Smokejumpers depend on their gear to stay in business. The loft is where parachutes are assembled, inspected and repaired. Canopies coming in from the field are often torn and littered with debris.

Jumpsuits, harnesses, pack-bags and climbing gear are also built and maintained in the loft. Jumpers are skilled at sewing, designing and constructing equipment, and developing better ways to get the job done.