WILDLAND PRODUCT SAFETY INFORMATION

your safety is incidental's #1 priority

NFPA 1977 is the standards that governs the design and construction of clothing for wildland fire. Read the full standard here

Materials & Design

ALL STANDARD MATERIALS USED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF INCIDENTAL'S WILDLAND GARMENTS MEET OR EXCEED NFPA 1977 REQUIREMENTS.

However some client-requested features and/or hardwear, such as pearl snaps, are not NFPA-approved. All such features are marked with an asterisk (*) if they appear on the order form, and if you request a custom feature/design element that does not meet the standard I will inform you of that before proceeding with your order. The most common example of this is specialty pockets that do not have a closure system.

sizing/fit

NFPA 1977 allows for custom-built garments, provided they meet the “ease” requirements laid out in the standard. This is where Incidental deviates from the standard, and this is also likely the reason you’re in the market for custom Nomex in the first place

Ease is basically the difference between your body’s measurement and the garment’s measurement. For example, if your hip circumference measures 40 inches, NFPA 1977 requires that I make the hip measurement of your pants 46 inches. Not too bad. But the standard also requires a thigh that is 6” larger than yours, a rise that is 11”/6” longer than yours for women/men respectively, and an ankle circumference that is a full 11” larger than yours. This is where we start running into issues, with a garment that fits so poorly it becomes its own safety hazard. If you’ve ever tripped over your own pants, you know what I mean.

Dead air space is indeed a critical safety component of your Nomex, but taken to excess it causes problems. Given the limited options for sizes, the result is folks generally buying a size or two too small, which gives you a garment that is easier to work in but may not necessarily provide an appropriate amount of extra room in the areas that receive the most radiant heat throughout your day. It’s my hope that by creating custom-sized Nomex, I can find the perfect middle-ground between these two ends of the spectrum and keep you more comfortable (i.e. less fatigued) and safe on the line.

I hope you’ve found this article helpful in making decisions about your Nomex purchase. I keep the specs sheets on file for all of our fabrics, threads, and hardware, available upon request. If you have any questions at all regarding Incidental's commitment to your safety, please don't hesitate to ask!