Buying a skydiving rig
Buying your first set of skydiving gear (or even your second or third) can be a daunting task. There are so many decisions to make. Should you buy a new or used skydiving rig? What brand of gear do you want? What comes “standard” with gear, and what’s up with all these options?
We understand that skydiving gear, particularly harness/container systems, are confusing. So, for the new rig buyer, we’ve laid out some of the gear buying basics to make it as easy as possible!
What does a rig consist of?
A complete rig is made up of several components:
- A main canopy
- A reserve canopy
- The harness/container system
- An AAD (optional, but recommended)
Here at Sun Path, we manufacture harness/containers (for ease, we’ll just refer to them as “containers” from here on out). We make several types of containers, but our flagship product the Javelin Odyssey is ideal for most skydivers. The Javelin Odyssey is
New v. Used Containers
Before looking on the used market, it’s important to understand that containers are sized to two different specifications:
- The size/model of your canopies; and
- The dimensions of your body.
On the used market you may find a container that fits one or the other, but it’s hard (not impossible, but hard) to find a container that fits both, especially if you are not an “average” sized male build.
The way a harness fits can make a significant difference to your comfort and safety while jumping, and even impact your skills progression. If the container is moving around on your body in freefall, it is certainly affecting the way you skydive. By purchasing a new container, you are guaranteeing the appropriate/safe fit for your canopies, and a comfortable harness fit that won’t get in the way of your skydiving.
However, if you decide to purchase a used container, we are more than happy to look up a serial number in our records to confirm the size of the container, harness, and any other applicable information. If you provide your measurements to us, we can also tell you what harness size to seek out, or if a certain serial number will/won’t fit you well. Knowledge is power when searching for used gear!
It is possible to make some harness adjustments if a used rig isn’t quite right. If you are interested in this option, get in touch with our Repairs department to discuss your specific situation further.
What does a container come with?
Your container comes with several parts, including the container, your emergency handles, main risers, deployment bag, and pilot chute, reserve free bag, and reserve pilot chute.
What does the “base price” include?
The Base Price of a container includes all the essential components and parts of the harness/container system. You can purchase a base model container from Sun Path and have everything you need to hook up your canopies and jump!
Our base model includes some notable features such as:
- An RSL
- Spacer foam back pad
- A selection of handle options
- Cut-in laterals
- Articulation
- Back Pad
- Chest Strap
- Leg Pads
- Belly Bands
Articulated Harness (Hip/Chest Rings)
Harness articulation at the hips and chest increases comfort, flexibility, and freedom of movement in the harness. Available with your choice of stainless steel or black rings.
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Premium Option |
| Accuracy | Premium Option |
Adjustable Harness
with Main Lift Web
Features an adjustable main lift web, commonly used in student operations, allowing multiple jumpers to safely and comfortably use the same harness.
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Premium Option |
| Accuracy | Premium Option |
Standard Harness
(No Rings)
The standard harness features a non-articulated design while still providing a secure, comfortable fit. Available with stainless steel or black rings.
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Premium Option |
| Accuracy | Premium Option |
SPYN Pad System
The redesigned harness featuring our molded SPYN Pad system for unbeatable comfort and fit.
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Premium Option |
| Accuracy | n/a |
Deluxe Spacer Foam
A mid-weight foam padding that offers a soft cushion between you and your rig.
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Included |
| Accuracy | Included |
Parapack
Lightweight and minimalistic, the Parapack back pad is the thinnest back pad offered. Comes in choice of colors.
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Included |
| Accuracy | Included |
Type 8
Type 8 Chest Strap
Chest straps can be ordered in 2″ increments up to 12″ longer than our standard 19″.
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Included |
| Accuracy | Included |
Type 17
Type 17 Chest Strap
Chest straps can be ordered in 2″ increments up to 12″ longer than our standard 19″.
