Cooling Vest

H eat is the main culprit behind a varied range of work-related efficiency problems, like slower reaction time, or reduced efficiency and coordination. Cooling vests can aid you in this matter, as they provide you with a way to keep your body temperature down even if the air temperature is high. They come in several types, as the technology behind them differs from ice packs up to a battery-supported cooling, offering you versatility. Moreover, they can help ameliorate some symptoms of chronic diseases, as well as aiding you in your work or training sessions. Therefore, to help you pick a unit that fits your requirements, we offer you our best recommendations.

Top 9 Cooling Vests Compared

Photo	Product Name	Cooling Type	Material	Size Options	Effect Duration	Color	Price
Best Overall	1. Compcooler COMP-BPIC-7418B	Electric water recirculation	Soft stretch mesh fabric	4	10 hours	1	Check Price
Our Choice	2. TechNiche International TI6529RBL	Evaporative effect	Quilted nylon with HyperKwel polymer	7	5-10 hours	2	Check Price
Best for Mascot Costumes	3. Glacier Tek Sport	Phase-change material packs	N/A	4	2.5 hours	3	Check Price
	4. New Home Innovations Ice Vest	Phase-change material packs	Soft mesh	5	3 hours	2	Check Price
Best for MS Patients	5. FlexiFreeze Personal Kit	Pure water ice cubes	Neoprene	6	2-4 hours	1	Check Price
	6. Thermapparel Festival Bundle	Phase-change material packs	88% Nylon + 12% Spandex	5	1.5 hours	1	Check Price
	7. TechKewl 6626-RB-L/XL	Phase-change material packs	100% Cotton with Thermal Liner	3	2-3 hours	1	Check Price
Best for Construction Workers	8. Ergodyne 6215HV	Phase-change material packs	Modacrylic cotton blend	2	4 hours	2	Check Price
	9. Ergodyne Chill-Its 6685	Dry evaporative	Nylon	6	3 days	1	Check Price

1. Compcooler COMP-BPIC-7418B

This system provides you with integral cooling, as it is comprised of a backpack with an ice-water circulation unit, and a reversible liquid cooling vest. It uses a 2200m Ah Li-Ion rechargeable battery, with adaptor included, as well as a 7.4V mini pump to recirculate the water stored in the backpack, through the vest. This way, you can rest assured that the heat won’t affect you, and it is also environmentally friendly.

Design

The vest is made from a soft stretch mesh fabric which allows air ventilation as well as comfort when you wear it. It also comes with adjustable sides, to allow you to easily fit it on your body, and it is available in several sizes, as it ranges from XS up to 4XL. It features a reversible design, which allows you to choose if you wish to wear it in dark green or black. While it had been designed with an under-clothes application in mind, it can be worn over clothes, as well, depending on your preferences. It features a zippered closing system, to keep it tight on your body.

The backpack features a large, 3-liter quick-release chamber, which comes with insulation. It has 2 straps that will keep the water bladder secure, while the two tubes will make sure to recirculate the water from the vest to keep it cool. It comes with padded and adjustable shoulder straps for an easy and comfortable way to fit it to your needs. It also comes with waist straps to secure the backpack on your body, so it won’t bounce as you work.

Additional Features

• The vest offers four zones of cooling – front, back and sides.
• It provides extreme cooling – from 36 °F (2.2 °C) up to 68 °F (20 °C)
• 10 hours of operation with one charge
• Quiet operation – 48 dB
• Can be used with both water and ice cubes
• 3-6 hours with water cooling, and 2-4 hours from ice cubes cooling

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2. TechNiche International TI6529RBL

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It is available in two different colors – royal blue and silver, and it has plenty of sizes to choose from, so you can easily find the one which fits you best. The sizes range from XS up to 3XL, and it is made with quilted nylon, and embedded with HyperKwel polymer. Not only it is sturdy and comfortable, but it provides you with 5 up to 10 hours of cooling relief as well.

