Field SOP: R&B Fabrications Wide Mouth 'Step-In' Gear Bag

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Field SOP: R&B Fabrications Wide Mouth 'Step-In' Gear Bag

Category: Duffel Bags

Difficulty Level: Tier 2: Basic Preparedness Skills

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Written by: Valerie Ellis Lavin

Quick Overview

The R&B Wide Mouth PPE Gear Bag is a professional-grade Cordura nylon transport and staging system designed for first responders to achieve rapid, contamination-controlled donning of structural firefighting PPE at the point of deployment.

The bag's core capability is its wide-mouth opening paired with a #10 heavy-duty zipper that lays the bag fully flat, creating an unobstructed platform for the pre-staged "step-in" method. This configuration allows an operator to place turnout boots upright in the bag floor, collapse bunker pants around them with suspenders laid flat, and step directly into both upon deployment. The design eliminates fumbling during turnout, directly reducing time-to-ready at the apparatus floor or on-scene.

The load-bearing system consists of 1.5-inch full-wrap webbing straps that run continuously along the sides and bottom of the bag, distributing weight across the entire structure rather than relying on stitched attachment points alone. This construction prevents catastrophic seam failure when carrying water-logged gear that can exceed 75 pounds. The dual carry handles terminate the webbing and unify into a single ergonomic grip secured by a Velcro closure, keeping loose straps clear of compartments during transport.

Field readiness requires that this bag be restaged after every operational use and decontamination cycle. PPE exposed to fire, smoke, or hazardous materials must be fully decontaminated per department protocol before being returned to the bag. Routine sustainment includes inspection of the zipper, webbing, and Velcro closure, followed by air drying before repacking to prevent mildew and bacterial growth.

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Field Application Steps

1. OPEN THE BAG: Place the bag on a flat surface and actuate the #10 zipper along its entire track. Fold the top flap back fully so the interior lays flat and the opening is completely unobstructed.

2. STAGE BOOTS: Place your turnout boots upright in the center of the bag's floor. Position them to allow a direct, unimpeded step-in during deployment.

3. STAGE PANTS: Collapse your bunker pants down and around the boots. Lay the suspenders out flat and untangled on top so they are ready to grasp without adjustment.

4. STAGE COAT: Fold your turnout coat per department SOP and place it on top of the pants and boot assembly. Keep folds consistent so the coat can be grabbed and shaken open in a single motion.

5. STAGE HEAD GEAR: Place your helmet on top of the coat with the chinstrap and face shield in the ready position. Stow your hood and gloves inside or alongside the helmet within the bag.

6. SECURE THE BAG: Close the zipper fully along the entire track, confirming no fabric is caught in the zipper teeth. Fasten the Velcro handle closure to secure loose webbing.

7. TRANSPORT TO DONNING AREA: Grab the unified handle and carry the bag to the designated donning area such as the apparatus floor. Use proper lifting technique, lifting with the legs, not the back, given that loaded gear can exceed 75 lbs (34 kg).

8. OPEN AND CLEAR AT DEPLOYMENT: Place the bag on the floor, fully unzip it, and lay the lid flat to create your operational platform. Remove the helmet, hood, gloves, and coat and place them within arm's reach before stepping in.

9. STEP IN AND DON LOWER PPE: Step directly into the pre-staged turnout boots. Grasp the pant waistband or suspenders, pull up into position, and secure the pants before moving.

10. EGRESS AND COMPLETE DONNING: Step out of the bag and don remaining PPE, including coat, hood, helmet, and gloves, per department protocol.

11. STOW THE BAG: If time permits, zip the bag closed and stow it to clear the floor. The empty bag can serve as a placement marker for station boots.

12. POST-INCIDENT INSPECTION AND RESTAGE: After every operational use, empty the bag completely and inspect all seams, webbing, zipper teeth, slider, and Velcro closure for damage. Clean, air dry completely, and restage per the Phase 1 procedure before the next response.

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Equip Yourself: R&B Wide Mouth "Step-In" Gear Bag – 5,700 cu. in. Firefighter Storage

Ensure you have the right gear before an emergency strikes.

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LEGAL DISCLAIMER & SAFETY WARNING:
The information provided in this Luminary Global Field Manual is strictly for educational and informational purposes. It is not a substitute for formal medical, tactical, or professional training. In the event of a medical emergency, immediately seek professional help or contact emergency services. Luminary Global assumes no liability for the misuse of equipment, improper application of techniques, or any injuries/damages resulting from the use of these guidelines. Always rely on your official agency training, local laws, and established protocols during a crisis.