Parachutes are essential tools for individuals who engage in outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and even survival training. However, what happens if you find yourself in a situation where you need a parachute, but you don't have one? That's where the trash bag parachute comes in.

A trash bag parachute is a makeshift parachute that can be created using a few simple items. It is an excellent tool for emergency situations or as a fun outdoor activity. In this article, we'll discuss how to make a trash bag parachute step-by-step.

Steps to Create a Trash Bag Parachute:

Creating a trash bag parachute involves several steps. Start by cutting and folding the trash bag to create a square shape. Then, cut a semi-circle out of the folded corner of the trash bag.

Following are the steps.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before you start creating your trash bag parachute, you'll need to gather the necessary materials. This includes a large, heavy-duty trash bag, string or twine, scissors or a knife, and tape.

Step 2: Choose Your Trash Bag

Select a heavy-duty trash bag that is durable enough to support your weight. A clear bag can also be helpful in testing the parachute.

Step 3: Cut and Fold the Trash Bag

Cut the trash bag along the sides and bottom to create a large flat piece of plastic. Fold the trash bag in half, and then fold it in half again. This will create a square shape that you can use to make your parachute.

Step 4: Cut a Semi-Circle

Cut a semi-circle shape out of the folded corner of the trash bag. The size of the semi-circle will determine the size of your parachute. The larger the semi-circle, the larger the parachute will be.

Step 5: Tie the String

Tie one end of the string or twine to the top of the parachute, making sure it is secured tightly. Then, tie the other end of the string to the opposite side of the parachute, making sure the string is even on both sides.

Step 6: Create the Harness

To use the parachute, you'll need a harness. Cut two pieces of string or twine that are long enough to tie around your shoulders. Tie one end of each string to the top of the parachute, and the other end to the opposite side of the parachute. Once you have the harness in place, make sure it is secured tightly. You want to make sure that the parachute stays in place when you jump.

Step 7: Test the Parachute

Once you have your trash bag parachute and harness in place, it's time to test it out. Take your parachute to your chosen location and throw it up into the air. It should catch the wind and begin to slow down.

If it does not work correctly, adjust the strings until it works properly. It's essential to test your parachute from a low height first before attempting a higher jump.

Step 8: Ensure Safety

When making and using your trash bag parachute, it's important to ensure your safety. Always choose a location with no obstacles or hazards. Always test your parachute first from a low height before attempting a higher jump.

Make sure your harness is secure before jumping. Never attempt to jump from a height that is too high or dangerous for your skill level or the strength of your parachute.

Always have a backup plan in case the parachute fails to deploy correctly or doesn't work as intended.

Step 9: Have Fun!

A trash bag parachute can be a fun and exciting tool for outdoor activities, survival situations, or even backyard games. With proper preparation and safety precautions, you can create and use a trash bag parachute safely and effectively. So, go ahead and have fun!

Materials Needed:

Before we begin, you'll need to gather the following materials:

• A large trash bag (preferably heavy-duty)
• String or twine (at least 10 feet in length)
• Scissors or a knife
• Tape

Trash Bag Selection

When choosing a trash bag for your parachute, it's important to select a heavy-duty bag. Heavy-duty trash bags are more durable and less likely to tear, making them ideal for parachute construction.

You can also use clear bags as they are easier to see in the sky, which can be helpful when testing your parachute.

Parachute Shape

The shape of your parachute is crucial in determining how well it will perform. The ideal shape for a trash bag parachute is a semi-circle. The size of the semi-circle will determine the size of your parachute.

The larger the semi-circle, the larger the parachute will be. Keep in mind that a larger parachute will slow you down more, but it will also be more challenging to control.

String Selection

When selecting string or twine for your parachute, choose a material that is strong enough to support your weight. Nylon or polyester strings are the most commonly used materials for parachute construction.

It's also essential to choose a string that is at least 10 feet in length, as this will provide enough length to create a harness for the parachute.

Creating the Parachute

To create your trash bag parachute, begin by cutting the trash bag along the sides and bottom to create a large flat piece of plastic. Then, fold the trash bag in half, and then fold it in half again. Cut a semi-circle shape out of the folded corner, creating a parachute shape.

Once you have the parachute shape, tie one end of the string to the top of the parachute, making sure it is secured tightly.

Then, tie the other end of the string to the opposite side of the parachute, making sure the string is even on both sides.

Creating the Harness

To use the parachute, you'll need a harness. To create the harness, cut two pieces of string or twine that are long enough to tie around your shoulders.

Tie one end of each string to the top of the parachute, and the other end to the opposite side of the parachute.

Once you have the harness in place, make sure it is secured tightly. You want to make sure that the parachute stays in place when you jump.

Testing the Parachute

Once you have your trash bag parachute and harness in place, it's time to test it out. Take your parachute to your chosen location and throw it up into the air. It should catch the wind and begin to slow down. If it does not work correctly, adjust the strings until it works properly. It's essential to test your parachute from a low height first before attempting a higher jump.

Safety Tips

When making and using your trash bag parachute, it's important to keep the following safety tips in mind:

• Always choose a location with no obstacles or hazards.
• Always test your parachute first from a low height before attempting a higher jump.
• Make sure your harness is secure before jumping.
• Never attempt to jump from a height that is too high or dangerous for your skill level or the strength of your parachute.
• Always use a heavy-duty trash bag and strong string or twine to ensure the parachute is durable enough to support your weight.
• Never attempt to use a trash bag parachute in adverse weather conditions such as strong winds or rain.
• Always have a backup plan in case the parachute fails to deploy correctly or doesn't work as intended.

Applications of Trash Bag Parachutes

While a trash bag parachute may seem like a fun and creative DIY project, it can also have practical applications. For example, if you find yourself in a survival situation, knowing how to make a trash bag parachute could be a lifesaver. It could help you to escape from a dangerous situation or to slow your fall if you need to jump from a height.

Trash bag parachutes are also popular among outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers who want to add an extra element of excitement to their outdoor activities.

Parachute camping, in particular, is a unique and thrilling experience that involves using a parachute as a shelter.

You can also use a trash bag parachute for fun activities such as backyard games, school projects, or science experiments.

Design Considerations

Designing a trash bag parachute requires some careful consideration. The size of the parachute will depend on the size of the semi-circle cut from the trash bag.

The larger the semi-circle, the larger the parachute will be. It's important to ensure that the harness fits comfortably and securely around the body to ensure safety when jumping.

The length of the strings will also impact the performance of the parachute. Longer strings will create a larger parachute, while shorter strings will create a smaller parachute.

Safety Consideration

Safety is the most critical consideration when making and using a trash bag parachute. Always choose a location with no obstacles or hazards. Never attempt to jump from a height that is too high or dangerous for your skill level or the strength of your parachute.

Always have a backup plan in case the parachute fails to deploy correctly or doesn't work as intended. It's also essential to ensure that the harness is secure before jumping.

Conclusion

Creating a trash bag parachute is a simple and fun DIY project that anyone can do with a few basic materials. Whether you're in a survival situation or just looking for a unique outdoor activity, a trash bag parachute can be a useful and exciting tool.

With proper preparation and safety precautions, you can create and use a trash bag parachute safely and effectively.

Just remember to test it out first from a low height and to always have a backup plan in case of an emergency.