VFCs are generally housed in the frontcountry, and may stay in a cabin rather than camping in tents. They can bring a few more creature comforts like a full-sized pillow, camp chair, or some games to play with the crew.
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Check out the video to see what Eleanor, our Crew Program Coordinator, has in her frontcountry pack (this video was made for camping crews, but may be helpful for VFC packing too!)

Fire Boot Requirements

Fire boots are an important part of your PPE, and the only piece that we ask you to supply yourself. Below is the text of the regulations and some examples of compliant boots; if you are at all unsure, PLEASE send us a link before you buy so that we can confirm they fit the requirements.

"Personnel assigned to wildland fires must wear a minimum of 8-inch high, lace type exterior leather work boots with lug melt-resistant soles. The 8-inch height requirement is measured from the bottom of the boot’s heel to the top of the boot."
​- National Interagency Fire Center, Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations

We will provide a $150 stipend to assist with boot purchase. You must provide a receipt to receive this reimbursement, and the money will be added to your first paycheck.

Considerations:

• Look for boots that are NFPA 1977 certified
• Vibram soles are a safe bet with the regulations, but some non-Vibram brands can work.
• Logger heels may not be very helpful in the East - try a few on and see what is comfy for you.
• Some boots have a longer lead time - call to see if they are in stock before you order.
• It may be harder to find boots that fit women's feet. Some companies have women's models, and several female members liked the Scarpa Fuego.
• These boots are often very stiff! Particularly the Danners and the custom boots (Whites/Nicks/JKs). Be aware and plan ahead to break them in.
• Ad Tec is the cheapest (~$150), the hiking-style boots are middle of the road (~$350), and the custom work boots are usually the most pricey (~$500+). Look around different sites to find deals!
• The work boot style can often be re-soled, so they may last longer than hiking-style boots.

Examples:

blog post about boots from an experienced firefighter

Many people in our program choose the AdTec boots to start and have found them to be comfortable and durable.

We do not recommend your service boots for this crew. Even if they meet the requirements on paper, they are not built for fire and tend to fall apart quickly in a wildland fire setting.

Buy early and take time to break in your boots!
If your feet aren't comfy, try using a good insole before considering different boots

WE HAVE LOANER GEAR!!!

Items marked with a red asterisk below are things we have available to loan out. Please ask if there is anything else that you need, as we may be able to get more loaner items as needed!

​Required Gear

• Large duffel bag or backpack for gear and clothes* 
  • A daypack will be provided by your project partner
• One pair of long work pants (no big rips/holes; Dickies or Carhartts are a good choice, jeans not recommended, overalls or coveralls are acceptable)
  • ​Fire resistant shirts and pants will be provided by your project partner
• Firefighting boots (see above)​
• Rain jacket*​
• Pillows and linens (beds in cabins are usually twin size)​
• Headlamp*
• A couple sets of gym clothes (for PT)
• Sneakers/tennis shoes/running shoes (for PT)
• Several pairs of wool or synthetic socks (avoid cotton!)
• Several fleece, wool, or synthetic jackets/sweaters*
• As much underwear as you think you’ll need
• One or two pairs of wool, synthetic, or silk long underwear tops and bottoms
• Warm hat
• ​Warm gloves or mittens
• Reusable water bottles* (4 liters total capacity, water bladders like CamelBaks are great, but bring at least one bottle to have around at meals and stuff)
• Tupperware/storage container (to pack lunch)
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush/comb, menstrual products, biodegradable wet wipes, any prescription or OTC medications you normally need)
• Watch with alarm or any alarm that is not your phone
• Notebook & writing utensil*

Worried about ticks?
Check out the Wellness in the Field tab for info on tick-proofing your gear!

Recommended Gear

• Small mirror for tick checks
• ​Gaiters for tick prevention*​
• Breathable after-work shoes (crocs are commonly used)
• Insulated mug*
• Unscented, alcohol-based hand sanitizer (there will be crew sanitizer, but you may prefer to have your own)
• Quick drying towel​
• Sunscreen 
• Insect repellent
• Extra set of clean clothes for evenings and town​
• Dry bag(s) or heavy duty trash bags to keep gear dry

Optional Gear

• ​Sleeping bag* (rated to at least 0°F)
• Sleeping pad*
• Rain pants​
• Pocket knife 
• Sunglasses 
• Bandana 
• Phone (many crews do not have service on site)
• ​Portable charging block and charger cord
• Camera​
• Personal reading material
• Cards and/or small games​
• Glasses retainer strap (to help keep track of your safety glasses - we issue glasses and other protective equipment)

Not Recommended Gear

• Non-biodegradable products (they must be packed out, which means you have to take the trash with you). If you bring non-biodegradable wipes, we recommend you bring a Ziploc bag covered in duct tape and with a little baking soda inside to store the discarded packaging.

Prohibited Gear

• Drugs & alcohol
• Firearms, fireworks, or explosives
• Knives with blades over 3” long
• Clothing with inappropriate or offensive graphics

Work pants example

Acceptable water bottle examples

Sleeping pad examples

Gaiters

We asked our staff...

What's a luxury piece of gear that you love to have with you in the field?

#1 Answer: A nice pillow!!! (inflatable or full size)

Other gear that we love:

• ​Insulated coffee cup that doesn't leak
• Camp chair (Crazy Creek-style chairs are great!)
• Inflatable solar-powered lantern
• Spare carabiners - always handy to have
• Thin wool blanket (so versatile - it's a pillow, a layer, a seat, & more!)
• Extra change of clothes (keep 'em dry!)
• A couple good books​​
• Comfort food/personal snacks (be sure to store them with the crew food for safety!)
• Earplugs (for a quiet night's sleep)