Shopping List
This page contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the site — thank you!
What You Actually Need for Skydiving
Skydiving requires specialized equipment designed to keep you safe while delivering an unforgettable adrenaline rush. Whether you’re doing a tandem jump with an instructor or pursuing your solo skydiving certification, having the right gear makes all the difference in comfort, safety, and confidence. From parachutes to altimeters, each piece of equipment serves a critical purpose. This guide covers the essential items every skydiver should have before their first jump.
1. Skydiving Helmet
A quality skydiving helmet protects your head from wind, cold, and potential impacts during freefall and landing. Modern skydiving helmets are lightweight, aerodynamic, and often include integrated audio systems for communication with your jump partner or instructor. They come in open-face and full-face designs, depending on your preference and experience level.
Why beginners need it: Helmets reduce wind noise, protect against unexpected impacts, and provide psychological comfort during your first jump. The protection they offer can mean the difference between a minor incident and serious injury.
What to look for: Choose a helmet with proper ventilation, secure chin straps, and certification from recognized skydiving organizations. Make sure it fits snugly without being uncomfortable, as you’ll wear it for extended periods.
2. Altimeter (Mechanical)
A mechanical altimeter is an essential tool that tells you your altitude during freefall, helping you know when to deploy your parachute. This analog device attaches to your wrist or gear and provides critical information without relying on batteries. Most skydivers keep a mechanical altimeter as a backup to digital options.
Why beginners need it: Knowing your altitude is crucial for safety and legal compliance. Your instructor will emphasize altitude awareness, and having a reliable mechanical altimeter ensures you always know how high you are, even if electronic devices fail.
What to look for: Select an altimeter with clear, easy-to-read markings and accurate pressure calibration. Make sure it’s specifically designed for skydiving and has been tested at altitude to ensure reliability.
3. Digital Altimeter Watch
A digital altimeter watch provides precise altitude readings and often includes features like jump run timing, freefall duration tracking, and data logging. These advanced devices help you monitor your descent rate and plan your canopy deployment more accurately than mechanical altimeters alone. Many feature water resistance and durable construction built for extreme sports.
Why beginners need it: Digital altimeters give you real-time feedback and help you understand your jump better through recorded data. This information is invaluable for learning proper technique and improving your skills with each jump.
What to look for: Look for battery life lasting through multiple jumps, accurate altitude sensors, and user-friendly interfaces. Water resistance and durability are important since you’ll be wearing it in challenging conditions.
4. Skydiving Jumpsuit
A specialized jumpsuit provides protection from wind and cold at high altitudes while offering freedom of movement for freefall maneuvers. Modern jumpsuits are made from durable, breathable materials and feature reinforced areas where you’ll experience the most stress. They come in various styles, from basic beginner suits to advanced tracking suits for experienced jumpers.
Why beginners need it: Jumpsuits keep you warm at altitudes where temperatures can drop significantly and protect your regular clothing from wear. They also help maintain body position during freefall, making it easier to stay stable and perform basic skills.
What to look for: Choose a suit that fits snugly without restricting movement, with reinforced seams and quality zippers. Ensure it’s made from wind-resistant material and provides adequate insulation for the altitudes where you’ll be jumping.
5. Jump Gloves
Skydiving gloves protect your hands from extreme cold and wind while maintaining enough dexterity for emergency procedures and parachute deployment. They’re typically made from leather, neoprene, or specialized technical fabrics designed to withstand high-altitude conditions. Proper gloves prevent numbness and frostbite while keeping your hands functional at altitude.
Why beginners need it: At jump altitudes, temperatures can reach dangerous levels, and unprotected hands become numb within minutes. Quality gloves ensure you maintain grip strength and control when you need to handle emergency procedures or operate your equipment.
What to look for: Select gloves with good insulation, reinforced palms for better grip, and enough dexterity to manipulate gear. Look for materials that resist wind penetration while remaining flexible enough for emergency procedures.
6. Skydiving Goggles
Specialized skydiving goggles protect your eyes from wind, cold, and debris during freefall while maintaining clear vision for spotting landmarks and observing your altitude instruments. Anti-fog coatings and UV protection keep your vision sharp in various lighting conditions. They’re designed to stay secure even in turbulent air.
