ES6tLMQ0PXfdqC9-18bZz9xUQ9E The Life Of A Coast Guard Wife: Summer in the South: RPCM Cool Vest Review & Giveaway

Friday, July 2, 2010

Summer in the South: RPCM Cool Vest Review & Giveaway

I have been DYING to share this one with you guys! While searching for sponsors, I ran across RPCM Cool Vest! Right away, I knew I had to contact them. And now, I am beyond happy that I did!

In all honesty, I didn't think I would be hearing back from them. The cool vests are such a nice item, I didn't think they'd want to be a part of this. Maybe I'm cutting myself a little short. Soon after I sent my message, I got an email back from Ray Booska, one of the founders. He told me to give him a call.

Hum...I've never had a contact tell me to call them. But, I was really curious about the product and though, 'hey, if I can shed the light of the blogosphere on a wonderful company, I'll do it'. Right away I picked up my phone and called.

Ray wanted the low down on the whole blog review thingy. :) I explained it all to him. His main concern was that, what if I gave him a bad review. I told him that I wouldn't have contacted him if I didn't think I was going to like the product! He then went on to give me a lot of information on the vests.

Before I start my review of the vest I received, I want to share as much information as I can on this most wonderful vest!

The company was founded in 1995 as a Florida Corporation by Steve Wuest and Ray Booska. They, like many other new companies started out in a garage, but soon moved into a real manufacturing facility. 3 years later they hired their first employees.

In 2001 they created military model products using mil-spec camouflage materials. Cool vests are worn by all, but I love to see them being used by our military. They are constantly battling the heat and these are a great asset for them. A very loyal customer to Cool Vest is no other than the United States Coast Guard right here in Mobile AL! I was so pleased to hear that!

Not only are the military wearing these, but also law enforcement. Not to mention that they even make the vests for dogs! So, yes, law enforcement dogs and military dogs are wearing them as well! Military and Law Enforcement Working Dogs suffer in the extreme heat. This puts them at risk and their handlers at risk. Imagine trying to do YOUR job in the summer heat AND when wearing a fur coat! That's why these vests are helping so much. You could say that they are saving lives!

I wanted to tell you about the Military Working Dogs Cooling Vest Project. Most people don't know that there are also dog overseas serving as well. The military takes good care of their men, but what about the dogs? Temperatures get up to 130 degrees! The dogs can not handle that! That's where the cool vests come in. The Gem City Dog Obedience Club is working very hard to provide vests for the approximate 300 dogs in Iraq. And it's not just the vests they are getting. They also need Doggles to protect their eye, Muttluks to protect their feet from the hot sand and asphalt, and collapsible water bowls. YOUR help is needed to send these brave dogs the tools they need to continue to protect us and our soldiers! There are three ways to donate. PLEASE, send what you can!

1) Visit http://www.supportmilitaryworkingdogs.org/ and click on the Support Our Troops button and it will take you to a secure online PayPal link.

2) Mail a check, made out to:
       SupportMilitaryWorkingDogs.org
       P.O. Box 122
       Donnelsville, OH 45319-0122

3) Visit any US Bank location and give the teller a check made payable to:
       SupportMilitaryWorkingDogs.org
       Account #130110310088

The Cool Vests are 100% made in the US! Everything from the straps, down to the thread it's sewn together with! Now, I don't want you to get the wrong idea. Don't think that you are going to put this on and expect to feel like you just jumped into a pool. The cool vest uses Phase Change Material (PCM) Cooling Technology. RPCM® (Renewable Phase Change Material) is made from high-technology processed fats and oils - even classified as "food grade" by the FDA. Think of it as "second generation" phase change material for the 21st century. All other phase change material (PCM) cooling vests use old-style petroleum byproducts like hexadecane, which contain hazardous chemicals. If it doesn't say RPCM®, it's just not safe!

The vest is meant to keep your body temperature regulated, not to make you cold. Put the Cool Packs in a container of ice water, the refrigerator, or freezer until the clear liquid turns into a white solid, then slide them into the pockets on the vest, put the vest on, and you're good to go! There are adjustable straps on the sides and shoulders to make it fit securely to your body.

