First time using Parachute / Shelter

[markie*mark0]

Bought a Canopy Type I 32 /Mk2 recently and this is the first time i've had chance to setup mess around with it.

I dont have any hanging limbs from trees in the garden so i decide to rig a line and see how i get on. First thing i realised is high the chute needs to be hung .... Re adjusted the line and sent about pegging it down.. Stuggled a little in the wind but got there in the end...

I tried to keep an opening/entrance for one side hence the loose sections...

But on attempt two i kept everything taught and just "double backed" the sections to allow an opening.

Found that the higher the apex the further the bottom needs to go. Sounds simple relay

View from inside... Was contemplating staying in it with my eldest, but i wanted to get everything packed up for next weekend and im pre-occupied tomorrow

Anyways.. Any thoughts / feedback or suggestions on how to improve are all welcome

thanks Mark

 

[drewdunnrespect]

Looks good mate but u do realise that parachutes arnt water proof

 

[JJJ]

Original rig, I like it. Waterproofed mine in the washing machine with Nikwax.

 

[roger-uk]

Hi
Probbaly a very stupid question but if parachutes aren't waterproof what use are they for shelter?

We use them [small] for games with Cubs and I've often thought of getting a larger one for a shelter but if their not rain proof whats the point.

 

[rik_uk3]

A few woodfires inside (and with great care) helps proof the material. Lots of ways to pitch them too

 

[JJJ]

It's a sensible question Roger. Even unproofed they keep most of the rain off. Sometimes you just get a mild mist inside, so as a large shelter from rain they are a cheap option.Their other properties are that they are windproof and that they trap heat inside , depending on how you rig them. If you light a fire inside, make sure you have an entrance to allow air in so that the smoke goes through the hole at the apex

Are they effective....here's a rig with a reflector fire bouncing heat in through the door at minus 18C. A great nights sleep.

 

[treadlightly]

Could anyone explain the process by which woodsmoke helps the chute's water resistance please?

 

[mountainm]

I think its tar from the smoke permeating the fabric and acting like pitch.

 

[markie*mark0]

Thanks for comments guys, Im taking some nikwax spray on w'proofer to aid water repelant.

Rik did you use clip ons for that setup? I'm interested in getting some but worried about the clips wearing through the fabric

 

[treadlightly]

I think its tar from the smoke permeating the fabric and acting like pitch.

That makes sense - thanks

 

[Frogo]

Does anyone know where I can purchase a chute similar size to the one Rik is using?
I did purchase one recently but it was a cargo chute and way too big.

Thanks

 

[drewdunnrespect]

endicotts and ask kev to reserve u a small one saying you already have a cargo one and you want another green one but the smaller ones

 

[Frogo]

Cheers Drew

 

[rik_uk3]

Thanks for comments guys, Im taking some nikwax spray on w'proofer to aid water repelant.

Rik did you use clip ons for that setup? I'm interested in getting some but worried about the clips wearing through the fabric

Yep, about ten clips. They don't seem to harm the fabric and clip them onto the thicker seam joins.