Dean P's "free base" parachute rig
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OK, so I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to BASE jumping hardware. But in the photo (below) of DP using a 'chute as protection against a free soloing fall - his novel free base system - there doesn't appear to be much of a harness on that chute on his back. No leg loops. Looks just like a small daypack. Are those shoulder straps all that supports him when the canopy is deployed? I can't imagine he wouldn't slide right out, esp. when he lifts his arms to control the canopy. What am I missing? |
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Gunkiemike wrote:What am I missing?His leg straps are under his shorts. |
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rip. What a cool dude |
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Really liked Dean, what a humble man! |
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Ultra light material is the key. Can't recall the exact specs off the top of my head. Not your every day BASE rig, nor should it be. It gets expensive replacing those canopies! Usually the lighter the material wont last as long as your "standard" weight nylon canopies do. |
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ElGringo wrote:Ultra light material is the key. Can't recall the exact specs off the top of my head. Not your every day BASE rig, nor should it be. It gets expensive replacing those canopies! Usually the lighter the material wont last as long as your "standard" weight nylon canopies do. And due to the ultra lightness of the material it packs down into a considerably smaller container. He worked hand in hand with some of the most progressive seamstresses and riggers to push modern BASE into the next level.My question has more to do with the apparent lack of leg loops on his setup, not the small volume of the rig. |
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All BASE rigs have leg loops. His are under his pants. His rig was specifically made for free soloing. A normal rig weights around 15 pounds, a bit heavy to be soloing with. |
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DavisMeschke wrote:All BASE rigs have leg loops. His are under his pants.If you look close enough, you can see the where the shoulder-strap splits just above his waist! One direction goes back to the back, the other goes down into his pants, probably to aforementioned hidden leg loop.. |
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Daniel Kaye wrote: If you look close enough, you can see the where the shoulder-strap splits just above his waist! One direction goes back to the back, the other goes down into his pants, probably to aforementioned hidden leg loop..Thanks for this explanation. Any insight into why he puts the shorts/pants OVER the harness? Was he that much into appearances/style/PR? |
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Gunkiemike wrote: Was he that much into appearances/style/PR?Yes. |