Vests that use evaporative technology are a type of passive cooling vest. Evaporative vests are lightweight and easily portable.
For Spencer Schaffner, an Illinois resident with MS who works primarily outside, the TechNiche HyperKewl (shown above) evaporative vest has become his favorite.
The TechNiche vest is available for about $40 at a variety of outlets. It needs to be soaked in water for just 2 to 3 minutes before you put it on, and thanks to its water-resistant liner, it won’t leave you too damp.
According to Schaffner, “The vest is easy to carry, you can take it in the car, and for me, it usually lasts for 1 to 2 hours before it needs another soak.” As he points out, you can’t wear it inside the house because it drips. Because of this, the vest works best for outdoor activities like walking and kayaking.
Schaffner has posted a few personal reviews of cooling vests on YouTube.
Bexfield cautions that evaporative cooling vests work far better in low humidity. In high humidity, little evaporation will occur, and the vest is likely to be very uncomfortable. They’re primarily recommended for someone looking for a lightweight vest in a dry climate.
Best for: Staying cool in a dry climate at a moderate price
Active Cooling Vests
The most expensive and technologically advanced cooling vests are active cooling vests. The majority work by pumping chilled fluid around the body through tubing built into the vest. This type of vest is very effective at lowering the body’s temperature and can sustain a lower body temperature for longer than some other types.
These vests can be very effective in certain circumstances. But Bexfield notes that active vests have limited portability because of their specialization and weight, as they require a pump, cooler, and power source. Thus, they are most suitable for heat-sensitive folks who need to stay cool at home or wherever a power source is accessible and portability is less of a concern.
Some newer active cooling products package their pump and cooled liquid reservoir in a tote or backpack along with a battery for more mobile applications.
The Compcooler Backpack Water Cooling System can circulate up to 3 liters of ice water through the vest and costs around $270. The Cool Water Shirt from Coolshirt Systems has similar tubing sewn into the torso and shoulder area of a T-shirt and costs $272.
But the active components that work with the shirt are sold separately, and will add to the total price tag.
Best for: Maximum cooling when money isn’t an issue and portability is not a priority
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