R&B XL Forestry Hose Pack SOP: Wildland Deployment Field Manual

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R&B XL Forestry Hose Pack SOP: Wildland Deployment Field Manual

Category: Duffel Bags

Difficulty Level: Tier 3: Field Competency Required

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Written by: Valerie Ellis Lavin

Quick Overview

The R&B XL Forestry Hose Pack is a structured, wearable transport system that enables a single firefighter to carry and deploy up to 300 feet of 1-inch forestry hose across steep, remote, or apparatus-inaccessible terrain during wildland and urban-interface fire suppression operations.

The pack's capability centers on its three-compartment configuration, each holding one 100-foot hose section separated by removable internal dividers. This architecture prevents tangling during transport and ensures sequential, snag-free payout during a progressive hose lay. The rigid sidewalls and hard base maintain structural integrity under full load, and the 22-oz. vinyl body resists abrasion and moisture without absorbing water. Padded, adjustable shoulder straps distribute a fully loaded dry weight of 30 to 40 pounds across the operator's back and shoulders, preserving balance and endurance on difficult terrain.

Loading protocol requires each hose section to be positioned with the female coupling at the bottom and the male coupling accessible at the top, with all three sections pre-connected internally to form one continuous 300-foot line. The rearmost male coupling is staged for water source connection, and the nozzle is attached to the frontmost female coupling before the top flap is closed and secured. Hose coupling security is critical during loading, as any loose internal connection will cause pressure loss and render the hose lay ineffective until corrected in the field.

Deployment is initiated by placing the pack on the ground, connecting the rear male coupling to the existing charged line or water source, opening the end panel flap, and advancing steadily while allowing the pack's design to feed the hose out without forcing or jerking the line. Once all 300 feet are deployed, the operator drops the empty pack clear of the operational area and signals for the line to be charged before commencing suppression.

Field Application Steps

1. INSPECT THE PACK: Verify all shoulder straps are secure, all buckles function correctly, and the vinyl body has no significant tears or structural damage before loading any hose.

2. INSERT INTERNAL DIVIDERS: Install all three removable dividers into the main compartment to create three equal-sized, independent sections, one per 100-foot hose section.

3. LOAD THE REAR SECTION: Place the first 100-foot hose section into the rearmost compartment with the female coupling positioned at the bottom and the male coupling accessible at the top. This section pays out last.

4. LOAD THE MIDDLE SECTION: Place the second 100-foot hose section into the middle compartment using the same orientation, female coupling at the bottom and male coupling at the top.

5. LOAD THE FRONT SECTION: Place the third 100-foot hose section into the frontmost compartment using the same orientation. This section pays out first during deployment.

6. PRE-CONNECT ALL HOSE SECTIONS: Connect the front section's male coupling to the middle section's female coupling. Then connect the middle section's male coupling to the rear section's female coupling. Verify all connections are hand-tightened securely to prevent pressure loss during operation.

7. STAGE SOURCE AND NOZZLE CONNECTIONS: Position the rearmost male coupling at the top of the pack, ready for water source connection on arrival at the deployment point. Attach the nozzle to the frontmost female coupling and tuck it securely inside the pack.

8. CLOSE AND SECURE THE PACK: Close and fasten the top flap completely. The pack is now loaded, staged, and ready for transport.

9. DON AND ADJUST THE HARNESS: Use the top web handle to lift the pack to an ergonomic position, then put it on using the padded shoulder straps. Adjust for a snug, balanced, high-back fit before moving. Confirm the load is stable before advancing over any uneven terrain.

10. ADVANCE TO THE DEPLOYMENT POINT: Proceed to the end of the existing hose line or designated deployment point with full situational awareness. The hands-free carry configuration allows use of hand tools or balance aids during transit.

11. CONNECT TO THE WATER SOURCE AND OPEN THE EXIT FLAP: Place the pack on the ground. Open the top flap, retrieve the rear male coupling, and connect it to the existing charged line or water source. Open the end panel flap at the base of the pack to expose the hose exit point.

12. DEPLOY THE LINE AND SIGNAL FOR CHARGE: Grasp the nozzle and advance steadily along the intended route, allowing the pack to feed hose out sequentially without pulling or jerking the line. If the hose snags on vegetation or debris, stop, clear the obstruction, then proceed. Once all 300 feet are deployed and the pack is empty, drop it clear of the operational area and signal for the line to be charged before commencing suppression.

Equip Yourself: R&B XL Forestry Hose Pack – 300ft. Wildland Deployment Bag

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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.