Top products from r/Wildfire

I have [this one] (https://www.amazon.com/ENKEEO-Lightweight-Inflatable-Comfortable-Backpacking/dp/B078PGX9JZ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1522724407&sr=8-3&keywords=inflated+sleeping+pad) which is rather lightweight and comfortable. It’s a small packed size that helps you use the smallest backpacking backpack possible. This roomy sleeping pad (78'' x 25'', 2.27lbs ) has increased the thickness of 2.4'' for super comfort; it adopts an ergonomic texture design to the surface, helping people sleep well with more support for better balancing.

It also features a built-in foot pump, allowing you to inflate it within just 3 min by simply pressing the internal inflatable sponge with your foot or hands-- saving your lungs from heavily exerting. This is one of the better sleeping pads on the market as it’s the Amazon choice of inflated sleeping pad.

Would like to try one of yours.

I definitely agree. I look at it more as a base fitness/mobility/injury prevention type of thing. I have a separate cardio program that I base off the book Run Faster which I highly recommend.

Ive also been doing this routine from the "hotshot fitness" website as a little experiment, but it also seems a little lacking so far.

All in all the best thing to do is all of the things.

Can't go wrong with Great Lakes, I love this stuff

https://www.amazon.com/Great-Lakes-Gelatin-Hydrolysate-Unflavored/dp/B005KG7EDU?th=1

Socks.

I'm partial to Mirmaru socks, you're going to make your living on your feet. Take care of them.

Of course there's other basics such as high energy snacks, sanitary supplies and if you want something better than what your agency will give you, pick out some canteens.

You'll get the list of rules for your barracks the same day you move in. Barracks are a lot like college dorms, only way older. Clean up after yourself, if you blow up the shitter clean it, follow the golden rule, don't drink if you're underage. When you wack-off in the shower, make sure it all goes down the drain so the next guy doesn't step in it. If you chew, spit in a bottle and throw it away in a outside trashcan.

Turn your music down at night and get a pair of head phones because of the jerks who don't. Some dorms have wi-fi now a days, but you'll be sharing it with 12 other people so get out of your room and socialize.
Don't let your laundry get out of hand, you will stink up the whole place. If there is a chore list, do your share and make you crew look good. You won't just be sharing you barracks with firefighters, other departments have seasonal employees too. They get used to firefighters not being around, so they will get annoyed when you are. They will find anything to bitch about, so don't give them a reason to.

STAY OUT OF THE GIRL'S BATHROOM(S).

If you're interested in the actual workings of modern firefighting, from the Incident Command Team down to the firefighter on the ground, I suggest Fire Line: Summer Battles of the West!

It's more of a coffee table book, but great (though somewhat outdated) photos and a great overall view of the workings of the fire fighting machine at work!

Thick ass arctic level 100% wool sock. Also, Leukotape is amazing. Ulta-marathoners and endurance trail runners have been putting it to good use. It is much better than mole skin, IMHO.

Edit: I too endorse blue Gold Bond

[Quick Charge] OUTXE 24000mAh Rugged Solar Charger with Flashlight Dual Input Type C & Micro USB https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BQJ31SB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_jaQXCb15N3RYZ

I haven't had any problems with it so far. I charge it using a wall charger initially, and keep it in sunny spots to prolong that charge, essentially. The panel isn't large enough or powerful enough to quickly charge the bank back up, but it definitely does charge it.

Tool Logic Credit Card Companion with Lens/Compass CC1SB - 9 Tools, Black, 2" Blade https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001WOKWQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_kLGHAbZJW0ZBX

It's just there, can't say I've ever used it before. It was a gift from my wife years ago.

Buy these pill towels! If you keep certain areas clean, you'll be thanking yourself by day 14.

Avoid fragrant deodorant, certain insects are drawn to the sweet smell, furthermore axe, ass, and body odor is a terrible combo.

Pack more water than you want, you'll never regret it.

Field dress your MREs prior to line work.

Keep your feet dry and pack extra socks. Dry feet = less chance of blisters.

EDIT: Just realized I sound like a MEDL now.

I actually ended up buying a cheap pair on Amazon they were only like 90 bucks
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003RQFIF6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ifnhzbY99ZX3R

They are working fine so far and at that price I could buy 4 pairs and still spend less than whites

As a side note, myself and the guys on my crew use Repel lemon eucalyptus on ourselves and gear with good results. Link

On heavy cardio training days (8-10 mile runs, hill sprint set, etc.) I will take a full one of these (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000OC3FD8/ref=mp_s_a_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1493390889&sr=8-4&keywords=caffeine+pills)

I drink a cup or two of coffee in the morning, maybe some iced tea throughout the day so not a massive caffeine consumer. But I can't really drink coffee before a workout ( messes up my gut) so I switched to caffeine pills as a preworkout. The ones I listed above have been great - no crash, minimal jitters, can fall asleep 3-4 hours after taking one.

I've used caffeine pills since my rookie year of hotshotting, and a few others did as well. Ive never found them addictive, I just make sure not to take them too often, usually will over night shift or when coffee is unavailable. The buzz is different though, so if you feel anxious or unaffected, try a different brand or just drink coffee.

Plantar fasciitis possibly, this this and this helped me greatly.

https://www.amazon.com/EMS-Field-Guide-ALS-Version/dp/128404128X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519018797&sr=8-1&keywords=als+field+guide&dpID=51tCKGSUMEL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch

Baby wipes aren't going to help for shit. Get a bottle of orange goop or similar. Wash with that stuff, rinse with water. Keep your contacts rinsed with lens solution and the case clean if you're not using dailies (recommended). And like mentioned a couple of spare sets for when you tear or lose one or whatever