Ultralight Safety Without Compromise
Weighing just 810g including its deployment container, the AirDesign DONUT SL 90 is one of the lightest certified reserve parachutes available today. Designed for lightweight flying, travel and hike & fly adventures, it combines the proven stability of AirDesign’s hybrid DONUT design with an exceptionally compact pack volume of only 2.5 litres.
The Reserve You’ll Forget You’re Carrying
When every gram matters, carrying a reserve parachute shouldn’t feel like a compromise.
The AirDesign DONUT SL 90 was developed for pilots who demand the highest levels of passive safety while pursuing the lightest possible flying setup. Whether you’re building the ultimate hike & fly kit, travelling internationally with strict baggage limits, or simply looking to reduce the overall weight of your equipment, the DONUT SL 90 delivers genuine weight savings without sacrificing confidence.
Built around AirDesign’s proven hybrid reserve architecture, the DONUT SL 90 combines the stability characteristics of a square reserve with the forgiving deployment behaviour of a round reserve. The result is a reserve parachute that remains stable, predictable and reassuring when you need it most.
At only 810g including its deployment pod, the DONUT SL 90 virtually disappears into your harness while remaining ready to perform when it matters.
DONUT vs DONUT SL – What’s the Difference?
The DONUT SL 90 shares the same proven design philosophy as the standard DONUT 90, combining square-reserve stability with round-reserve simplicity and reliability.
The difference lies in the optimisation.
The DONUT SL series has been specifically engineered for pilots who prioritise weight and pack volume. Through carefully selected lightweight materials and refined construction techniques, the DONUT SL 90 achieves a significant reduction in both packed size and overall weight while maintaining full EN/LTF certification.
Unlike many ultra-light reserves that pursue weight reduction at all costs, AirDesign selected materials that maintain excellent durability, practicality and longevity while still achieving an exceptionally low overall weight.
Choose the Standard DONUT If:
- Weight is not a primary concern
- You prioritise maximum durability and service life
- You fly a conventional harness where reserve volume is less critical
- You simply want a robust everyday reserve solution
Choose the DONUT SL 90 If:
- You fly a lightweight or hike & fly harness
- You travel frequently with your equipment
- You want to minimise reserve volume
- You are building the lightest possible flying setup
- Every gram matters
Hybrid Design. Proven Stability.
The DONUT SL 90 utilises AirDesign’s unique hybrid reserve architecture.
By combining the best characteristics of square and round reserve parachutes, the DONUT SL delivers:
- Excellent pendulum stability
- Reduced oscillation after deployment
- Predictable opening behaviour
- Efficient load distribution
- Low sink rates
- Straightforward packing procedures
This unique design philosophy has made the DONUT range one of AirDesign’s most trusted safety products.
Built For Modern Lightweight Flying
Modern lightweight harnesses and hike & fly equipment continue to become smaller and lighter.
The DONUT SL 90 was designed to complement these developments.
Packing to just 2.5 litres, it integrates easily into compact reserve containers while maintaining certified performance. The specially selected lightweight fabric reduces weight without introducing unnecessary complexity or compromising reliability.
For pilots who regularly travel, hike to launch, or simply appreciate a cleaner and lighter setup, the DONUT SL 90 is an obvious choice.
Easy To Pack. Easy To Trust.
A reserve parachute only works if it is packed correctly and repacked regularly.
AirDesign has placed significant emphasis on making the DONUT SL series intuitive to inspect, repack and maintain. The canopy layout and line architecture have been designed to simplify the packing process and help pilots maintain confidence in their equipment.
As designer Hugo Chaboud explains:
“Designing an ultralight parachute is a discipline in its own right. Beyond structural performance and the pursuit of lightness, ergonomics and ease of packing were central concerns throughout the project.”
Technical Specifications
| Specification | DONUT SL 90 | DONUT SL 110 |
|---|---|---|
| Certification | EN / LTF | EN / LTF |
| Maximum Load | 90 kg | 110 kg |
| Flat Area | 22.2 m² | 29.5 m² |
| Weight (Reserve Only) | 785 g | 1.02 kg |
| Weight Including Container | 810 g | 1.04 kg |
| Sink Rate at Maximum Load | 5.49 m/s | 5.2 m/s |
| Packed Volume | 2.5 L | 3.0 L |
Downloads
Cloudbase Recommendation
The DONUT SL 90 is ideal for pilots flying lightweight harnesses, participating in hike & fly adventures, travelling frequently or simply wanting the lightest certified reserve possible.
At just 810g including its deployment pod, it offers an impressive combination of low weight, compact volume, proven stability and practical everyday usability.



