funks 1 #1 October 25, 2004 The gear check thread had numerous responses from people saying they just simply dont want anyone touching their gear. I can totally understand that. With that said, I am amazed at how many people use packers. I have seen packers just cram that shit in there like there is no tomorrow. Sorry, but I need to know how it is going in, so i will have an idea as to how it is coming out...only way to know that is to pack it myself....and to be honest, the only person i trust doing this is myself. Instructors that are hotloading i can understand, but what about the average skydiver... Why would someone not pack their own rig? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #2 October 25, 2004 I don't pack for myself very often at all. Basically since I had been a packer for a good while, I got seriously burned out on packing. Morgan, my fiance, who is a packer, packs for me. If she doesn't pack it, a trusted packer will. Other then that, I'm not a big fan of random people packing my rig...but I have used random packers before being in a hurry for a debrief or a dirt dive... In the same respect, I inspect the shit i can see before I put the rig on...once its on, I know its right unless I know I snagged my rig. I won't get a gear check unless I feel like I snagged my rig or bumped it oddly, etc.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OnYourBack 0 #3 October 25, 2004 As a former packer, I had quite a few regulars who just couldn't do it. For whatever reason, that I generally didn't question because I liked their money, they sucked at it. They felt it was safer for me to do it for them. It may have been since they had maybe fifty pack jobs and two reserve rides and I had thousands with only one (even though to many onlookers I would "cram that shit in there like there is no tomorrow"). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Katzeye 0 #4 October 25, 2004 When I was a regular fun jumper I learned to pack as was expected. I sucked at it. Took me forever and that bag would never cooperate. I would rather spend the $$ to have someone who does it fluently pack for me. Besides, I don't wanna break a nail or get all hot and sweaty and dirty packing. Is a chicken omelette redundant? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ladyskydiver 0 #5 October 25, 2004 Most of the time, I pack for myself. However, there are times when I treat myself to a packer - a boogie or if I'm demoing a canopy. At a boogie, I'm there to do the jumps and not tire myself out packing. I will find a packer that either I or someone I trust knows and will let them pack my gear and be very specific that they are my packer and no one else. The same applies when I'm demoing a canopy - as I want to pay very close attention to what the canopy will do and put it through it's paces. I will check my gear thoroughly before putting it on, however.Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mardigrasbob 0 #6 October 25, 2004 Two words--- Lazy Ass I hate to pack! It is real work, bending, smashing, sweating, more smashing, cramming, pulling, streatching, moving the brick, more pulling and stretching, punch, pull, punch pull, fold and stuff..... -------------------------------- Ques: Master, why do birds sing? Guru: They do not have to pack. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunshine 2 #7 October 25, 2004 Nothing wrong at all with people that choose not to pack. When you build a relationship with a trusted packer, you know you're in good hands. Most people that are jumping at a new DZ will ask who is a good packer etc. For some people packing kinda ruins the fun of a day of jumping. If i could afford a packer, you bet i'd use one. But for now i AM the packer for those that can afford one. ___________________________________________ meow I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 3 #8 October 25, 2004 I've packed for myself and I've used packers. If I'm jumping for myself and can take my time, I'll almost always pack for myself. If I'm doing team training, back to backs or I have to do other things between loads, it's worth it to me to have a packer. I have a couple that I use on a regular basis, but I'll use any of the ones at my home DZ. Just a couple fo jumps shy of 2400 and so far, no reserve rides. Maybe half of those were packed by somebody else. I will admit that some packers are a bit rougher on your gear than you might be yourself, but as far as the actual pack jobs go I certainly trust them as much as my own.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tigra 0 #9 October 25, 2004 I'm lazy, but I'm also pretty picky about who packs for me. If my regular packer isn't around, I'll probably do it myself! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Evelyn 0 #10 October 25, 2004 I learned to pack as a student and did it about 40 times because they made me...and I hated it. It took me forever to get those big ol student canopies into the bag. By the time I was finished I'd be really frustrated. Once I got my license I started using packers, but had planned to start packing myself when I downsized to a smaller canopy. But I got lazy, plus I did a lot of coaching jumps and camps where they encouraged me to use a packer so I could spend more time training. Now that I finally have my own gear, I want to start packing, but not until I've put about 50 jumps on it. I watched the packers this weekend getting that brand new slippery thing into the bag and it did not look like fun. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing ~ Helen Keller Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