Why beginners need it: Wind at freefall speeds can make your eyes water and blur your vision, making it difficult to see instruments or track your position. Quality goggles prevent discomfort and help you maintain awareness during your jump.
What to look for: Choose goggles with anti-fog technology, shatterproof lenses, and secure straps that won’t slip during freefall. Look for designs that offer good peripheral vision and fit comfortably over your helmet.
7. Altimeter Backup Device (AAD)
An Automatic Activation Device is a safety backup that deploys your reserve parachute automatically if you exceed a certain altitude without manually deploying. This electronic device provides crucial insurance against unconsciousness or incapacity during freefall. Most drop zones require or strongly recommend AADs for all jumpers.
Why beginners need it: While you should always deploy manually, an AAD provides life-saving backup if something goes wrong. It’s your final safety net and is considered essential equipment by experienced jumpers and drop zone operators.
What to look for: Ensure any AAD you choose is certified by your local skydiving organization and has a proven track record of reliability. Check battery life, calibration requirements, and maintenance procedures before purchasing.
8. Skydiving Rig (Harness and Container)
Your skydiving rig is the container system that holds your main and reserve parachutes and keeps them securely attached to your body during freefall. It includes the harness you wear, the container that holds the parachutes, and various attachment points for other gear. A proper-fitting rig is absolutely critical for safety and comfort.
Why beginners need it: Your rig is the foundation of all your skydiving equipment—without it, nothing else matters. A well-fitted rig ensures your parachutes deploy correctly and you’re comfortable and safe throughout your entire jump.
What to look for: Get professionally fitted for your rig, as proper sizing is crucial for safety. Look for quality construction from established manufacturers, and ensure all maintenance and packing records are current before your jump.
9. Main Parachute System
Your main parachute is the canopy you deploy during freefall to slow your descent and allow safe landing. Modern sport parachutes are highly maneuverable and designed for stability and responsive handling. Choosing the right size and type depends on your weight, experience level, and jump objectives.
Why beginners need it: The main parachute is your primary tool for controlling descent and landing safely. Having a canopy matched to your weight and skill level ensures predictable handling and builds confidence in your ability to manage your descent.
What to look for: Select a main parachute sized appropriately for your body weight—your instructor can help determine the right size. Look for canopies from reputable manufacturers with good handling characteristics and a track record of reliability.
10. Reserve Parachute System
Your reserve parachute is a critical safety backup deployed only in emergencies or if your main parachute malfunctions. Reserve parachutes must be packed by certified riggers and are subject to strict regulations and inspection requirements. They’re designed for reliability and stable descent even in challenging conditions.
Why beginners need it: The reserve parachute is your ultimate safety system—it could save your life if something goes wrong with your main canopy. Understanding that you have a tested, professionally-maintained backup builds crucial confidence in your gear.
What to look for: Ensure your reserve parachute is current with inspections, properly maintained by certified riggers, and appropriate for your weight and experience level. Always verify that packing dates are recent and all documentation is complete before jumping.
Budget-Friendly Tips
- Start with tandem jumps at established drop zones before investing in your own equipment. This allows you to experience skydiving and decide if you want to pursue it seriously before spending money on gear.
- Buy used equipment from reputable sellers and established skydiving communities. Many experienced jumpers upgrade regularly and sell well-maintained gear at significant discounts compared to new items.
- Rent equipment from your drop zone initially instead of purchasing everything at once. Most facilities offer rental gear that’s regularly maintained and certified, allowing you to try different setups before committing to expensive purchases.
Beginner vs Advanced Gear
Beginners should focus on properly-fitted, stable equipment that prioritizes safety and ease of use, such as larger main parachutes that are more forgiving, basic jumpsuits with straightforward designs, and simple altimeters that are easy to read during the excitement of your first jumps. As you progress and log more jumps, you can invest in advanced gear like smaller, more responsive canopies, specialized tracking suits designed for advanced maneuvers, and sophisticated digital systems that provide detailed jump data. The key difference is that beginner gear prioritizes forgiveness and simplicity, while advanced equipment offers performance and customization for experienced jumpers pursuing specific skydiving disciplines.
Ready to Sell Your Work?
Selling Platforms
Partner recommendations coming soon.