Bush Fire Fighting Knapsacks

Your Guide to Purchasing Bush Fire Knapsacks

Big Red Truck Fire Rescue sells several high-quality bush firefighting knapsack brands and models, each with their own unique features, benefits, and price points. The first step when buying is to choose between single-acting and double-acting hand pumps according to your needs. Comfort is second in importance, and while price should be a factor, keep in mind that you may quickly regret buying cheap, inferior-quality products simply because they look the same.

When choosing to buy a knapsack, consider the following points to avoid disappointment on the first day of fighting fires:

Single-Acting Pump: Provides a water stream on the pull stroke.

Double-Acting Pump: Provides a stream on both push and pull strokes. Slow and steady is the key; it can be tiring if used aggressively.

Comfort: This is simply a matter of cost. The more expensive brands and models offer improved padding and are contoured to fit the body better. Most knapsacks include a chest strap, which also aids in achieving a better fit.

Performance: All of our knapsacks are similar in performance. Avoid single spray nozzles with diffusers, as the spray pattern doesn't adjust or perform as well.

Materials: Water hardness in Australia is known to be aggressive towards uncoated brass hand pumps and can be problematic over the long term in maintaining a prime seal. This requires frequent replacement of O-rings and lubrication.

Recommended Maintenance: A quality firefighting knapsack should last for many years after purchase, providing it is cleaned, serviced, and stored air-dry at the end of the fire season. Dismantle and clean the pump in clean water, then lubricate all O-rings with an industrial-grade silicone. Flush and air dry the bladder, and store in a dry place.