COMPLETED - Hepworth freezer suits and boots (Will Order)

[GTB_an_Owl]

rang Hepworths to see how much a freezer suit for those cold nites would cost and was told they only supply to Retail outlets (account customers).
rang the provided number for retail outlet here on the Central Coast and they had none in stock and couldn't tell me how much they were.
GTB is a registered business so maybe I could arrange an account with Hepworths.
How many of you out there would be interested in purchasing same if i had to order ,say 5 at a time or whatever?

geoff

[xstream]

We would be interested here Geoff but it would depend on the cost.

[Dennis]

Hmm, they sound interesting. I would be interested if they did the job and the price was right.

Did the job = allowed observing, imaging in sitting down, bending and standing up position without any awkward, stiff material or loose flaps, etc.

Thanks!

Dennis

[GTB_an_Owl]

I have emailed Hepworths asking for a price on a basic full suit and boots as well as a 2 piece suit.
waiting for them to get back to me
will post a price as soon as they do
asked them about opening an account so it can be an ongoing thing

geoff

[ving]

interesting... :)
i'll keep an eye on this thread :)

astronut (jonh) has a freezer suit and swears by it :)

[h0ughy]

whats the largest size?

[iceman]

I'm interested as well, depending on cost.

[GTB_an_Owl]

OK - here are some initial pricings
I would have to purchase 5/6 at a time
Full suit
$132 (incl gst) for extra small to 5 extra large (xsm to 5xl ) (xxl is included in this range)
$170 (incl gst) for 6-7-8 XL range (bloody large she said)
Jacket only
$90 (incl gst) xsm to 5xl
$125 (incl gst) 6-7-8 XL
Pants Only
$80 (incl gst) xsm to 5xl
$98 (incl gst) 6-7-8 XL
Boots - snowstyle joggers i think - warm - water resistant
$52 a pair (incl gst) straight sizes - no half sizes
PLUS Postage if required

[iceman]

$132 isn't too bad. Not high on my priority list but nice to know the option is there for next winter.

[astronut]

Hi Guys, firstly the Hepworths freezer suits are great, I've used mine down to -5C and I was toasty warm. It comes complete with a removable hood. Fur inner lining and inner cuffs on the bottom of the legs to keep out the cold. They have velcro strips everywhere that you can open for ventilation. Sizes are from small through to XXXXL. The boots are called Huskies, they are also fur lined and they have velcro fasteners. They are also great at keeping you feet warm
I bought mine at Hepworths at Ingleburn (Sydney) $130 for a one piece suit and $45 Huskies. Now I was told that you couldn't buy direct, because they don't have a shop at the factory. It depends on whom you speak to.
If you know your size ring ahead, bring the correct money and they will have it ready for you.
If the sizes are wrong all you have to do is return it to the warehouse (not the office) with your receipt and the size you need.
I know it sounds a little fiddly, but you save about $80 0ver retail.
Many of the members of my club have bought these and swear by them.
You can buy them as a one piece or two piece.:)

[Dujon]

What's wrong with a knitted cardigan (and a shirt if you're that fussed)?

Ruddy 'eck Owl, you live in Terrigal not Toronto (the Canadian one). ;)

[GTB_an_Owl]

gets cold up at Kulnurra Dujon
just ask Mike
besides, you need them for those mountain top starparties every year

[GTB_an_Owl]

thanks for the report Astronut and the pics ( was looking for some on the net without luck)
the few dollars i have added to their quoted price for doing the dirty work is pretty much on the mark then by the looks of it.
how long ago was your purchase?

Nephew Michael from bintel swears by them too - i tried his on the other day (was too small though) bit tight in all the wrong places - think i would want a "L" or "XL"
maybe the "Boot" she quoted me was a different type - would have to follow that up now that i have the range name.

[astroron]

I would love to get my hands on a pair of those boots that you have posted an image of , I live in the country and don't get down to the big smoke (Brisbane) very often, but if the price quoted is for those I would be happy to pay the postage.
Please inform us of the price.
Thanks in advance. :thumbsup: astroron

[GTB_an_Owl]

i just got quoted $207.43 for the freezer suit from a mob at West Gosford

[astronut]

I purchased mine a year ago, but I know that the prices are still the same.;)

[GTB_an_Owl]

pretty much so John - Yes

for Astroron - yes they are the "Husky" as in the photo
i just rang to check

[astroron]

Geoff would you be prepaired to order only one pair of boots?

