Just spotted thios thread!
Boy, do I remember that show! It's got a lot to answer for....pushed me even more into wanting to jump!
Those old B4 packs were rather large and heavy. Ex- military rigs, originally with a modified 'T-L' semi steerable canopy, then later using the forerunner of the PC (ParaCommander) canopy. It took quite a bit of effort o actually pull the 'cord', as it had four pins, slotted into four metal 'cones'. If one pin bent, you would end up making a depression in the ground - after bouncing! Thankfully, that system was eventually replaced by a single pin through a nylon loop.