Pest control in Florida is hot demanding work, especially attics and outside. Twelve years ago I pushed myself way too hard one summer and in laymen's terms "broke my thermostat" , that plus my age will made me prone to heat exhaustion and possible heat stroke my doc told me. Greaaaaaaat. One client in the medical field saw my reaction to the heat and called me inside. Turning from his freezer he gave me his vest and said "put this on and go back to your work". It was AWESOME! In 5 minutes I stopped sweating! In a few more my old energy came back. I could run circles around myself! Afterwards, he told me to keep it a couple weeks, explaining how to use it and care for it. If I decided to get one, I could swap back with him. Needless to say, 2 weeks later I returned his vest and bought my first StaCool Industrial vest. However, my summer days stretch to 12 hours. And attic work can make the 4 hour gelpacks last only 3, so I purchased more cool packs. The great thing about the vests is more energy and clearer thinking in the heat and humidity. Mood is better too. And you dont seem to need as much fluids because you arent losing them. (But keep hydrated no matter how you feel.)
Three recommendations to vest owners: (1) Coolers have hollow lids. I drilled 3/16 inch holes around the lid and injected foam insulation carefully.I also cut a softer, flexible foam insulation sheet, 1/2inch thick, to top off the cool packs under the lid. (2) The gel or moisture from spent cool packs can bleed into the fabric of your vest, especially on the rear as you lean back in a truck or car seat. Every so often you have to rehydrate them. I solved this problem and made the packs easier to handle and glide into their pockets by double wrapping them in plastic doorhanger bags . They measure 6 × 14 inches. The open end of the first bag goes down into the second bag. I have rarely had to rehydrate ovr the years as the bags prevent the loss of leaking moisture. (3) The one size fits all vest has adjustable straps of velcro. The if the hook (or rough) part of the velcro faces against the vest fabric or your clothing, it can rough up the fabric. This can occur from the shoulder straps' unengaged velcro facing downward on my shirt, or from the two locking front straps...which can rough up the edge of the vest front panel if not engaged. Larger torsos or belly can cause unengaged velcro to rub fabric after adjustment of straps. To fix this, black velcro strips can be purchased at fabric stores, or even Home Depot. Once the straps are adjusted to fit your body, you can cut strips of fuzzy velcro to fit the exposed hook side. This velcro stays permenently in place thru washings and wear.
Over the last 12 years I bought 2 more industrial vests. Without them, i would literally have had to leave the industry I love. Three clients with MS, all young or middle aged women vastly improved their quality of life with StaCool vests having been introduced to mine.
Two weeks ago I got my fourth vest, only this was the new Premium Industrial vest wih ripstop fabric. This vest is the best design yet...lighter in weight, faster drying (i dont have to use the dryer which tends to damage them over time). StaCool ....you guys have outdone yourselves. I really love this product...it is beautiful in design and very functionable. The different fabric and insulation doesn't seem to build up odor from sweat etc as fast as the regular vest. I only washed it one time in a week and a half. Despite light weight and thin panels, it still keeps the cool packs cold for the full run time of 3 1/2-4 hours. Over the years, my body or metabolism changed so that i sweat, but only in exposed areas like my arms and face. I have constantly been approached over the years by UPS workers, lawn workers, customers, fishermen, police, firemen,cooks and more. Those with uniform stipulations (UPS, police, etc.) I recommend the undervest. I know of a roofer who got vests for his crew. Workers had fewer accidents , took fewer breaks, and the company increased productivity over 30% the next year. You do the math. These vests are worth every penny and more. They are definitely a life saver / life changer.