The vests will continue to maintain a 59 degrees temperature as long as any portion of the PCM remains solid within the pack for up to 2 1/2 hours!

Now on to my review. The day before I got my vest was my grass cutting day. I LOVE to cut the grass, and will do it in the heat of the day. Yeah, I know, I'm a little crazy! 8-) I went out there and got going. It was HOT! I finished the front and back yard and headed inside. We don't have a small yard being that we are on a corner lot. I was out there for a while. I took breaks and drank lots of water. When I went inside, I felt TERRIBLE! I sat down on the tile floor and then couldn't move. All of the sudden, I had to run to the bathroom to throw up. I was dizzy, weak, and scared! The hubby is of course out to sea, so I'm only here with my 4 and 5 year old! Luckily, I relaxed and jumped in a cool shower, then took a nap with my boys.

It could have been a lot worse. Getting overheated is a very dangerous thing. And take it from me, it sneaks up on you! Once again, in steps the Cool Vest!

This week when I went out to cut the grass, I threw my Cool Vest on! I cut the whole yard and the vest was still cool when I finished! The whole time I was cutting, I could feel the coolness on my back. Mind you, I was still hot and sweaty, but not like before! When I took the jacket off after I was done, I immediately touched my hand to my back and stomach. They were nice and cool! And, the cool down process went so much faster because I wasn't as hot as I usually am! There will never be another day that I cut the grass without my Cool Vest!

My husband is an MK in the Coast Guard. In other words, he's a mechanic. Which means that he works down in the engine room on the boat. As you can imagine, there isn't any air conditioning down there! He comes home all the time complaining about how hot he was and trust me, I can smell it on him! :) Since I  was sent the Coast Guard issued Cool Vest, I sent it to work with him. He is also having the same results! Being down there in the heat is much more manageable now!

My overall impression of the Cool Vest is outstanding! Not only is the company helping military, law enforcement, working dog, and the general public, but they are also sending vests to the people working out in the Gulf helping with the oil spill! Such a great company!

                                                                               WIN IT                                                                       
Ray has kindly sent me an extra Cool Vest to giveaway to one (1) of my VERY lucky readers!

                                                                   MANDATORY ENTRY                                                       
Visit RPCM Cool Vest and tell me something you learned that I DIDN'T mention in my review! Please be sure to leave your email address in the first entry, or that it's visible on your profile. *You MUST do the mandatory entry! All bonus entries will be deleted if it's not done first!*

                                                                        BONUS ENTRIES                                                           
Leave separate comments for each entry


1 Extra Entry-
Follow me on Twitter
Follow  on Twitter
'Like' me on Facebook
'Like' on Facebook and leave a comment on their wall telling them I sent you
Add my blog to your blogroll
Enter another one of my giveaways. 1 entry for each.

2 Extra Entries-
Subscribe to my blog via email
Grab my button and tell me where to find it
Follow my blog via GFC

3 Extra Entries-
Grab my Summer in the South button and tell me where to find it

8 Extra Entries-
Blog about this giveaway and tell me where to find it
Make a purchase from RPCM Cool Vest
Make a donation to help the Military Working Dogs

Daily Entries-
Tweet about this giveaway. 3 tweets per day. Please do not tweet all together!

RT #Win a RPCM Cool Vest from @USCGWifey and #Giveaway ends 7/23 http://bit.ly/chRs9N

                                                                            RULES                                                                         
Giveaway ends July 23, 2010 @ 12 (noon) CST

Winner(s) will be chosen via Random.Org., and contacted via email
Winner(s) have 48 hours to respond to the email or another winner(s) will be chosen
Open to US Only

Don't forget to thank a member of our MILITARY!

158 comments:

Linda Kish said...

The RPCM® Cool Vest has achieved significant results in assisting persons with physical conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, HED, Excema and others which prevent or inhibit normal body heat dissipation.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

debbie said...

I entered the crazy dog shirt giveaway.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I am a email subscriber.2
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I learned they recharge in as little as 20 minutes in icewater.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

andrea v said...

