Natural Apiary Zephyros Protect Beekeeping Suit Review
As a beekeeper, finding the right balance between protection and comfort is crucial, especially when working with agitated bees or in hot weather. After hearing several positive remarks about the Natural Apiary Zephyros Protect Beekeeping Suit, I decided to try it out for myself.
This review is based on my personal experience using the suit in various conditions, including hive inspections during hot summer days. I’ll cover the suit’s features, strengths, areas for improvement, and overall performance.
>>>Check the price of the Natural Apiary Zephyros Protect Beekeeping Suit on Amazon<<<
My Experience with the Natural Apiary Zephyros Protect Beekeeping Suit
When I first received the Natural Apiary Zephyros Protect Beekeeping Suit, I was impressed by its lightweight design. Unlike some of the bulkier suits I’ve worn in the past, this one felt manageable right out of the box.
The suit is made with a three-layer mesh fabric, which promises breathability and protection. Given that I live in an area where summer temperatures can easily exceed 90°F, I was eager to test the suit’s ventilation capabilities.
During my first use, the suit did not disappoint. The mesh layers allow air to flow through the suit, keeping me cooler than I would be in a traditional cotton suit.
While it doesn’t eliminate the heat entirely (which is an unrealistic expectation for any suit), it made hive inspections much more comfortable. I was able to spend more time checking on my bees without feeling overheated, which was a big plus.
Another feature I liked was the removable fencing-style veil. This type of veil offers excellent visibility and, in my case, did not collapse or block my view.
My Natural Apiary Zephyros Protect Beekeeping Suit remained securely in place throughout my hive inspections. The suit’s elastic cuffs, sturdy zippers, and adjustable waistband helped keep the suit secure and prevented bees from entering, which is essential when dealing with an active colony.
One thing that stood out to me was how well the suit balances comfort with protection. Despite being made of breathable mesh, I felt fully protected from stings. I’ve had bees land on me and crawl around the suit, but I never once felt vulnerable.
The mesh layers are thick enough to prevent bee stings from penetrating while still allowing airflow. Over time, I’ve used the suit for multiple inspections, and it has held up well in terms of durability.
Get the Natural Apiary Zephyros Protect Beekeeping Suit here.
Suit Design and Fit
The Natural Apiary Zephyros Protect Beekeeping Suit is available in various sizes, ensuring that beekeepers of all shapes and sizes can find a good fit. I opted for a medium size, and it fit me comfortably without being too tight or too loose.
The suit’s design allows for a good range of motion, which is critical when handling frames or lifting hive boxes.
In terms of fit, I found the elastic waistband and cuffs to be particularly useful. They helped ensure that the suit stayed in place, even when I was moving around a lot. The zippers were sturdy and easy to manage, even when wearing gloves. One of the common complaints with some beekeeping suits is that the zippers are flimsy or difficult to use, but I didn’t encounter that issue here.
The suit also includes reinforced knee patches, which I found beneficial when kneeling or working close to the ground. This small but thoughtful addition speaks to the durability of the suit.
Protection Level
As any beekeeper knows, the most important aspect of a beekeeping suit is the level of protection it offers. The Natural Apiary Zephyros Protect Beekeeping Suit provides excellent protection against bee stings, even when working with more defensive colonies. I’ve been in situations where bees were agitated, and not once did I feel a sting through the suit.
The three-layer mesh fabric plays a big role in this. While it’s breathable, it’s also designed to prevent bee stings from penetrating the material.
Even when bees landed on me or tried to sting through the suit, I felt completely safe. This suit strikes a great balance between providing ample protection and ensuring comfort, which can be a difficult combination to achieve.
Performance in Hot Weather
One of the key reasons I chose this suit was its promise of ventilation. Working in hot weather can be uncomfortable, but the Natural Apiary Zephyros Protect Beekeeping Suit helps alleviate some of that discomfort.
While I still got warm during long hive inspections, the suit allowed for enough airflow to keep me from feeling overheated. The mesh layers do their job well, making it a suitable choice for beekeepers in warmer climates.
That said, no beekeeping suit will keep you cool in extremely high temperatures, but this one certainly makes it more bearable. I found that taking breaks in the shade while wearing the suit helped, and the lightweight design made it easier to move around even when the sun was at its peak.
Pros:
- Breathable mesh fabric: The three-layer mesh provides excellent ventilation, making it a great choice for hot weather.
- Excellent sting protection: Despite its lightweight design, the suit offers reliable protection from bee stings.
- Comfortable fit: The adjustable waistband, elastic cuffs, and fencing veil make the suit easy to wear and comfortable during long hive inspections.
- Durable construction: Reinforced knee patches and strong zippers add to the suit’s durability.
- Good range of motion: The suit allows for easy movement, which is important when handling hives or performing maintenance.
Cons:
- Can still get warm: While the suit is well-ventilated, it doesn’t eliminate heat completely, especially during long periods of direct sun exposure.
- Price: It’s priced slightly higher than some other beekeeping suits, but the added comfort and protection justify the cost for many beekeepers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the Natural Apiary Zephyros Protect Beekeeping Suit suitable for hot climates?
Yes, the Natural Apiary Zephyros Protect Beekeeping Suit is designed with a three-layer mesh fabric that allows for excellent ventilation. While no suit can completely eliminate heat, this one does a great job of keeping beekeepers cooler during hive inspections in hot weather.
2. Can bees sting through the mesh fabric?
No, the three-layer mesh fabric is designed to prevent bee stings from penetrating. Even when bees are agitated and try to sting through the suit, the fabric provides reliable protection.
3. How durable is the suit?
The suit is highly durable, with reinforced knee patches, strong zippers, and high-quality stitching. It’s designed to withstand regular use and should last for several seasons with proper care.
4. How should I clean the suit?
The Natural Apiary Zephyros Protect Beekeeping Suit can be machine washed on a gentle cycle. It’s best to air dry the suit to maintain the integrity of the fabric and avoid shrinking or damaging the mesh.
5. Does the suit come with a removable veil?
Yes, the suit includes a removable fencing-style veil. The veil provides excellent visibility and is designed to stay in place without collapsing or obstructing your view during inspections.
Conclusion
Overall, I’ve been impressed with the Natural Apiary Zephyros Protect Beekeeping Suit. It offers a great combination of protection, comfort, and breathability, making it an excellent choice for beekeepers working in hot climates. The three-layer mesh fabric allows for ample ventilation while still providing sting-proof protection, and the suit’s design ensures a comfortable fit. While it can still get warm during long hive inspections, the suit’s ventilation makes it much more comfortable than traditiona…
Happy beekeeping!
Click here to check the price of the Natural Apiary Zephyros Protect Beekeeping Suit on Amazon.
