The Pack Test in D.C.

Spent the morning helping administer the fireline pack test.

A photo posted by Michael Gue (@young_men_and_fire) on

The Work Capacity Test, or “Pack Test”, requires wildland firefighters to carry 45 pounds for three miles in less than 45 minutes. Vests loaded with lead weights are often used, but any type of pack can be carried as long as it weighs 45 pounds.

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Author: Bill Gabbert

After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire.

3 thoughts on “The Pack Test in D.C.”

  1. I was stopped by a local police officer because a suburban citizen reported a suspicious rag headed, (my sun hat and longish hair) Arab guy dressed in a white robe, (baggy shirt/pants) with a bright, light blue bomb vest with black cylinders (my weight vest) on it, walking at a fast pace. I stopped, not wanting to get shot and explained things. Looking at his own ample belly he mumbled something about getting in shape himself and drove off. Practicing for the pack test has it’s risks.

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  2. I heard that during years past this has alarmed tourists on the National Mall because the weighted vests make the participants look like terrorists-in-training.

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