The RPCM® Cool Vest has achieved significant results in assisting persons with physical conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, HED, Excema and others which prevent or inhibit normal body heat dissipation.
This would be great for me since I was diagnosed with MS and affected by the heat
vickers at comcast dot net

andrea v said...

email subscriber entry 2

andrea v said...

email subscriber entry 1

andrea v said...

http://twitter.com/vickers2622/statuses/17677740124

Shooting Stars Mag said...

wow, this sounds like a great product. i get hot sooo fast, so anything at all that helps is welcome. my brother is in the army so I think it's really amazing they are helping them. I also learned-

A special pink RPCM® Cool Vest is just the answer for you to keep cool while promoting Breast Cancer Awareness

awesome!
lauren51990 AT aol DOT com

andrea v said...

http://twitter.com/vickers2622/statuses/17713084083

Anonymous said...

Wow, I didn't even know such a product existed! I can see where this would be an amazingly helpful product in many situations. I used to work in environmental cleanup and this certainly would have been great to have on job sites in the middle of summer!!! So I was happy to read on the website that they are offering a 10% discount for those purchasing a vest who are working in the Gulf Coast cleanup efforts.
greenlancer at comcast dot net

CathyH said...

This vest is really cool! ;)
It is therapeutic to symptoms of menopause, breast cancer patients can benefit from it and they donate $10 to Komen
cathyhorner at embarqmail dot com

CathyH said...

Like you on facebook
cathyhorner at embarqmail dot com

CathyH said...

email subscriber 2
cathyhorner at embarqmail dot com

CathyH said...

email subscriber 1
cathyhorner at embarqmail dot com

p.s. I do mow in the heat of the day too, can be brutal!

CathyH said...

entered Nachomama
cathyhorner at embarqmail dot com

CathyH said...

entered CrazyDog
cathyhorner at embarqmail dot com

CathyH said...

donation 1
cathyhorner at embarqmail dot com

CathyH said...

donation 2
cathyhorner at embarqmail dot com

CathyH said...

donation 3
cathyhorner at embarqmail dot com

CathyH said...

donation 4
cathyhorner at embarqmail dot com

CathyH said...

donation 8
cathyhorner at embarqmail dot com

CathyH said...

donation 7
cathyhorner at embarqmail dot com

CathyH said...

donation 6
cathyhorner at embarqmail dot com

CathyH said...

donation 5
cathyhorner at embarqmail dot com

andrea v said...

http://twitter.com/vickers2622/statuses/17816933494
daily tweet
vickers at comcast dot net

andrea v said...

http://twitter.com/vickers2622/statuses/17858804093
daily tweet

andrea v said...

http://twitter.com/vickers2622/statuses/17940714870

c allen said...

i loved learning that a special pink RPCM® Cool Vest is just the answer for you to keep cool while promoting Breast Cancer Awareness clallen at ntin dot net

CathyH said...

entered roadkill t-shirts
cathyhorner at embarqmail dot com

CathyH said...

entered novica
cathyhorner at embarqmail dot com

andrea v said...

http://twitter.com/vickers2622/statuses/18025609181

andrea v said...

http://twitter.com/vickers2622/statuses/18109627088

loni broesch said...

I learned that The Oklahoma Chapter of the National MS Society can provide financial assistance to clients that are interested in purchasing a cooling vest.

trippyjanet at hotmail dot com

loni broesch said...

I follow you on twitter @trippyjanet

trippyjanet at hotmail dot com

Lyra Schroeder said...

Entered the Essential Swimwear giveaway!

Lyra Schroeder said...

I never even knew there was such a thing as cooling vests for dogs---those are fantastic! Love the idea, and learned something new! usa_schroeder@yahoo.com

MOMFOREVERANDEVER said...

they have a pink vest also for breast cancer awareness

andrea v said...

http://twitter.com/vickers2622/statuses/18190434281

andrea v said...

http://twitter.com/vickers2622/statuses/18236438061

andrea v said...

http://twitter.com/vickers2622/statuses/18263448265

Unknown said...

I learned that you use icy water to re-charge them ... tiffypoot@aol.com

Unknown said...

I follow you on twitter @tiffypixie tiffypoot@aol.com

Unknown said...

I subscribe by email tiffypoot@aol.com 2

Unknown said...

http://twitter.com/tiffypixie/status/18274917492 ...Tweet (tiffypixie) tiffypoot@aol.com

Linda Kish said...

