DIY - Parachute Materials

For the canopy you'll need some ripstop - it's lightweight, packs small and comes in loads of colours.

Proper parachute fabric is now more widely available than ever. End of line fabric shops (fabrics-n-stuff), eBay and sailing shops all now offer a variety.

If you can't source the right fabric then an old umbrella can be used instead. It is a bit heavier but has the right shape - only needing the frame removed and lines attached.

Be wary of getting unproofed ripstop. It is usually the really cheap stuff and looks the part but is usually way too porous to work efficiently. Proofed ripstop can be very crispy and crinkly. You really want the lightest you can get. Proper parachute fabric is coated but is very light and flexible and packs to a ridiculously small size.