True North Gear

In 1992, founder Alyx Fier started building rugged, groundbreaking gear in his garage with a home sewing machine after learning that fire gear wasn't being designed around the specialized needs of the crews who actually used it. He knew that fit and design issues were causing back problems for wildland firefighters, and thought he could make a difference with intelligently-designed packs and gear. Nearly three decades later, True North has grown into an ISO 9001 certified multi-brand company that distributes lifesaving products around the world — still family-owned, still headquartered in Seattle, Washington, and still just up the street from that garage where it all began.

Built Different

  • NFPA 1977 Certified

    True North wildland packs and radio harnesses are certified to NFPA 1977 (Standard on Protective Clothing and Equipment for Wildland Fire Fighting and Urban Interface Fire Fighting). Approved for use by the Cal Fire Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Working Group.

  • SCS Suspension Technology

    True North's patented Super Compression Suspension (SCS) system optimizes weight distribution and actively reduces the risk of back pain or injury — supported by an in-depth biomechanics study conducted by University of Washington Director Dr. Allan Tencer.

  • Designed by Hotshots

    True North packs are designed by the people who use them. The company regularly harnesses user feedback to create new designs and improve existing products — because firefighters on the front lines know what does and doesn't work on the job.

  • Lifetime Warranty

    From the beginning, True North's philosophy has been to provide innovative products at competitive prices, then back them up with a lifetime warranty and great customer service. ISO 9001 certified quality management.

Pack Harness Technology

The attachment point for the shoulder straps are mounted to the outside of the top of the pack, which allows for just the right amount of load to be carried against the spine. Pack rotation is controlled by the waistband with its anti-rotation strap, and the shoulder straps can be worn loosely while remaining effective. This patented SCS (Super Compression Suspension) technology actively reduces the risk of back pain or injury, helping you stay safe and healthy in the field for longer.

The Pro-Series SCS harness fits True North's legacy packs — Spitfire, Fireball, Firefly, and Spyder Gear. The rugged H-Style harness is designed for stability and comfort on the Bushwhacker and Defender fire packs.

Shop Wildland Packs

Wildland Packs

  • Spitfire Pack

    Designed by Hotshots, this mid-sized fire pack (2,250 cu in) has the capacity to carry extra gear for those long days in the field. Features fusee pockets, fire shelter case, huge side pockets, and hydration reservoir pocket. True MOLLE system waist belt. NFPA 1977 certified, Cal Fire approved.

  • Fireball Pack

    All the essential features of the Spitfire in a more streamlined, teardrop-shaped design (1,200 cu in). Superior ergonomic harness with SCS technology, MOLLE-compatible waist belt, 100oz hydration pocket, removable fire shelter case, and side pockets. NFPA 1977 certified.

  • Spyder Gear Pack

    Perfect when working from a vehicle and you only need the essentials. Includes removable 250 cu in gear bag plus optional 1,500 cu in Go! Pack expansion. New Generation fire shelter case, hydration options, SCS suspension with MOLLE-compatible waist belt. NFPA 1977 certified, Cal Fire approved.

  • Chain Saw Pack

    Holds the saw next to your center of gravity, preventing bouncing or swinging over rough terrain. Load or unload in seconds. Three drawstring pockets, fire shelter case, axe scabbard. Modular design allows positioning pouches anywhere on belt or back. 1000D Cordura, 5.5 lbs. Patented SCS suspension.

Radio Harnesses

True North's Gen 2 radio harnesses feature adjustable pockets designed to fit all makes and models of radios — from larger legacy radios to smaller modern handsets. The internal suspension system keeps the harness stable on your chest without sagging or swinging. Upgraded lightweight, low-profile back harnesses are more comfortable, durable, and functional than ever.

Flash carries the Dual Universal (two radios), Single Universal, Stealth (smallest footprint, converts to belt or pack harness), and Dozer (holds New Gen fire shelter, radio, and spare battery). NFPA 1977 certified.

Shop Radio Harnesses

More True North Products

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Certifications & Standards

  • Wildland Fire

    NFPA 1977 (Standard on Protective Clothing and Equipment for Wildland Fire Fighting and Urban Interface Fire Fighting). Cal Fire PPE Working Group approved. CAL/OSHA 3406(c) Federal Test 191, Method 5903.2 specifications.

  • Utility & Industrial

    Utility gear meets NFPA 70E and ASTM F1506 specifications. Oil and gas gear meets NFPA 2112 requirements. Hi-vis product line meets ANSI 107 Class 3 (US) and CSA Z96 Class 2 (Canada) qualifications.

  • Quality & Materials

    ISO 9001 certified quality management. Product materials and manufacturing facilities are certified to meet True North's high standards and industry standards. 1000D Cordura nylon, YKK zippers, 3M reflective tape, Hypalon, and nylon hardware throughout.

Applications

  • Wildland Fire Crews

    Type crews, engine companies, helitack, and prescribed burn teams. The Spitfire was designed by Hotshots for those long days in the field. SCS suspension technology helps prevent the back injuries that have plagued wildland firefighters for decades.

  • Saw Teams

    The Chain Saw Pack holds your saw at your center of gravity without bouncing or swinging. Modular design with fire shelter case, axe scabbard, and pockets for fuel and essentials. Load or unload in seconds.

  • Structural Fire & RIT

    L-Series RIT bags, rope bags, mask bags, and campaign bags for extended deployments. True North's structural line brings the same innovation and durability standards to municipal fire service applications.

  • Search & Rescue

    SAR cases, Big Easy tool backpacks, and hydration systems for SAR teams. When the fire shelter case isn't required, the SAR case maximizes storage — holds first-aid kit, MREs, and essential gear with true MOLLE attachment.

About True North Gear

True North Gear is a family-owned and operated company founded in 1992 by Alyx Fier in Seattle, Washington. What started as one person with an idea and a home sewing machine has grown into an ISO 9001 certified multi-brand company distributing lifesaving products worldwide. In addition to packs and bags for firefighters and SAR under the True North label, products include a broad range of fire-resistant clothing under the DragonWear brand. True North's philosophy is to continually develop innovative and intuitive products — tough tools for tough jobs. They build gear, then back it up with a lifetime warranty and great customer service.

PRO DRY® FR Clothing

True North's PRO DRY® products are broken into two categories: CAT 1 (short sleeve shirts and long sleeve pocket shirts) and CAT 2 (long sleeve shirts). Low visibility, extreme temperatures, and challenging environments are just a few of the demands you face — PRO DRY® is engineered to meet them. Contact our team if you're interested in True North's FR clothing line alongside their packs and accessories.

Questions About True North Gear?

Contact our team for help selecting the right pack, harness, or accessories for your crew. Flash carries True North alongside the fireline tools, chainsaw PPE, pumps, hose, and equipment to outfit your entire operation.

Contact Our Team