parachutist in 2000 or 2001 sometime. Investigation by one of the master riggers is where I found out that the slider was too small, the pilot chute too big, and how they play in the opening sequence. A too big of a slider can put you in a permanent snivel, I just don't know how large that has to be.

[@packmonkeydesigns]

@@KeithBarrowsToday wow! that is brutal. Glad you weren't badly hurt, it could have been a lot worse. Hopefully manufacturers learned something from this too. Thanks for sharing. James.

[@packmonkeydesigns]

Learn more about Pack Monkey www.packmonkeydesigns.com **We will no longer be selling through Amazon very shortly (Aug 2022). You can still read the 100+ reviews there: amzn.to/2lCick5

[@Khaya_M]

first off id like to say that the pack monkey is a brilliant idea, but the reason for flaking is mostly to not burn out the canopy and put holes in, also the pull up cord is best for sport packs because it doesn't eat at the closing loop like a packboy does but other than that great job.

[@packmonkeydesigns]

Ah, I wonder if my canopy has burn holes in it? I'll take a look next time I pack. I would guess that burn holes could be mitigated with some strategic canopy shaking during the previous steps (also, holes might also be dependent on canopy design and size). Thank you for leaving the and contributing to this discussion. James.

[@eddieroa291]

Flaking isn’t for the opening. It’s to prevent line burn. Cmon dude

[@packmonkeydesigns]

Good point Eddie, taking care that the lines don't burn the canopy is important. I have do not have any line burns on my canopy using this method, but other canopies might be different. Feel free to use and adopt any tactics from this video that you like, and disregard any tactics you don't like. This goes for both this video and any advice you hear.

[@brucehood5529]

@@packmonkeydesigns That makes sense. Thanks.

[@brucehood5529]

I've often wondered how important flaking was. It seems like assuring the lines are in the center and the slider is solidly against the grommets are keys to good openings. However, have you discussed this with PD? I"d be interested in hearing what they have to say. Maybe I'll give them a call -- if they're not closed for the pandemic, of course. Thanks for the neat idea.

[@packmonkeydesigns]

Hi Bruce, thank you fro the comment. I have not discussed it with PD, but given the packing videos they have been publishing I would guess they think flaking is important. My thoughts are flaking makes folding neater, and therefore easier to put in the bag. But you can apply more leverage using Pack Monkey in order to get it in the bag, so flaking is not as important. If you learn anything more, feel free to let me know.

[@brucehood5529]

@@packmonkeydesigns Thanks for replying, I appreciate it. You're probably right on target about PD's views of flaking. If they didn't see it as important, they wouldn't promote it. By the way, I have a 230 which is H-U-G-E in the D-bag. The Pack Monkey has made packing 100% easier than it was. As a proud member of the geezer class, I need all the shortcuts I can get, and the Pack Monkey is one of those. I can't match your 7-minute pack job, but I'm closer to 20 minutes which is way better than when I started -- that was more like 2 hours. Just wish the PM was a little bigger (hint, hint, hint). Thanks

[@eddieroa291]

It’s to prevent line burn to maintain ur canopy. Don’t listen to this guy and if u stopped flaking, check ur canopy

[@burnerburner7016]

​@@eddieroa291that's right, you don't need to flake your canopy if you don't care about line burn :)

[@sfb7884]

I'm hopefully getting my AFF licence this year if covid fucks off and just trying to soak in some good knowledge on packing you made it look easy that pack monkey might be a solid purchase by the looks of it. Nervous but fucking buzzing for it to begin! 🤙

[@MrJkd2013]

im an old cat ,just got my A license and did a canopy course last week .5 hop n pops .if i did it you can do it. words of advice ,if there is a tunnel ( I fly ) around you invest in tunnel flying to get used to body control . blue skies bro .

[@packmonkeydesigns]

did you end up going for your A?

[@sfb7884]

@@packmonkeydesigns next year! as I have been putting hours into the tunnel as much as I can to be honest so to prepare as best possible 👍🏻

[@sfb7884]

@@MrJkd2013 I appreciate that mate 👍🏻 happy for ya blue skies!

