Bunker Belt

[zzyyzx]

Has anyone used one of these?

http://www.milwaukeeppe.com/

I'm looking for something that can easily move my turnout gear from station to station. The bags I've seen are bulky and frankly expensive, a decent one costing $75-$100 or more. This looks simple, convenient and priced right at around $36.

Any thoughts are appreciated or if you have a better suggestion, please let me know. Thanks!

[sweetpete]

Mmmmmm......I'm a bit of a skeptic. I prefer my big, duffle bag for carrying my gear. It's easy and I know nothing's going to fall out or be missing later.

Just my .02
Pete

[WD6956]

My local dealer has one so i have seen it.

Seems like a nice idea in that you will never have to worry about stuffing anything in a bag. And as a bonus, you should never have to worry about putting gear away that is slightly damp where mildew or slow drying will be an issue.

What i don't like about it is it offers no protection for your gear. Rain while walking outside, sunlight while your gear is in your backseat, if you have to set the gear down anywhere on the floor, your putting your gear into whatever dirt and or/germs that may be present. And that works the other way too, anywhere you put your gear, such as your backseat for example, you are getting all the dirt from your turnout gear on otherwise clean surfaces. Lastly, i don't like the fact that things may fall out of pockets and since it's not a bag, you can't just throw something in the bag to arry it as well.

I personally prefer a large bag to carry everything. It protects your gear from outside damage and protects everything else from your dirty gear. And as mentioned above, no fears of things falling out of or dropping off your gear and i can always throw something else in the bag.

[FyredUp]

Seems like a lot of money for something you could do with a piece of webbing with a loop at each end and a caribiner.

[Frmboybuck]

I was skeptical but shelled out $25 for one a year or so ago. I gave my bag away to a buddy after using the bunker belt. Its one of the best things I've ever used. I met the guy that invented it as well and he is a great guy. Milwaukee FD if I remember correctly.....

[fireinfo10]

Has anyone used one of these?

http://www.milwaukeeppe.com/

I'm looking for something that can easily move my turnout gear from station to station. The bags I've seen are bulky and frankly expensive, a decent one costing $75-$100 or more. This looks simple, convenient and priced right at around $36.

Any thoughts are appreciated or if you have a better suggestion, please let me know. Thanks!

I've seen demo didn't realize that a $10 item costs that much.

You need to shop around. You can get an Ergodyne bag big enought for all your gear AND your inflatable date for $30. Ergodyne has top notch gear.

[Lump532]

Seems like a lot of money for something you could do with a piece of webbing with a loop at each end and a caribiner.

I use a 9 foot backboard strap and a regular strap with the loops for the handle. Its long enough to reach around everything and has an adjustable length.

[WD6956]

Introducing the WHACKER STRAP!!! Instead of putting your gear in a duffel bag, get this strap that shows off what you're carrying around for all to see.......

You should copyright that name before the inventor does!

[PaladinKnight]

Since Turn Out gear brings good dollars on Black market, I would think that if you have to carry your gear around, you really don't want to "show it off".

In the old days, an Army Duffle Bag worked great. I could stuff my Sunday best in with my gear and still have room for the kitchen sink.

I'm sure you're looking for something to keep everything together that takes up as little space as possible. There are many ways to do that without spending big bucks. Belts, straps and even rope works well. But a bag works much better to keep it dry, clean and together.

The guys that carry their gear have always tried to find the best solution. There isn't a "one size fits all" thing out there. So it is "to each his own".

I encourage you to build the better mousetrap. Good Luck.

[zzyyzx]

I appreciate all the comments. I don't carry my gear with me all the time, but was looking for something when I have to go fill in at another station so I'm not as concerned about the "showing off" aspect as it would be going from station to trunk to station. But the contamination and losing stuff from the pockets are concerns. I'll look for one of those Ergodyne bags and see if I can find better prices than I have previously found. Thanks again.

[WD6956]

511 has a line of fire bags now. I own two of the backpacks and a duffle. The stuff is a bit pricey but it is excellent. Great qiality, great features.

[Frmboybuck]

Introducing the WHACKER STRAP!!! Instead of putting your gear in a duffel bag, get this strap that shows off what you're carrying around for all to see.......

And the Giant bag that has a Maltese and Fire Department plastered all over it isnt Wackerish???

[WD6956]

And the Giant bag that has a Maltese and Fire Department plastered all over it isnt Wackerish???

I never understood why so many manufacturers think that putting "FIREFIGHTER" in huge writing and/or a giant maltese cross on a bag is something most people would want?. I can understand that some people might be proud of what they do, but putting that on a bag does not make sense to me. If and when i want to show my pride in what i do, ill wear a hat and/or t-shirt. Otherwise, low key is fine by me. And speaking of low key, why are all the bags marketed to firefighters bright red? Again, seems completley unnessecary and comes off as trying to tell the world i am a firefighter.

