Best organization system for gear bag?

[3mpire 0]

I'm curious what kind of "system" other jumpers use to organize their gear bag that they take with them to the DZ.

I'm currently using a large bag I got at a military surplus store:

[inline 41rKVYPS9CL.jpg]

Inside I use stuff sacks for my RW, FF, and WS.

I also have a few plastic containers about the size of a shoe box that I keep things like extra batteries, altimeter, screwdrivers/tools, etc.

In theory this works well but in practice the inside of the gear bag is a big mess. Even though things are compartmentalized in side of some kind of container, every time I need something I end up having to take half of the shit out of the bag. As things shift around, the lids of the smaller containers can pop off and the contents end up in the bottom of the bag.

In short, things move around and the inside of the bag is not orderly enough.

I've thought about using something like a rigid bin/box with wheels but I don't need to have a rolling rigging loft I just want to keep my shit organized.

Anyone have a good system that might be a better solution?

[strife 0]

I use an Ogio 9800, fairly common at out DZ

Rig in a rig bag, helmet in front compartment,suits in the lid and a couple of small containers in the lid pockets.

http://ogio.com/catalog/product/view/id/2365/s/rig-9800-le-chrome/

http://i1226.photobucket.com/albums/ee414/damhigi/IMG_2647.jpg

[NWFlyer 2]

I have an Osprey Shuttle wheeled bag. I got it a few years ago after going through Costco-cheap wheeled bags every year or so (zippers would break, wheels weren't that great, etc.). This thing is pretty bomb-proof.

I keep flatter stuff in the big side zip pocket (logbook, roll of gaffers tape, folders with my team stuff, random other shit). There's a small zip pocket on the main flap that I use for small things like a bottle of Aleve, nail clippers, extra hair ties, keys to the RV, etc.

The main pocket holds my rig, helmet bag, extra jump clothes, and jumpsuits quite comfortably. All of my jump accessories (gloves, altimeter, beanie) I store inside the helmet (they're wrapped up in my Under Armour beanie so they don't scratch the lens). Other jump accessories (extra altimeter, pull up cords, rubber bands, extra gloves, closing loops, extra audible batteries, small crescent wrench) go in the big pocket in my helmet bag.

When I travel, the rig comes out and goes into its own backpack to be carried on the plane. The space gets filled with clothes and other stuff for the trip. The bag is big enough that I always have to be thoughtful not to go over the 50 lb weight limit if I'm packing for a long trip, but usually I find myself with plenty of room and several pounds to spare.

My M.O. (and I do this for non-skydiving travel) is to always do things the same way. So store things in the same place, put them back when you take them out, etc. If I transfer stuff into a small duffel bag for the tunnel, I only take what I need at the tunnel (jumpsuit, gloves, and helmet with altimeters left at home), and I try to move it all back into its home in my regular gear bag when I get back home.

I also keep everything in the gear bag when I'm at home. It keeps it all contained and organized, but it also keeps my cats (who find all kinds of things interesting to scratch at) from damaging my gear.

"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

[BigMark 1]

I got some gear that the guy used a soccer bag, the helmet goes in a zippered pocket where the ball normally would. Seemed to work O.K.

[tobyiscool1982 0]

Ogio 9800 is where it's at. Big enough for a large rig or two small ones. I carry every single thing I need on one bag down to shoes. It's a large bag but it does the job, and they are very well made.

We can't all be smart....

[riggerrob 558]

So the key seems to be organizing small bits (helmet, googles. etc.) in sewn-in pockets.
It is easy to sew extra pockets into military-surplus gear bags.

[3mpire 0]

Quote

So the key seems to be organizing small bits (helmet, googles. etc.) in sewn-in pockets.
It is easy to sew extra pockets into military-surplus gear bags.

Hey i like that idea.

Would need to be fairly rigid, though.

I went with plastic bins for organizing the loose stuff because soft-side containers would end up with altimeter buttons being pushed draining batteries.

I also have kroop-style goggles that get bent out of shape if they aren't in some kind of rigid container.

however sewing panels on the inside that can hold the boxes or have stiffeners is def an option i will look into.

The ogio/osprey bags are an option too though more spendy.

edited to add: THANKS for the feedback everyone I appreciate it

[hokierower 0]

I use a pelican 1650 hard case. You can get an organizer for the top and then whatever you want for the storage space.

[Kat4821 0]

hokierower

I use a pelican 1650 hard case. You can get an organizer for the top and then whatever you want for the storage space.

Would you take a few pictures of this set up, I was thinking of trying it… Just interested in how you have everything laid out

[TonyJ 0]

ogio 9800, I went through several till I found this bag.. would like a couple more pockets on the outside, but near perfect... the bag stands upright when full, due to the plastic bottom design.. like a hand truck.. great bag!

[TriGirl 268]

If you're concerned about price, I use the Eddie Bauer Expedition Rolling bag. They've changed the design a little, so if you go on the website you won't necessarily see the one I got. It has the solid bottom portion (when horizontal), but that portion isn't quite as deep as how the Ogio looks. I put only my rig in the bottom portion. In the main portion, I can fit everything else around the rig (I get a slightly bowed shape in the middle, due to the shallower bottom section). Nothing actually touches the rig, and my helmet, jumpsuit, pants, shoes and gear box fit around it just fine. Mine has a couple of small, flat pockets on the top of it, so I use those for keys, money, jump tickets, etc while I'm on the DZ (stuff I need to get to quickly).

I use what I call a gear box for all of my extra stuff -- logbooks (jumping and judging), altimeters, jump tickets, power tool, extra stows, gloves, pen, and USPA license. I was using a plastic shoebox type like you described, but it broke. Now I use a small Sterilite box. It has the clamps at either end to hold the lid in place. In fact, it looks like the lid has a crack in it, but it is in no danger of falling apart, so I'm good until I can replace the lid. I do have to pack it carefully -- my jumping log book has to fit just right, at an angle, to fit in there. That should give you an idea what size it is.

This whole gear configuration has worked for me for multiple international flights, domestic flights, hauling my gear around in my car, having my gear in one place and out of everyone else's way on the DZ, and stowing it in the house. No issues whatsoever, and I do check my rig through when I'm flying. And, it's about half the price of the Ogio.

In order to check it out, I just took my rig into the store. The sales rep didn't mind me putting the rig into a couple of the bags and walking around the store pulling it behind.

Good luck!

T

See the upside, and always wear your parachute! -- Christopher Titus

Shut Up & Jump!

[RMK 3]

Whatever system you decide on to keep organised; add a checklist.

We use specialist gear and often find ourselves at DZs in the middle of nowhere. You will eventually forget something important without a checklist.

"Pain is the best instructor, but no one wants to attend his classes"

[Hellis 0]

riggerrob

So the key seems to be organizing small bits (helmet, googles. etc.) in sewn-in pockets.
It is easy to sew extra pockets into military-surplus gear bags.

I sewed on a few extra pockets to my gearbag.
I found a picture of the type of gearbag I have, not the same color though...
http://www.rockskymarket.com/2104-thickbox_default/gear-bag-pink-turquoise.jpg
And the front pocket has been devided in to three sections.

Inside the large compartment I have sewn on two pockets.
They are sewn on to the "wall" where the diagonal line is and is the size of that "section". (from top of bag to top of outer pocket, and from left to right)

The only thing I regret was to use black fabric in a black bag, and black zipper....