Wildland Firefighting Pack Test

[@albertlittleman1977]

Did 12 yrs and retired wildland firefighting .. pack test word of advice just keep pushing everything will eventually get numb lol

[@patycampos7393]

where can I take the pack test near Pasadena CA in 2022?

[@Mrfurballs]

@@patycampos7393 Rio Hondo college

[@juliancraft4503]

Ran the thing needing to shit myself 70% of the run 😂 Still passed 👍🏻

[@joshwolf5377]

I just got hired to start this summer and it’s interesting cause as a veteran 11B they considered a 15 minute mile with ruck/gear slow lol. I think I should be good.

[@tupolev792]

Thanks for the advice! Ive went strait into 45lbs and I got mild shin splints within the first few days, wish id seen your video sooner! fingers crossed im able to get on a crew this round!

[@MrChangito11]

ty Ronni that's the pack test your were asking about . I've been running, push-ups, Pull-Ups to train my body stronger. someone from a Cal fire dozer team asked me to join the wildland firefighters and i fell in love after watched hotshots fighting fires. so yes this will be my 1st year and can't wait to be out there. im so glad that i found you Ronni. ur giving me a lot of informations that i need to know and im sure it's helping more people like me.. ty Ronni your awesome 👍

[@wildlandfirefit]

Haha yes it is :D Awesome, that is great that you are already starting!! AWW thank you so much!!! That genuinely makes me so happy to hear that! YOU are awesome!!!

[@BreakingWildGaming]

Don't forget to train your core and back. Abs, obliques, lower back etc take as much of the load as your legs and shoulders. A strong core will help support the weight, taking some of the load off of the shoulders, and keep you in a more effective walking position. Good luck for your first season. Have a blast, stay safe and ask questions :)

[@quotidian5077]

You should do just fine on your pack test.

[@quotidian5077]

I passed my pack test barley in Highschool with no prep. I wore a weight vest that dug into my shoulders, so if you're thin wear some padding around there. If I were to do it again, I would have practiced.

[@shawndorsett13]

47 and finally getting my chance to fight fire with cal fire subcontracter thank you for the information and i wont have to do a pack test but looking at various videos and it seems like my out of shape butt needs to get into shape so i have been watching your videos and those of others and it hurts but i can say i feel better after working out, keep up the videos and thank you for your insite

[@wildlandfirefit]

47 young! I'm excited you'll be out on the line this summer!! Warm up before workouts, gradually up your weights, drink lots of water, and make sure to cool down/stretch and you'll be killin it!! :)

[@robbyjackson7216]

Great recommendations. The test kills your shins and shoulders, no doubt. The first time I ever took the test was in fire camp, in cowboy boots and jeans. I had been a lookout tower operator for the season, but got called down by the BC because we had a major incident pop up that threatened my tower. In the station, they decided to “make me useful” running supplies to the spike camps in a Rhino, which required the pack test. I passed, but my shins hated me for it. I ended up on a hand crew after that, because I guess why not. Then my last test I took in combat boots and military uniform because my unit got activated to fight fires. Definitely preferred the interim, when I took it in gym shorts and tennis shoes.

[@danielpeterson2758]

Completed my refresher in January. I'm so stoked for the upcoming season!

[@wildlandfirefit]

Heck ya!! That's great! It's going to be a poppin season

[@itsyaboimat2393]

Thank you so much Ronni I take my pack test on the 28th of March I'm so excited!

[@watercoinzero]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2rEf4aiebZorJY #SLM #SawyerLivesMatter #ChainsawSafety #TreesNotCoEds #PeopleWhoWorkWithChainsawsArePeopleToo #DownWithWildFires

[@mauroslife]

Hello I need some advice. Just recently applied to dustbusters to become a wildland firefighter in their seasonal opportunity. First time ever making a big decision like this and leaving family and friends. So my questions are: I recently quit my job and saw this opportunity and I jumped on it because it caught my interest and I don't want to keep jumping job to job like I been doing for the period of time I been working since the age of 16 or 18. I am 24 now and going to be 25 this year. Should I get a full-time job or part-time job while I wait and get finished with the training modules that I need to take prior for the hiring process. What type of gym exercise should I consider doing if any. How long should I do mountain hikes for? Thank you for your time in making these great quality videos and keep up the great work.