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Included |
| Accuracy | Included |
SPYN Leg Pads
SPYN Leg Pads are designed to contour naturally to your legs, enhancing comfort and stability throughout all phases of the skydive. Their ergonomic shaping helps distribute load evenly while maintaining a secure, performance-oriented fit.
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Premium Option |
| Accuracy | n/a |
Spacer Foam Leg Pads
Spacer Foam Leg Pads provide cushioned support with breathable, air-permeable padding. Designed to reduce pressure points and increase airflow, they offer comfort in the aircraft, under canopy, and on long walks back.
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Included |
| Accuracy | n/a |
Fixed Adjustable Leg Pads
Fixed Adjustable Leg Pads allow for minor length adjustments while maintaining a clean, streamlined profile. This option provides flexibility in fit without adding bulk or unnecessary complexity.
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Included |
| Accuracy | n/a |
TELESCOPING Leg pads
Telescoping Leg Pads offer extended adjustability to fine-tune harness fit. Found most often in student containers where adjusting is common.
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Included |
| Accuracy | Included |
SPYN Belt
SPYN Belt Made from TYPE 8 Webbing
2 Male End Cobra Clips Designed to quickly connect With The SPYN Pad System
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Premium Option |
| Accuracy | n/a |
Larks Head
Designed to attach directly to the hip rings of your Javelin using a secure Cobra Clip.
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Premium Option |
| Accuracy | n/a |
PAD 9" & 13"
The 9″ and 13″ belly band pad option provides increased support and stability when paired with belly band belt, helping distribute load comfortably while maintaining a secure fit in free fall and under canopy.
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Premium Option |
| Accuracy | n/a |
Joey Pouch
The Joey Pouch provides convenient, secure storage for small essentials while on the ground or between loads. Compact and low-profile, it keeps your must-haves close without getting in the way.
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Premium Option |
| Accuracy | Premium Option |
- Ripcord Handle
- Main Deployment Handle
- Main Deployment Bag
- RSL
- Risers
- Dynamic Corners
Phat Daddy Soft Reserve Rip Cord
The Phat Daddy Soft Reserve Ripcord features an oversized, padded handle designed for a comfortable grip and positive feel. Its flexible construction lays flatter against the harness while remaining easy to locate and pull when needed.
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Included |
| Accuracy | Included |
Metal D Ring
The Metal D-Ring Reserve Handle offers a traditional, rigid design that provides a firm, unmistakable grip. Its structured shape makes it easy to locate and delivers a confident, positive pull.
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Included |
| Accuracy | Included |
Standard Main Deployment Bag
Sun Path’s main deployment bags are made with heat sealed edges and reinforced all around with binding tape. Our secure stainless steel grommet locking stows make sure that your deployment bag stays closed during line stretch.
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Included |
| Accuracy | Included |
3 Stow Main Deployment Bag
Enjoy faster packing with fewer stow bands, and more consistent openings with this great replacement main deployment bag. The 3 Stow bag is avaiable for the J1ks and below
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Included |
| Accuracy | Included |
Skyhook RSL
The Skyhook RSL enhances traditional RSL function by using the energy of the released main canopy to assist in reserve deployment. This main-assisted deployment system is designed to reduce reserve deployment time in applicable situations.
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Premium Option |
| Accuracy | Premium Option |
| Student | Premium Option |
Main Risers Mini Type 17
Mini Type 17 risers feature a lower-profile design with reduced bulk and weight. A popular choice for sport jumpers, they provide clean routing and reliable performance across a wide range of canopy types.
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Included |
| Accuracy | n/a |
Main Risers Large Type 8
Large Type 8 risers offer a wider, more traditional webbing design for added surface area and durability. Well-suited for heavier wing loadings and jumpers who prefer a more substantial feel.