[GTB_an_Owl]

i think i would have to order 5/6 items Ron
but in saying that - maybe it doesn't have to be 5 suits and or 5 boots
i will be ordering a suit and boots for myself
so if we can get a few more, i will ring with the order and see what they say
and of course i would need payment up front i spose - at least for the order - don't know what each individual freight would be

[GTB_an_Owl]

never thought!

are we/I breaking any rules here moderators?

[astroron]

Lets hope we can get some more orders:D :thumbsup:

[gary]

As reported, if you front up to the factory at Ingleburn you can simply buy
freezer suits as a counter sale.

Recommend the one-piece suit for boys as they provide the best thermal performance.
Women find the two-piece suit more convenient for themselves.

Underneath the freezer suit, underwear and a T-shirt are more than adequate
and I have routinely work until 5am in very low temperatures in great
comfort wearing mine.

In my opinion and that of many other owners, a freezer suit is probably one
of the most worthwhile astronomical investments. When you're too cold
and miserable to think, let alone observe, that $10,000 telescope and $800
eyepiece just goes to waste.

Best Regards

Gary

[xstream]

No Geoff.
I will move this thread to the buy, sell and trade forum though with an edit to the title.

[Starkler]

I could be interested in a suit.
Can you find out what colours/styles are available please?

Dave47tuc has one of a plain colour without the reflecto strips etc, and that would be my preference.

[Lester]

Hi Geoff,

that price is fantastic. I bourght a ski suit 20 years ago for this hobby cost me about $360 then. I never get cold doing astronomy. It would be money well spent.

[GTB_an_Owl]

Geoff/Starkler

the ones i think we would get are exactly as in the previously posted pics by Astronut/Geoff on page 1
don't think we have much choice, though there may be a blue and yellow - not sure

[joe_smith]

I get those for free with my job :D. I work in a freezer – 30 / chiller - 5. There is a hepworths at Ingleburn. Didn’t know they cost that much, when they get dirty we get a new one. They also have a thermal leather boot call NU-BUCK Wheat boot. Those ski type boots don’t have much protection for your feet more like slippers.:eyepop: och

[GTB_an_Owl]

guess they don't wash very easy EH!

some of those boots are over $250 Joe

[joe_smith]

I hope our company is getting a big discount they supply about 500 people at our plant. Might see what price they can get them for.

[astronut]

Don't buy the heavy boots, a couple of the club members bought these and found them too heavy and uncomfortable over a long period of observing.
The Huskys are much more comfortable and supple and cheaper, about $45.:)

[Nordo]

I'd definitely be interested in the boots, and maybe the suit.
Damn. I just bought a warm coat from Rivers yesterday, just for viewing (no other reason to have a warm coat in Queensland;) ).

[GTB_an_Owl]

any more interest? - we still a few short for an order!

[spacezebra]

Hi young John

What are these "huskies" that you speak of:shrug:?

Cheers Petra

[Rodstar]

Geoff,

Put me down for a full suit, I am 5 foot 10 ish, medium build, I guess that makes me an XL?? Please confirm when you are placing an order, and I will arrange the payment to you.

Thanks for finding out this information, and making the arrangements.

[Dennis]

Firm Order:

Suit size: XL (assume this okay for 5ft 10in medium/heavy build, 80kgs).
Boot size: Size 9.

Please let me know how I can get the money to you (don't forget to add p&p for Brisbane).

Thanks!

Dennis

Edit: Firmed up on size XL and added weight of 80kgs for info.

[ausastronomer]

Guys,

If you don't get enough for an order with Hepworths or can't be bothered to drive to Ingleburn, you can purchase a freezer suit on the Central Coast.

I purchased my Freezer Suit from Hard Hat Safety at Tuggerah. They specialise in Industrial Work Clothing. It is made by Frontier Industrial Clothing and cost me about $150. I am very happy with it, although made in China it is excellent quality. My wife is a dressmaker and commented on how well it was made.

I know Gary and Andrew Murrell have Hepworth suits and are also very happy with those. In my case it was not worth driving from the Central Coast to Ingleburn to save $20. 4 hours of my time is worth somewhat more than $20, not even considering the fuel cost. The guy had to order it in especially for me from the product catalogue. It took about a week, but he was happy to order 1 unit into store. He also had no issues exchanging for a smaller size when the one I ordered was too big for me.

