An actual parachute?

[<-Pointer]

Man that brings back some memories. I had some rough landings in those and I can confirm that they can hold me and my gear quite securely from a single tree branch Very strong material: would make a great hammock if you cut it up I'm sure.

[<-Pointer]

Just FYI - those seems are likely plenty strong unless they've been severely neglected. They were designed to open safely in 200 mph prop wash with a fully loaded trooper. We had blown panels very occasionally - maybe 3-4 per year out of an entire division.

[pH@willie]

If you wanted to use it as a shelter, it can be made into a tepee. Your poles would need to be at least 15 feet long. Or you could tie a line to the center, throw the line over a branch and tie off. Then just stake the edges.

When I worked for the NAVY in NJ, I was able to procure several we transformed into the survival sleeping bags and a tepee with the Royal Rangers boys in our church. They loved it.

Bill