Before we jump into our selection of the best cooling vests, let’s take a second to address what and who they’re for.

Firstly, according to NASA, the Earth is getting hotter and hotter each year, and many can sympathize with the exhausting effects of being out in the heat for prolonged periods.

Whether you’re an athlete, an MS patient, or just the citizen of a hot city, combating the heat can be a daily struggle.

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Cooling Vest

Fortunately, cooling vests and other products are available that use multiple methods of keeping your body heat down, and your performance up.

From Phase Change Elements that charge at room temperature, to vests embedded with dozens of slow melting ice cubes, a good cooling vest is a serious product with major benefits.

Related: Choosing the Best Gym Shoes for Men

What is a cooling vest?

Cooling vests use different methods to remain cool for hours at a time. If you’re expecting an elaborate lab vest with tubes coming out of it, then you may be surprised at how sporty and comfortable cooling vests actually are. Most of them are normal and casual enough to wear alone, although many opt to wear them under a work uniform or other clothing.

Cooling technologies, styles, and ways of fastening each vest vary, but each cooling vest ultimately resembles a casual sleeveless vest. Research done on cooling vests has revealed different ways they can enhance performance.

Different Types of Cooling Vests

When shopping for cooling vests, the most common types on the market involve phase changing packs that are inserted into the vest. That said, there are at least six methods used in manufacturing cooling vest, and they include embedded ice, materials that stay dray and cool, and even crystals that retain water.

The typical range for cooling vests is 2-10 hours, and almost all of them come with spare packs that can be charged to enable continuous cooling. Considering your needs, you may want a cooling vest that is extra durable, lightweight, lowest temperature, or most stylish looking, and there’s a massive variety so you’re likely to find the perfect one.

For additional details on types of cooling vest, check out individual product sites, and this synopsis of their pros and cons.

Who Uses Cooling Vests?

From everyday workers who get hot on the job, to athletes who have to perform in 90 degree weather, there are virtually infinite reasons to use a cooling vest. Many people who live in hot climates would appreciate the ability to stay cool even on short runs to the store, or while walking around their city.

Some diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) have symptoms that are triggered by heat, and a cooling vest can help them alleviate these symptoms. Athletic performance is shown to be effected by heat, and a cooling vest can keep their body temperature at an optimal rate throughout their workout.

First respondents are a major market for cooling vests, and companies like First Line Tech design cooling gear that is tough enough to meet the needs of cops and firemen. Ultimately, whether you’re alleviating symptoms, staving off heat stroke, or keeping cool under pressure, a cooling vest can be the optimal piece of gear to help your performance.

Cooling Vests for Active People with Multiple Sclerosis (VS)

According to The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA), the symptoms of MS sufferers can be triggered by the natural heat of the environment.

Therefore, a casual and discreet cooling vest can literally mean the difference between whether an MS sufferer can leave the house on a hot day.

With such a wide array of cooling vests available for different purposes, even a basic cooling vest can work wonders when it comes to helping an MS patient cope with symptoms.

FIRSTLINE TECH – Standard Basic Cooling Vest

Highlights

• Relieving MS Symptoms Caused by Heat
• Includes Vest and 16 Phase Core Elements
• Fits Most Sizes with an Extender Available
• Effective for 3-Hour Intervals
• Recharges Naturally without Electricity or Refrigeration

Key Factors

A quality cooling vest without a lot of extras, the Standard Basic Cooling Vest is aptly named. The cooling effect is provided by 16 Phase Elements, which each contain a mixture of salt in aluminum paper. Ultimately, the Standard Basic Cooling Vest resembles a black vest with numerous small pockets to hold the 16 Phase Elements, and is designed to keep the wearer cool in any environment.

Who Makes It?

Although their cooling vests can be used for medical or fitness purposes, First Line is actually a company that focuses on preparatory and response gear. Headquartered near Washington DC gives them the ability to respond to any disaster near the nation’s capital with the right kind of equipment.

Bottom Line

Ideal for those who have MS, or for a variety of other cold vest functions, the Standard Basic Cooling Vest by First Line is a high-quality product that meets the standards of a durable cooling vest.