GFC follower 2

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

GFC follower 1

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

andrea v said...

http://twitter.com/vickers2622/statuses/18319330654

andrea v said...

http://twitter.com/vickers2622/statuses/18345147284

andrea v said...

http://twitter.com/vickers2622/statuses/18392401563

andrea v said...

http://twitter.com/vickers2622/statuses/18430412636

andrea v said...

like you on facebook
vickers at comcast dot net

andrea v said...

http://twitter.com/vickers2622/statuses/18558106778

andrea v said...

http://twitter.com/vickers2622/statuses/18608030272

andrea v said...

http://twitter.com/vickers2622/statuses/18676739914

andrea v said...

http://twitter.com/vickers2622/statuses/18728821934

Kendyl said...

I learned you can use ice water to recharge the vest in just 20 minutes.
kendylann3 (at) yahoo (dot) com

Kendyl said...

Following you on twitter (kendylann)
kendylann3 (at) yahoo (dot) com

Kendyl said...

Following via GFC (username K with picture of a dandelion) - 1
kendylann3 (at) yahoo (dot) com

Kendyl said...

Following via GFC (username K with a picture of a dandelion)
kendylann3 (at) yahoo (dot) com

chromiumman said...

i learned that the Oklahoma Chapter of the National MS Society can provide financial assistance to clients that are interested in purchasing a cooling vest

chromiumman (at) mail (dot) com

rah267 said...

crazyred61@yahoo.com
I learned The mission of Glacier Tek, Inc. is to make a positive difference in the lives of people who are exposed to temperature extremes at work or play

catss99 said...

Wow, as soon as I saw this, I immediately thought of my dad. Even though he's 60, he's out working 8 hours a day mowing lawns for money. He has to change his shirt 4 times a day!
I enjoyed checking out the news section of their website. I learned that people can apply for financial assistance to help purchase the vest and some info on the dangers of heat for diabetics.
amanda
catss99@yahoo.com

andrea v said...

http://twitter.com/vickers2622/statuses/18788054959

andrea v said...

http://twitter.com/vickers2622/statuses/18791722594

catss99 said...

follow on twitter catss99
catss99@yahoo.com
amanda

catss99 said...

got you on my blogroll at catss99.blogspot.com
catss99@yahoo.com

catss99 said...

i sub via email
catss99@yahoo.com

catss99 said...

sub via email entry 2
catss99@yahoo.com

catss99 said...

follow with gfc
catss99@yahoo.com

catss99 said...

follow with gfc entry 2
catss99@yahoo.com

catss99 said...

button at catss99.blogspot.com
catss99@yahoo.com

catss99 said...

button at catss99.blogspot.com entry 2
catss99@yahoo.com

catss99 said...

got your summer button 1
http://catss99.blogspot.com/
catss99@yahoo.com

catss99 said...

got your summer button 2
http://catss99.blogspot.com/
catss99@yahoo.com

catss99 said...

got your summer button 3
http://catss99.blogspot.com/
catss99@yahoo.com

catss99 said...

oops, mistake on my last comment, meant to post the link:
http://twitter.com/catss99/status/18792810761
catss99@yahoo.com

catss99 said...

saturday night tweet
http://twitter.com/catss99/status/18819667991
catss99@yahoo.com

catss99 said...

blog entry 1
http://catss99.blogspot.com/2010/07/cool-vest.html
catss99@yahoo.com

catss99 said...

blog entry 2
http://catss99.blogspot.com/2010/07/cool-vest.html
catss99@yahoo.com

catss99 said...

blog entry 3
http://catss99.blogspot.com/2010/07/cool-vest.html
catss99@yahoo.com

catss99 said...

blog entry 4
http://catss99.blogspot.com/2010/07/cool-vest.html
catss99@yahoo.com

catss99 said...

blog entry 5
http://catss99.blogspot.com/2010/07/cool-vest.html
catss99@yahoo.com

catss99 said...

blog entry 6
http://catss99.blogspot.com/2010/07/cool-vest.html
catss99@yahoo.com

catss99 said...

blog entry 7
http://catss99.blogspot.com/2010/07/cool-vest.html
catss99@yahoo.com

catss99 said...