However, it requires to be soaked in water every few hours, as it features an evaporative cooling system, thus it works only in dry weather. It is worn over your clothes, but you don’t have to worry about your shirt getting soaked, as it will only get a little damp. It features a zipper closing system, thus it will stay close to your body shape, and it features a V-neck for comfortable wear.

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3. Glacier Tek Sport

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Even if the climate rises to 100 °F, this vest will help you maintain your body temperature at 59 °F for up to 2.5 hours. It features an adjustable design, which allows you to personalize the sides as well as the shoulders according to your needs. The heavy-duty front zipper will make sure to secure it, while it weighs less than 5 pounds, therefore providing you with a lightweight unit. It is available in 3 colors – red, blue and light gray, so you can easily pick the one you like best.

It comes with 8 cooling packs, which require around 20 minutes in the cold water of around 1 hour in the freezer before you use them. There are two sets of packs, a set which consists of larger packs – 10.3 ounces, and a set which comes with smaller packs – 7 ounces. They contain PureTemp, a USDA BioPreffered certified phase change material, so you can use it for a long time, as it won’t get damaged from intense use.

The vest will fit any chest sizes that range from 29 inches up to 52 inches, S-XL respectively. In case you need larger shoulder straps, there are extensions available; allowing it to reach up to 3XL, but you will have to buy them separately. It comes with a mesh bag that provides you not only with easy storage but also with hassle-free transportation for both vest and cooling packs.

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4. New Home Innovations Ice Vest

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It measures 21 inches in length and 15 inches in width, and it will help you reduce your skin temperature for optimum comfort and stable body temperature. It features an ice pack-cooling system, and it is made from soft-to-touch, yet sturdy and durable mesh material which provides you increased ventilation. It is designed with adjustable shoulder and torso straps, so you can fit it to your body size, and it provides a wide size variation as it can go from S up to XXL. It can be worn according to your preferences, both under and over clothes, and it weighs only 3 pounds.

The main inner back double pockets each measure 4.5 inches in length and 9 inches in width, thus it will cover your entire back, and it comes with two other pocket inserts on both sides. It includes 8 cool packs, for faster cooling, and it comes with an insulated carrier bag for easy transportation. The cooling packs will last up to 3 hours, and they require to be pre-frozen for at least 1 hour before wearing the vest. It is available in two colors – navy and white, so you can easily pick the one you like best.

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5. FlexiFreeze Personal Kit

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The FlexiFreeze Personal Kit uses 96 pure water ice cubes to efficiently bring down your body temperature. It is an ideal solution for those who are sensitive to heat or work in heat stress-related places, as well as for anyone who is looking to stay cool without too much effort. It can be used both indoors and outdoors, and it is machine washable, allowing you to easily keep it clean. The kit includes a vest, 2 full panel sets, 1 ice sheet, and an insulated carry bag, providing you with all the necessary accessories to maintain your body temperature comfortable.

The vest contains dual pockets on the back, and front, thus you can easily place and replace the ice panels when they melt. It can support up to 3 ½ pounds of ice cubes, thus it will help you quickly cool down, and it is made from neoprene, which provides insulation as well as softness and flexibility. Don’t let its 1-inch thinness trick you, as it will provide you with efficiency as well as mobility, not once standing in your job’s way. Even more, the vest is adjustable; allowing you to choose from XS up to 2XL, and it comes with string-adjustable sides, to help you fit it to your body.

The insulated carry bag provides you with an easy way of storing both ice cubes and vest, as well as allowing you to easily take the kit with you wherever you need it. The ice cubes provide you with 2 up to 4-hour cooling ability, and they can be re-used as soon as you refreeze them. While you can use them as soon as they solidify, it is recommended to let them sit in the freezer for at least 10 hours. Additionally, it can be worn under clothes, and it comes with both zipper and Velcro closing systems.

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6. Thermapparel Festival Bundle

The Thermapparel Festival Bundle is made of nylon and spandex, and weighs less than 2 pounds, making it lightweight, and discrete. It features a unique design, which doesn’t cover your chest, but rather the middle of your spine and lower back. Therefore, it provides you with flexibility, as you can easily move your arms and shoulders. The mesh situated on the back and sides will provide efficient ventilation, and the cooling effect lasts up to 1.5 hours. Moreover, its sizes range from XS up to XL, thus you’ll be able to pick the one that fits you best.

