The NFPA 1970 standard, coming into effect in October 2024, introduces updated and more stringent requirements for firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE). This standard aims to enhance protection against a wide range of hazards, including thermal, chemical, and physical threats, but it also poses significant challenges in terms of maintaining comfort, mobility, and ergonomics for end users. This paper critically examines the implications of the NFPA 1970 updates, exploring whether the current material technologies and design approaches sufficiently address the dual need for robust protection and wearable comfort. The discussion delves into the trade-offs inherent in PPE design, where increased protection often results in reduced breathability, flexibility, and wearer satisfaction, particularly during prolonged use in high-stress environments. Additionally, the paper evaluates the impact of phasing out PFAs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) on firefighter PPE. These changes raise concerns about whether existing alternatives meet both the chemical protection requirements and the comfort benchmarks outlined in NFPA 1970. The analysis questions whether the standard adequately balances these competing demands or if further refinements are needed to ensure both safety and usability. By providing a comprehensive review of the challenges and gaps associated with NFPA 1970, this contribution aims to foster meaningful discussions on improving firefighter PPE to meet evolving operational and regulatory needs effectively.