Cooling vests are all the rage among people in the know. Who uses them? Construction workers, gardeners, military personnel, motorcyclists, sportsmen and women, emergency services, people with medical conditions that have heat-sensitivity, and anyone who wants to enjoy summer without being overwhelmed by the heat!
How do cooling vests work?
There are 3 types of cooling vests that work in different ways to help keep you cool.
These vests use the natural process of evaporation to cool you down. When these vests are soaked in cold water, non-toxic crystals or specialized cooling fabric absorb hundreds of times their weight in water. This stored cold water is then slowly released by the process of evaporation. In hot conditions, as the water evaporates, the heat from the wearer is transferred into the air, helping to reduce the body temperature. If the vest dries out, just submerge into water for more hours of cooling.
Benefits:
Lightweight.
Easy to use throughout the day.
No electricity is required, making this perfect for people on the move.
The most affordable form of cooling vest.
Disadvantages:
Not as effective in high humidity.
Hyperkewl Evaporative Cooling Sport Vest - Available in multiple colors
Ergodyne Chill-Its Evaporative Cooling Vest - Unisex design provides hours of relief
DryKewl Evaporative Cooling Vest - Body-fitted and great for motorcyclists
Phase change vests have large pockets in the front and back into which a refrigerated or frozen non-toxic pack is inserted. This pack is flexible and helps to reduce the wearer's temperature for up to 4 hours. The inserts can be refrozen for later use. Each vest usually includes one set of packs. For all-day cooling, extra packs can be kept in a cooler or freezer until you are ready to exchange them.
Benefits:
Hard wearing.
Works in high humidity.
Cooling packs can be reused.
Does not produce condensation.
Typically provides a cooler temperature than evaporative cooling vests.
Disadvantages:
Packs can be heavy and bulky.
TechKewl Pull-Over Phase Change Cooling Vest - One set of 2 Cool Pax inserts and one cooler bag for storage are included with each vest
Ergodyne Chill-Its Phase Change Premium Cooling Vest - Maintains constant 64°F / 18°C for up to 4 hours
Coolture Signature Cooling Vest with CoolPaks - Made to fit snugly
Circulatory vests are the most advanced cooling vests available. Based on technology developed by NASA, these vests work by circulating cool water through non-kink tubing around the wearer's body. As the water moves through the system, it removes heat from the body, cooling you down. This water then flows back through the unit to a reserve of cold water. The circulating water automatically cools before being re-circulated back around the vest.
Benefits:
Available in different power options including 12 volt, battery, and standard household outlet.
Provides a cooler temperature than either evaporative or phase changing cooling vests
Works in high humidity.
Available as vests, shirts, and even pants!
Can be used as rehabilitation stations for construction workers or emergency services.
Disadvantages:
More expensive.
Cool Shirt MobileCool 2 Aqua Vest - Eight-foot hose connects the vest to cold water in a carry pack
Cool Shirt System 6 Person Rehab Station - Safely lowers the core body temperature of up to six people at one time
KewlFlow Circulatory Cooling Vest With Backpack - Allows you to carry your ice water with you on your back
Hybrid/Specialty Phase Change Cooling Vests
These vests feature either evaporative and phase change cooling technology or are specifically designed to provide cooling comfort and maximize athletic performance and/or stimulate weight loss. These vests feature a set of non-toxic, freezable pack inserts and are also made of evaporative fabric that works even if you are unable to refreeze the cool packs. These vests also use the same cooling crystals or absorbent material featured in evaporative cooling vests.
Benefits:
Typically provide a cooler temperature than evaporative cooling vests.
Hard wearing.
Each cool pack can be reused.
Easy to use throughout the day. Just submerge in cold water for more hours of cooling.
Disadvantages:
Purchasing options are more limited.
TechKewl Elite Hybrid Sport Phase Change Cooling Vest - Available in several colors
KewlFit Performance Enhancement Cooling Vest For Men - Perfect for workouts
ThermApparel UnderCool Low-Profile Phase Change Cooling Vest - Stay cool without advertising you're wearing a cooling vest
Summer is just around the corner! Don't be caught without a shady hat, a cold drink of water, and a cooling vest!
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