In my previous department we trained and certified yearly with the Petzel System. We did monthly deployments(Non stress on the rope) and inspected and replaced in the pouch. Pouch is bulky on the side, but it really is compact condidering the rope and hook and not difficult to deploy with gloves. Yea the 10 slides was tough on my "older" body, My current department uses the harness with a rope bag and hook in my bunker pocket. Certainly not so easy to deploy and connection to the harness does catch on things. I agree, check your departments requirements for type of system and do the homework. Remember this system is for YOUR safety, My choice for safety, I have not tried every system, is the Petzel system.