Black Wolf DufflePack 70 Review (True Red): Durable 70L Gear Bag for Firefighters & Travellers
A rugged, water‑resistant 70L duffle built for emergency crews and adventure travellers. This review covers real‑world use, key features, pros and cons, safe packing tips, care, and how the Black Wolf DufflePack 70 stacks up against similar bags.
Overview: What is the Black Wolf DufflePack 70?
The Black Wolf DufflePack 70 (True Red) is a robust 70‑litre soft duffle designed for demanding use on the fireground, in the station, and on the road. Built with abrasion‑resistant fabric, chunky zips, and reinforced carry points, it carries PPE, wildland gear, duty boots, or extended travel kit with ease. Its bright True Red colourway improves visibility in a busy station or at a roadside staging area—useful when gear needs to be located quickly. This review focuses on how the Black Wolf DufflePack 70 performs in real Australian conditions, including shift work, vehicle carry, and travel.
For firefighters and SES volunteers, having a single, tough bag to move between home, station, and incident control is essential. The DufflePack 70 balances capacity and portability: big enough to store structural gloves, over‑pants, underlayers, a towel, hydration, and a spare set of clothes, yet compact enough to sling in the ute or crew cab. Members of the public benefit too—especially tradies, caravaners, hikers, and families who need a durable hold‑all for weekenders and emergency preparedness kits.
While it’s “just a bag,” thoughtful details—grab handles on multiple sides, backpack‑style straps on some versions, and internal organisation—make the difference when time is short. This article explains how to pack it safely, maintain it, and compare it with similar 60–75L bags you might be considering.
Key Features of the Black Wolf DufflePack 70
70L Capacity
Ideal for PPE sets, boots, change of clothes, and basic first‑aid or hygiene kits without overfilling.
Reinforced Build
Tough outer fabric, bartacked stress points, robust webbing handles, and heavy‑duty zippers.
Water‑Resistant
Sheds light rain and station wash‑downs; add a dry bag for electronics in persistent wet.
Easy ID in True Red
High‑visibility colour assists quick identification in vehicles and equipment rooms.
Multiple Carry Options
End handles, top handles, and shoulder strap points for varied carry in tight spaces.
Internal Organisation
Simple internal pockets help separate clean/dirty clothing and small accessories.
How It Works: Pack, Carry, and Deploy Quickly
The Black Wolf DufflePack 70 opens with a wide U‑shaped zip, giving full access to the main chamber so you can stage items by priority. Heavy gear—boots, wet weather layers—sits low and central. Softer items—spare shirts, thermals—pad the sides. Essentials like headlamp, gloves, and a small power bank ride in the internal pockets. When you arrive at the station or campsite, the bag lifts cleanly via the end handles, and the top handles allow a comfortable two‑person carry for heavier loads.
For vehicle deployment, orient the zip facing up in the cargo area to reduce spillage when stopping quickly. In wet or ash‑laden conditions, the water‑resistant shell wipes clean, but delicate electronics should be stored inside a small dry bag. The True Red colour makes the bag easy to spot under red/amber lighting or in dusty staging areas.
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Benefits & Advantages: Why Choose the Black Wolf DufflePack 70
The Black Wolf DufflePack 70 is a sweet spot for crew members who need capacity without bulk. Its simple layout keeps weight low, and the reinforced build tolerates daily knocks from vehicles, station floors, and campground gravel. The bright True Red finish visually aligns with red/orange emergency themes and stands out from black kit bags, so it’s less likely to be misplaced.
- Fast access: Wide opening saves time during changeovers and rapid mobilisations.
- Comfortable handling: Multiple handles make one‑hand, two‑hand, or shared carry straightforward.
- Resilient materials: Tough fabric and stitching handle abrasive environments and frequent loading.
- Public‑friendly: Great for road trips, 4×4 touring, and caravan storage systems.
- Value: Pricing is competitive relative to premium expedition duffles.
Limitations & Safety Considerations
- Not fully waterproof: It’s water‑resistant, not submersible. Use dry bags for radios, tablets, and documents.
- Weight discipline: 70L tempts overpacking; keep total bag mass within safe manual‑handling limits.
- Limited structure: As a soft duffle, it doesn’t protect crush‑sensitive items.
- Odours/contaminants: After smoky or ash conditions, air and clean the bag to prevent contamination transfer.