It comes with adjustable straps, so you can personalize it according to your build, and it is machine washable, providing you with quick and hassle-free cleaning. It comes with 2 sets of phase-change material packs, so you can easily swap them up in need. The packs are reusable, and you can either put them in the freezer for around 1 hour, or you can cool them up in ice water for about 20 minutes.

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7. TechKewl 6626-RB-L/XL

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It is made from 100% cotton completed with a thermal liner, and it comes with removable phase change inserts, designed to keep the cooling sensation longer. Therefore, it will be able to keep your temperature down for about 2-3 hours. Additionally, it will provide you with a customizable, comfortable fit, thanks to its adjustable side and shoulder straps.

Its sizes range from M up to 2XL, thus you’ll be able to easily choose the one that fits you best, and it comes with 4 phase-change material inserts. They are reusable, thus you can easily refreeze them and use them again, saving you money in the long run, as well as providing you with constant comfort. They require up to 45 minutes, to be fully functional, and additional packs can be purchased separately in case you need even more cooling power.

The vest is machine washable, thus you don’t have to worry about cleaning, and it comes with a zippered closing system. It is lightweight, only 2 pounds and it is thin enough to be worn under clothes. It comes with a limited 1-year warranty against factory defects from the moment of your purchase.

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8. Ergodyne 6215HV

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It offers a frosty layer of comfort thanks to its non-toxic and non-carcinogenic phase-changing material packs. The packs can be easily reused, as they require 10 up to 30 minutes of being kept in ice water, fridge or freezer. It provides you with a constant 64 °F temperature for 4 hours, regardless of the climate, and it comes with two packs – one for the chest and the other for the back. The vest is made with a mixture of modacrylic cotton blend and flame resistant fabric, thus you can safely work with fire while wearing it, and it comes with two color choices – orange or khaki.

It features a honeycomb design, which will increase its flexibility, and your comfort, and it features reflective accents for increased visibility. It comes with adjustable shoulder straps and waistband, thus you can safely adapt it to your body type, and it is available in two sizes L/XL (40”-52”/102cm – 132 cm) and S/M (32”-40”/81cm – 102 cm). Once you get the ice packs out, the vest is machine washable, for hassle-free cleaning. It even features two pen slots on its right side, to allow you to always keep writing utensils ready. It can be worn under or over your clothes, depending on your preferences.

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9. Ergodyne Chill-Its 6685

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What pops when you first look at the Ergodyne Chill-Its 6685 is the lime color that not only adds to its style, but that helps enhance safety as you become more visible at night to drivers. It is available in 6 different size options that range from M to 4XL, and can be worn by those who have the following chest size measurements: M: 38” – 41”, L: 41” – 44”, XL: 44” – 47”, 2XL: 47” – 50”, 3XL: 50” – 53”, 4XL: 53” – 56”.

As it is made with industrial-grade nylon, it resists in the toughest of conditions and through intense use. as it boasts a V-beck with front zipper closure design, it ensures a snug, comfortable fit and it is easy to put on and take off. A design element that adds to its usability stands in the mesh side panels that add ventilation and stretch to confer a comfy fit.

It can be filled with 13 to 20 ounces of water and provides up to 3 days of cooling to keep your body temperature in check. For safety, the wearable is treated with an anti-microbial that helps prevent mold growth. Additionally, it is machine washable, so you will have an easy time keeping it clean.

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Types

These amazing cooling systems, designed to keep your temperature at bay, come in various options, making it easier for you to find the one you need. They come in four different variations: water-activated evaporative vests, ice pack ones, gel packs, and phase change vests.

Ice Pack

• These types are the most common and some think they are the most effective from them all. To use them, put the containers in the freezer until it turns into ice, and put them in the vest pouches. A downside of wearing one is that they need to be recharged every 3-4 hours.

