The equipment carry tests more than fitness. Technique, grip, and pacing matter as much as raw strength.
The equipment carry requires you to carry fire service equipment items over a 25-metre course while wearing full PPE. The exact equipment and sequence varies between services, but typically involves carrying hose, BA set components, or other operational equipment. The time limit is 5 minutes and 47 seconds.
Grip strength is the limiting factor for most candidates — not aerobic fitness. Your hands will give out before your lungs do. Train your grip specifically and from early in your preparation.
Listen carefully to the safety officer. The sequence and carry positions are given to you. Don't rush to start before you've understood the task.
Wrap your thumb around the handle — not alongside it. A full grip with thumb opposition is significantly stronger than a finger-only grip. This single technique change makes a measurable difference.
Drive from your legs when lifting heavy items off the floor — not your back. Hinge at the hips, keep the back straight, and use the power of your legs to stand.
Controlled pace. Don't sprint and exhaust yourself early. Breathe out on every step. If your grip begins to fail, adjust your position rather than stopping.
Include grip and carry-specific training from at least Week 4 of your preparation. Farmer carries 2–3 times per week, dead hangs daily. Progressive overload — add weight to the carries each week.
12 weeks. All 6 UK selection tests. Bleep test, Chester treadmill, equipment carry, dummy drag, nutrition guide, and test day strategy.