Skydiving Equipment List
You’ve chosen your skydiving date, you’ve made your reservation around Bozeman, and now it’s time to get ready for the big day! So, what’s the next step? We recommend familiarizing yourself with the skydiving equipment list to give you extra confidence for your jump. From skydiving goggles to your skydive helmet, there are quite a few pieces of equipment to handle on your first jump. Find out what you can expect on your skydiving equipment list.
Skydiving Gear
Before you head up in the plane, you’ll bring along a mix of personal safety equipment and skydiving gear to make sure the trip goes smoothly. The team at DZONE® can show you how to use every piece of equipment like a pro, so your jump will feel like second nature on the big day. Here is a basic overview of the skydiving gear you’ll have on hand:
- Skydive Helmet: While we don’t use skydiving helmets during tandem jumps (as they could injure the instructor), they are required for students who want to continue into the AFF portion of their training. When you’re purchasing a helmet for continued training, you’ll have a choice between the two main types of skydive helmets: Full face and Open face helmets. Full face helmets are quieter and provide protection over the chin. Open face helmets allow you to feel the wind in your face.
- Parachute: The parachute has a main canopy and a reverse canopy packed into a container. While some advanced skydivers prefer to pack their own, first-timers will get a pre-packed parachute for peace of mind. Your instructor will walk you through the safety mechanisms ahead of time.
- Altimeter: An altimeter is a required tool for skydivers. This tool provides readings of the altitude, so you can determine the right moment to pop your parachute. You can find both analog and digital versions available. During tandem jumps that aren’t Category A or B training, the instructor will wear the altimeter. However, if you proceed with training, you’ll eventually need to purchase your own.
- Automatic Activation Device: If you lost altitude awareness or had become incapacitated, your automatic activation device, also known as an AAD, will pop the reserve parachute once you reach a set altitude. This is a safety device of last resort, and should never be relied on.
- Skydiving Goggles: A set of skydiving goggles is one of the most essential pieces of skydiving gear. A good set of goggles not only protects your eyes but allows you to see the view with clarity. We have them available for purchase and they can last hundreds of jumps!
- Comfortable Clothing: One of the most basic items that you need for skydiving is something that you will already be wearing, but you want to put some thought into your outfit the day you’re getting into an airplane for your jump. Take into account how cold it’s going to be 10,000 feet in the air. Are your toes protected? Do you have any loose jewelry on? As a guide, you will want to wear athletic shoes, clothing that’s not loose, and no jewelry that can get caught on any of the equipment. If you’re unsure, ask your instructor!
Learn More About Skydiving Gear with DZONE®
Want to learn more about your skydiving gear? Feel free to contact us at DZONE®. We offer skydiving jumps and lessons, and you’ll find our locations around the Bozeman and Boise area. You can also read our skydiving questions and answers for more information!
Book Your Skydiving Experience at DZONE®
Reading about how to skydive is one thing—experiencing the jump is another! If you’re ready to get first-hand experience with skydiving equipment and best practices, don’t wait to book your appointment! While you’re here, you can get an even better sense of how skydiving works by watching videos of experienced jumpers who were once just like you!