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Hello,

I only do base-jump occasionally, as you can see in my profile. So when I pack my parachute for a new jump, it is as if learn packing again from the beginning.

Today I wonder about how the bridle should go outside my Vertex container before to go to the top-pin.

What I did for the last jumps was like picture 1 : the bridle comes outside between the two pins. but that makes turning the bridle, may be this is not suitable ?
Otherwise, could the bridle exit the container like picture 2 (above top-pin) ? It would look better, but it means that under the flap the bridle goes very near from the loop, may be it isn't suitable ?

Another question : there is a small velcro strap on my bridle (picture 3), just before the top-pin. What is the utility of this ?

Thank you for your help,
EMMANUEL

If you are in doubt on these issues, the best source of information is the manual that came with your container. I'd suggest referring to that first, before posting questions on the internet (and taking advice from the voices here).



Either one will work, so long as you guarantee slack above the pin.

The manufacturer of your rig probably recommends a top routing, because otherwise they would not have placed the slack tab on the bridle. They are probably concerned that the wrap around style tuck flap may cause a hesitation by binding the bridle prior to container opening.



The slack tab is mated to insure that there is always sufficient slack above the top pin for the pin to extract. If there is no slack above the pin, and the bridle is tight around the corner of the flaps, it can cause a TOTAL MALFUNCTION of your container. You should alway mate the slack tab and leave it free (either above the pin cover flap or inside the pin cover flap) to guarantee you have sufficient slack for the container to open.

How can you have gotten to the point of even one jump without knowing these simple things?

This little velcrow thing is to prevent total malfunctions and immediate death.
Next Question.
(seriously though)

just get a velcro rig lol

I always pack from the top mate.. but that's my own personal issues :)

The velcro patch is there for people who don't know why it's there. It is there to encourage a user leave enough slack in the bridle above the top pin.

Remember that patch on a skydiving bridle? Same reason.

Thank you for your messages. I got the Vertex as 2nd-hand gear, without Owner's manual. I asked Apexbase for an Owner's Manual but I didn't get any answer yet. I found the DP owner's manual and I understood why there is the slack tab when closing the container as picture 2.
But when closing it as picture 1 I have always been told that slack tab isn't necessary... and it worked like this for my previous jumps.
People with a Vertex, do you have an owner's manual ? how do you do with the bridle ?

You don't need the manual. Pack it either way.

my mentor always referred to it as "the idiot velcro"
=)

+1