Gel Pack

• The gel pack option works just like the one with ice, with the only exception that they need to be frozen for a couple of hours before being able to wear it. On the downside, these have certain limitations when it comes to their efficiency and performance, and will more likely fail you after just one hour.

Evaporative

• These have the principle of evaporation at its core, meaning they need to be put in water for a couple of minutes, squeeze them for a bit, and then they are ready to wear. However, you will have a problem on your hands if you live in humid climates because this one cools you after the water evaporates.

Phase change

• These are by far the most complicated of them all and the priciest ones. Unlike the others, these are filled with a special cooling substance made of oils and fats put inside pockets that you cannot open. They freeze faster than the ones filled with water, and the organic materials inside keep you cool for longer periods.

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Who Needs One?

Working in a strenuous, hot environment, will have a negative impact on your body, in the long run. While you might be unable to stop your activity, since it might be a job requirement, a cooling vest can enhance your working conditions tremendously. Additionally, depending on the region you’re living in, or your medical conditions, you’ll also be required to invest in a cooling vest.

• Warm, humid living conditions will have a high impact on your body. Therefore, especially during summer, it is required to wear a cooling unit, which can regulate your body temperature
• Athelets are also in need of cooling-down equipment, as their performance might be negatively affected, otherwise, by extreme heat.
• Pepople who suffer from medical conditions, like multiple sclerosys. Even the slightest increase of temperature can intensify their symptoms, so to keep their illness under control, they are advised to pick a cooling vest.
• People who work in industrial markets, like construction, gas or oil. Since the temperatures they are dealing with are often too much for the body to bear alone, cooling equipment is highly needed
• Fire fighters require a way to maintain their bodies cool, as well, especially when they have to dive into the fire to save lives.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Verdict

A must-have for sports players, the cooling effect vest does more than just add comfort, as it helps prevent dangerous complications related to high body temperatures, like heat strokes, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion. It is not limited only to athletes, as anyone who works in high-temperature environments or perform activities that make their body temperature rise, can benefit from them.

Best Overall : Compcooler COMP-BPIC-7418B
Compcooler COMP-BPIC-7418B provides an innovative way of keeping your temperature cool, as it recirculates the water by using a battery-driven pump. With several sizes to choose from and a reversible design, the heat won’t be a problem anymore. Able to keep you cool for up to 10 hours with only one recharge, it comes with an under-cloths application, so it won’t impose on you a certain fashion.

Our Choice : TechNiche International TI6529RBL
TechNiche International TI6529RBL offers you a discrete way of cooling down, without getting your clothes soaking wet. It features an evaporative system, and it provides up to 10 hours of cooling efficiency. Available in several types of sizes, you’ll be able to choose the one that fits your body type, and it comes with a price for all pockets, under $100.

Best for Mascot Costumes : Glacier Tek Sport
If you’re looking for a vest that can be used if you’re wearing a mascot outfit, then Glacier Tek Sport is a great choice. It offers phase-change material packs that will keep your body cool, your clothes dry and can be reused whenever you need to. Not to mention that they are comfortable and come in two sets to allow you to pick the ones that fit you best.

Best for MS Patients : FlexiFreeze Personal Kit
Those who suffer from multiple sclerosis are quickly affected by any additional temperature degree. Therefore, in order to maintain their body cool at all given moments, FlexiFreeze provides a Personal Kit of ice cubes. Able to maintain the coldness for 2 to 4 hours, the kit comes with everything you might need to keep the heat away: 2 full panel sets, 1 ice sheet, and an insulated carry bag.

Best for Construction Workers : Ergodyne 6215HV
Working in a physically demanding industry, like construction, will surely raise the body temperature, especially in hot summer days. A great way to combat this unpleasant situation is Ergodyne 6215HV. This PCM vest will make sure to maintain your body temperature stable for up to 4 hours, and it comes in two colors, bright orange, and khaki. The adjustable shoulder straps and waistband will help you set it up according to your body type, while its flame-resistant properties will provide you with additional work-safety.