Buy it from MyCoolingStore.com

Best All-Purpose Cooling Vests

With heat increasing on a worldwide basis due to man-made climate change, there are many climates in the world where the average person could use a cooling vest.

Whether you’re running in New Mexico, or kayaking in Florida, a cooling vest can make the difference from a hot and brutal afternoon, to a temperate and pleasant one. For general needs, each of these cooling vests can keep your temperature down when you need it most.

TECHKEWL – Phase Change Cooling Vest

Highlights

• Liner is Completely Made of Cotton
• Provides Instant Cooling Effect Where Needed
• Comes with Vest, 4 Phase Change Inserts, and Cooler Bag
• Outer Vest is Washable
• Appearance is Blue with Black Straps

Key Factors

Featuring a light blue color that will keep you visible while wearing it, the Phase Change Cooling Vest by TechKewl is durable and easy to maintain. The Phase Change Inserts are removable, and a single charge will keep the vest cool for 2-3 hours.

Whether you suffer from an ailment, hate doing yardwork in the sun, or want to keep cool during a tough workout, this cooling vest by TechKewl will ensure that your temperature stays low.

Who Makes It?

TechNiche International is dedicated to a wide array of products that have cooling capabilities. Their cooling technologies and products include Kewltowel, Coolpax, and Hyperkewl among many others. Their website contains an entire tab for science and research, showing a lot of proof regarding the effectiveness of their products.

Bottom Line

For a vest that shows up more than traditional black ones, the Phase Change Cooling Vest can keep you cool for three hours strait.

Buy it from MyCoolingStore.com

FIRSTLINE TECH – SWEDE Mesh Cooling Vest

Highlights

• Ideal for Wearing Under Body Armor
• Actively Combats Heat Stress
• Made with Steel Mesh
• Includes 22 Phase Elements
• Black and Smooth in Appearance

Key Factors

With a look that’s slim and militaristic, the SWEDE Mesh Cooling Vest has a strong cooling capability. To charge the 22 phase elements, simply store them in a cool area, with the refrigerator being optimal but not necessary.

This cooling vest is designed to be worn discreetly, so putting clothing or armor over it should not be an issue.

Who Makes It?

First Line Technology is committed to providing the best products for first responders and military personnel. In addition to their sleek and effective SWEDE Mesh Cooling Vest, First Line Technology also makes cutting edge medical equipment, and other technical gear for first responders.

Bottom Line

For a mesh cooling vest with 22 phase elements, the SWEDE Mesh Cooling Vest is an ideal texture for those who want other clothing on top of it.

Buy it from MyCoolingStore.com

GLACIERTEK – Original Cool Vest

Highlights

• Made from Polycotton
• Hermetically Sealed Film
• Easy to Clean and Sterilize
• Weighs Less Than Five Pounds
• Available in Khaki or Pink

Key Factors

Sealable with a durable front zipper, Original Cool Vest from Glacier Tek is designed for pure comfort and functionality. The Glacier Comfort Set is included, and keeps the vest comfortable and cool via biodegradable packets.

It’s notable that these vests look different from the much more typical black vest, as the khaki with stripes and pink both stand out from the rest.

Who Makes It?

GlacierTek emphasizes comfort and cooling technology in their vests, and prides themselves on taking a unique approach. Unlike many other cooling companies, GlacierTek products are 100% safe to the environment, and their phase changers are the only ones to carry the USDA Certified BioPreferred® label.

Bottom Line

From the company to the product, everything about the Glacier Tek Original Cool Vest is a little different from the rest, and their products are leading the pack in cooling vest innovation.

Buy it from MyCoolingStore.com

COOLTURE FLEXICOOL VEST

Click here to buy it from My Cooling Store

Highlights

• Very Smooth Cooling Vest
• Packs Can Be Heated or Cooled
• Wrap Flaps are Used to Secure the Vests
• Does not Have Straps and Buckles Showing
• Available in Three Colors: Steel, Sand, and Midnight Blue

Key Factors

A cooling vest with a much more sleek look than most others, the Flexicool Vest by Coolture utilizes cooling packs that can be inserted into the vest. Those same packs can be used for heat as well, which greatly boosts the value of the product. Wearing normal clothing over the vest should be easier than ever since there are no cumbersome buckles and straps adorning the exterior of the vest.

