Who Packs the Parachutes at Tandem BASE Moab? We’re Glad You Asked!

If you’ve ever thought about jumping out of an airplane or off a cliff strapped to a parachute, chances are you’ve wondered: “Who packs these things?” It’s a question we hear a lot, and we love answering it because it gives us a chance to showcase the incredible care, expertise, and precision that goes into every jump at Tandem BASE Moab.

Spoiler alert: Yes, we pack our own parachutes. But it doesn’t stop there.

The Art (and Science) of Packing a Parachute

Packing a parachute isn’t just a task—it’s a craft. It takes years of practice, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to focus completely. For our team, packing isn’t just about following a set of steps; it’s about ensuring that every piece of gear is in top-notch condition before it’s folded and stowed.

Here’s how it works:

1. Inspection First: Before a parachute is even touched, we thoroughly inspect the gear. This step ensures that every line, fabric panel, and connection is in perfect condition. Parachutes can last for hundreds of jumps, but they’re only as good as their upkeep. We inspect ours daily, and FAA riggers often provide additional evaluations for an extra layer of safety.

2. Precision Packing: Folding a parachute to fit into its container (that backpack-looking piece of gear) is an exact science. Each fold and tuck has a purpose: not just to fit snugly but to ensure the parachute deploys cleanly and reduces the chance of a malfunction.

3. Double-Checking: After one team member packs a parachute, another Tandem BASE Moab team member inspects the work. Redundancy in safety checks is just one of the ways we eliminate errors and ensure every jump goes as smoothly as possible.

Experience You Can Trust

Packing a parachute might be an entry-level skill in the skydiving world, but at Tandem BASE Moab, we take it to another level. Our team doesn’t just pack parachutes—we’ve spent years collaborating with the biggest names in the industry to design and test them.

In fact, our guides have worked with seven of the world’s top parachute manufacturers, helping to shape the gear used in skydiving, BASE jumping, and Tandem BASE jumping. Manufacturers don’t hand out those opportunities lightly. It’s a testament to our deep understanding of parachute design and our reputation for excellence.

A Shoutout to Matt

We can’t talk about parachutes without highlighting Matt, one of the most experienced and trusted parachute packers in the world. Matt’s resume reads like a who’s who of parachuting: from professional skydive teams and BASE jump crews to Hollywood productions and even the Red Bull Air Force.

If that wasn’t impressive enough, Matt once packed 34 parachutes in 21 hours while working on a BASE jumping world record. His expertise and dedication mean you’ve got the absolute best in the business handling your gear at Tandem BASE Moab.

Why This Matters

Trust is everything in the world of BASE jumping. Whether it’s trusting your guide, your gear, or the person packing your parachute, every element matters. That’s why we’re proud to say no one has the combined experience, knowledge, and care that our team brings to every jump.

Have questions about our gear or want to learn more? We love sharing what we do! Shoot us an email, drop a comment on social media, or give us a call. At Tandem BASE Moab, we’re here to make your adventure safe, memorable, and one-of-a-kind.