Equipment and gear used in BASE jumping are the focus of this part of our web guide.
BASE jumping is the recreational sport of jumping from fixed objects, using a parachute to descend to the ground.
BASE is an acronym that represents four categories of fixed objects from which one can jump: buildings, antennas, spans, and earth.
The activity will be discussed in greater detail in our Sports & Recreation section. Since this is the shopping area, we will focus on the equipment, gear, and accessories used in BASE jumping, including major manufacturers and retailers.
The extreme sport requires specialized equipment for safety and optimal performance.
The jumper will wear a specially designed helmet, harness, and parachute. The harness attaches the jumper to the parachute, and the parachutes are constructed to be more compact and to deploy faster than traditional skydiving parachutes. The container holding the parachute must be securely attached to the harness. A small auxiliary parachute helps to deploy the main chute. An altimeter helps the jumper know when to deploy the parachute.
Some BASE jumpers use wingsuits to glide horizontally before deploying the parachute. Jumping suits are specially designed for BASE jumping, often with reinforced areas for safety.
Accessories used in BASE jumping might include toggles to steer the parachute, sliders to help control its descent, and bridles and straps (risers) to connect the parachute to the harness. A static line take-away system is a safety mechanism to ensure the parachute deploys correctly, and a break cord can be used to cut away the main chute if necessary. Parachute packing tool kits are essential for packing parachutes correctly.
Although others are involved as well, manufacturers specializing in BASE jumping products include Apex BASE, Asylum Designs, and Squirrel.
These, and other manufacturers and retailers supplying the BASE jumping market, are appropriate topics for this category, as are websites that review or make product comparisons of BASE jumping products.
Recommended Resources
Originating in T&T Rigging, one of the first manufacturers of BASE-specific accessories and container systems, T&T evolved into Basic Research, which built the first BASE-specific canopy, becoming Apex BASE after merging with Vertigo BASE Outfitters. Designed, engineered, and manufactured in the United States, Apex BASE builds all of its BASE jumping harnesses, containers, parachutes, and accessories in-house. Its equipment and gear are highlighted on the site, and made available for purchase.
https://apexbase.com/
In business for over thirty years, the company is located in Auburn, California, where it specializes in BASE jumping equipment and training. They focus on equipment innovation, safety, and support. They are known for their high-quality gear, which includes harnesses, containers, and canopies designed specifically for BASE jumping, along with custom equipment and training to help jumpers perform at their best. An overview of their products and an email address are provided.
https://www.asylumbase.com/
BaseXGear was established in 2020 to support the Australian BASE jumping community. Its online store specializes in BASE jumping and extreme sports equipment, including a range of products such as crash kits, stash bags, break cords, static lines, and other BASE jumping equipment and gear, accessories, and other products. Also included are wingsuit restraint extensions, water bottles, BXG small rubber bands, thermal blankets, a civilian tourniquet, and a snake bite bandage.
https://basexgear.com.au/
Founded in 2018, Exile BASE specializes in producing BASE jumping equipment and is particularly known for its Gryphus BASE Parachute. Made in the United States, the Gryphus is designed to excel in all disciplines of BASE jumping, from ultra-low slider down exits to alpine wingsuit jumps, which is praised for its powerful flares, excellent glide, rapid inflations, and reliable heading performance. The company also First Jump Courses at Perrine Bridge in Twin Falls, Idaho.
https://exilebase.com/
Situated in Phoenix, Arizona, Phoenix-Fly designs, develops, and produces high-performance wingsuits for skydiving and BASE jumping. It also offers tracking pants, jackets, and other accessories for these activities. Phoenix-Fly has been contributing to the engineering and development of wingsuits and BASE-jumping gear since 2010. Its wingsuits, tracking suits, apparel, options, and pricing are featured. Orders may be placed through the website or from am a dealer.
https://phoenix-fly.com/
The company specializes in producing wingsuits, BASE jumping equipment, and parachutes, offering a wide range of wingsuits designed for BASE jumpers of different skill levels and purposes, from beginner to advanced. They also have a strong presence in the wingsuit BASE jumping community, with pilots often winning competitions. Its equipment and gear are highlighted on its site, which includes several articles based on laboratory testing, field research, and experience.
https://squirrel.ws/
