The purpose of the S fold?

[reyno_gr 0]

I watched a guy demonstrate how to 'roll' up a main to fit it in the bag this weekend. He concluded by making the S fold on 'top' of the canopy (so it sat horizonatally across, rather than vertically down the bag - hope that makes sense?). By placing his hand on the S fold he was able to push the canopy further into the bag before closing it and stowing it in the usual manner. It looked an easy way to pack, but left me wondering what does the S fold actually do? What's its purpose in the deployment process or is it merely a method of folding to reduce bulk?

[phoenixlpr 0]

Packing is a religion.

You should have your way. You should have faith in and you should even spread it.

Dogma: "Your canopy is getting out from the D-bag as organized as you put it in."

S-fold is an organized way to get the canopy into the D-bag. Even a simple mind can understand that.

And there is pycho-packing. Having a temporary half twist, folding the side in front of the nose and roll the canopy into the bag. It looks even a bit more difficult, not everyone believes in that.

Do you know how the break-chutes (for airplanes) are packed?

They are squeezed in with a help of some tool.