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Heat question for the military folks


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Hi all,

 

I am eagerly awaiting my armor while working on gathering and making everything I need to jump right in to trooping. I have read several threads where scouts talk about how hot it is wearing the costume. I have never worn the costume but have worn body armor and kevlar helmets. My question is for the men and women who have worn body armor. Is the scout trooper hard and soft armor any worse than wearing body armor in terms of heat? I know the weight will be quite different but I want to be prepared for what the costume is like. Thanks again.

 

Matt.

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IMO, Scout armor is like pajamas compared to wearing full kevlar. When you first wear it, you'll have to keep in mind that its a lot more fragile than your regular flak vest or helmet :) As far as the heat, I'd say it's about the same, more or less. I think the heat in body armor tends to stay around the chest, but in Scout gear, the heat seems to concentrate slightly lower due to the cummerbun. Thats just me though.

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Hi Matt.

 

cant say for the scout armour, as I have only trooped in a TK suit, but i have been to Afghanistan and have walked around with the vest and helmet on.

 

The greatest difference, is of course the weight, but also that these costumes are mostly full body and not just the torso and top of your skull.

 

But generaly I cant say that wearing a TK/TB suit is compairable to wearing modern day protective gear. They are both hot to wear, but in each their different way.

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Yeah, agreed here.

 

It's warm, and you'll sweat. But it's not like being stuck to the surface of the sun.

 

Know your limits, listen to what your body is telling you. Take regular breaks and take on plenty of water, you'll be fine.

 

I quite happily troop for 8 hours a day in mine. The odd break in the changing area for a "lids off" and a refuel (haribo and water!..... Those UKG members will know what I'm on about.) and I'm good to go.

 

If you've worn body armour/helmet for extended periods, you'll know what to expect.

Just feel safe in the knowledge you'll not be humping a GPMG about!

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Having marched at Star Wars Weekends at Disney in Orlando during May and June, I can tell you that it can get hot, wearing everything, including the vest. But if I can survive wearing it out in 104 degree heat, then you should be able to. It's a great costume to wear when it gets cold out though.

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  • 2 weeks later...

I'm not a military person but my scout gear is not as hot as my at-st driver uniform.

 

1. the white armor seems to reflect the sun

2. though I have a synthethic vest it doesn't heat up much more as I have incorporated a mesh where the chest armor covers the vest

 

In fact I felt quite comfortable in my suit at most events and never had to lift the helmet or had to cut event time.

I never needed any electric ventilation in the helmet as well even though I have trooped with a vinyl based Don Post

Hottest known temperature I had to withstand yet was 32+ °C for about 6 hrs in character time.

 

material info:

 

suit -> cotton polyester

vest -> 100% polyester (the material you often have for back packs / I used it to be water proof to some degree)

cummerbund -> impragnated canvas

gloves -> screen accurate esprit leather gloves with lining intact

boots -> double layered leather chaps on sierra boot lookalike canvas boots (outward = artificial "furniture" leather / lining = genuine suede)

helmet -> unfortunately still the classic DP vinyl helmet with ears cut open

additional head gear -> under armor-like coolmax balaclava

under wear -> coolmax function under wear

 

Additionally I have a polyester based elbow supports from cannibalized biker knee protectors to keep the arm protectors in shape.

People predicted additional heat but apart from some moisture on the suit due to the pressure and heat which is a common problem with any armored costume I have no disadvantages or feel uncomfortable. Might be that some climate will put you under more stress but in moderate climate conditions with peaks the socut is a fine suit to go with even with full spec (flak vest).

 

So don't fear the socut armor ;)

 

PS: ....only in rough winter times I have a hard time!!!

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