Need Snake Bite Proof Jacket

[Bogertophis]

With the heat & humidity in TX, none of these options are going to be comfortable though.

I was just thinking that what you really need is something to keep fangs/teeth at a distance, while allowing air-flow. Reminds me of the "fang guards" that I made & installed on my old Neodesha cages, over the vents to keep stray fingers safe when I did programs w/ rattlebrats. I fashioned fang-guards out of welded wire mesh (aka "hardware cloth")- the same stuff I make all my glass tank tops out of- including one for the large square tank that sat on the floor as a "coffee table" with a mojave green occupying it- that one I made with a double mesh top, with spacers between the layers of wire mesh so that fangs couldn't penetrate past both layers. (That way, I could prop my feet on top without worrying...lol- I'm a little twisted, I know.)

The worst thing about most welded wire is that it's very abrasive, but if you could find (or special order) some that's smooth, you could shape* a double-layer (with safety spacers) "vest" to wear over your regular clothes- full ventilation so it wouldn't be so hot & awful to wear. (*maybe shape it over a dress-form?) I think of the weirdest things... Essentially "armor" but full of holes.

[wnateg]

You could try something like a blacksmith's apron. A little pricey but it's good leather. Here's an example.

https://lifetimeleather.com/products...saApDcEALw_wcB

Yea something like that was my original thought.

Oh, yeah...that never occurred to me. I keep hearing about heavy rain & flood waters down south & in TX- I thought maybe you're swimming with diamondbacks in your house?

If you don't mind the bulk, a PFD (personal flotation device) with good coverage would probably serve the purpose, at least until you find a more flattering option. Handy for floods too.

True, if it's thick enough, then it doesn't need to be puncture proof.

Yea, there was plenty of rain. My fence went bye bye!

An apron may be too thin unless you can get one thick enough. Bison leather is real thick I have one jacket of that but its heavy. but I guess you will research.
Another idea might be a leather jacket with removable arms. (or even a motorbike jacket with removable arms, they are padded too) I have one I use to protect me from falls horse riding (I cant be using the horse riding armour. that's a bit embarrassing as only kids use it in the uk). I don't know if detachable sleeves is still available though. it was the fashion back in the day.
Oh, wait, it is
https://www.google.com/search?q=leat...chrome&ie=UTF-

Edit, yes just saw the Hugsplox blacksmiths apron post, that looks a good idea.
Not as cool as a leather jacket though

True, a leather jacket would have a dual purpose of a fashion piece!

[wnateg]

With the heat & humidity in TX, none of these options are going to be comfortable though.

I was just thinking that what you really need is something to keep fangs/teeth at a distance, while allowing air-flow. Reminds me of the "fang guards" that I made & installed on my old Neodesha cages, over the vents to keep stray fingers safe when I did programs w/ rattlebrats. I fashioned fang-guards out of welded wire mesh (aka "hardware cloth")- the same stuff I make all my glass tank tops out of- including one for the large square tank that sat on the floor as a "coffee table" with a mojave green occupying it- that one I made with a double mesh top, with spacers between the layers of wire mesh so that fangs couldn't penetrate past both layers. (That way, I could prop my feet on top without worrying...lol- I'm a little twisted, I know.)

The worst thing about most welded wire is that it's very abrasive, but if you could find (or special order) some that's smooth, you could shape* a double-layer (with safety spacers) "vest" to wear over your regular clothes- full ventilation so it wouldn't be so hot & awful to wear. (*maybe shape it over a dress-form?) I think of the weirdest things... Essentially "armor" but full of holes.

Yea, unfortunately, most will be uncomfortable. That's why I kind of like your pfd idea, the thick foam would create distance but not be super heavy.

This issue never even dawned on me until I asked my doctor today, and he said you absolutely don't want that to happen.

[KMG]

Is this a common occurrence for you?

Did a doctor suggest this?

I am just trying to wrap my head around it. I have been bit once on the stomach and of course many times on the hands and arms......but never my chest.


I wouldn't waste money on kevlar though. Kevlar actually needs many many layers to be stab resistant. The layers they put in most jackets and pants I would not expect to stop the teeth of a ETB as it is there for sliding down a road....not needle like teeth. A good thick leather alone should stop them though. Adding a kevlar lining to it will just make it cost more for no more protection.

