Last Updated on September 1, 2020
Are you searching for the best cooling vest?
A few years ago a friend of mine told me about this new cooling vest she bought and how life changing it was. I paid attention as she isn’t one for exasperation so I did some research and purchased my first cooling vest. It really was life changing. I’ve owned a few more now over the years and they are amazing for working outside during the summer heat, riding my horse, and they have proven a godsend to those with MS (Multiple Sclerosis).
I’ve reviewed the most popular models on the market for performance, quality, durability and value. After reading this article you will know my best cooling vests recommendations.
Check the quick list below for links to customer reviews and prices for my best cooling vest picks, or read on for the full review:
- Glacier Tek Sports Cool Vest
- Ergodyne Cooling Vest
- TECHKEWL Phase Change Cooling Vest
- HyperKewl Evaporative Cooling Vest
- Budnew Summer Evaporative Cooling Vest for Men and Women
Table of Contents
Top Cooling Vest Benefits
When In first learned about cooling vests I did not realize how beneficial they can be. I spend a lot of time working outside and when the summer heat hits watching out for overheating and even heat stroke is a significant concern.
While working the farm a few years ago I suffered a heat stroke and let me tell you, it was scary. I was able to receive medical attention in time but it can come fast and not everyone is as fortunate. If you work outside in the heat or play summer sports a cooling vest, along with drinking plenty of water, can help you keep your core body temperature in a safe range.
A cooling vest also helps me stay working or playing longer. Heat fatigues the body fast and a cooling vest will help keep you moving longer.
The benefits don’t end there. About a year ago, a friend of mine with multiple sclerosis was told to invest in a cooling vest to help mitigate her symptoms as they flared up when the temperature rises.
It only takes a small increase in body temperature to trigger MS symptoms in some individuals. Not all people with MS will be effected by heat but for those who are effected a cooling vest can be an effective way to prevent symptom flare ups.
How They Work
Our core body temperature rises when the weather warms up and with physical exertion. So if you are working outside in the summer heat your body temperature is going to go up.
A cooling vest will absorb your body heat and help regulate your core body temperature.
Some cooling vests are cooled by being placed in the freezer or refrigerator while others are electric powered.
How to Use Your Cooling Vest
Anytime it is extremely hot outside or you are performing physical activities in the hot weather you should wear your heating vest.
The vest should be put on about thirty minutes before going out in the heat. Wear it over your normal clothing but it should not be worn over thick or clothing that doesn’t breath. Cotton tees are ideal as they are light and breathable.
Your cooling vest will last you approximately three hours but this does vary based on model and how hot it is outside.
Cooling Vest Picks
Me and my family own multiple cooling vests and we use them frequently during the summer. They work great when working the outside, riding horses, biking and really every outdoor summer activity. If you have a medical condition like multiple sclerosis, a cooling vest can be a tremendous benefit to preventing heat related symptom flare ups. I have reviewed the top brands available on performance, quality, and value.
Cooling Vest for Women and Men
Glacier Tek Sports Cool Vest
This high quality cooling vest is for women and men. It performs exceptionally well and provide up to two and a half hours of cooling in temperatures up to one hundred degrees. The durable ice packs can be refrigerated or put in the freezer and were ready to go in under an hour. This cooling vest is perfect for summer sports, working in the heat, and for MS patients.
- 2.5 hours of cooling
- For men and women
- Ideal for working outdoors, summer sports, and MS patients
- Packs ready in 20 minutes in freezer and an hour in the fridge
- Comes with mesh storage bag
- Excellent performance
Ergodyne Cooling Vest
This long lasting cooling vest works for women and men. The cooling packs provide up to four hours of heat relief and charge in less than 20 minutes in the freezer. The innovative honeycomb design allows excellent freedom of motion which is a shortcoming of many other available models. The vest is also flame resistant making it a great choice for welders and construction work. But it is a great cooling vest for all applications. I particularly liked using this one working outside around the farm.
- Long lasting, 4 hours of cooling relief
- For men and women
- Packs charge in under 20 minutes
- Flame resistant vest
- Lightweight
- Reflective vest for safety
TECHKEWL Phase Change Cooling Vest
Another high quality cooling vest designed for hot weather relief for men and women. This vest maintained a temperature around 59 degrees for three hours. This cooling vest is designed to function over clothing but also under work clothes. I did not test this, but the manufacturer states this vest excels even under hazmat suits and mascot costumes.
- Long lasting relief for hot weather
- For men and women
- Packs charge quickly
- Durable
- Excellent value
HyperKewl Evaporative Cooling Vest
Evaporative cooling vests are great for working outside and sports. This model is unisex and is quite lightweight and comfortable. It has two zippered pockets which came in handy while horseback riding and even bike riding. It comes in numerous sizes and colors.
- Cools for five to ten hours
- Ideal for summer sports and outdoor work
- Comfortable
- Two pockets
- Excellent value
Budnew Summer Evaporative Cooling Vest for Men and Women
This is a great value for the money. This cooling vest is for men and women and has adjustable side belts for a comfortable fit. It is machine washable and durable for long lasting cooling comfort. It provides up to four hours of hot weather relief.
- For men and women
- Up to four hours of cooling
- Ideal for summer sports and outdoor work
- Excellent value
For more best gear guides and tips read these articles:
- Hitting The Trails? Bring The Best Canteen With You
- Find The Fit: Top Horse Riding Jeans
- Get’R Done: Find The Most Rugged Work Pants
- Pull on Work Boots That Are Built to Last
If you have never used a cooling vest before I can guarantee that you will not be disappointed. A high quality cooling vest is a game changer and whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, work outdoors, or just looking for some relief from the heat, any of the top cooling vest picks will be an excellent investment.
Here is the quick list with my best cooling vest picks one more time. To see prices and customer reviews simply view the links below.
- Glacier Tek Sports Cool Vest
- Ergodyne Cooling Vest
- TECHKEWL Phase Change Cooling Vest
- HyperKewl Evaporative Cooling Vest
- Budnew Summer Evaporative Cooling Vest for Men and Women
Fred is the editor of Equine Ridge. He grew up raising horses and has been riding, training, and competing for almost four decades. Fred started out performing on the AQHA and PHBA circuits. Fred trained other competitors in English and Western riding disciplines and today offers free riding lessons to youth who would otherwise not be able to afford lessons. When not working with horses he can be found backpacking or trying to brew the perfect cup of coffee. Email Fred at fred@equineridge.com