Skydiving Equipment List: Everything You Need to Know

In Summary
From the container and parachutes to helmets, goggles, and even gloves and hook knives, every piece of skydiving equipment serves a vital role in ensuring an as safe-as-possible and comfortable jump. This guide breaks down skydiving gear, what purpose it serves, how necessary it is, how much it costs, and the importance of proper gear maintenance. 

Skydiving equipment may look intimidating if you are someone who has never been skydiving before or if you’re a freshly licensed skydiver looking to buy their own gear for the first time – Eeeek! Rest assured: every piece of skydiving gear exists to maximize safety, enhance comfort, and make your jump as smooth as possible – and of course, to look super cool while doing it.

By understanding the skydiving equipment list, you’ll not only feel more confident but also better appreciate the craftsmanship and engineering behind every detailed piece – from the parachute itself to the tiny details within the system. Let’s explore the essentials, the nice-to-haves, and what you can expect when it comes to the cost of skydiving equipment.

Must-Have Skydiving Equipment List

This list encompasses the non-negotiables on the master skydiving equipment list. These are provided to you as a student and generally available for rent when you’re a newly licensed jumper.

• Container / Harness

The container (often called the rig) is the backpack-like system that holds both the main parachute and reserve parachute. Attached to the container is the harness, which securely straps the skydiver to their gear.

Every harness is built for comfort and durability, with multiple adjustment points to ensure a snug fit. Even details like the closing pin and loop that keep the parachutes stowed are designed with extreme precision and are inspected frequently for reliability and longevity.

• Main Parachute

The main parachute is the canopy you’ll deploy during your skydive. Modern sport parachutes are highly maneuverable, allowing jumpers to control their speed and direction for the most accurate landing.

The deployment begins with a small pilot chute – kind of like a mini parachute – that extracts the main canopy from the container. While you won’t need to know the mechanics during your first-time tandem jump, it’s reassuring to understand how carefully designed the parachuting equipment list is to ensure functionality and the most safe situation.

• Reserve Parachute

Just as the name suggests, the reserve parachute is a backup canopy packed into every rig. In the unlikely event that the main parachute doesn’t perform properly (a common concern for most first-time tandem skydivers), the reserve is there as a reliable back-up.

What makes the reserve extra special? The reserve parachute is only packed by certified FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) riggers – professionals who specialize in parachute safety and maintenance. If you’re curious about what riggers do, check out our article on ‘What is a Rigger?’!

• Skydiving AAD

An Automatic Activation Device (AAD) is one of the most important safety features in the skydiving equipment list. This small but mighty computer works by monitoring altitude and speed. If the AAD detects that a skydiver hasn’t deployed a parachute in time (for whatever reason), it will automatically open the reserve.

While not frequently needed, this safety net has saved countless lives – making it one of the most trusted components of modern skydiving gear.

• Helmet / Goggles

Protecting your head and eyes is essential. Helmets and frap hats shield you from bumps and ensure secured camera mounts for experienced jumpers. Goggles keep your eyes protected from wind at 120+ mph, so you can enjoy the view without watery eyes.

Not sure what to wear for your first skydive? Check out our guide on What to Wear Skydiving.

• Altimeter

An altimeter is that watch looking thing you might have seen skydivers wearing on their arm. While it doesn’t exactly tell you the time, it does help you keep track of your altitude while on your jump – super important. Skydivers use altitude to determine when they need to begin making certain decisions like breaking off from a formation, pulling their parachute, and when to begin their landing pattern.

Altimeters are available as analog dials or digital displays, and are crucial for skydiving.

Nice-to-Have Skydiving Equipment

This list encompasses the skydiving equipment that you’ll want to add to your kit once you’re licensed and have already purchased or have easy access to the essentials. These aren’t all nice-to-haves for tandem instructors – they jump with these as required or as needed.

• RSL

The Reserve Static Line (RSL) connects your main parachute to your reserve system. If you cut away your main parachute, the RSL automatically deploys the reserve. While optional for experienced skydivers, it is required on all tandem systems for added safety.

• Hook Knife

Do skydivers carry a knife? Yes – it is called a hook knife! This small, specialized blade can cut tangled lines in an emergency situation. While rarely needed, it’s a handy tool that adds peace of mind. Rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it!

• Jumpsuit

While not strictly required, jumpsuits are a great addition to your skydiving gear. They protect clothing, add comfort, and can even enhance your aerodynamics.

• Gloves

Gloves are optional but helpful, especially in colder weather. They provide extra grip on handles, and protect your hands from the brisk temperatures at altitude and during landing.

How Much Does Skydiving Gear Cost?

The cost of skydiving equipment depends on if you’re buying new or used. A full new set of gear can range from $6,000 to $10,000, depending on brand and customization. The skydive equipment cost is high due to the artistry and technology involved and rigorous testing required for life-saving equipment.

Many just starting in the sport buy used gear, which can cut the cost of skydiving equipment in half. For tandem jumpers, this expense is built into the price of a tandem skydive – another reason why tandem skydives may seem costly at first glance.

Want to understand more about the financial side of the sport? Check out our article on Costs Associated with Skydiving.

Maintaining Your Skydive Equipment

Proper maintenance ensures that skydive equipment stays in top shape. A few key practices include:

• Regular Reserve Repacks: By law, reserves must be inspected and repacked every 180 days by a certified FAA rigger. Dropzones – like Skydive Paraclete XP – that are regulated by the USPA (United States Parachute Association) are required to check skydivers reserve cards and verify that they have an up-to-date inspection before they can be permitted to jump.
• Main Parachute Inspections: Licensed skydivers who pack their own parachutes and parachute packers inspect the main parachute before every pack job to spot any signs of wear or tear.
• Protective Covers: Leg pads can help protect gear, especially if sliding landings are a go-to.

This constant cycle of inspection and care may seem redundant but is why skydiving remains such great safety statistics.

What Do I Need to Bring When Skydiving Tandem?

If you’re a first-time tandem jumper – you’re in luck! All of your gear is included in the price of your tandem skydive, therefore, you won’t need to bring any of the above listed items with you. However, here are some things you should bring with you as a tandem student:

• Government Issued Photo ID: You will be required to present a valid, government-issued photo ID at check in to verify that you are 18 or older.
• Payment: Be prepared to pay for your skydive if you haven’t already, or maybe you’ll want to add on a video and photo package (which you definitely should). You might also want to grab a bite to eat after your skydive at our on-site restaurant, PK’s Grill and Pub.
• Water and Snacks: Staying hydrated and fed is important, especially before a physically and mentally demanding experience like skydiving. Your body needs the extra fuel!
• Positive Attitude: Patience and an adventurous spirit can go a long way on a day full of new experiences. A good attitude is essential for enjoying your first skydive!

Skydiving gear may look complicated, but once you understand what’s what on the skydiving equipment list, you’ll see it’s all about safety, precision, and peace of mind.

At Skydive Paraclete XP, we love answering questions about our equipment. Whether you’re curious about what equipment is used for skydiving or want to know more about skydiving parachute costs at our on-site gear store, XP Pro Shop – we’re here to help!

Ready to see this gear in action? Book your tandem skydive with us today and experience the confidence of flying with world-class equipment.

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