I prefer black since it hides dirt. But if it was an issue for visibility, how about a yellow bag?. In the end, i am worried about quality and features first. I could care less what color my gear bag is. Going to or from work is not a fashion show for me.

[nameless]

I don't see the point of the strap. Its not at all difficult to pick up your gear with one hand without the help of a strap.

The bag has its uses to protect your car and home from all the junk on your gear. It also protects it from sunlight and all the other elements everyone else has mentioned. If you want the strap, just save your money and carry it with your hands.

[MarcusKspn]

I know a few guys who carry their gear in a ($10-$20) plastic tub from Wal-Mart. Keeps it dry, keeps prying eyes away, easy to carry, cheap.

[DeputyChiefGonzo]

I never understood why so many manufacturers think that putting "FIREFIGHTER" in huge writing and/or a giant maltese cross on a bag is something most people would want?. I can understand that some people might be proud of what they do, but putting that on a bag does not make sense to me. If and when i want to show my pride in what i do, ill wear a hat and/or t-shirt. Otherwise, low key is fine by me. And speaking of low key, why are all the bags marketed to firefighters bright red? Again, seems completley unnessecary and comes off as trying to tell the world i am a firefighter.

I prefer black since it hides dirt. But if it was an issue for visibility, how about a yellow bag?. In the end, i am worried about quality and features first. I could care less what color my gear bag is. Going to or from work is not a fashion show for me.

Don't forget that you have to add the yellow and red chevron striping package to both ends of the bag... you don't want anyone walking into it when you are carrying it!

[dmleblanc]

I can see the advantage of the Bunker Belt (or even some homemade imitation of it). If I were a paid firefighter who needed a way to tote my gear to different stations, I'd probably prefer a bag, since when I arrive I can take my time to unload my gear and set it up like I want it.

But for volunteers, who might keep their gear in the trunk of their personal vehicle, I find that the bag is a nuisance. Takes a few seconds to unzip, remove everything from the bag, and get it all straight to don. I would think that the bunker belt concept might speed things up a bit, just pop the buckle and everything's right there. I don't know, I haven't tried it, but it seems like it might be quicker.

Some of us who live close to the station just keep our gear hanging there and don it when we get to the station, but some of our members live further out and need to keep their gear with them.

Of course, the issue of containing your gear to prevent contamination and soiling of your vehicle is a concern, also. I guess there's pros and cons of both arrangements.

[BryanLoader]

I never understood why so many manufacturers think that putting "FIREFIGHTER" in huge writing and/or a giant maltese cross on a bag is something most people would want?. I can understand that some people might be proud of what they do, but putting that on a bag does not make sense to me. If and when i want to show my pride in what i do, ill wear a hat and/or t-shirt. Otherwise, low key is fine by me. And speaking of low key, why are all the bags marketed to firefighters bright red? Again, seems completley unnessecary and comes off as trying to tell the world i am a firefighter.

I prefer black since it hides dirt. But if it was an issue for visibility, how about a yellow bag?. In the end, i am worried about quality and features first. I could care less what color my gear bag is. Going to or from work is not a fashion show for me.

I travelled a great deal internationally and I always packed my own gear except for helmet. That big red bag with Maltese cross on the side made it every time and with a priority tag on it, was usually on the belt in the first go around.

[Irish1445]

I use one of the Bunker Belts, just got it a few months ago. I have known about it for a while, saw it at a few shows, thought it was a good idea, but was not sure if I needed one. I have to say that I absolutely love it! It is very easy to use, and does not take up a lot of space. I agree that if your gear is dirty there is an issue if you drive a car, but who wants cancer causing agents where your family sits? I have truck, so maybe I am lucky, but if I had car, throw them in the trunk. Solves all the other issues, no one will steal them, no elements etc...

[JeffC]

I know the guy that invented this. He stated that it is not for every one but...it was the best selling product at FDIC this year. Stores all over america are selling it. And hey give the guy some credit. He made moving your stuff easy. You can carry it all with no hands! Watch the video at bunker belt on you tube. Just look at the testimonies on the web site milwaukeeppe.com. It is great for career and volunteer. If you move your gear 10 times a year that is enough to move it easly with this great product. I have been using it for 2 years and would not move my stuff without it. I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!!!! As far as bags go I gave my bag away too. I hate the bag it is a one hit wonder. Only carries gear then floats around. Bunker Belt has other chances for you to stow things too. Just call the Firestore and ask what there sales are and find out what others are saying.