Bunker Gear

Hey guys, I recently just joined one of the local volunteer departments in my area. My Bunker pants are a size 40,when im a waist size 30. I know it shouldnt be too tight nor too big. What should I do about it?? and how much is too big?

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Permalink Reply by Brian Mackie on July 11, 2010 at 9:37pm

EAT? just kidding! I thought I would throw that in before someone else did! I would suggest you find a set that fits better. You are not protecting yourself to the max. if you don't have proper fitting gear. Times are tough I realize, but discuss that with your chief..for starters!
good luck in your new endeavor! you will love it to be sure!

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Permalink Reply by Reg Mathis on July 11, 2010 at 9:41pm

The 40's should do fine until your training is completed. Once you complete your FF1, I'm betting you'll get better gear.

A lot of vollie departments do this. We gotta make sure you're gonna stick around!

Good luck and welcome to the nation!!

TCSS

Reg

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Permalink Reply by Ron King (Fire Chief) on July 11, 2010 at 9:42pm

If you are a size 30 it should be more like a size 34. I think that would be a little on the big size for you. You would be the best person to answer that Do they feel to big?

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Permalink Reply by Adam Harrison Bernstein on July 11, 2010 at 9:42pm

Haha :P im gonna bring it to my LTs attention tomorrow, im not asking for new bunker gear,just another old pair that fit me well,and my friend whos also a probie that knows nothing is saying it doesnt matter if you have suspenders! what an idiot

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Permalink Reply by Norm Tindell on July 11, 2010 at 9:44pm

Volunteer probies usually get hand-me-down gear, but check with the chief to see if he or she has anything closer to your size. Just a little big is good. Gigantic is not good.
When I was new I scrounged around even at neighboring departments for whatever I could find. Beg, borrow...but don't steal. LOL

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Permalink Reply by Adam Harrison Bernstein on July 11, 2010 at 9:47pm

LOL yes Chief,they feel huge! when i take my suspenders off my pants fall,im not asking for better gear,just pants that fit :p

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Permalink Reply by Reg Mathis on July 11, 2010 at 9:56pm

Might make your quick-dress drills a lot easier!!!

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Permalink Reply by Ben Waller on July 11, 2010 at 10:16pm

Turn out with a friend?

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Permalink Reply by Quinton Lejeune on July 11, 2010 at 11:01pm

It all depends on how much money that can spend... I have been on two under funded departments it really hard for the department to spend money on turnouts for a new guy. Most of these department give a year or so probation to see if you can handle it than they may buy turnouts that fit. Find out what they do when your probation is up if you are on probation. If that don't help go to a neighboring department or a larger department and see if they will donate or trade turnout that fit you better.. GOOD LUCK BROTHER

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Permalink Reply by Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd on July 11, 2010 at 11:48pm

Generally Velcro and a clip help to hold the turnout trousers on the firefighter as well as the suspenders. There is also a pull tab that enables you to tighten up the bunker pants. In your case, having a size that is that much oversized is a safety issue in my opinion. You can only cinch up the pants so much, and the suspenders will definitely help. I would be looking toward trading with someone else who is... bigger than you. Think out of the box and consider soliciting other volunteer fire departments. You might want to consider submitting a post requesting someone to trade with you. Turnouts are turnouts... they just need to fit so you can do your job.

CBz