Why Repack Your Reserve?
A poorly packed or aged reserve parachute may not open correctly at the critical moment. Professional repacking ensures rapid and symmetrical deployment. It's a vital safety measure that every pilot must perform regularly.
The Expert's Eye — A True Workshop Story
Last year, a pilot brought us his reserve for a "routine" repack. When I opened the pod, I found the lines stuck together by humidity — he had been storing his equipment in an unventilated garage for 18 months. We performed an extraction test: the reserve took 8 seconds to deploy instead of 3. 8 seconds is potentially the difference between a landing and a serious accident. Since that day, I recommend repacking every 6 months minimum, and every 4 months if you store it in a humid place.
How Often Should You Repack?
Manufacturers recommend repacking every 6 months minimum. If your reserve hasn't been used, a simple repack is sufficient. However, after an actual deployment, a complete inspection is required before repacking.
Can You Repack Your Reserve Yourself?
Technically yes, after specific training. However, we recommend entrusting this operation to a professional. At Rid'Air, our workshop in Oderen performs repacking for all types of reserves: round, square, Rogallo, for paragliding and paramotoring.
Workshop Tip — What We Check That You Don't See
A professional repack isn't just about "folding the fabric correctly". At Rid'Air, every repack includes a complete protocol: visual inspection of the fabric (UV, micro-tears), checking each line (wear, knots, elasticity), control of the maillons and the deployment handle, and a sliding test in the container. We record everything in a logbook. This is the difference between an amateur repack and a professional repack — and when your life depends on it, it's priceless.
Different Types of Reserve Parachutes
Round reserves remain the most common and reliable. Square reserves (SQR or Square type) offer a reduced sink rate and controllable drift. Rogallo reserves allow for true gliding flight and a soft landing, but require more altitude to open.
My Personal Recommendation
For 90% of pilots, a good round reserve remains the safest choice. It opens quickly, it always opens, and it doesn't need altitude. Rogallo reserves are tempting on paper (soft landing, drift), but in a stressful situation 200 m from the ground, I prefer a reserve that opens in 2 seconds without thinking. This is the advice I've given my clients for years, and I've never had negative feedback.
Prices and Turnaround Times
Repacking is completed within 24 to 48 hours in our workshop. Contact us for our prices or to make an appointment.