Mobile Hose Deployment for Tough Terrain The R&B Fabrications Medium Forestry Hose Pack is the standard for wildland mobility, designed to carry up to 200 feet of 1-inch forestry hose into areas where engines cannot go. Built with a rigid vinyl structure and backpack-style harness, this pack allows firefighters to hike aggressive terrain with a balanced load, then deploy hose lines efficiently without tangles or kinks.
Key Features
- 200ft. Capacity: Specifically sized to hold two 100-foot lengths of 1” forestry hose, providing a substantial progressive lay capability in a manageable package.
- Dual-Compartment Design: Includes a removable internal divider that separates the two hose rolls, preventing them from collapsing onto each other and ensuring smooth sequential payout.
- Rigid Construction: Reinforced sidewalls and a hard base maintain the pack's shape even when empty, making reloading faster and protecting the hose from crushing impacts.
- Self-Belaying Deployment: The rear flap design allows hose to feed directly out of the bag as the firefighter walks forward, creating a tangle-free line extension.
- Heavy-Duty Vinyl: Constructed from 22 oz. yellow vinyl that sheds water, resists abrasion from thorns and rocks, and is easy to wipe clean of ash and soot.
- Ergonomic Transport: Equipped with padded shoulder straps and a top web handle for comfortable hiking and easy loading onto brush trucks.
Why It Matters Progressive hose lays are the backbone of wildland firefighting. "Hand-jacking" loose rolls is inefficient and leaves you vulnerable on steep slopes. This pack secures your load, frees your hands for tools (Pulaskis/McLeods), and ensures that when you reach the end of your nozzle reach, you have another 200 feet of line ready to go instantly.
How to Use Loading: Insert the center divider. Coil or fold 100 feet of 1" hose into each of the two compartments. Close and secure the top flap. Transport: Wear as a backpack to hike to the fire line. Deployment: At the drop point, open the rear flap. Anchor the hose end. Walk the line out—the hose will deploy smoothly from the compartments as you move.
Technical Overview The "Medium" model (M/S-102) is more compact than the XL, measuring 22” L x 12” H x 7.5” W. This slimmer profile is ideal for navigating dense brush where a wider pack might get snagged.