Packing - The Tail

[wormly81]

I'm wondering how you deal with the tail of your parachute after making your fold and closing the top of the container. In learning to pack, someone showed me how they roll it under and stuff the bottom of the container. He then mentioned that he hasn't seen anyone else do it this way, that it works for him, and that I should probably ask around to see if anyone has a reason why its not a good idea.

What concerns you the most when closing the bottom of your container? Do you have any special way you deal with excess tail?

Thanks.

[airdog07]

I you got excess make a third fold over or in between, there is nothing wrong with rolling like the you do with skydiving canopy or just get jesse's packing video exitpointproductions.com

[vid666]

I have seen it done the way you describe, but as the poster below says making a third fold is a better idea. Takes an extra 15 seconds, but keeps everything clean. When stuffing the excess of the cocoon of the canopy (it's not the tail BTW, it's the center of the canopy topskin directly opposite all the line attachment points) you aer also destroying all teh symmetry you worked so hard to keep while dressing your canopy and using those 14 clamps.

I like mine clean, and even clampless packjobs don't get more complicated by making the third fold.

[wormly81]

Thanks. This was very helpful.

[Zoter]

When stuffing the excess of the cocoon of the canopy (it's not the tail BTW, it's the center of the canopy topskin directly opposite all the line attachment points) you aer also destroying all teh symmetry you worked so hard to keep while dressing your canopy and using those 14 clamps.

Load of rubbish !

If you do it right you wont disturb the symmetry of your packjob at all...
I suggest you make the 'tail' fold before you close the container.
I make the fold on top nd carefully fold the excess tail material under itself on either side of the bridal attachment point.
I also make sure the bridal attachment point is pulled clear, so there is no chance of the attachment point looping itself around any of the tail

Sitting at the bottom of the container I 'hover' a knee over that tail fold to keep it ( and the rest of the packjob in place) whilst I close the top pin.....and use my hand to genetly hold over that fold whilst I close the flaps for the bottom pin.

I make sure the folds are made so the canopy fills right to the bottom of the container and make sure that any 'knees' and hands placed on the packjob are placed carefully and with minimal pressure.
Even in a hurry thats very easy to do.....and your 'symmetry' wont be disturbed...lol

[vid666]

huh ? You just repeated what I said, with extra instructions.

my point was that what some people do - seat the tailpocket, make the first fold, and close the top pin, whilst letting the excess canopy material, the top of your packjob "hang" from the bottom of the container, and only afterward start stuffing the said top into the bottom of the container - is not pretty and unnecessary.
Do you need a picture ?

[Zoter]

Do you need a picture

If you have a cute girlfriend and she's naked..sure , thanks for the offer

Even stuffing the canopy tail ears in without a second S fold shouldnt lead to significant asymmetry ( unless you really try)

Your initial post wasnt at all clear, and I clarified a couple of points....namely , making sure you bridal attachment point is clear of loose tail material.
You can make use of my 'extra instructions' as well if you like.....no charge

[Mac]

I always make one fold and then roll the rest into the base of the container. Impossible to explain what else I do with the center cell, so I wont try.... People do think that the way I pack is wrong, but I am very comfortable with it.