CS-John B

[spacezebra]

Hi there

I am 5ft 8 and 67kg not sure what size will suit me - and I like the look of the Huskies. Can you advise which is the best way to go?

Cheers Petra

[acropolite]

Just looked at my suit, I'm 5'7" & 80 KG and my suit has a label marked "M". Fitted me nicely when I was 10Kg lighter and still does. The legs are perhaps a tad long but that's no problem. It's around 8 years old so I don't know how that relates to todays models. If that's any guide then I presume M for medium would be right for you Petra (unless they make mens and ladies sizes)............. but please don't blame me if that's the wrong size..... :face:

[astroron]

I would like to order a pair of size nine boots:) please advise on payment details, including postage to Queensland:thumbsup:

[GTB_an_Owl]

thanks folks
responses getting more along the line we need
SIZES are probably going to be an issue
SO if there is anyone else out there that has these suits could they please give us a bit of feedback on what sizes fit who - TA
I'm about 5'10" and a 100kg and i tried on an "M" and it was tight all over so i'm thinking at least an "L" - probably an "XL" for myself

[Gargoyle_Steve]

I'm definitely interested .... boots yes please, size 10 thanks and thats a firm order.

Probably interested in a 2 piece suit instead of a one piece due to my being an irregular size - in order to get something that fits my circumference I usually find that most manufacturers assume I must be 6 foot 7 tall.
I'm definitely only 5'7", usually wear 6XL shirts, waist aroiund 130 cm.

Can we get some slightly more specific measurements than M - L - XL - 2XL, etc, perhaps chest, waist, etc in cm's or inches? I'd hate to order and end up with something that really won't fit me, and then have the run around of trying to send it back down south, postage each way again, hoping it fits this time, back and forth until something fits me.

[GTB_an_Owl]

John / Astronut
how does the size of your husky's compare with your actual shoe size?

and your suit size if you don't mind

Geoff

[astronut]

Hi Geoff, The difference between actual shoe size and the Husky is about one size, also remember that you will want to wear thick socks that will need a little extra room for comfort. I'm 5' 10" and about 100kg and i have a XL size. It has plenty of length as you can see in the pictures and plenty of growing room around the middle:rofl: :rofl: I hope this helps. Cheers, John.

[Nordo]

Are you saying that you should order your Huskys one size LARGER than your normal shoe size, or one size SMALLER?

[astronut]

John, One size LARGER. John:)

[Dennis]

Hi Geoff

Amendment to Dennis' Firm Order (Msg #35):

After reading the various posts on sizing (thanks guys), please amend my order as follows:

Suit size: L (height is 5ft 9 ¼in, medium/heavy build, 80kgs).
Boot size: Size 10.

Thanks!

Dennis

Edit: Boot size upgraded to 10.

[GTB_an_Owl]

some idea for your sizing
sm - pants= 77reg - waist=30" coat chest=34"
med - 87reg 34" 38"
Lge - 97reg 38" 42"
XL - 107reg 42" 46"
2XL - 117reg 46" 50"
3XL - 127reg 50" 54"
and so on - add 10 to the pants and 4 to the jacket for each size up

Use these sizes as a guide to the Full Suit

hope this helps

[astroron]

As posted shoe size should be one size larger, so I would like to order size 10 boots.Cheers:thumbsup: Ron

[GTB_an_Owl]

OK Guys and Gals
have decided freight will probably be about $15 for suits and $10 for boots
so add those costs to your remittance.
if it is a bit less i will donate the residual to Mikes IIS coffers
if it is a bit more - i will ask YOU to send the difference to IIS
if it is a LOT more you can send it to me!

you may now PM me with your FIRM order , name and address details, phone number and maybe your measurements if you like.
I would like moneys on there way to me before Friday so i can place the order as soon as cheques/money orders have a chance to clear early next week
I will PM you all with the payment details
how does that sound?

geoff

[ausastronomer]

It's now becoming a lot of effort to save $3 per freezer suit, particularly if it doesn't fit you and you need to exchange it as I did.

CS-John B

[spacezebra]

Hi Phil

Many thanks for the size comparison, I would presume then that a "M" would fit me nicely then;) .