Who Makes It?

Coolture is a company that was founded on the goals of superior design and helping people. Their cooling vests are excellent for those who seek to alleviate the symptoms of MS, as the cooling function affordable cooling vests.

Bottom Line

Smooth in appearance and available in three functional styles, the Flexicool Vest can provide both cooling and heat as you need it.

STACOOL PREMIUM INDUSTRIAL VEST

Highlights

• Extra Durable Material
• Designed to Be Extremely Lightweight
• Velcro Used to Secure Shoulder and Sides
• Fits Well Under Armor and Other Clothing
• One Size Fits All

Key Factors

Created to be lightweight and durable, the Stacool Premium Industrial Vest comes with two sets of cooling packs for a total of 12. Secured with Velcro straps, the Stacool Vest is very smooth, and easy to wear under clothes and uniforms. The fact that they’re nontoxic and nonflammable adds to their functionality, making them even more equipped for wearing in precarious situations.

Who Makes It?

Stacool is a company dedicated to cooling apparel, including their Premium Industrial Vest among others. Their product line includes cooling vests for children as well, and accessories that make your cooling vest more customized to your liking.

Bottom Line

For a cooling vest with high durability and a relatively low price for the effectiveness, then the Stacool Premium Industrial Vest is a winning choice for most purposes.

Buy it from STACOOL

Best Vest for Therapy

Cooling therapy can relieve a massive variety of symptoms, ranging from those with multiple sclerosis, to muscle and joint pain. While most cooling vests can be used for a huge array of purposes, the following are specifically ideal for those who benefit from cooling therapy.

COOLSHIRT – Single Coolvest System

Highlights

• Includes Vest, Pulled Cart, Cooler, and Basket Accessory
• Comes with 70 Feet of Tubing for Remote Wear Under Aprons
• Only UL Listed Cooling Vest System
• Available in Seven Sizes
• Appearance is White with Black Lining

Key Factors

With a simple looking white vest connected to a pulled cart and cooler, the Single Coolvest System Complete is capable of delivering hardcore cooling to those who need it. The vest is very simple and non-cumbersome, mostly due to the fact that it’s not loaded up with cooling packs.

Alternately, the cooler provides the functionality here, but with 70 feet of tubing, the wearer can still engage in local activities and tasks while the vest is being worn.

Who Makes It?

Cool Shirt Systems makes cooling shirts and cooling vests that are supplemented with a connecting cooler. Rather than phase element vests which can be worn anywhere, these cooling vests are more hardcore as far as their cooling capabilities, but they lack the ability to go anywhere.

That said, these are designed with patented technology and meticulous detail, as evidenced by improvements like their anti-leak connectors.

Bottom Line

If therapy is more important than portability, then the Single Coolvest System Complete is a patented cooling system that will provide the low temperature therapy you need.

Buy it from COOLSHIRT

VESKIMO – Personal Microclimate Body Cooling Vest

Highlights

• Uses Technology Derived from NASA
• Creates a Cool Microclimate Around your Body
• Circulates Cold Water through a 50 Foot Tube
• Four Sizes to Choose From
• Appearance is Blue, Long, and Slender

Key Factors

Easily worn under your choice of clothing, the Personal Microclimate Body Cooling Vest is an innovative cooling vest from Veskimo. Using tech from NASA, the vest runs cold water through a 50 foot tube, creating an aura of cold around the vest.

This cools your entire upper body, alleviating symptoms and keeping you constantly cool in hot environments. The method used is either a cooling backpack, or a 9-quart hand carried cooler.

Who Makes It?

Veskimo is a company focused on developing the most highly affordable and effective cooling apparel for various purposes. Founded by a mechanical engineer in 2008, the cooling vests made by Veskimo are highly technical, and take advantage of technology used by aerospace companies like NASA.

To buy a Veskimo product, it’s notable that they sell them exclusively through their site, so their high quality service is assured with each purchase.