[@wildlandfirefit]

Mauro, congrats on taking the plunge and applying, that's exciting! If you do a part time, you'll need to find a winter job once the season ends or you can apply for unemployment. I recommend to take a seasonal job (aka part time) for your first season to see if you like it and to learn the in and outs of things and to be able to talk to other folks who have made this a career to see if it's the path you want to go down. Then, you can apply for the next season with experience and be a bit more competitive for the career seasonal (full time) job. *Just my suggestion, but you do what you want! If you want to apply for a full time and just go for it, I say do it and see what happens. You can apply for part time as well to see which one you get picked up for. For the exercise part, I recommend strength and cardio training along with rucks (hiking and flat surface) If interested, I've created a 4-week workout guide to get you prepped for the pack test/fire season. wildland-fire.myshopify.com/

[@billytribble2789]

I pass today thank you for all the tip and support

[@wildlandfirefit]

Congrats! 🎉

[@musiconworldoff588]

what kind of watch is that you have on your hand?

[@zpadventures7440]

Had my first pack test Sunday, passed and didn’t prepare but I do wish I do. 45 pounds no joke I definitely recommend practicing

[@wildlandfirefit]

Congrats on passing your first one! Ya, it's definitely doable with no practice but it's a little rough on the body. Just a run through or two makes it a bit easier on it. 🙂

[@zpadventures7440]

I just got back from my first assignment it was a 14 day deployment up in Mendocino national forest doing rehabilitation from the August complex like seeding dozer lines and falling burnt trees it was amazing! Can’t wait for fire season

[@halfassranch8363]

I got my first one in 14 days and I'm kinda worried lol, I'm 38 years old and in the process of losing the 25 pounds I gained this winter in lock down..... I've used the weighted vest before in mma training but that was 12 years ago! Lmao here we go.

[@angelmoo7502]

@@halfassranch8363 I have mine in about 14 days too, I’ve been practicing but for some reason I keep getting like 46-47 mins. I also practice the test in pants and my fire boots on tall grass

[@virginiamooney4105]

I'm working towards my red card. My pack test is in a month and I just did my first dry run today. I was wiped after the first mile. Thanks for the tips!

[@wildlandfirefit]

Good luck and happy training!

[@kd5mtl]

Thanks for the tips. I just found out today I've gotta take the pack test in 3 weeks

[@peinek]

I am so much less nervous now, thank you.

[@gillmedrano1701]

Thanks for the tips Ronnie! I have a pack test this week. No sweat😅! I'll post my results later this week. Have a great Easter Sunday!

[@wildlandfirefit]

Awesome, good luck!!!! I definitely want to hear how it goes! Happy Easter!

[@patycampos7393]

I need to take the pack test where can I take it near Pasadena Ca

[@alexbaikov8961]

@@patycampos7393 Usually through your hiring department. I just got hired in SoCal and they’re making me do mine with them.

[@ElihuHarrington]

I just barely failed my first test. I wish I would have watched this first. Thank you.

[@wildlandfirefit]

Ah man I am sorry to hear that! Do you get another chance at it?

[@ElihuHarrington]

@@wildlandfirefit Yes, my department loves me and they'll give me another chance. I was unaware that the test was scheduled until the night before and I was unprepared. I also didn't know you were allowed to wear running shoes and shorts so I was in boots and 511s so I really set myself up for failure. I came in at 47 minutes and puked as soon as it was over lol. It was totally devastating but I'm not giving up and I've been training hard and I won't fail on this next test in about a week.

[@wildlandfirefit]

Oh good, I'm really glad you'll get another go at it. I have no doubt you'll crush it!

[@ElihuHarrington]

@@wildlandfirefit thank you, much appreciated

[@ElihuHarrington]

@@wildlandfirefit Thank you so much for your support, that really helped and in this video I just made I passed my pack test, it is just practice but I'm ready now! Stay safe! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmbJo4F7gZmcpdE

[@Go_Speed_Racer]

I do have a question. Can scout's pace be used? That Is the conclusion thus far also, I have been looking into racewalking to try to help me prepare. Any knowledge I will take in. I want the title. I really do.