[@SimoBenziane]

​@@sfb7884do you have your license yet?

[@TheHellis]

Regarding suggestions on how to pack faster/better. I was surprised to see the rigg move when you packed. I thought "what a great spot to pack on!" But you didn't use the good in the spot. The door! Have "something" behind the door, route some lines or something that can clear the gap below the door. Get a large (preferably those ridiculous large) climbing carabiniers and clip on to the rig. When your rig is secure it's much easier to pack faster.

[@TheHellis]

Or perhaps two flat metal bars that you bend to a L shape with an extra U bend at one of the ends. Put the flat part behind the door and the U bend on "this side of the door", put the leg straps in the U bend and it's very easy setup. Just tape all of the metal to make sure there is no edges.

[@Robin-de8zg]

and base jumpers and wingsuit base jumpers do slider up jumps

[@50buttfish]

Team jumping-YES; Fun jumping, I packed in 30 minutes, no worry no hurry.

[@marktourville3751]

It’s now few years later I’m seeing this. Are u still packing it this way and how many jumps now Curious Thank u

[@packmonkeydesigns]

HI Mark, yep I still pack this way without incident. I have not been jumping much this past year (I started another business that is sucking up a lot of my spare time), but probably have about 300 jumps under my belt using this updated method. I have found that taking a quick look at the lines and canopy before laying it down has been a good idea, after I had one opening that was a bit of a whipper (and not the usual peasant, on-heading opening). I jump a sabre2 135 (still). How are you currently packing? Do you have any tricks or observations?

[@ronaldonogueira74]

Why I'm not surprised the perfect opening example is from a Crossfire? 😆

[@swallerick1]

I ordered a pack monkey before even finishing the video. I just started packing my own parachute and it’s been taking an embarrassing amount of time, mostly because it’s been taking me a few tries each time to get it in the d bag.

[@swallerick1]

@Chase Welch yes!! It is fantastic!

[@Robin-de8zg]

wait but base jumping sliders are made of mesh and doesent that increase the risk of a hard opening because it wont catch enough air

[@burnerburner7016]

In BASE you don't even use a slider all the time. The slider reefs the lines which reduces the risk of a lineover malfunction, and a fast on-heading opening (even if it's hard) is preferred over a soft slow opening when you are deploying so close to the ground. Take a slider-down pack job to 4 seconds a few times, and it will redefine what you consider to be a hard opening.

[@Robin-de8zg]

and can you show us how to uncollapse a slider

[@isabelabrancatelli9049]

curious how many line twists you've had w/ this pack job...

[@packmonkeydesigns]

Very few actually (but probably not zero). I believe with good nose placement, proper slider placement relative to the nose, good body position while deploying (so the bag doesn't spin off your back), the rest doesn't matter too much. I suppose if you packed extremely asymmetrically then you could get some line twists. Have you tried any of the tips in this video, and did you get a lot of line twists? What are your concerns with this method that will cause line twists?

[@euwanderer]

Starts at 6:07. Youre welcome

[@packmonkeydesigns]

Yes John is correct, the packing starts at 6:07. You are skipping a little analysis on hard openings, which is background information but not required.

[@avanesarutyunyan2088]

Fast packing leads to a quick descent

[@deanmiles3505]

I haven't packed since the 80's but the step you skip has a purpose. You should be looking at the material for any damage, cuts, abrasions, etc. Just a thought from my early years training. Good luck! Take care, Be safe.

[@packmonkeydesigns]

That makes sense. I suppose one question is: how frequently should you be checking for these things? My first thought is: if my opening was normal (not a hard one, nothing out of the ordinary) I probably do not need to check. But perhaps if the opening is snappy, or there are line twists, then might be a good time to do a more thorough inspection. Thank you for the comment.

[@Cameraflyer-]

This is such a scam. I've seen people trying to use a pack monkey at the drop zone and it still takes them 20 minutes. Whatever happened to just learning how to pack a parachute properly?

