When most people picture a firefighter, they envision heavy, insulated suits designed for structure fires. But wildland firefighters face a completely different environment—raging outdoor blazes, extreme terrain, and long hours under the sun. This calls for a completely unique type of gear that emphasizes lightweight mobility, breathability, and flame resistance. In this article, we’ll explore what wildland firefighters wear, how it compares to traditional firefighting gear, and the materials that make wildland suits both protective and practical.

What Are Firefighter Suits Made Of?

Firefighter suits are made from advanced, flame-resistant (FR) fabrics engineered to withstand intense heat. The materials vary depending on the type of firefighting. For wildland firefighting, the gear is usually constructed from:

  • Nomex® – A flame-resistant meta-aramid fiber known for durability and heat resistance.
  • Tecasafe® Plus – A breathable, moisture-wicking fabric with inherent flame resistance.
  • Kevlar® blends – Used for added strength in some garments, often reinforcing stress points.

Unlike structural firefighter suits, which are bulkier and include thermal insulation, wildland gear is designed to offer high protection without sacrificing mobility or causing overheating during long, physically demanding operations.

Wildland Fire Clothing

Wildland firefighter gear must strike a critical balance—shielding wearers from intense heat and flames, defending against rugged outdoor elements, and allowing enough mobility to work effectively. When dressing for wildfire conditions, it’s important to avoid synthetic fabrics like nylon and rayon in base layers, as they can melt and stick to the skin under extreme heat. Instead, natural fibers such as cotton or wool are recommended. Here's a breakdown of the essential gear worn by wildland firefighters:

Wildland Fire Shirts (Brush Shirts):

These long-sleeve shirts are typically made from fire-resistant (FR) materials like Nomex or Kevlar. Designed for both safety and visibility, they come in bright colors and can be securely fastened at the collar and wrists to minimize exposure.

Fire Pants:

Constructed from durable FR fabrics, wildland fire pants are designed with a loose fit for comfort and flexibility. They feature adjustable ankle closures and multiple large Velcro pockets for carrying essential gear. Like the shirts, they are often brightly colored to enhance visibility.

Overshirts and Overpants:

Worn as a secondary layer, these garments offer added protection and warmth—particularly useful during chilly mornings or overnight operations. They may include high-visibility reflective stripes, additional pockets, and attachment points for carrying equipment.

Boots:

Unlike standard rubber firefighter boots, wildland boots are made for the outdoors. These leather boots feature lug soles for traction and are stitched with FR threads. They typically rise 8 to 10 inches to provide ankle support and reduce the risk of slipping on rough terrain.

Gloves:

To safeguard their hands from heat, sharp objects, and punctures, firefighters use leather gloves. Some also opt for gloves made from lighter, fire-resistant materials for improved comfort and dexterity.

Fire Helmets:

Modeled after construction hard hats, wildfire helmets are built from tough fiberglass or high-heat-resistant thermoplastics. They provide crucial protection from falling debris, embers, and extreme heat.

How Heavy Is a Firefighter's Suit?

The weight of firefighter gear varies significantly based on the role and mission:

  • Structural firefighting gear can weigh 45–75 lbs, including oxygen tanks, turnout gear, helmet, and tools.
  • Wildland firefighter gear is lighter, usually around 20–30 lbs in total, including clothing, tools, hydration packs, and fire shelters.

This lighter load is crucial for long hikes, steep climbs, and working for hours in rugged terrain.

Why Do Firemen Wear Red Suspenders?

You may have seen firefighters wearing red suspenders—a tradition rooted more in structural firefighting. Suspenders were historically used to hold up heavy wool pants and were often colored red as a visual identifier. In wildland firefighting, suspenders are less common due to different pant construction, but the red suspenders remain an iconic part of firefighter culture.

Why Do Wildland Firefighters Wear Yellow Shirts?

Originally, firefighters wore orange shirts, but this caused confusion for air crews—pilots often mistook the bright orange for active flames and accidentally dropped fire retardant on firefighters. Today, wildland crews wear yellow shirts for their high visibility in smoky, wooded environments, helping both team members and aerial support spot them easily.

Custom Firefighter Clothing for Wildland Pros

Every fire mission is different. That’s why custom firefighter clothing is essential for departments operating in specialized environments like forests, mountains, or grasslands. From adjustable cuffs to extra tool loops, tailored wildland gear improves efficiency and safety on the line.

Gear Up with Propper: Built for the Wild

Propper has outfitted military personnel, first responders, and public safety professionals for over 50 years. Our wildland firefighter clothing is built with the same no-compromise standard as our military gear—offering durable, NFPA-compliant protection with intuitive features that make a difference in the field.

Explore our full selection of firefighter clothing, brush pants, shirts, boots, and line gear—available in ready-to-ship sizes or as custom firefighter clothing solutions for your crew.

Final Thoughts

From the fabric composition to the structure of every garment, what firefighters wear plays a critical role in keeping them safe and effective in the field. Whether you're battling wildfires in the backcountry or outfitting a fire crew for seasonal work, choosing the right gear—built with purpose—is key.