Recently I got the Skillers Flexi System Tool Rig, which is essentially an ergonomic back belt with a harness and tool bags. It is an incredible product. I tested it by putting as many tools from my tool box that would fit in it. I could list them all, but suffice to say, it more than accomodated as many hand tools that one could need for a job. The ergonomic design of the Tool Rig disperses the weight of the load over your hips and shoulders, much as a camping backpack might. It was comfortable, even with 20-30 pounds of tools in it. I wore it around for a while while doing other tasks, and it remained comfortable. There is total freedom of movement with a full Skillers Tool Rig, and I was almost sad to put my tools back in my tool box when I was finished testing the product.

For those who aren't in the know, Skillers is a workwear company that got its start in Sweden in 1972 by Matti Viio, "The Electrician Who Got Mad As Hell" and designed his own workwear. The result 35 years later is a company that is an industry leader in workwear in Europe, and now their products are available in America. According to the Skillers web site:

Skillers Workwear introduces a revolutionary concept in work clothing:

A flexible system of integrated work wear designed to meet the specific needs of skilled professional electricians, plumbers, carpenters and construction and building contractors. The company's work wear is specially designed to address on-the-job safety issues such as the physical strain of carrying tools, as well as stress from demanding and repetitive actions. These features protect the well-being and livelihood of the worker, benefiting both the individual and employer.

The Skillers Flexi System is a new concept in tool belts and ergonomics. To quote Skillers:

Skillers Flexi System is a system that helps you to individualize your work wear to suit your own personal needs. This system of belt, yoke, harness, suspenders and several pouches will help you to carry the weight of your tools and equipment evenly and lessen the fatigue and lower back pain from carrying all the weight on your hips. The system of pouches also works on most of our garments. You simply attach your favorite pouches on to the sewn-in velcro tool fastener.

Skillers Flexi System is made from hard-wearing, light-weight Cordura that retains its shape for a long time. Compared to leather, the material is lighter, airier, does not absorb dirt and moisture and will not get moldy.

I am looking forward to putting my Skillers Flexi System Tool Rig to good use. Any product that saves my back on the job is worth looking into. In addition, I have been wearing Skillers pants on the job for over a year, and I'm convinced that their products are an ergonomic model for the construction industry to follow. Skillers products are available now at their website, and will soon be available for purchase at Ergo-Eco.