[@Robin-de8zg]

wait doesent double stowing increase the chance of baglocks

[@packmonkeydesigns]

It sort of depends who you ask. After talking pretty extensively about the merits of single vs double stowing with the PD rep, I fall slightly more in the double-stow camp. The reasoning: When single stowing, there is a section of lines under the stow that are not in contact with the rubber bands, and that *might* allow for the stows to come undone prematurely (though I have not heard of this happening, perhaps there is a small chance it causes some kind of malfunction). However, PD has always double-stowed for their test jumps (they tell me), and they have never had any malfunctions due to the double-stowing. There are definitely differing opinions out there, just like a lot of things in this sport. What do you think? And, anyone else have any opinion they care to share?

[@jyskib]

it does not

[@Dizzyswoops]

Only if you use incorrect bag size or too small elastics for your lines. Otherwise - a firm NO

[@user-ok8vi6ds1r]

where to buy?

[@packmonkeydesigns]

There are a few places, depending on where you are located: USA: www.packmonkeydesigns.com GB: www.dzsports.co.uk/pack-monkey Europe: sky-shop.eu/packing-monkey www.360skypro.com/products/pack-monkey-packing-device Australian/NZ shoppers: m.facebook.com/102985348176836/

[@Robin-de8zg]

and does wingsuit skydiving jumping (NOT WINGSUIT BASE JUMPING) decrease the chance of hard opening

[@Robin-de8zg]

and when you deploy your reserve why do you lose your freebag,bridle and piot chute

[@AK-xe2ly]

There's a lot of "I don't know" and sketchy techniques here for somebody basically trying to give a packing class and sell a packing tool. You are just begging for a line over or tension knot without even looking at your line and fabric configuration before folding the tail. Not even attempting to keep line tension when laying down the canopy. Faster isn't always better. Also, head's up, you're incorrect about how sliders work and their intent. They are not there to block air to the canopy. They are there to catch air, creating drag against itself, to hold it in place to prevent the opening of the bottom-skin, allowing the nose to inflate until there's sufficient force to push the slider down.

[@packmonkeydesigns]

Thanks for the reply A K. I guess you must have skimmed the video? At ~6:55 I mention line placement, specifically the C,D, and steering lines. I agree with you about keeping line tension when laying the canopy down, in this video my rig slipped forward and I ran out of space. Though if you lay your rig down carefully (so as to not disturb the lines within the canopy), I am not sure that letting the tension off the lines matters much.

[@AK-xe2ly]

Pack Monkey Designs no, I watched the video fully. You talk about your C and D and steering but don't actually DO anything to ensure that those lines aren't over any fabric and that they have full tension to prevent fabric burn, tension knots, uneven lines, lineovers, etc. Again, even your reply has an "I'm not sure" in it just like your video says multiple times. If you're not sure, don't try to teach it. You're giving bad advice. You're encouraging speed over safety in a thinly veiled attempt to advertise your monkey tool which is usually aimed towards newer jumpers or bad packers. So now you want those same people to skip steps in their packing process that prevent line overs and tension knots? I'm not a fan. You also make false claims about sliders and how they work. They don't slow openings by preventing the canopy from catching air. The slider works by staying up, slowing the widening of the angle of the lines from your risers, until it's pushed down by the opening. Are you a rigger? An S&TA? An instructor even? You shouldn't be giving packing lessons.

[@taods1]

Hey AK, sounds like you’ve been cooped up too long during the pandemic or maybe just douche,. “I’m not sure”? He’s just sharing the way he packs and adults can take this formation and make adult decisions. He wasn’t telling anyone to pack this way.

[@quisutdeus911]

Yeahhhh...But...after.. ☠CRASHHHHDOWN☹☹☹☹☹☠😉

[@Robin-de8zg]

and show us how to pack a reserve

[@kylekingsberry5680]

Why would you ever need to know how to pack a reserve??