Mountain Project Logo

Dean P's "free base" parachute rig

Original Post
Gunkiemike · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2009 · Points: 3,492

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?

The photo is a bit cut off, but there's a larger version of it on p. 12 of the current (Aug. "15) issue of Climbing, where you can see nothing but shoulder straps.

DP free basing

Brendan N · · Salt Lake City, Utah · Joined Oct 2006 · Points: 405
Gunkiemike wrote:What am I missing?
His leg straps are under his shorts.
Jon Frisby · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2013 · Points: 270

rip. What a cool dude

Stonyman Killough · · Alabama · Joined Jan 2008 · Points: 5,785

Really liked Dean, what a humble man!

Senor Gringo · · Albuquerque, NM · Joined Jan 2008 · Points: 20

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.

Gunkiemike · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2009 · Points: 3,492
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.
DavisMeschke Guillotine · · Pinedale, WY · Joined Oct 2013 · Points: 225

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.

Daniel Kaye · · Denver, CO · Joined Nov 2014 · Points: 3,938
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..
Gunkiemike · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2009 · Points: 3,492
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?
Brendan N · · Salt Lake City, Utah · Joined Oct 2006 · Points: 405
Gunkiemike wrote: Was he that much into appearances/style/PR?
Yes.
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

General Climbing
Post a Reply to "Dean P's "free base" parachute rig"

Log In to Reply

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.