Dave Landers
Beta Tester
I'm going to (finally) buy a PAPR, and am trying to weigh a head-top unit vs a "fanny-pack". Today, I'm between the Powercap and the Cleanair from Peke.
I've read most of the other reviews here, etc. I don't have any questions about specific units or specs or any of that. I know the fanny-pack units will generally have better performance with respect to ratings and etc. That's not my question.
My main concern is based on "know thyself": doesn't matter how good the unit is if I won't wear it consistently. It needs to be convenient enough (initially) that I will develop a habit of using it. This is a serious consideration for me, and one that's hard to evaluate without a "test drive" (which just isn't going to happen).
On the positive side for the head-top unit is that putting it on is basically the same as putting on my face shield. That habit is reasonably well developed for me, so not a big change.
For the fanny-pack models, are there any convenience-related positives or negatives?
Seems like it would takes two hands to buckle it, so what do you do with the helmet while putting it on?
Anyone find the hose getting in the way?
Does it interfere with wearing a smock? Has to go on the outside, I expect, so can't use the smock's back pockets?
Anything else to consider (in the habit-formation department)?
I've read most of the other reviews here, etc. I don't have any questions about specific units or specs or any of that. I know the fanny-pack units will generally have better performance with respect to ratings and etc. That's not my question.
My main concern is based on "know thyself": doesn't matter how good the unit is if I won't wear it consistently. It needs to be convenient enough (initially) that I will develop a habit of using it. This is a serious consideration for me, and one that's hard to evaluate without a "test drive" (which just isn't going to happen).
On the positive side for the head-top unit is that putting it on is basically the same as putting on my face shield. That habit is reasonably well developed for me, so not a big change.
For the fanny-pack models, are there any convenience-related positives or negatives?
Seems like it would takes two hands to buckle it, so what do you do with the helmet while putting it on?
Anyone find the hose getting in the way?
Does it interfere with wearing a smock? Has to go on the outside, I expect, so can't use the smock's back pockets?
Anything else to consider (in the habit-formation department)?