So You Wanna Be a Wingsuit Pilot? Here's the Gear You Actually Need (and What You Just Think You Do)

 Want to wingsuit? Then get ready to step into a world that’s equal parts badass and deeply technical. Wingsuiting isn’t just a next-level version of skydiving—it’s a full-on fusion of gear, skill, and pushing your limits in the sky. If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve already cleared a few of the necessary hurdles: you’ve got your A and B licenses, your own rig (container, reserve, canopy, AAD, maybe even some “cool-guy” pants), a killer video for the ’Gram, and that epic photo that magically gets you more right swipes than usual. You’ve probably made the decision long ago that this was the direction you were headed—and now it’s time to talk gear.

Let’s start with the heart of it all: your container. When it comes to wingsuit flying, you need a solid, dependable rig that’s not worn out and features a BOC (bottom-of-container) pilot chute. Chances are, the rig you’re currently jumping is already suitable for wingsuiting, but during your First Flight Course (FFC), your instructor will absolutely let you know if your gear makes the cut—or doesn’t.

Some wingsuit-specific containers exist—like the Javelin Aurora, UPT Vector 3 with wingsuit options, or Mirage’s W-Series (which is technically made for BASE but has a reserve). These models look great and sound fancy, and the price tags definitely reflect that. But don’t feel like you have to buy one right away. Plenty of experienced wingsuit pilots are still jumping gear from the ’90s. One jumper we know has over 600 jumps on a 1994 Javelin Legacy. That rig is old enough to drink legally and still gets the job done just fine.

There’s a detail worth noting here: dynamic corners. These allow your container to open completely flat during deployment, making for cleaner extraction of the deployment bag (D-bag). Are they helpful? Yes. Are they required? No. If you’re buying new, get them. If you’re buying used, don’t sweat it if they’re not included.

Next, we get to something very important: a bigger pilot chute and a longer bridle. Why? Because wingsuits generate a “burble” (turbulent airflow) behind the jumper—sort of like the draft behind a race car—which can disrupt deployment. If your bridle is too short, it can get caught in that burble and fail to extract the canopy. Industry wisdom recommends at least an 8-foot bridle (measured from the closing pin). You don’t need an absurdly long one—just something that clears the burble reliably.

And the pilot chute? Bigger is better here. It needs enough pull force to reliably extract your main canopy, even with slower airspeeds. Our top recommendation—and frankly the only one we’d suggest—is the Squirrel SkySnatch. It’s designed specifically for wingsuiting and performs reliably even in less-than-ideal conditions.

Now let’s talk D-bags. As you hopefully already know, a deployment bag is what your canopy is stuffed into during packing. For wingsuiters, a semi-stowless D-bag is the way to go. Traditional D-bags use rubber bands to stow the lines, and those stows can cause the bag to bounce and twist during deployment. That kind of movement increases your risk of line twists and spinning openings.

Semi-stowless D-bags, by contrast, use just a couple of rubber bands to close the bag itself. The lines are S-folded inside and release cleanly during deployment. Less bouncing, fewer twists. Options include the Fluid Wings semi-stowless bag (a community favorite), UPT’s version, and one from Squirrel—though they don’t always sell it as a standalone item.

If you’re really into cutting-edge gear, you might be tempted by fully stowless D-bags that use magnets instead of rubber bands. While we haven’t personally tested these, they look slick and might be the next big thing.

Now, onto a must-have piece of tech: the AAD (Automatic Activation Device). Most jumpers already have one. Some micro-canopy pilots don’t use AADs to avoid two-out scenarios, and others go without because they’re “old school.” But if you’re wingsuiting, this is not optional. You need one.

A true story drives the point home: a friend of ours was flying in formation when someone above him lost altitude and collided with him mid-air—right in the face. He was knocked out cold. He spiraled unconscious until his Vigil AAD activated, deploying his reserve. He landed unconscious, suffered major injuries, broke bones and shattered an eye socket—but he lived. And honestly? Still pretty damn good looking.

There are three widely trusted AAD brands: Vigil, Cypres, and M2. They’re all reliable and available through vendors like Gold State Gear, ChutingStar, and local gear shops.

Because you’re flying in a wingsuit and can’t easily look at your wrist, you’ll need an audible altimeter—an essential part of your kit. These fit inside your helmet and beep at key altitudes. Just make sure to reset it when you jump at a new dropzone; altitude above sea level can vary dramatically, and forgetting to adjust could be dangerous.

The L&B Quattro is a great, budget-friendly option that gets the job done. For the more tech-obsessed, the VOG offers voice cues with current altitude readouts—it's a luxury, not a necessity, but super convenient.

That said, auditory feedback isn’t enough. You should also mount a visual altimeter to your chest, since your arms are outstretched and you can’t glance at your wrist. The simplest fix? Take your wrist altimeter and move it to your chest using a mudflap or chest-strap mount.

Digital or analog? That’s up to you. Digital is more precise, but needs daily charging. Analog is tried and true—no charging, no power buttons, just pure reliability. If you’re a tech geek or want extra flight data, you might look into high-end options like the Dekunu One or AON X2, which offer full jump tracking, GPS, and post-jump analytics.

Now let’s talk helmets. While not legally required everywhere, wearing an impact-rated full-face helmet is just a smart move. In wingsuiting, collisions are more likely than in standard skydiving. Whether it’s another jumper’s foot to your head—or your head to theirs—you’ll be glad you had protection.

The Cookie G4 is a staple in the sport. It’s durable, protective, and comfy. Some fliers dream about the Tonfly TFX, a modular helmet with advanced features, slick looks, and full certification. Either option will give you the protection your brain deserves.

Yes, some skydivers still prefer open-face helmets, especially for the “wind in your face” feel. That’s a personal choice. But when you’re flying fast and sharing tight airspace, a full-face, impact-rated helmet can make a real difference.

At the end of the day, getting into wingsuiting doesn’t mean buying every shiny piece of gear you see online. You don’t need the most expensive setup. What you need is gear that’s suitable, reliable, and fit for purpose. You can always upgrade over time. But before you ever spread your arms and leap into the blue, know your gear inside and out—because when you're flying with a wingsuit, you're counting on it to bring you home safely.

So, future birdman: ready to fly?