Bottom Line

For those who need a  highly versatile cooling vest that can function with a backpack or a hand held cooler, the Personal Microclimate Body Cooling Vest uses an innovative circulation system that maintains a climate of coolness throughout the upper body.

Buy it from MyCoolingStore.com

AVACORE – CoreControl Pro

Highlights

• Not a Vest, But a Cooling Wrist Wrap
• Includes Cooler, Charger, Pad, and Wrist Wrap
• Claims to Increase Performance by 20%
• Focuses on Cooling the Muscles & Improving Endurance
• Appearance is Similar to a Blood Pressure Wrap

Key Factors

Those who need cooling therapy may want an alternative to wearing a vest, and the CoreControl Pro is the perfect solution. Featuring a cooler that connects to a hand pod and wrist strap, the CoreControl Pro is designed for you to sit in comfort while it lowers your overall body temperature.

The experience is similar to checking your blood pressure, but much more comfortable, and with cutting edge cooling technology. Whether you’re an endurance athlete or need cooling therapy for medical reasons, the CoreControl Pro is a revolutionary way of delivering cold therapy.

Who Makes It?

Avacore is the company behind the extremely popular cooling product, the CoreControl Pro. Founded on a basis of science, innovation, and research, their products apply the latest technologies in cooling therapy. Replacement parts for each of their products are offered on their website, and their service spans multiple continents.

Bottom Line

It’s reasonable to expect some people to not want to wear a vest for their cooling therapy, and those people will love the CoreControl Pro, a product that lowers your overall body temperature with a wrist strap and hand pod.

Buy it from AVACORE

Best Cooling Vests for Athletes and Sports

Rising body temperatures can contribute to exhaustion, fatigue, and other unwanted ailments for serious athletes. Whether using it while you train, or wearing one afterward to cool down, a cooling vest is a massively beneficial tool for athletes.

Keeping the body temperature at cool, safe levels not only feels great for the muscles, but can do a lot to stave off injuries during training.

IZIBODY COOLING – HYDROGEL 08

Highlights

• Personalized for Any Team, Business, or Personal Request
• Shell Made From Polyester
• Sealed with Adjustable Patches
• Hydrogel Panels in Both Front and Back
• Colors are Dependent on the Customer’s Needs

Key Factors

Using evaporation and ice to cool, the Hydrogel 08 is a completely customizable cooling vest. This makes them ideal for buying for an entire company function, little league team, or simply a cooling vest customized to your style.

Unlike products that depend on tubes and coolers, the Hydrogel 08 is designed for active people, so feel free to have one customized, and take it hiking, fishing, or on other adventures where you want to stay cool.

Who Makes It?

Izibod Cooling uses advanced technologies to make customized cooling vests for any purpose. Highly slim and durable, their Hydrogel 08 cooling vests are created for cyclers, runners, and other athletes. Their website gets deep on the various technologies used in their product, and you can find out a lot of info about Hydrogel, fleece, and PCI, among other topics.

Bottom Line

Highly active people may prefer a vest that uses Hydrogel rather than phase elements or coolers, and this one by Izibod is a revolutionary cooling vest that takes advantage of multiple technologies.

ICEVESTS – Arctic Heat Ice Vest

Highlights

• Extremely Lightweight: As Little as 2.2 Pounds
• Numerous Sizes Available
• Intended for a Secure Fit Close to the Skin
• Ideal for Cooling the Skin for Athletics or Medical Purposes
• Appearance is Sleek and Bright White

Key Factors

For a vest that looks awesome enough to wear it alone, the Artic Heat Ice Vest looks very smooth and white as snow. The lack of excessive straps, buckles, or tubes seen on other cooling vests means this one is lightweight, with the smallest vest weighing just 2.2 lbs.

That makes the Artic Heat Ice Vest a phenomenal choice for runners and other athletes, because it will keep you cool without slowing down your game as much as heavier vests.

Who Makes It?

Sponsoring numerous cycling teams and military divisions, the Arctic Heat Ice Vest is a product that is exceptionally lightweight. Focusing their efforts on military, MS patients, and athletes, Arctic Heat USA supplies ice vests to many champions throughout the world.