weegegirl 2 #11 October 25, 2004 I'm one of those people who don't like to have their gear messed with on the plane. But I also use a packer a lot of the time. What does that make me?? To be honest, I trust ONE person other than myself to pack for me, Jim P at Skydive Tecumseh. He is probably the most caring and trustworthy packer I've ever known. Every pack job is consistent, he gladly accepts feedback/critisism, he's willing to adjust his packing to fit your needs, etc etc etc. Why use a packer in the first place?? Sometimes I'm lazy, sometimes I'm busy working - debriefing a student or editing a video - and I just don't have time. I do know how to pack and I do maintain my gear. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smiles 0 #12 October 25, 2004 I have packed over 1,000 for myself Do not have a problem with packing- it is part of my skydive...During boogies will hire one occasionally as do not want to miss debriefs, and be ready for next load. SMiles Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkydiveNFlorida 0 #13 October 25, 2004 QuoteI watched the packers this weekend getting that brand new slippery thing into the bag and it did not look like fun. It's not fun, but you learn to keep it under control and I bet if you tried, you'd get it after 5 or so pack jobs. I don't enjoy packing, myself, but I do it because a) I prefer to spend the $ on jumps, and b) I like on heading openings, and I know how my canopy likes to be packed. I admit, i'd like to get a packer at a boogie, but it'd have to be someone I trust, and I'd have to watch them pack it the first time at least. -A Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACMESkydiver 0 #14 October 25, 2004 Because I hate packing. I go out to the DZ to enjoy myself and relax. Packing is not enjoyable or relaxing to me. I know the packers that I use very well. I will pack my own when I don't have a packer around though; I'm just r-e-a-l-l-y slow. (Arthritis in this right hand I keep re-injuring makes packing actually pretty painful for me too. ) And I know my rigger, so I have confidence that my reserve will open should I have any troubles anyhoo...~Jaye Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pilotdave 0 #15 October 25, 2004 There have been a lot of threads about this. It's not always true, but do a search and take a look at what DZs the people jump at that don't pack. It's mostly a big DZ thing. I hate packing but almost never use a packer. My DZ doesn't have any full time packers, so it's either pack yourself or have a years supply of rigs. I used a packer over the summer after injuring my knee, and used one at Deland when I rented gear cause they require a staff packer to do the final pack job before turning the gear back in. Funny thing was I had already packed it, then it started to rain so I had to unpack it to let the packer repack it. Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Conundrum 1 #16 October 25, 2004 I pack for myself everytime. I think I've used a packer maybe 2 times. I'd rather have something happen to me because I did something wrong rather than because someone else fucked up. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnMitchell 14 #17 October 25, 2004 'Cause they're helping my kids work their way through school! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skybytch 259 #18 October 25, 2004 Cuz I'm lazy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ManBird 0 #19 October 25, 2004 I'll use a packer when I'm going up 10 - 15 minutes after landing, but I have something to do before then -- like debrief or take a dump. It's always fun to relay the reason, too. "Hey, can you get me on a 10 minute call? I have to take a shit.""¯"`-._.-¯) ManBird (¯-._.-´"¯" Click Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites sunshine 2 #20 October 25, 2004 QuoteI'm one of those people who don't like to have their gear messed with on the plane. But I also use a packer a lot of the time. What does that make me?? It makes you dead sexy!! ___________________________________________ meow I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites 321seeya 0 #21 October 25, 2004 Quote I am amazed at how many people use packers. I have seen packers just cram that shit in there like there is no tomorrow. Sorry, but I need to know how it is going in, so i will have an idea as to how it is coming out... You can sit on the side line and watch a packing mat for five minutes and tell who you want and DO NOT want touching your rig. For the most part packers know what they are doing, and will catch small stuff on your rig that the average new jumper would not. Packers can keep you on that 10 minute back to back, they change your rubber bands, and your closing loops. And most know how to pack your canopy for a soft opening. So the question is not, "Why would someone use a packer..." The question is "Why wouldnt you tip your packer" In addition...If you are averaging less than .27 jumps a day you dont need a packer. . BASE 3:16 - Even if you are about to land on a cop - DONT FORGET TO FLARE! Free the soul -- DJ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites lowtimer 0 #22 October 25, 2004 I trust sunny more than I trust myself...ok, ok...I'm just a really lazy sonofabitch ---------------------------------- Successfully avoiding adult responsibility since 1978! