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Firefighters Field Pack : User Instructions

Firefighters Field Pack: User Instructions


Read this instruction pamphlet carefully. It explains how to assemble, adjust, and load the pack so it will fit you comfortably while you are walking and working. It also explains the various ways the pack can be configured to carry loads efficiently under different conditions.

Pack Components

The firefighters field pack consists of:

  1. Main Pack

  2. Harness

  3. Equipment Belt

  4. Two Canteen Cases

  5. Belt Pack

The field pack allows you to carry all on-line essentials in an efficient, nonrestrictive way.

The complete field pack or its individual components are available from GSA. The fire shelter and shelter case are not part of the field pack system and must be ordered separately.

[photo] Display of the main pack, canteen cases, belt pack, fire shelter, harness, and equipment belt.

Assembly and Adjustment

Follow these steps to ensure a comfortable fit with your pack:

  1. Lay equipment belt on floor with inside of belt face down.

  2. Attach back of harness to inside connectors.

  3. Attach front of harness to outside connectors.

[photo] Display of the front of the harness, patch attach straps, and the outside connectors.

  1. Put on harness and adjust belt to a comfortable position on the hips. Connect waist buckle and adjust to fit.

  2. Take up slack in front harness straps. Have a partner do the same for back harness straps. Leave enough slack so belt does not ride up when you bend forward.

  3. Attach fire shelter with metal slide keepers. Fasten metal slides to heavy webbing of equipment belt. Light inner belt protects you from the metal slide keepers.

  4. Attach belt pack with metal keepers.

  5. Attach canteen cases.

[photo] Example of the attached canteen cases.

  1. Have partner attach main pack to harness. Adjust up or down with pack attachment straps for comfort. To transfer more weight to the hips, adjust so the main pack rests on the belt pack or fire shelter; to put more weight on shoulders, position main pack above belt pack.

[photo] Shows a partner attaching the main pack to a woman's harness.

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