What to Pack for Your Bungee Jumping Trip
The metal carabiner clicks shut, the harness tightens against your thighs, and the wind whistles through the steel cables above the canyon floor. You are standing on a narrow wooden platform, looking down at a drop that seems to vanish into the shadows. This guide outlines exactly what you need to pack and wear to ensure your bungee jumping experience is safe, comfortable, and free from unnecessary distractions. Whether you are heading to a high-altitude site in the Swiss Alps or a coastal platform in New Zealand, the right preparation prevents gear malfunctions and keeps your focus on the adrenaline rather than a loose shoe or a lost phone.
Footwear: The Foundation of Your Jump
Your choice of footwear is the most critical part of your outfit. When you are tethered to a cord, you need shoes that stay firmly on your feet despite the rapid deceleration and the sudden change in gravity. If your shoes fly off mid-jump, you aren't just losing a piece of clothing; you are creating a safety hazard for the crew and potentially losing a valuable item in a remote canyon or riverbed.
Best Options for Bungee Jumping
- Running Shoes: A standard pair of Nike Pegasus or Adidas Ultraboost trainers is ideal. They provide enough grip for the platform and are lightweight enough that they won't feel heavy during the bounce.
- Cross-Trainers: These are excellent because they offer lateral stability. If you are jumping at a site with uneven terrain or a rocky landing area, the stability of a cross-trainer helps.
- Hiking Boots: If you are traveling to a remote location like the Swiss Alps, a sturdy hiking boot is acceptable, provided they are laced tightly. Ensure they are not too heavy, as the extra weight can change your center of gravity during the recoil.
What to Avoid
Do not wear flip-flops, sandals, or loose sliders. Even if the jump site is in a tropical location, these are strictly prohibited by professional jump masters. Similarly, avoid high heels or anything with a thin stiletto base, as these can snag on the harness or the platform edges. Avoid loose slip-on shoes like Vans or Converse unless you have tied them with a double knot; the sudden jerk of the bungee cord can easily pull a loose shoe right off your feet.
Clothing: Comfort and Safety
The goal of your clothing is to complement the harness, not fight against it. The harness is a complex system of webbing and buckles that must sit snugly against your body to distribute the force of the fall. If your clothes are too baggy, the harness can pinch or chafe. If they are too tight, they might restrict your circulation during the high-pressure moments of the jump.
Layering for Different Climates
Bungee sites are often located in extreme environments—either high up in mountains or deep in river valleys. You must dress for the temperature at the platform, not just the ground level. A common mistake is wearing a light T-shirt at a mountain site, only to realize the wind chill on the platform is freezing. I recommend a base layer of moisture-wicking fabric, such as a Patagonia Capilene or a synthetic gym shirt, topped with a lightweight windbreaker or a fleece.
Practical Clothing Tips
- Avoid Shorts if it's Cold: Even in summer, the wind blast during a freefall can be jarring. Long trousers or leggings provide better protection against wind and minor abrasions.
- Avoid Skirts and Dresses: This is a fundamental safety rule. Loose clothing can get caught in the harness or create an awkward silhouette that makes the harness fit incorrectly.
- Check Your Pockets: If you must wear clothing with pockets, ensure they are zipped. A loose phone or car keys falling out of a pocket during a jump is a nightmare for everyone involved.
Managing Personal Items and Electronics
The most important rule of bungee jumping is that you should not be carrying anything. No phones, no watches, no jewelry, and no loose change. The force of a bungee jump is intense; even a "secure" pocket cannot withstand the G-forces and the rapid movement of the cord. If you want photos of your jump, most professional sites offer a video package where a camera is mounted to the platform or a secondary line. Do not attempt to hold a GoPro or a phone yourself.
Securing Your Belongings
Before you approach the jump master, you need a plan for your gear. Most reputable jump sites provide secure lockers or a designated "bag area." If you are traveling through multiple locations, such as when finding the best bungee locations in New Zealand, ensure you have a waterproof dry bag for your electronics. Even if you aren't jumping, the humidity or sudden rain in these areas can ruin expensive gear.
Jewelry and Accessories
Remove all necklaces, earrings, and bracelets before you even arrive at the site. A necklace can become a choking hazard when the harness is tightened, and earrings can be ripped out by the wind or the harness straps. If you have a piercing that is sensitive, it is better to leave it out entirely rather than trying to tape it down.
Essential Gear Checklist
While the jump operator provides the harness, carabiners, and the bungee cord itself, there are a few items you should carry in your travel bag to make the experience smoother. This list is designed for the traveler who wants to be fully prepared for an adventure day.
- Sun Protection: Even if you are jumping in a shaded canyon, the reflection of UV rays off the water or rock can be intense. Pack a high-SPF sunscreen and a baseball cap (though you will likely have to remove the hat for the jump).
- Hydration: Adrenaline spikes can lead to dehydration. Carry a reusable water bottle, such as a Nalgene or a Hydro Flask, to keep your energy levels up before and after your jump.
- First Aid Basics: If you are traveling to remote areas, carry a small kit with antiseptic wipes and bandages. While the jump is safe, minor scrapes can happen during the trek to the platform.
- Weather-Appropriate Outerwear: If you are jumping in the Swiss Alps, a high-quality technical shell is non-negotiable.
Understanding the Harness Fit
Before you leap, the jump master will perform a "fit check." This is not a suggestion; it is a critical safety procedure. You should be aware of how the gear feels so you can communicate any issues immediately. If the leg loops feel too tight or the waist belt is rubbing against your ribs, speak up. A poorly fitted harness can cause discomfort or, in extreme cases, impede your ability to breathe during the rebound.
For more technical details on the equipment used by professionals, you can read our guide on how to choose the right bungee gear. Understanding the difference between various types of harnesses and cords will help you feel more confident when you are standing on that edge.
Final Pre-Jump Protocol
Once you have checked your clothing, secured your shoes, and stowed your electronics, take a moment to breathe. The nervous energy you feel is a physiological response to the impending drop. Use that energy. Ensure your clothing is not snagging on any part of the harness, double-check that your laces are tucked in, and once the jump master gives you the signal, commit to the fall. The preparation you have done ensures that once you hit that freefall, the only thing you have to worry about is the incredible sensation of the bounce.