[@wildlandfirefit]

I had to look up scout's pace. And from what I read it looks like it's alternating walking and running. Unfortunately you cannot run during the pack test. 1 foot always has to be on the ground. However, people do do a quick shuffle but just being mindful of having one foot always on the ground or you can be disqualified from the test.

[@Go_Speed_Racer]

@@wildlandfirefit so I can boxer shuffle basically sliding on the balls of my feet? The complexity Is real lol.

[@wildlandfirefit]

Ya, basically. But you definitely don't want to drag your feet.

[@Go_Speed_Racer]

@@wildlandfirefit I am going to have to figure it out. I truly appreciate everything you are telling me. All of this does help. Thank you truly for your insight.

[@fearclassic7859]

Thanks for the tips, I have my pack test in 6 days coming out of Montana😃

[@marklewiswagner7173]

thank you thank you, next get a weighted vest and train. I'm 63, so I know to go slow, I'll red card test in New Mexico in the late spring - thanks again, be safe! ~MLW

[@remedy334]

How can I get into this field with no experience,I seen a Jon posting but I don't have the experience,do they train or?

[@AaronMartin-lj6ne]

What was the terrain like on the test ?

[@wildlandfirefit]

It can vary. All the ones I've taken were on relatively flat ground. I've done it on a high school track that was either soft rubber or gravel, a road, and I've also done it on pavement through a park so it will just depend on your department.

[@chereseplatt686]

What do you do if you are short and you have short legs. I can jog it, no problem but my walking gate is just too short.

[@georgeabel1702]

I have a question about nutrition before working out and or the pack test. Should i carb up or balsnce of proteins??? Thanks!

[@wildlandfirefit]

I would do what you normally do before a workout. If you are gradually building up to doing 45 lbs I don't think you need to carb load. Any time I carb load I get sick because it's not what I normally do before a workout BUT if that's what you regularly do then go for it. I would be taking or eating protein after your workouts to rebuild the muscle you are breaking down. Hope that helps 🙂

[@georgeabel1702]

@@wildlandfirefit thank you!

[@petergonzalez1719]

@@georgeabel1702 don't do it hungover and you'll be good. Lol.

[@mayitajams8255]

I have a 35L backpacking backpack, any suggestions for how I can pack it w 45lbs of stuff so that the weight is distributed? I just got my EMT-B and want to get into wildland firefighting, but I'm 5 feet tall and 115lbs. Any tips on a training routine that could help me build the strength/endurance needed to pass the pack test?

[@wildlandfirefit]

Awesome! You want the weight close to your back and up high. So I'd recommend shoving a towel or a blanket down at the very bottom of your pack to lift the weight up. And also I would recommend wrapping your weight in a small towel to give it some padding. I do have a four week pack test prep workout program specifically designed to help get you ready for the pack test. It's linked in the description box, however, you could just make sure you're doing strength training and cardio. Also, make sure you're stretching, especially if you get shin splints.

[@patrick-rb3ul]

Grip Strength? Whuts dat?

[@desireechoate7583]

Where did you got to train? Did you do a varied terrain or do you go up and down hills on the sidewalk?

[@wildlandfirefit]

I will ruck in my neighborhood and then I'll go find a trail on the weekends. I do, one day I'll do a ruck on flat ground (cement) and then I'll do an incline or hills on another day on dirt/small rocks.

[@desireechoate7583]

@@wildlandfirefit Okay thank you. I’m gonna try that to. Thanks for making these videos btw! They’re super helpful and makes me feel more prepared. Much appreciated 😊

[@wildlandfirefit]

@@desireechoate7583 No problem, hopefully that helps! If you find that you need a more structured workout program, I created a 4 week workout guide that you can check out here wildland-fire.myshopify.com/

[@goku11hex95]

Do you have any good physical and Nutrition tips to be on a hotshot crew ??

[@michaelstephens5442]

Can u only walk or can u jog/run some of it?

[@wildlandfirefit]

@@michaelstephens5442 you always have to have 1 foot on the ground

[@michaelstephens5442]

@wildlandfirefit I feel like while jogging I'd have 1 foot on the ground 🤔

[@floydyoung7329]

A few years ago I forgot about the pack test I wasn't ready or prepared. I ran out to my garage and threw a bag of quickcrete in a back pack drove really fast to the testing site and finished with one minute to spare lol...

