What to Wear (and Not Wear) for Your Fall Skydive.
A guide to dressing for fall skydiving in New England
Fall is an awesome time to skydive in New England. The foliage is popping, the air is crisp, and from two miles up, you get a view that you just can’t get anywhere else.
Picking your outfit is pretty straightforward. A few smart clothing choices will help you enjoy it comfortably.
Here’s what to wear (and what to leave at home) for your tandem skydive so you can comfortably enjoy the fall foliage from our point of view.
What to Wear on a Cold Tandem Skydive
Closed-Toed Shoes
Lace-up sneakers with flat soles are a great choice. Pick a pair that stays securely on your feet, and leave sandals, heels, and boots with exposed hooks at home.
Bottom Layers
Sweatpants, joggers, leggings, or jeans with some stretch all work well. For cooler days, you can add thermal bottoms or wear leggings under sweatpants, just make sure you can move comfortably.
Top Layers
A long-sleeve thermal shirt makes a great first layer, with a crewneck sweatshirt on top if you’d like a little extra warmth. Think cozy, not bulky.
Gloves
Gloves are optional, but if you’d like a little extra warmth, lightweight driving gloves are a good choice. Pick a snug-fitting pair that lets you move your fingers easily, and skip bulky gloves or mittens. You can bring a pair along and decide with your tandem instructor whether to wear them for the jump.
Ready to make the jump?
Book a tandem skydive at Skydive Pepperell and experience the season from a whole new angle.
What Not to Wear on a Cold Tandem Skydive
Hoodies
Save your hoodie for before and after the jump. A crewneck sweatshirt gives you an easy extra layer without a hood bunching up behind your neck.
Shorts
Long pants or leggings are a better choice for a fall skydive. Choose something comfortable that lets you bend and move freely.
Boots
Leave boots with exposed metal lace hooks at home, as the hooks can catch on equipment. Secure, flat-soled sneakers are the way to go.
Big Down Jackets
Bring your favorite jacket for hanging out at the drop zone, then set it aside when it’s time to gear up. Lighter layers work better beneath your tandem harness.
Baggy Clothes
Choose clothes that fit comfortably and stay in place. Skip oversized or extra-loose outfits that can flap around or bunch up during the jump.
Hats and Beanies
Feel free to wear a hat or beanie around the drop zone. Leave it on the ground for your skydive so it doesn’t take a little adventure of its own.
Cold Weather Tandem Skydiving FAQs
Is it colder at jump altitude?
Yes, temperatures are generally lower at altitude. Bringing an extra layer is an easy way to give yourself options for your jump.
Can I wear my jacket while I wait?
Yes, of course. You can stay bundled up on the ground and take the jacket off when it’s time to put on your harness.
What if I’m not sure what to wear?
Bring an extra layer and ask your tandem instructor before you gear up. They’ll help you make the call based on the conditions that day.
Can you skydive in the cold?
Yes, you can skydive in cold weather. Wear warm layers that let you move comfortably, and check with manifest about the conditions on the day of your tandem jump.
Does it ever get too cold to skydive?
Yes and no, but there’s no single temperature cutoff for every skydive. Our team considers the overall weather conditions when deciding whether to jump. At Skydive Pepperell, our season runs through Halloween, so you can enjoy the fall views before we close for winter.
Come for the Fall Foliage, Dress for the Free Fall
You don’t need a complicated cold-weather outfit: warm layers, long pants, and secure sneakers will get you most of the way there. Bring a jacket for the wait, leave the bulky stuff on the ground, and get ready to see New England in a way you never have before.
Our last day to book a tandem skydive is October 31st, get your jump in before the season closes. Book your tandem skydive at Skydive Pepperell.
Ready to make the jump?
Book a tandem skydive at Skydive Pepperell and experience the season from a whole new angle.