I would simply buy a leather motorcycle jacket. Not one that is perforated of course. I have kevlar vest for work and leather motorcycle jackets for riding. With the list of snakes you have I don't see any getting through any of my leather jackets.

[wnateg]

Is this a common occurrence for you?

Did a doctor suggest this?

I am just trying to wrap my head around it. I have been bit once on the stomach and of course many times on the hands and arms......but never my chest.


I wouldn't waste money on kevlar though. Kevlar actually needs many many layers to be stab resistant. The layers they put in most jackets and pants I would not expect to stop the teeth of a ETB as it is there for sliding down a road....not needle like teeth. A good thick leather alone should stop them though. Adding a kevlar lining to it will just make it cost more for no more protection.

I would simply buy a leather motorcycle jacket. Not one that is perforated of course. I have kevlar vest for work and leather motorcycle jackets for riding. With the list of snakes you have I don't see any getting through any of my leather jackets.

I have never been bitten on my chest, but the financial repercussions would be significant enough to pre-emptively avoid.

Okay, leather was my first thought too. I'm glad I wasn't far off base. Thank you!

[Bogertophis]

Yea, unfortunately, most will be uncomfortable. That's why I kind of like your pfd idea, the thick foam would create distance but not be super heavy.

This issue never even dawned on me until I asked my doctor today, and he said you absolutely don't want that to happen.

They make fairly large kneeling pads that are about an inch thick with hi-density foam inside, covered with sturdy vinyl outside. I think I got mine from Brookstone, it's been a while.

All you'd have to do is put straps on it, so they tied behind your head for the top 2 corners, & at the waist from straps attached at the bottom corners- just wear as a "vest"- it would be too thick for teeth to penetrate, & pretty good airflow, & not heavy. Most PFDs will be awkward, because they're thicker than you need. And leather would be heavy to wear.

I suppose you could just install some pool noodles in a t-shirt?

[KMG]

I have never been bitten on my chest, but the financial repercussions would be significant enough to pre-emptively avoid.

Okay, leather was my first thought too. I'm glad I wasn't far off base. Thank you!

I bet you could find a nice leather vest that zips or snaps all the way up that would work, to leave your arms free. Something with a cut like this. I am not suggesting this vest, only the design. But I bet most all motorcycle vests will stop the teeth of a nonvenomous snake.

https://www.amazon.com/True-Element-...3-b0156e5c6669

[wnateg]

They make fairly large kneeling pads that are about an inch thick with hi-density foam inside, covered with sturdy vinyl outside. I think I got mine from Brookstone, it's been a while.

All you'd have to do is put straps on it, so they tied behind your head for the top 2 corners, & at the waist from straps attached at the bottom corners- just wear as a "vest"- it would be too thick for teeth to penetrate, & pretty good airflow, & not heavy. Most PFDs will be awkward, because they're thicker than you need. And leather would be heavy to wear.

I suppose you could just install some pool noodles in a t-shirt?

lol your dyi attitude is definitely commendable, but I think I am leaning towards the pfd or the leather vest for sure.

I bet you could find a nice leather vest that zips or snaps all the way up that would work, to leave your arms free. Something with a cut like this. I am not suggesting this vest, only the design. But I bet most all motorcycle vests will stop the teeth of a nonvenomous snake.

https://www.amazon.com/True-Element-...3-b0156e5c6669

https://www.hillsideusa.com/Zippered...est_p_967.html

These seem pretty durable, and the same style. I like it!

[Bogertophis]

lol your dyi attitude is definitely commendable, but I think I am leaning towards the pfd or the leather vest for sure...

Aw, you're no fun... But it's been fun, brain-storming this unique problem anyway.

[Ascended]

Yea something like that was my original thought.



True, if it's thick enough, then it doesn't need to be puncture proof.

Yea, there was plenty of rain. My fence went bye bye!

True, a leather jacket would have a dual purpose of a fashion piece!

YAY leather. please. Only joking. But I have a thing for leather. Wait, just for leather jackets.

But to be serious, I used to have to deal with wild caught back in the day when only wild caught was available, all sorts and sizes with my work with london zoo and the biggest specialist reptile shops. Nothing got through my leather jacket. even huge berms or green tree pythons with massive teeth. (would not trust it with venomous fangs though.)
Even my hands were safe, i would just retract them in the sleeve. It gave me so much confidence and I did not have to carry gloves and such everyware, I would only say, no cheep thin leather.