blog entry 8
http://catss99.blogspot.com/2010/07/cool-vest.html
catss99@yahoo.com

andrea v said...

http://twitter.com/vickers2622/statuses/18849484006

andrea v said...

http://twitter.com/vickers2622/statuses/18852337903

catss99 said...

sunday tweet 2:00
http://twitter.com/catss99/status/18857705555
catss99@yahoo.com

catss99 said...

sunday evening tweet- 5:00
http://twitter.com/catss99/status/18866904048
catss99@yahoo.com

catss99 said...

sunday night tweet
http://twitter.com/catss99/status/18890956131
cats99@yahoo.com

andrea v said...

http://twitter.com/vickers2622/statuses/18906955521

catss99 said...

mon morning tweet
http://twitter.com/catss99/status/18909525834
catss99@yahoo.com

Jenn S. said...

I learned that RPCM® Cooling Vest can be worn directly against your skin without fear of frostbite, tissue damage, or discomfort.

clynsg said...

They also have a Nail Stop set that will help protect the cool packs from shop objects that might snag them.

cgclynsg0 @ gmail dot com

clynsg said...

Entered the Nacho Mama giveaway

cgclynsg0 @ gmail dot com

clynsg said...

Entered the Novica giveaway

cgclynsg0 @ gmail dot com

clynsg said...

Entered the Crazy Dog giveaway

cgclynsg0 @ gmail dot com

clynsg said...

Follow via GFC #1

cgclynsg0 @ gmail dot com

catss99 said...

http://twitter.com/catss99/status/18933184221
mon afternoon tweet
catss99@yahoo.com

catss99 said...

monday evening tweet
http://twitter.com/catss99/status/18946819585
catss99@yahoo.com

andrea v said...

http://twitter.com/vickers2622/statuses/18959009105

Heather! said...

Wow! The Cool Vest isn't just about comfort, it can be used therapeutically as well. People with MS or breast cancer patients can benefit from using it! That's pretty cool!
(I'm really impressed by its being used for dogs, too. When I lived in the Californian desert my dog sure could have used one!)
Thanks!
h4schaffer at gmail dot com

Heather! said...

I LIKE you on Facebook!
(Heather S Chaffer)
h4schaffer at gmail dot com

andrea v said...

http://twitter.com/vickers2622/statuses/18985165041

Heather! said...

I entered the NOvica giveaway!
h4schaffer at gmail dot com

Heather! said...

I entered CrazyDog giveaway!
h4schaffer at gmail dot com

Heather! said...

I entered NachoMama giveaway.
h4schaffer at gmail dot com

Heather! said...

I entered the Road Kill giveaway.
h4schaffer at gmail dot com

Heather! said...

I entered Zehn Naturals giveaway.
h4schaffer at gmail dot com

Heather! said...

I entered the Vapur giveaway!
h4schaffer at gmail dot com

catss99 said...

tuesday tweet
http://twitter.com/catss99/status/19016609209
catss99@yahoo.com

andrea v said...

http://twitter.com/vickers2622/statuses/19068309307

catss99 said...

wed tweet 1
http://twitter.com/catss99/status/19092644338
catss99@yahoo.com

andrea v said...

http://twitter.com/vickers2622/statuses/19117090572

andrea v said...

http://twitter.com/vickers2622/statuses/19245486256

wgbc1446 said...

I learned that within the 150 different ectodermal dysplasia (ED) syndromes, the inability to perspire is a feature of many of the conditions. This is a syndrome I had never heard about. What a blessing the vest is for the folks who experience these syndromes! wgbc1446[at]yahoo[dot]com

Jodi said...

I found out that they have achieved significant results in assisting persons with physical conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis. I would love to win this for my cousin who has MS.

purehrt555(at)yahoo(Dot)com

andrea v said...

http://twitter.com/vickers2622/statuses/19297407214

Louis H said...

for your canine companion you can get a RPCM® Chilly Dog Cooling Vest

Louis H said...

following you on twitter at rosidentevil

Louis H said...

2
Following publicly as Louis on Google Friends Connect

Louis H said...

here is my tweet
http://twitter.com/rosidentevil/status/19304863419

Pamcakes said...

