What is a Cooling Vest?
Cooling vests work on the fundamentals of cold therapy which help to standardize your core body temperature and prevent sudden drops or rise. These products use active cooling technology, like battery or electrical-powered vests, or passive cooling technology, like gel packs. The vests can be worn inside or over your regular clothes and can be used to counter the effects of exposure to a hot environment. We have a comprehensive selection of cooling vests to provide cold therapy for all body types.
How does an Ice Vest work?
Cooling vests work either through active cooling action or passive cooling action. In the former, electric current or battery is used to provide the cooling. The cooling lasts longer but it is more expensive. Passive cooling action does not depend on an external factor, like battery or current, for the cooling. Its cooling power does not last long and may be from around 30 minutes to four hours. Cooling vests are generally used by athletes, who use cold therapy to cool their body temperature and improve their performance, construction workers and welders, as well as people suffering from Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia and other types of sports injuries.
Cool Vest Types
We carry five types of high-quality cooling vests which work on varying premises like using ice gel packs, battery/electric current, ice pack vest, etc.
Evaporative Cooling Vests
- This vest, worn outside the clothing, is easy to use, reusable and therefore cost effective. The user just has to soak the vest in cold water for about 1-3 minutes, wring the water out and wear them. When the water reacts with the cooling agents in the vest, it evaporates causing the body temperature to fall. The Evaporative Cooling Vest from Polar Products is good for outdoor activities as it keeps you effectively cool during strenuous activities. It does not require cold packs, coolers or freezers. Evaporative cooling vests work best in low humidity climes.
Ice Pack Cooling Ves
Cooling energy packs are activated in a refrigerator and placed inside the vest’s pockets. Since it is cold to the touch, hence must be worn outside regular clothing.
Phase Change Cooling Vest
Phase Change Cooling Vests employ a technology of placing cold packs, containing non-toxic oils and fat, into a freezer or ice water for about 35-40 minutes. These packs will freeze or solidify at temperatures generally between 55 and 65 degrees Farenheit. They are then inserted into the garment’s pockets and will continue to remain frozen and maintain this temperature for approximately 2 to 4 hours. The Adjustable Zipper Vest is an example of such a vest from Polar which is suitable for both indoors and outdoors use and ideal for MS heat sensitivity.
Circulatory Cooling Vest
In this type, water is used to cool the body temperature. A cooling reservoir is provided which is connected through a hose to the vest which has inbuilt tubes. The reservoir is filled with ice water which is pumped into the vest. The Cool Flow vest from Polar is equipped with more than 50 feet of high flow cooling water lines inside the vest. It is lightweight and weighs just 16 oz with water in the lines.
Thermoelectric Cooling Vest
This cooling vest is battery powered and cools down the inner surface of the vest.
Benefits of wearing Cooling Clothing
- Reduces fatigue for shorter recovery time from an intense activity
- Reduces skin temperature while maintaining stable core temperature
- Improves blood circulation prolonging high-level performance.
- Slows dehydration by conserving fluid that otherwise lost through sweating
- Prevents heat related symptoms
Things to consider while choosing a Best Cooling Vest
- Size of the Cooling Vest: Size is important when picking a vest; ensure it fits you well around the torso because you will not get the desired result with an ill-fitting vest.
- Weight of the Ice Vest: Certain cooling vests are relatively heavy, such as ice pack cooling vests and phase-change cooling systems. The weight you must carry during an activity or a shift to perform your duties should be considered.
- Level of activity: Your selection will also depend on how much cooling you need and for how long. People who need to keep cool for a short duration will need a different variety of cooling vests than those who need to keep cool for eight or ten hours a day. Similarly, those who just want moderate coolness do not require bulky ice vests to offer optimum cooling for the user. To make an informed decision, you must consider the specific cooling requirements before purchasing.
- Active cooling vs passive cooling: There are two types of ice vests: active and passive. Active cooling vests require a power source to keep cool; they run on batteries or AC power adapters. Most active vests work by recirculating the chilled water or liquid chemical mixture throughout the vest’s interior. These vests retain cooling for a longer time than passive cooling vests. Passive cooling vests use ice packs to keep the body from overheating. These ice vests have large pockets to hold ice packs that can be filled and reused. These are relatively less expensive because of their simplicity. Their portability makes them better suited for outdoor use than active cooling vests. The downside is that they do not retain cooling as long as the active cooling vests and are limited to 30 minutes to four hours at a time.
Top-reviewed Motorcycle Cooling Vests
- Polar Cool Comfort Hidden Cooling Vest
- Polar Cool Comfort Deluxe Sports Cooling Vest
- Polar CoolOR Adjustable Zipper Cooling Vest
Where to buy a Cooling Vest online?
Health Products For You carries a vast selection of cooling vests from top manufacturers like Polar Products, Techniche International, etc., at the best prices. Place your order today!
Read more about the Cooling Vest for MS
FAQ's
Frequently asked questions
Yes cooling vests are safe to wear and provide fast relief from pain and inflammation. Cooling vests are convenient to use and easy to store.
Yes, it is recommended to have a layer of thin soft cotton t-shirt under the cooling vest.
If cooling vests are not punctured or damaged then they can last up to 5 years. Stored in a cool dark place and properly taken care of, they may last longer.