[@wildlandfirefit]

Oh my gosh hahah ahh quickcrete is a good idea!

[@floydyoung7329]

@@wildlandfirefit it really hurt lol... In PA the pack test is not a requirement it's only voluntary but it is a requirement for out of state dispatches

[@wildlandfirefit]

@@floydyoung7329 Really?! That's interesting.

[@wildlandfirefit]

@@floydyoung7329 hahah and I'm sure it did!

[@floydyoung7329]

@@wildlandfirefit even in structural firefighting which I do full time the state does not have a minimum training standard. The state leaves it up to the authority having jurisdiction to train you to their standards. My full time job a basic firefighter must have firefighter 2 and paramedic but the neighboring department may not have such strict standards. The state of PA only requires the state forestry firefighters who do not take out of state assignments to have PA 130, S130 and S190. There is ongoing training every season but that is all you really must have

[@andrewnguyen4037]

Is the pack test something that you must seek out and complete before you apply and get hired for the season or is it something that is given and proctored to you after you apply / get hired for a job? (This is assuming you already have the S-130 and S-190 and the required IS paperwork already)

[@wildlandfirefit]

Andrew, I am so sorry I am just seeing your comment! You will get it administered after you get hired on.

[@andrewnguyen4037]

@@wildlandfirefit Thank you! and no problem im waiting on my application status anyway just training in the meantime. Good luck to you and your family!

[@iamcloudscott]

Passed my pack test June 26th finished at 42.35 💪🏽 all that work still didn’t get me prepared for the endurance I’m building digging fire line 😂😮‍💨😅

[@wildlandfirefit]

It's a lot isn't it?! But hopefully you're having a good time out on the line!

[@iamcloudscott]

@@wildlandfirefit man it definitely is a lot but 4th week in I'm loving it and digging line seems like a regular chore to me since my endurance has went up so much from hiking and digging going to do our first few fire line burns of the season this week and next week we did one controlled for someone but this will be first one out in the field

[@patycampos7393]

where can I take the pack test in June 2022 near Pasadena Ca

[@drprozey]

Just backpack in the Grand Canyon. Can't get much more difficult than that.

[@redskies12incs]

Ugh my shin splints started hitting me week before my pack test. Had someone else's running shoes with no good soles. I hurt my feet badly. I have my pack test tomorrow morning wish me luck in gonna do my best this time in the heat wave hitting my area

[@silvernblackproductions9381]

How u do?

[@redskies12incs]

@@silvernblackproductions9381 I had to stretch I barely made it lol we hit 100+ weather day of that pack test. Was my hardest one ever. I'm not as young as I was, and not doing one for 10 years showed I was not physically fit like I once was

[@billytribble2789]

I have a in ten days until my pack test how can I bring my endurance up so while I'm walking with the pack I won't be out of breath.

[@wildlandfirefit]

Do HITT workouts and really push yourself so you get your cardio up and if you are able to go on a few walks with weight I'd do that

[@billytribble2789]

Thank you

[@wildlandfirefit]

@@billytribble2789 of course, good luck on your test!

[@BreakingWildGaming]

The pack test is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. Lots of people huff and puff doing the test. It's a strenuous activity so you can expect some level of fatigue. As Ronni said, HIIT is a good thing to do, but a few days won't change you very much. Be positive, know the walking pace you need to achieve a pass (Go and walk the distance at a steady pace without weight and recognize how constant you need to be). Most of all, don't go out at the start at a crazy pace. If you go too hard, you'll fatigue quicker, and then it's much harder in the back half of the test.

[@billytribble2789]

@@wildlandfirefit thank you for the info I will use it to my advantage

[@user-mb5db1sc6m]

Great video, but the sound is too low even at max

[@tamyblack9648]

What happens if you fail the test?

[@angelmoo7502]

I believe depending on your circumstance sometimes you can get a retake or you are sent home after. By getting the option to retake it, that also means you are postponing earning your red card certification

[@abmermaid]

Thank you soooooo much!!