Safety tip: When lifting, keep the bag close to your body, bend at the knees, and avoid twisting. Share the load if it exceeds comfortable one‑person carry.
User Scenarios
Volunteer Firefighter Changeover
Keep boots, over‑pants, T‑shirt, towel, and hydration pre‑packed. Wide U‑zip allows fast access during pager calls; end handles make quick loading into the crew cab.
Caravan & Touring
Use packing cubes to separate clothes, rain gear, and tools. The bright True Red colour prevents mix‑ups at holiday parks and rest stops.
Station Gym & Shift Bag
Store gym kit, shower items, and a spare uniform. Internal pocket keeps keys and phone secure and easy to find between drills.
Maintenance & Care Guide
- Post‑incident clean: Brush off ash/dust. Wipe with damp cloth and mild soap. Rinse lightly; avoid soaking the foam or seams.
- Dry thoroughly: Air dry out of direct sun to protect fabric coatings and colour vibrancy.
- Zips & hardware: Rinse grit from zips; apply a light silicone‑based zip lubricant if needed.
- Odour control: Use ventilated storage. A small sachet of baking soda or charcoal helps after smoky deployments.
- Storage: Store half‑filled to avoid permanent creases; keep away from fuel/solvent vapours.
- Lifespan: Inspect handles and stitch lines quarterly; re‑tire from frontline duty if significant wear appears.
Comparison: Black Wolf DufflePack 70 vs Similar Bags
| Model | Capacity | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Wolf DufflePack 70 (True Red) | 70L | Firefighters, SES, touring, gym/shift | Rugged build, bright colour, great access | Not crush‑proof; not fully waterproof |
| Caribee Expedition 70 | 70L | All‑round travel/expeditions | Tough PVC‑style fabric, value pricing | Heavier shell; can feel stiff to pack |
| Sea to Summit Duffle 65 | 65L | Technical travel where weight matters | Lighter carry, premium hardware | Smaller capacity; premium price |
Compact Deal Finder
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FAQs
Is 70L too big for daily station use?
For most firefighters, 70L is a good balance—ample for PPE plus spares. If you carry SCBA spares or tech gear, consider an additional small case.
Is the Black Wolf DufflePack 70 waterproof?
It’s water‑resistant. Use dry bags for electronics/papers in heavy rain or flood conditions.
Can it be worn like a backpack?
Some configurations support shoulder carry. It’s primarily a duffle, so backpack comfort is limited compared with purpose‑built packs.
What’s the safe lifting weight?
Follow your agency or workplace policy. Generally, share loads above ~15–20 kg and use team lift for awkward items.
How do I remove smoke odour?
Air in shade, wipe with mild soap, and use odour‑absorbing sachets. Avoid harsh solvents that may degrade coatings.
Is True Red colour practical?
Yes—high visibility helps in busy kit rooms and under low‑light. It also aligns with red/orange emergency themes.
Does it fit airline carry‑on?
No. At 70L it’s a checked‑luggage item. Use packing cubes to keep security checks quick.
What’s the warranty?
Warranty terms vary by retailer. Check the retailer’s policy and Black Wolf’s official warranty before purchase.
Where to Buy in Australia
- Outback Equipment — wide range and quick dispatch.
Links & Manuals
- Black Wolf Official Website — product ranges, care tips, and support.
Quick Maintenance Tips
- Wipe down after dusty or smoky jobs; air dry in shade.
- Rinse zips, then apply light zip lubricant when gritty.
- Use packing cubes: separates clean/dirty and reduces wear.
- Store with a moisture absorber in humid months.
- Quarterly stitch check on handles and anchor points.
For Professionals
Standardise team packing layouts (left side: clothing; right side: PPE; inner pocket: lighting/ID) to reduce search time at staging. Label end handles with crew number and role using heat‑shrink tags or stitched patches in red/orange for fast ID.
Emergency Contacts Quick List (Australia)
Call for Fire, Police, Ambulance
Call 132 500
emergency.vic.gov.au
13 11 26
Credits & Review Notes
This hands‑on review draws on Australian station use, touring experience, and accepted safe manual‑handling practices. Product specs/features may vary by retailer and production run; always confirm current details at time of purchase.
Disclaimer: Always follow safety protocols and training when using equipment.
