(Part 2) Best products from r/Firefighting

Surprised nobody has brought up shirt stays. They are elastic bands that clip to your shirt and loop underneath your feet. They sound nerdy as hell, but work great. Keep everything tucked in, pretty cheap, and very durable. Here's an example:
https://smile.amazon.com/Redbay-Adjustable-Elastic-Strong-Non-Slip/dp/B07G2H6P1B/ref=sr_1_12?keywords=shirt+stay&qid=1563680825&s=gateway&sr=8-12

Came to suggest a knife as well. He will appreciate it. Collapsible for sure. Amazon has many, something like this http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0015A5C70/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?qid=1463497724&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=rescue+knife+smith+and+wesson&dpPl=1&dpID=21UVDTU6iEL&ref=plSrch

Even if our knife has tweezers, I'd recommend getting a pair of Uncle Bill's tweezers as well. Best tweezers ever made. Amazon link.

Try wrestling stole knee pads. ASICS Gel Reversible, White/Black, Medium https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LGYCG6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_PtZWCbX4Y2T1B. The passing is more of a gel so it should be less likely to break down. Granted there is less cushion as well but should certainly help

I use the True North Campaign Bag. I like it a lot, it is pretty spacious compared to the bag I used before. In addition to my clothes I also keep my tent, sleeping bag, pillow, therma rest, and ENO hammock and accessories (atlas straps, rain fly, twinkle lights) in it.

I use these packing cubes and it reallllllly helps keep my stuff organized. I use the two larger cubes in my red bag and the smaller one in my day pack.

Not sure if hes religous but my wife bought me this. Its small so you can carry it wherever you like and contains highlighted verses that pertain to fire fighters and some of what we endure. HCSB Firefighter’s Bible, Red LeatherTouch https://www.amazon.com/dp/1433602474/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_e4sQAbWEF3EBN

Otherwise a St. Florian medal is also nice, the guy is going to have some tough days so anything to remind him he's not alone.

SOG Trident Elite

I like that the seat belt cutter is just part of the knife blade, so I don't have to worry about keeping something else sharp, or hoping it's sharp, etc. I took off the pocket clip, though and just made a paracord lanyard for the small hole on the back end of the handle. I just grab the paracord to pull it out of my pocket (King Cobra weave on the paracord).

I can take a picture if you're actually curious about that part.

This is what I have with one of the rubber bands, combined under $50. If you want a super bright LED light then your price will go up. I also have a streamlight L light on my coat.

http://www.amazon.com/FoxFury-940K-010FI-SideSlide-C-Clamp-Headlamp/dp/B00EZWK6NU

That's the light I use. It's bright and seconds as a hand light, which i find to be extremely useful. Also the fire can 1080 is on sale on their website for the price of the mini.

I don't POV, but I have a cover that works great for that purpose. Just lays over the windshield with elastic straps over the side mirrors. It's similar to this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OZ42J4C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_pHniyb6QBRFDH

The 3m Versaflow style is much more comfortable than a facemask, with the added benefit of the hose being behind you. They are lightweight too.

When you are first starting out you can just grab a backpack and put some weight in it, use books, sandbags, water bottles, etc. You're gonna want it high and snug so it doesn't bounce around mulch and hurt your back. Wear it the same way you'd wear an scba.

When you're ready to make a bigger investment you can go to sports authority or any sporting goods store (or probably even Walmart) and buy a weight vest. They are made for training so the weight is evenly distributed and can be increased or decreased. You can get them on Amazon too if you can't find one near where you live, but shipping might be pretty high.

An example of what I'm talking about: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01464GUOU/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1465397820&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=weight+vest&dpPl=1&dpID=41YNaNsLwZL&ref=plSrch

i've had good luck with this

https://www.amazon.com/California-Custom-Products-Purple-deoxidizer/dp/B005WWMP86

It's Your Ship

Best book on leadership I ever read. Applies to any job field.

It was written by a US Navy captain who took command of demoralized destroyer crew and turned it into the top performing ship in the entire Navy. It's an easy and entertaining read as it's written about his experience about the problems he faced (such as female integration in combat ships beside aircraft carriers). It's not a text or lecture about how to do things. Excellent book. Everyone should read it, even if you're not in a leadership role.

This is the extinguisher I keep in my vehicle

I didn't mount it because I didn't want to drill holes. But it should be secured so it doesn't bounce around. Mine fits snugly in this And the organizer is secured via the straps and buckles.

I have like 15 pairs of these. They're very expensive, but you can usually get a pro deal and it brings them down to about 15/pr.

I've used smart wool, and I very much prefer these. Plus they're made in America and carry a lifetime warranty, so if you ever wear them out you can send them in for a new pair.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B015MYPHFQ/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I bought this one 2 months ago just to try it out. They work great and I ordered 2 more

> think of this as a life change, not a diet. If you change your life you'll stick to it, if you constantly tell yourself you're dieting you'll fall off the wagon eventually.

This is a great book on diet.

Just get the most comfortable black boot you can find. If you're shitting yourself over being able to get them off quick enough just buy a pair of wellingtons or slip-ons. If your jimmies are still feeling compromised, just take your favorite boots and add one of these kits to it.

It's not like you're going to be spending your entire shift on your feet in your station boots.