An interesting note from their website is that ice vests are widely used to burn fat in a process called cold thermogenesis.

Bottom Line

If you want a highly-adaptable vest that you can wear on a hike or jog, then the lightweight Arctic Heat Ice Vest may be the perfect option.

Buy it from ICEVESTS

FIRSTLINE TECH – Standard CarbonX

Highlights

• Resistant to Fire
• Cools for Up to 3 Hours
• Uses 16 Phase Elements
• Charges at Room Temperature
• Appearance is Black with Small Red Logo on Left Breast

Key Factors

Extremely versatile and easy to care for, the Standard CarbonX Cooling Vest is both machine washable and charges at room temperature. The package includes a spare set of 16 Phase Elements, and the highly-durable, flame resistant vest. Designed primarily for first responders, this is an ideal cooling vest for those who lead an active lifestyle.

Who Makes It?

First Line Technology sells cooling vests for various purposes, primarily for emergency responders, law enforcement, and military personnel. This focus has led them to develop innovative products that can keep out toxins, resist fire, and keep workers cool for hours at a time.

In addition to the PhaseCore technology used in their cooling vests, First Line Technology also sells a revolutionary bus for use in ambulances, known as the AmbuBus.

Bottom Line

A vest that’s build for action, easy to maintain, and non-flammable, the Standard CarbonX Cooling Vest by First Line Technology is a reliable cooling vest for tough situations.

Buy it from MyCoolingStore.com

Glacier Tek – Flex Vest

Highlights

• Designed for Casual Wear
• Cooled by a 12-piece Glacier Pak Set
• Spare Set Included
• Stays Dry and Lightweight
• Available in Four Colors: White, Black, Tan, and Grey

Key Factors

Extra lightweight and designed in four color varieties, the Flex Vest by Glacier Tek is a cooling vest that is easy to wear and maintain. The included spare set of 12 Glacier Packs allows this vest to cool the wearer indefinitely, because when one set needs charged you can simply load in the other. Its smooth appearance, lacking any straps, tubes, or buckles, makes it ideal for wearing on hikes or other outdoor adventures.

Who Makes It?

Creating tough cooling vests that can handle challenging environments, Glacier Tek is dedicated to their innovative cooling technology. A highlight of their vests is that the cooling packs charge in only 20 minutes submerged in ice water. Once charged, they’ll stay cool for two and a half hours, and with a spare pack ready, Glacier Tek vests never have to run out of cooling power.

Bottom Line

For a cooling vest that appears casual and normal, but contains cutting edge cooling technology, the Flex Vest is a highly-durable cooling vest from Glacier Tek.

Buy it from MyCoolingStore.com

TECH NICHE INTL – Elite Hybrid Sport Vest

Highlights

• Two Cooling Solutions in One Vest
• Hyperkewl Fabric Provides 5-10 Hours of Cooling
• Includes Vest, Cooler, and Spare Pack
• Coolpax PCM Inserts Provide Cooling 3 Hours per Charge
• Appearance: Vest is Blue and White, Cooler is Red

Key Factors

Made from multiple materials to enhance comfort in key areas, the Elite Hybrid Sports Vest provides two distinct methods of cooling. Not only do you get the benefit of the Hyperkewl cooling fabric which lasts up to 10 hours, but the Coolpax PCM Inserts add their own form of cooling that lasts about three hours.

The included cooler is useful for keeping the spare inserts charging, and the detail paid to the materials really makes this a comfortable and durable cooling vest that can be worn on day long outdoor excursions.

Who Makes It?

Like many cooling vest companies, TechNiche employs a wide array of technologies in their cooling products. These range from Kewlflow to Drykewl, and each contributes to their innovative cooling vests and other cooling apparel.

Bottom Line

Including spare packs and a cooler, the Elite Hybrid Sports Vest is one of the few that takes advantage of multiple cooling methods, to keep your temperature low for the long haul.

Buy it from MyCoolingStore.com

Best Cooling Vests to Wear Under Clothes

People may have a lot of reasons to wear a cooling vest under their normal outfit, uniform, or extra gear. While some cooling vests may be too bulky to facilitate wearing under clothes, the following vests are ideal for staying cool while wearing your favorite wardrobe items over them.

