My Wildland Fire Gear
Working with the best fire equipment in the world
By Matt Mullins
I hope my example helps others find awesome fire gear proudly made in the USA. Here I’ve listed my favorite equipment that I’ve personally used with links to reliable retailers where you can find them. I’ll make a note if an item isn’t American made.
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My Gear List:
Wildland Fire Gear
- Tools – Council Pulaski, Rogue Hoe, Council Boy’s Axe
- Hydration Bladder Bag – MSR Dromedary 10L with Hydration Kit (I’d drink all 10L and multiple gatorades on desert fires)
- Water Bottle – Nalgene Bottle 32 fl. oz.
- Chainsaw – Stihl MS 441 and now Stihl MS 462
- Boots – White’s Hybrid Fire Boots and La Sportiva WLF (Sportiva made in Italy – too comfortable to pass up – yes they do delaminate a bit but can be glued with aquaseal)
- Pants – Crew Boss 7oz Advance Fabric Brush Pants
- Fire Pack – Mystery Ranch Hotshot Pack (was made in the USA but I think it’s now imported, please correct me if I’m wrong)
- Headlamp – Princeton Tec Vizz
- Hard Hat (helmet) – Bullard Wildland Fire Helmet
- Knives – ZT 0450 or ZT 0452CF Folding Knife
- Sharpener – DMT DuoSharp
- Sleeping Bag – Feathered Friends Merlin 30 deg (now replaced with the Hummingbird UL 30) or Western Mountaineering Ultralite 20 deg.
- Sleep Pad – Therm-a-Rest Xlite Pad
- Socks – Darn Tough Hiking Socks – you send in your worn out socks for free replacements!
- Fire – Bic Mini Lighter
- Sunglasses – Oakley Holbrook
- Cordage – Atwood Paracord
- Trail Running Shoes for PT – La Sportiva Wildcat shoes (Note – imported)
Wildland Fire Memories
I first started firefighting on a USFS type 6 engine then proceeded to fight fire on a Fire Module, Helitack Crew, and Hotshot Crew – Lonepeak IHC. Below are some of the photos I’ve captured in wildland fire.
