Upcycling, repurposing, recycling, rescuing. These terms are becoming more and more prevalent in manufacturing these days. Ladder 34, located in my home state of Michigan, is rescuing unserviceable fire hoses and repurposing them into belts, bags, wallets and other creative accessories. I can’t recall how I came across this company, most likely while surfing the net or some targeting advertising by the folks at FaceBook. Either way, I was interested and placed an order for a belt.
Buying Local
It wasn’t until the belt arrived a few days later that I realized this company is located only 3 hours south of me in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Supporting a local business, made in the USA and supporting first responders? That checks some important boxes for me. As a veteran of Army Special Operations, I feel strongly about supporting my fellow veterans and first responders that have opened businesses after serving their country and communities.
Ok, let’s talk about this bad ass belt. First off, I give Ladder 34 an A+ on their packaging. Order one, you’ll see what I mean. The belts are made from sections of rescued fire hose that have been decommissioned. Sourced from departments all over the nation, the different colors, patina and markings make each belt a unique accessory for your wardrobe. Available in lengths of 53 or 60 inches, the 1.4″ belts are intended to be cut to length. The included belt buckle allows the belt to slide through and be clamped to length. So no holes in this belt.
Unique Pieces
I decided to disassemble a small scrap from the piece I cut off when sizing the belt. To help me understand what exactly I’m looking at. The model I chose was the HotShot NYFD Black. Upon dissection, the firehose material didn’t really appear to be black at all. But what do I know, maybe it was originally a black casing that had faded. But this is what makes each piece unique. My belt has a black nylon fabric sewn around the firehose material by Ladder 34 leaving the interior liner of the hose exposed to create that tiger stripe look. Some available belts have just the raw firehose material in some interesting colors.
An information card is included in each box indicating where the fire hose was originally used and ultimately decommissioned. On the back of the card is were you’ll find detailed instructions and pictures laying out how to trim the belt strap to fit your waist. And just as expected, Ladder 34 offers a Lifetime Warranty that covers any manufacturers defects. Ladder 34 offers a wide variety of up cycled firehose accessories. From belts, wallets, bags and dog collars to DOPP bags, rugs and couplings. Take a peek at their website and pick out something for yourself.
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I think it’s very strange that this company is still seemingly shipping products, but is absolutely impossible to reach for warranty or even a question. I hope you find better customer service than many of us have. Because the product is amazing. Too bad the CS doesn’t reflect the belts.
Their FB page hasn’t been updated since 2022. Their website is unreachable. Guessing they are gone but not finding confirmation one way or the other.
I have the same issue multiple products purchased and can’t get warranty out of them. Bad deal
Same story here. Been buying there products for almost 5 years. Even talked to Lance a few times. Now……it’s like they fell off the planet! Any contact is impossible! Looks as though other companies are still selling their stuff under the same brand? Strange!!!!
Etsy and eBay are selling the stuff in original boxes! Also a company called gearbunker.com sells their stuff. Every contact is out of date by at least 2 years!
I’ve been trying to get ahold of them it is impossible no website none of there socials are up to date
The belts were not that good. Expensive and the buckle would barely stay on a day without having to readjust it. I see a few of the fire hose belts sold nowadays I guess they are worth a shot. However, you got a rivet that buckle in you can’t rely on hand pressure jaws things.