Is the two piece suit the same price? If so this is a firm order for the suit. Will PM

Still none the wiser about the Huskies? where can I find them?

Cheers Petra

[Dennis]

Hi John

It appears difficult to source these suits in Brisbane, so to have them handed to me on a plate like this, along with the accolades of those that have used the suits and boots, has been the key purchasing factor for me, not the money saving. :thumbsup:

I don't mind paying for the convenience of this, not to mention indulging my laziness in not having to track these down myself! ;)

Cheers

Dennis

[GTB_an_Owl]

Petra

the price of the two piece is not the same unfortunately
pants are $80 for the small to 5xl range
coat is $90 for the small to 5xl range
prices were listed on first page of this post
sorry
geoff

[astroron]

As it is always Sunny up here on Queensland's Sunshine Coast:D I don't think any shops would carry Freezer Suits and Snow Boots, and to go down to Brisbane to search for them, with the cost of petrol would cost more than the boots, and as Dennis said it saves me a lot of effort which I thank Geoff for.:thumbsup:

[GTB_an_Owl]

Ausastronomer
saving a bit more that $3 on the hepworth brand here charlie brown
west gosford store quoted me $207
for the locals here on the coast that don't want to go to sydney to pick one up is a saving of $75 - no small cheese
the brisvegas crew still save $60 - even with freight

PS - local central coast orders do not have to pay the extra freight if they can pick up from here or i happen to be going past your place
geoff

[spacezebra]

Thanks Geoff

The price is still good - still not sure where to find the Huskies. Will PM you geoff with order details.

Cheers Petra

[ausastronomer]

Geoff,

The money isn't the issue. I am guessing several people will end up ordering the wrong size. I am 5'5" and almost 80kg and ordered a MEDIUM, I take large in just about every other clothing item I own. As it turns out the legs were about a foot too long and my wife could hop in it with me. I had to take it back and order a small size. Sending these things back and forward interstate doesn't sound like fun to me.

I would much prefer to buy the thing from a local dealer and know I can exchange it at a local store 10 mins drive away if it doesn't fit.

FWIW I just sourced the Frontier suits from another supplier in Gosford for $105 plus GST.

I am sure all the interstate people can also source the product from a local outlet and have the comfort that if it doesnt fit you take it back. These aren't eyepieces where 1 size fits all.

CS-John B

[Jupiter]

I am only interested in the Husky boots, and tried to google for them to no avail, does anyone know who makes them, or sells them, I would much rather chase them up for myself too.

[GTB_an_Owl]

Petra

picture of the Husky boots on first page post#10

if you are a size 8 ina shoe they say to order a 9 ( no half sizes - wear 2pr sox)

[Dennis]

Hello, John

Your words of wisdom (and concern) are heeded - thanks!

In my case, having done a lot of mountaineering and outdoors stuff in the UK and Europe, I have some insight into what fits me in terms of warm weather clothing. Other posts, such as yours, providing us with owner’s experience, help minimise the risk of the wrong size being ordered although obviously it would be more effective to try before you buy.

But, I like the idea of them turning up on the door step, so I'll take the risk and tip me hat to Geoff for organising the gear.

Thanks!

Dennis

[Gargoyle_Steve]

Geoff given the new info on boot sizing, etc, I'll consider my options and pm you in the next day or so.

As per Dennis's comment above .... I live on the Sunshine Coast, in the Sunshine State, and in my 42 years of life I have never even seen this mythical snow, as far as I know there is none of it within a thousand miles, give or take, of here so chasing up ski shops, etc .... forget it!

I too am grateful and pleased that Geoff has taken this on board and is willing to help out others here.
Steve

[GTB_an_Owl]

any one worried about the legs being a bit long in the suits (which they very well may be depending on your build) should consider the option of mix and matching the sizes in the pants and coats'

as posted - please refer to the sizing example supplied by the very helpful lady at Hepworth's

i'm pretty sure the legs in whatever suit i order will be a little long - but i am allready thinking about what i can use a "little fold" for
1) stubbie holder
2) eyepiece compartments
3) torch pocket
4) stubbie holder
5) mars bar pocket
6) did i mention stubbie holder?

I really would like to know what firm orders we have by Wednesday nite if you could

thanks geoff

[GTB_an_Owl]

last chance for orders is to-nite! Wednesday

[GTB_an_Owl]

NEVER to be repeated again at these prices!