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Brian425 0 #23 October 25, 2004 I pack for myself. I am painfully slow at it; but, I use it as a little down time. Also because I am so slow at it, I get to meet everyone at the DZ while I slowly pack my rig. The worst is when one guy packed 4 rigs for his 4 way team while I was still wrestling with my pull up chord. The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites sunshine 2 #24 October 25, 2004 QuoteI trust sunny more than I trust myself...ok, ok...I'm just a really lazy sonofabitch You're one of my bestest customers!! You always tip me and even buy me gatorade and soda during the day. Keep it up and you'll keep getting the soft openings. ___________________________________________ meow I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites adamjenner 0 #25 October 25, 2004 cuz i don't trust my own packing job even though i know i do it right? actually it's funny, i've never jumped a rig i've packed. but i've seen about 100 or so i've packed go up and all open no porblem at all! i was taught by the best but i suppose once i get back into it i'll start jumping rigs i've packed Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 3 4 Next Page 1 of 4 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
skybytch 259 #18 October 25, 2004 Cuz I'm lazy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ManBird 0 #19 October 25, 2004 I'll use a packer when I'm going up 10 - 15 minutes after landing, but I have something to do before then -- like debrief or take a dump. It's always fun to relay the reason, too. "Hey, can you get me on a 10 minute call? I have to take a shit.""¯"`-._.-¯) ManBird (¯-._.-´"¯" Click Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunshine 2 #20 October 25, 2004 QuoteI'm one of those people who don't like to have their gear messed with on the plane. But I also use a packer a lot of the time. What does that make me?? It makes you dead sexy!! ___________________________________________ meow I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
321seeya 0 #21 October 25, 2004 Quote I am amazed at how many people use packers. I have seen packers just cram that shit in there like there is no tomorrow. Sorry, but I need to know how it is going in, so i will have an idea as to how it is coming out... You can sit on the side line and watch a packing mat for five minutes and tell who you want and DO NOT want touching your rig. For the most part packers know what they are doing, and will catch small stuff on your rig that the average new jumper would not. Packers can keep you on that 10 minute back to back, they change your rubber bands, and your closing loops. And most know how to pack your canopy for a soft opening. So the question is not, "Why would someone use a packer..." The question is "Why wouldnt you tip your packer" In addition...If you are averaging less than .27 jumps a day you dont need a packer. . BASE 3:16 - Even if you are about to land on a cop - DONT FORGET TO FLARE! Free the soul -- DJ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lowtimer 0 #22 October 25, 2004 I trust sunny more than I trust myself...ok, ok...I'm just a really lazy sonofabitch ---------------------------------- Successfully avoiding adult responsibility since 1978! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brian425 0 #23 October 25, 2004 I pack for myself. I am painfully slow at it; but, I use it as a little down time. Also because I am so slow at it, I get to meet everyone at the DZ while I slowly pack my rig. The worst is when one guy packed 4 rigs for his 4 way team while I was still wrestling with my pull up chord. The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunshine 2 #24 October 25, 2004 QuoteI trust sunny more than I trust myself...ok, ok...I'm just a really lazy sonofabitch You're one of my bestest customers!! You always tip me and even buy me gatorade and soda during the day. Keep it up and you'll keep getting the soft openings. ___________________________________________ meow I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
adamjenner 0 #25 October 25, 2004 cuz i don't trust my own packing job even though i know i do it right? actually it's funny, i've never jumped a rig i've packed. but i've seen about 100 or so i've packed go up and all open no porblem at all! i was taught by the best but i suppose once i get back into it i'll start jumping rigs i've packed Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
