This article appeared in its original form on pussfoot.com, a website for extreme sports enthusiasts.
On containers using a throw-out deployment system, the elastic or nylon spandex (Spandura) bottom-of-container pilot-chute pouch—aka the BOC—is arguably one of the most important and visible components. (Not all containers use a throw-out system, but that’s a discussion for another day.) During routine gear checks, jumpers should check the elasticity of their pouches to ensure that they will hold their pilot chutes firmly yet allow them to extract easily.
To check the condition of your BOC, place your open palm on the pouch and firmly pull on the deployment handle attached to the pilot chute. The pilot chute should move freely and not get bunched or balled up in the pouch. The handle should sit snuggly at the opening of the pouch.