FIRSTLINE TECH – Standard Mesh Cooling Vest

Highlights

• Cooled by 16 Phase Elements
• Ideal for Children or for a Lightweight Cooling Vest
• Machine Washable
• Recharges at Room Temperature
• Available in Black or White, and One Size Fits All or X-Small

Key Factors

Designed to be slim and light, the Standard Mesh Cooling Vest is ideal for wearing under additional clothes or protective equipment. Their x-small size is great for kids or petite people, and uses two less phase elements for a total of 14. When the phase elements reach a temperature of 82.4 degrees, then they start to absorb heat, thereby providing hours of cooling for each charge.

Who Makes It?

First Line Tech is a company that makes a variety of cooling vests for customers with slightly different needs. If their Standard Mesh Cooling Vest is too light, then they have other vests that are fire resistant, and others that are made for hardcore emergency responders.

Bottom Line

If you plan on wearing a cooling vest under your normal or work apparel, then this Standard Mesh Cooling Vest from First Line Tech is easily among the best.

Buy it from MyCoolingStore.com

COOLVEST – Concealable Cool Vest with Comfort Pack

Highlights

• Made to Be Discreetly Worn Under Clothing
• Side Straps and Shoulder Adjustability
• Easily Washed by Hand
• Allows for Wide Range of Motion
• Appearance is Slim and White

Key Factors

With concealable in its name, this is a cooling vest that is specifically made to fit under your normal clothes. Easy to wash, wear, and maintain, the cooling vest is easily secured with straps on the sides, and can be adjusted from the shoulder.

The Glacier Cooling Packs keep this vest cooled to a dry 59 degrees for almost three hours, enabling workers, hikers, and other active people to stay cool while focusing on the task at hand.

Who Makes It?

Glacier Tek is a company that focuses specifically on the latest and greatest in cooling technology. They offer multiple vests that each serve different functions, and their Concealable Cool Vest is easily the most appropriate vest for those who want the cooling effect without a large and bulky product.

Bottom Line

Whether you want to wear hiking apparel or a work uniform, the Concealable Cool Vest is slim enough to keep you cool under your outfit of choice.

Buy it from COOLVEST

STACOOL – Under Vest

Highlights

• Very Smooth in Appearance
• Made to be Lightweight
• Cooled by 12-18 Thermal Packs Depending on Size
• Eight Size Varieties
• Three Color Options: Black, Tan, and Grey

Key Factors

With an emphasis on gradual cooling without sacrificing mobility, the StaCool Under Vest is smooth enough to wear under almost any outfit unencumbered. Made from durable and high-quality materials, this cooling vest uses thermal packs that can cool for three hours for every charge.

Ultimately, the smooth look of this vest makes it an idea option to wear over or under your clothing, and three color choices ensures you can find one that fits your style.

Who Makes It?

StaCool is determined to developing cooling vests for a wide array of people. These include MS sufferers, workers, and even children. A distinguishing trait of StaCool vests is that they’re ideal for either wearing under additional gear, or for wearing as an over vest.

Bottom Line

The exceptionally smooth and versatile StaCool Under Vest is ideal for keeping you cool in action, even when you’re wearing other gear on top of it.

Buy it from STACOOL

TECH NICHE INTL- KEWLSHIRT™ TANK TOPS

Highlights

• Worn Directly Against the Skin as a Tank Top
• Built in Ventilation in Both Front and Back
• Provides 5-10 Hours of Cooling Per Soaking
• Can Wear Alone or Under Additional Sporting Apparel
• Appearance: Sleek Combination of Black with Light Blue Stripes

Key Factors

A completely different take on cooling apparel, the Kewlshirt Tank Top is not a vest at all. As the name suggests, it’s a pullover tank top that is designed to fit directly against the skin for maximum cooling.

Once soaked, you can count on a reliable 5-10 hours of cooling. As one of the best looking vests on the list, this one can easily be worn alone for a hike or workout, or covered up by whatever apparel the situation demands.

