Extended Range Hose Transport for Wildland & Brush Fires Conquer rough terrain and extend your reach with the R&B Fabrications XL Forestry Hose Pack. This heavy-duty vinyl backpack is engineered specifically for the demands of wildland firefighting, providing a stable, hands-free platform to carry up to 300 feet of 1-inch forestry hose deep into the black. Featuring a rigid structure and compartmentalized interior, it allows for rapid, tangle-free payout as you hike. Key Features 300ft. Capacity: Optimized to hold three 100-foot lengths of 1” forestry hose (or similar volume of 1.5”), significantly extending your operational range from the engine. Three-Compartment Layout: Includes three removable internal dividers that keep hose rolls separated and organized, preventing them from collapsing onto each other during transport. Self-Belaying Deployment: The unique design allows firefighters to drop the end panel and walk forward; the hose pays out smoothly directly from the bag without tangling. Rigid Structural Integrity: Reinforced sidewalls and a hard base ensure the pack maintains its shape, protecting the hose and making it easier to load. Heavy-Duty Vinyl: Constructed from rugged 22 oz. vinyl (Yellow) that resists tears, abrasion, and moisture from wet vegetation or hose lines. Ergonomic Transport: Features padded shoulder straps for comfortable hiking and a top web handle for quick loading onto brush trucks. Why It Matters In wildland operations, the fire is rarely next to the road. "Hand-jacking" rolls of hose over steep ridges is exhausting and unsafe. This XL pack turns a cumbersome load into a balanced backpack. It allows a single firefighter to deploy 300 feet of line while maintaining balance and having hands free for tools or balance, drastically improving efficiency during progressive hose lays. How to Use Loading: Insert the three dividers. Coil or fold 100 feet of 1" hose into each of the three compartments. Secure the top flap. Transport: Sling the pack over your shoulders using the padded harness. Deployment: Upon reaching the end of the previous line, open the rear flap. Anchor the new hose end. Walk forward—the hose will feed out of the compartments sequentially as you hike the line. Technical Overview The "XL" designation (M/S-103) refers to the expanded dimensions (25” L x 15” H x 12” W) compared to the standard forestry pack. The use of 22 oz. vinyl instead of nylon ensures the bag doesn't absorb water weight from wet hose or rain.