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Included |
| Accuracy | n/a |
Main Risers Easy Grip Dive Loops/Low Profile
Easy Grip Dive Loops provide improved control and comfort during aggressive canopy inputs. Designed for a secure, natural grip, they’re available on both Type 17 and Type 8 risers. Low Profile type 17 risers give the least amount of drag under canopy designed for high performance canopy piloting
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Premium Option |
| Accuracy | Premium Option |
Dynamic Corners
Dynamic corners were designed to promote the cleanest possible deployments at slower speeds while remaining secure and ironclad in any freefall orientation. Swoopers, Wingsuiters, and CRW Dogs, we had you in mind!
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Premium Option |
| Accuracy | n/a |
- Reserve Pin Cover
- Pin Stripes
- Embroidery
- Contrast Stitching
- Black Hardware
- Split Rig
Reserve Pin Cover V Stripe
The V Stripe Reserve Pin Cover adds a bold, dynamic accent to the top of the container. Its angled design creates a sharp visual line that enhances color contrast and overall flow.
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Premium Option |
| Accuracy | Premium Option |
Reserve Pin Cover A Stripe
The A Stripe Reserve Pin Cover offers a clean, structured look with a centered accent panel. A balanced design that pairs well with both subtle and high-contrast color combinations.
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Premium Option |
| Accuracy | Premium Option |
Reserve Pin Cover No Stripe
The No Stripe Reserve Pin Cover delivers a sleek, uninterrupted appearance. Ideal for a minimalist aesthetic or designs that rely on color blocking elsewhere in the container.
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Included |
| Accuracy | Included |
Pinstripes
Pinstripes add clean definition between color panels, sharpening the container’s lines and introducing refined contrast without overwhelming the design.
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Premium Option |
| Accuracy | Premium Option |
Embroidery
Custom Embroidery available upon request. Contact your Your Local Dealer or Sun Path for Details and Pricing
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Premium Option |
| Accuracy | Premium Option |
Contrast Stitching
Contrast stitching highlights panel lines and construction details with subtle color definition. A small design choice that adds depth, texture, and a tailored finish.
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Premium Option |
| Accuracy | Premium Option |
Black Hardware
Black hardware delivers a sleek, modern aesthetic with a low-profile finish. A popular choice for jumpers looking to create a bold, cohesive look across their entire system.
*Sun Path Products does not warrant the finish on black hardware, which may wear over time.
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Premium Option |
| Accuracy | Premium Option |
Split Rig
The split rig design allows different color treatments between each section of the container, creating a distinctive multi-tone appearance. Ideal for bold layouts, strong contrast, or highly customized builds.
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Premium Option |
| Accuracy | Premium Option |
- Toggles
- Cutaway Handle
- Main Deployment Bag
- Pilot Chute
- Risers
CFS Comp Toggles
| Odyssey | Premium Option |
CF Toggles
| Odyssey | Premium Option |
Loop Cutaway Handle
Loop Cutaway Handle
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Included |
| Accuracy | Included |
Duck Cloth Large #8 Grommet
heavy-duty, natural cotton canvas material with large, durable brass grommets
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Included |
| Accuracy | Included |
PVC Handle
| Odyssey | Premium Option |
| Accuracy | Premium Option |
Main Risers Mini Type 17
Mini Type 17 risers feature a lower-profile design with reduced bulk and weight. A popular choice for sport jumpers, they provide clean routing and reliable performance across a wide range of canopy types.
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Included |
| Accuracy | n/a |
Main Risers Large Type 8
Large Type 8 risers offer a wider, more traditional webbing design for added surface area and durability. Well-suited for heavier wing loadings and jumpers who prefer a more substantial feel.
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Included |
| Accuracy | n/a |
Main Risers Easy Grip Dive Loops/Low Profile
Easy Grip Dive Loops provide improved control and comfort during aggressive canopy inputs. Designed for a secure, natural grip, they’re available on both Type 17 and Type 8 risers. Low Profile type 17 risers give the least amount of drag under canopy designed for high performance canopy piloting
AVAILABILITY:
| Odyssey | Premium Option |
| Accuracy | Premium Option |
