Fireline Packing Lists: Line Gear, Red Bag, and Campaign Duffle (or Whatever You Want to Call Them)

 

Although there are as almost as many names for these kits as there are things to choose from and ways to organize them, there are also quite a few lists and helps out there to help you decide what to start from as you come up with your own techniques.

First off, here is a list from the NPS; a solid base from which to start: (Click on the links if it's not formatting correctly in your browser)

Items for Wildland Fire Assignments

 

Required Personal Equipment for Mobilizations

Quantity	ITEM	COMMENT
1	Line Gear	Compatible with Fire Shelter and Canteens
1	Hard Hat	Must have chinstrap
1 pair	Eye Protection	If you wear safety glasses, pack goggles which are needed for Helicopter Ops.
1 pair	Hearing Protection	You cannot have enough foam ear plugs (should carry five pairs)
2	FRC Shirts	FRC = Flame Resistant Clothing, sometimes referred to as NOMEX
2*	FRC Pants	(See notes below)
1 pair	Leather Gloves	Should be standard government “ Forestry Firefighter” gloves
1 pair	Leather Boots	8-inch lace up, melt-resistant soles (Vibram)
1	Fire Shelter	If using New Generation make sure it fits your size (Reg. or Large)
1	Headlamp w/batteries	If using other than government issue, batteries should last 1 night shift
6	Batteries	Same size of the headlamp batteries
4	Canteens	Volume must be equal to or more than 4 quarts, must be secured to Line Gear.
1	First Aid Kit	Must meet or exceed the government issued personal kit
1	Allergy Medication	If needed
1	Prescription Meds	If needed
1	Personal Gear Bag	Standard “RED BAG”
1	Sleeping Bag / Pad	Should be rated down to 20o Degrees, Thermarest pad are great
1	Tent	Should be big enough to hold yourself and Red Bag
1	Identification Card	Picture ID (Drivers License or Passport). This is for driving and flying
1	IQCS CARD	“RED CARD” Must be a current signed card
1	IRPG	IRPG = Incident Response Pocket Guide

 

Extra must have items in your Line Gear

 

1	Multi-tool	It has a knife and everything else
1	Carabiner	Hanging stuff up, clips your gloves together
1	Space Blanket	Buy a good one, it can double as a tarp
50 ft	Parachute Cord	A million uses
10 ft	Duct Tape	Wrap it around itself or around a canteen, peal off what you need
1	Moleskin /2nd Skin	If you feet need it, bring it. Coban Wrap is also good to have.
2	Bandanas	For keeping smoke out of your lungs

 

*   Individuals can use either Old style or newer BDU style pants. Keep in mind that sometimes camps don’t have the proper sizes so you should bring 

     pants that fit. For individuals that use Kevlar or real NOMEX pants, the government is not responsible for repair or replacement.

Personal Gear to consider for Mobilizations

 

QUANITY	ITEM	COMMENT
1	Sweatshirt, Nomex or regular fleece jacket or wool shirt/coat	Wool coat, sweatshirt and Nomex fleece you can wear on the fireline, Fleece is lighter, dries faster, easier to pack. If you are going to bring a sweatshirt a hood is recommended. Regular fleece is good off the fireline.
1	Old rain jacket	Find one that fits over a fleece or sweatshirt comfortably, Used or old.
Self Determined	Cotton T-shirts	Dark colors hide dirt.
Self Determined	Cotton Underwear
Self Determined	Cotton/wool socks	Smartwool or Merino wool socks are recommended.
Self Determined	Cotton/wool sock liners	See above comment
1	Athletic shorts	Swimming, sleeping, going to and from the showers, working out
1	Wool / Fleece beanie cap	Good for sleeping in or cold mornings
1	Shower shoes (Flip Flop)	Cheap ones you can were in the shower
1	Sneakers	Good to air your feet out, working out, blister relief
1	Spare boot laces
1	Ball cap
1 set	Long underwear	Good for sleeping, cold mornings, only cotton/wool can be worn on the line
1	Civilian Pants	Light packable adventure-style nylon/cotton blend, maybe zip off’s
1	Belt	Keeps your pants up. some people lose weight on fires
1	OTC / Hygiene Kit *	1- Toothbrush/paste     1-Dental floss        2- Razor        1-Trvl. Shaving cream      1- Travel shampoo        1-Deodrant           1- Face soap  1-Body Soap/dish 1- Nail clipper               1- Comb/brush 1- Travel Cold and Sinus pack   1- Bottle of  Pain Relief  / Headache tablets
1	Lip balm / Chapstick
1	Sunscreen / Block	30 SFP or better
1	Bug Repellant	On the assignment you might not have a choice of what to use
1	Sunglasses
1	Whistle	Handy
1	Compass	Bring one you know how to use, the SILVA RANGER is great
1	Signal Mirror	A need for Helicopter Operations
1	Flagging	For use everywhere, Orange or Pink is recommended
1	Note pad and Pen	For use in camp, on the bus, on line. Should consider a SHARPEE pen
1	AA Flashlight	For use in camp or on the bus
1	Watch with alarm	Tell time, wake ups, reminders alarms
1	Prepaid calling card	Cards are cheap, mobile phones don’t always work
1	Cash/ATM /Credit Card	Cash is better, it is used everywhere (gas stations, t-shirt shops)
1	Book(s)	Keeps your mind busy while waiting

A few other good pieces of kit:

• fiber tape

• space blanket

• of course, your personal choice of MREs (meal ready to eat)

• Wildland Firefighter, a reputable source for information and gear on the web, has a good list and explanations on fireline gear, especially the red bag type, for the engine slug- check that one out, especially if you're going out on an engine roll. 

• National Firefighter Wildland Corp has another multi-tiered article on what to pack and why.