[RB]

Just PMed you Geoff with my order.

Cheers.

[lost_in_space]

PM'd you with an order Geoff

[GTB_an_Owl]

Last call - anyone?

[GTB_an_Owl]

orders now CLOSED

[GTB_an_Owl]

ordered and payed for 4 suits and 6 pr boots, to-day gentlemens
they will be with you shortly (as soon as i can anyway)

geoff

[astroron]

Looking forward to mine:cool: :party2: :thanks: Geoff

[GTB_an_Owl]

Ok gentlemen

your parcels have been dropped off at the post office here, and i guess should start their journey to-morrow or overnite.

the suits are navy blue with yellow panels and reflector strip on the top - very smick!
my xl fits me great - even better if i could lose a few pounds round the middle - legs and arms are a good length
boots feel real comfy

no more cold or early nites for us fella's now - enjoy

Andrew - let me know whether you want to pick yours up or leave till our observing nite at kulnura/mangrove

geoff

[Dennis]

Hi Geoff

The parcel arrived safe and sound – very professional packaging. :thumbsup: The suit fits perfectly – like the proverbial glove. All I need now are some of those 0 deg C nights to test it out in. The freedom of movement within the suit is much better that I had imagined, I was expecting the material stiffness to be a minor issue.

Thanks heaps for your efforts in ordering, packaging and posting these – much appreciated. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Cheers

Dennis

[GTB_an_Owl]

Great Dennis

the suits are good, eh!
how were the boots?

geoff

[spacezebra]

Hey Geoff

I look forward to the next order that you do.

Cheers Petra

[astroron]

The Boots are good but I could have gone with size eleven as they will not allow two pairs of socks, they are a small size ten but hopefully will be warm enough with one pair:thumbsup:

[astronut]

Hi Ron, I use these boots in -5 to -6 temps and I've found one good pair of thick socks is enough.:)

[GTB_an_Owl]

mine just fit too!
but i reckon one pair of socks wll be enough and when the wool sits down a bit they will be perfect
don't forget to cut your toenails too! he he!

[astroron]

:hi: I have just come in from observing since 19:00, finished 23:15, had a great night, observed quite a few galaxies, Seeing 7-10 trans 7-10. Supernova in Ngc 5587 seen at mag 13? galaxy was just visible but was low down and has a given mag of 12.5.No I did not discover it:(
The boots were fantastic temp down to 6deg and I was sitting for most of the time and my feet are warm as toast. :D
This weekend is suposed to get a bit chillie so they should get a good test:P
Good onya Geoff!:thumbsup:

[GTB_an_Owl]

thats great news
actually i was thinking that if we went up another size in the boots to what we did, maybe we would have needed 3 pr socks

[astroron]

Geoff there is no room in these boots for another pair of socks, but it doesn't matter they are so comfortable.

[Dennis]

I'm hoping we get a cold spell soon, so I can try out my new beaut freezer suits and boots. If I’m imaging galaxies, I usually take a camping mat into the back garden and lie down under a blanket, just to keep an eye on the ‘scope, auto-guiding, clouds, etc and grab a bit of sleep so I can go through the night.

I reckon I could do away with the blanket and just sleep wherever I fall, in the freezer suit and boots. Sigh, reminds me of bivouacking out in the Alps at 14,000ft in my younger, mad days.

Cheers

Dennis

[Jupiter]

Got my boots today, will give them a run tonight, thanks Geoff.

[lost_in_space]

Got mine today Geoff, thanks. Now all I need is clear skies so I can experience a bit of WARM winter observing!

[GTB_an_Owl]

let us know how they go

geoff

[Dennis]

It's 12:35am (Wed morning) and the thermometer indicates 8 or 9 deg C outside. I am in the back garden grabbing images of the planet Uranus and a couple of his moons, with the freezer suit and boots on, and I am sweltering. I am praying it will drop to 4 deg C to prevent me overheating.

Cheers

Dennis

PS - I've got all the vents and zips open

[astroron]

Just come in from a great nights observing,Temp 6.5deg C Boots fantastic

[Jupiter]

Boots were a good thing, wore thin socks as the explorers made the boots a bit tight but no cold feet, also wore new lambskin gloves too, all up I was toasty, thanks Geoff.
Definitely makes the night more enjoyable when your feet aren't freezing.