[@OtterPup_]

I’m excited for the season (potentially) I interviewed today I feel like it went pretty well but it’s hard to tell. They said to just wait it out and that I would hear back from them (no clue when even tho I asked about the process from here, didn’t get a clear answer whatsoever) I want to try the pack test very soon when I have some time off work to check out how the weight changes things. I’m not worried my cardio is good, I’m more worried about my shins and pace

[@wildlandfirefit]

That's great! Good luck!! Ya, just build up your weight and do a 15 min mile pace and you'll be golden!

[@quotidian5077]

You should be fine if you're in good health.

[@petergonzalez1719]

Pack test is really easy for me but, I've been playing basketball my entire life. ABC's is really dope advice.

[@mattmeador616]

Did you quit or are you still firefighting?

[@wildlandfirefit]

I volunteer now but probably won't go on any fires this summer since I just had a baby but we'll see.

[@mongopoe5099]

Pack test this morning

[@wildlandfirefit]

Good luck!!!! Let me know how it goes!!

[@patycampos7393]

@@wildlandfirefit where can I take the pack test?

[@jenlisasweetner9840]

😢😢😢 yes please I have 2 week’s bragging about I can’t do it :( cuz I’m bit heavy idk I feel fat cuz I hardly see over weight ppl in the windland crew that’s why I feel down cuz I’m overweight 😢

[@JosephFarrier-c8q]

I did it from 08 to 17 i was fit

[@krojones9270]

Just run n keep running thats all there is no medal for fast times. Got 45 mins to power walk.

[@bronsonstephens5799]

0:05 maybe... how’d you know?

[@BreakingWildGaming]

Any department who wants you to wear fire boots for the pack test, needs a kick in the butt. Not only is it not how the APT is designed to be completed, it's also not how you 'play' on the fireground.

[@billytribble2789]

On a short notice, I was told my test didn't count. Because the administrator was note qualified to put on the pack test. This coming Thursday i have to re test

[@wildlandfirefit]

Oh my gosh! How did it go?

[@Mila_BK]

I bought an inexpensive weight vest, my buddy uses an alice pack frame with cinder blocks Lol

[@wildlandfirefit]

Haha if it works, it works!

[@grace4d]

My husband took it once with my 4 year old son as the 'weight'. My son kept smacking my husband on top of the head and saying "Go Daddy ! Go!"

[@kirkgardner2002]

I never prepared for the pack test

[@mathewpadron4606]

Isn't the test going uphill on a mountain with the weight

[@elijahwhitfield428]

No it's flat ground specifically

[@kyle6044]

My pack test is tomorrow morning

[@wildlandfirefit]

Good luck!! Let me know how it goes

[@MychalBackhaus]

I have the pack test tomorrow lol.

[@wildlandfirefit]

Awesome! Good luck!! Let me know how it goes!

[@MychalBackhaus]

@@wildlandfirefit I will lol

[@MychalBackhaus]

I had a good hike today. I’m getting hired in 1 month

[@wildlandfirefit]

@@MychalBackhaus congrats!!!

[@MychalBackhaus]

@@wildlandfirefit thank you! You’re videos truly help I’m going to subscribe!

[@TheIsuis1]

Bought a 50lb sandbag from menards and threw it in an old backpack

[@wildlandfirefit]

How'd it work out for you?!

[@halfassranch8363]

I think I'm just going to carry around the beer I'm gonna drink with the crew after the test lol.

[@oregonvibez]

I would've stayed to finish but the wind about blew my speakers 👀

[@wildlandfirefit]

Oh no, I am so sorry!!! Ya I definitely should have put the mic under my shirt so it wouldn't have effected the sound. I'll make sure to do that next time 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@j.4184]

I prepare by drinking...... jack daniels .............. just saying...this WILL NEVER emulate what the job demands out of you. Yes awesome work passing a 3 mile walk on flat ground...stand by for the 60+ lbs hike up a steep slope fighting fire with smoke all around you

[@davidbright8978]

Damm when I was in the Marines we do 60 to 90 lb gear humps, at a 3 mph speed, and after 15 to 20 miles we just shower, change and go hit the bars and get drunk.

[@wildlandfirefit]

Lol well then you'll kill it!!! I know hot shots & smoke jumpers have a different pack test, that would probably be more your speed