I learned that not only do they make vests for people but for dogs too! Brilliant!

catss99 said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/catss99/status/19307475888
catss99@yahoo.com

Storm Safety Blog said...

RPCM® Cooling Vests maintain a comfortable 59°F (15°C) and they quickly recharge after 20 minutes in ice water.

Unknown said...

The vest comes in desert camo.

susansmoaks said...

i learned
The patented RPCM® in our cooling vests is a unique 'green' formula which contains no hazardous chemicals and is completely non-toxic.

susansmoaks at gmail dot com

susansmoaks said...

email subscriber
susansmoaks at gmail dot com

susansmoaks said...

tony l smoaks likes you on facebook
susansmoaks at gmail dot com

andrea v said...

http://twitter.com/vickers2622/statuses/19329990263

Donna said...

I learned it can help people. with physical conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, HED, Excema.
donna444444@yahoo.com

Donna said...

I follow you on twitter.(donnak4)
donna444444@yahoo.com

Donna said...

2.I subscribed by email.
donna444444@yahoo.com

Donna said...

2.I follow on GFC.
donna444444@yahoo.com

Michael said...

One concern I had that was covered by the information on the website - the RPCM Cooling Vest can be worn directly against your skin without fear of frostbite, tissue damage, or discomfort.

mcj4tlj(at)comcast(dot)net

FIBERONE said...

I learned that "Multiple Sclerosis
MS symptoms become worse when the body's temperature increases - even half of a degree is enough to start feeling worse. By cooling the body, many people experience relief from their MS symptoms." Since I have a friend with MS, I found this very interesting.

Unknown said...

I learned Cool Packs quickly recharge in only 20 minutes in ice water. garrettsambo@aol.com

Charlene Kuser said...

I learned the The RPCM™ Cool Packs can recharge in about 20 minutes in icewater or a freezer and last up to 2½ hours in a 100°F environment.

CharlieGurl57(at)aol(dot)com

Charlene Kuser said...

I Like you on Facebook (Charlene Kuser)

CharlieGurl57(at)aol(dot)com

Charlene Kuser said...

I am a subscriber to your blog via email

CharlieGurl57(at)aol(dot)com
#1

Charlene Kuser said...

I am a subscriber to your blog via email

CharlieGurl57(at)aol(dot)com
#2

Charlene Kuser said...

I am following you via GFC (Charlene)

CharlieGurl57(at)aol(dot)com
#1

Charlene Kuser said...

I am following you via GFC (Charlene)

CharlieGurl57(at)aol(dot)com
#2

Charlene Kuser said...

Tweet:@Swtlilchick
http://twitter.com/Swtlilchick/status/19346982901

CharlieGurl57(at)aol(dot)com

Chrystal said...

I learned that they quickly recharge in only 20 minutes in icewater. They can also be recharged in a fridge or freezer.

chrystaljns (at) gmail (dot) com

Chrystal said...

Follow you on twitter - @chryskay

chrystaljns (at) gmail (dot) com

Chrystal said...

#1-Follow publicly via Google Friend Connect

chrystaljns (at) gmail (dot) com

Chrystal said...

#2-Follow publicly via Google Friend Connect

chrystaljns (at) gmail (dot) com

Chrystal said...

Tweeted: http://twitter.com/chryskay/status/19350966287

chrystaljns (at) gmail (dot) com

Julie said...

Cked their store online and found out that they also sell children cool vests-what a neat
idea
aunteegem@yahoo.com

Julie said...

like you on fb-Julie A Scott Laws

great review by the way ;)

aunteegem@yahoo.com

Julie said...

# 1 follow blog jelaws5
aunteegem@yahoo.com

Julie said...

# 2 follow blog

aunteegem@yahoo.com

Julie said...

# 1 email sub
aunteegem@yahoo.com

Julie said...

#2 eamil sub
aunteegem@yahoo.com

Miranda Ward said...

The Vests help Breast cancer paitents

cman said...

This would be perfect for my husband since he is in law enforcement.
Many industrial environments subject workers to extreme heat. From manufacturing to mining and smelting, or even working in a hot warehouse all day...RPCM® Cooling Vests provide relief.

 
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