Who Makes It?

TechNiche International is an industry leader when it comes to cooling apparel. In addition to tank tops and vests, they make cooling ball caps, ranger hats, and wrist wraps among other innovative wearable products. Their site is a massive source of info for the science and research behind their various cooling technologies.

Bottom Line

Providing a much sleeker and tighter look than most vests, the Kewlshirt Tank Top is a highly-effective alternative to a lightweight cooling vest.

Buy it from TECHNICHE

Best Cooling Vests for Travel

Travelers who are driving through hot territory can get a lot of value out of a cooling vest. The main qualities that would benefit someone who’s traveling would be cooling apparel that is portable, comfortable, and easy to manage.

Alternatives to vests, such as cooling hats and wraps, may be ideal for travelers as well.

FIRSTLINE TECH – Swede Carbon X

Highlights

• Activated by Heat
• Flame Retardant Due to Carbon X Material
• Provides 4 Hours of Cooling
• Shoulders Padded for Comfort
• Appearance is Black and Somewhat Thick

Key Factors

For that long road trip or other traveling, the SWEDE Carbon X Cooling Vest is user friendly and reliable. Travelers will appreciate how easy it is to clean and take care of, in addition to the fact that it lasts 4 hours per charge of the PhaseCore packs.

The Carbon X component makes it resistant to flame, so you can be sure that you’ll stay at a comfortable temperature on your travels with this vest by First Line Tech.

Who Makes It?

First Line Tech is dedicated to the most effective cooling methods in existence. Their various vests are modified for different needs, and their apparel emphasizes both comfort and functional cooling technology.

Bottom Line

The SWEDE Carbon X Cooling Vests features a lot of the advantages you’d look for in a cooling vest, and is built for comfort and ease of use, making it an ideal option for travelers.

Buy it from My Cooling Store

FIRSTLINE TECH– PhaseCore Cooling Hat Liner

Highlights

• Extremely Versatile Product
• Fits Into Most Hats
• Cooled by PhaseCore 28 Technology
• Uses Four PhaseCore Elements
• Black Hat Liner with Velcro Strips

Key Factors

Sometimes the best cooling accessory isn’t a vest, but rather a hat liner. Since heat escapes through the top of the head, it seems like an ideal place to wear gear that keeps your temperature down.

In this case, the PhaseCore Cooling Hat Liner is designed to Velcro nicely into the hats offered by First Line Tech, but will realistically fit into most other hats as well.

Who Makes It?

In addition to vests, hats, and liners, First Line Tech leads the industry in a wide variety of cooling apparel and accessories. Their PhaseCore technology is at the spearhead of their brand, and many of their vests and other products take advantage of this cooling method.

Bottom Line

For those who travel lightly, the PhaseCore Cooling Hat Liner may be the most portable and ideal cooling accessory on the market.

Buy it from FIRSTLINE

Best Cooling Vest for Plus Sizes

While a lot of vests are made to be one size fits all, the reality is that extra large sizes are often lacking. Fortunately, there are some cooling vests on the market to accommodate those who have a larger body frame than average.

These are three cooling vests that should be ideal for people who require plus sizes.

POLAR PRODUCTS– Kool Max Fashion

Highlights

• Offers Cafeteria Style Options for Extras
• Multiple Methods of Cooling
• Six Available Sizes
• Uses Cool58 Packs and Kool Max Frozen Water Packs
• Four Color Options: Pink, Blue, Khaki, and Light Blue

Key Factors

Offering a wide array of extras with each purchase, the Kool Max Fashion vest has a lot of differences from competitors. First off, it’s adjustable in three different ways, with straps located on the shoulders, and upper and lower side area.

The vest also lives up to its claim of being fashionable, as it comes in colors that aren’t available from most other cooling vests, such as pink and light blue. The fact that it cools with two different types of packs adds to its versatility.

Who Makes It?

Specializing in cold wear, Polar Products makes cooling and heating products that go far beyond apparel. These include everything from hats and caps, to headache relief kits, all of which focus on getting your body to the desired temperature.

Bottom Line

With more color options and adjustability straps than most vests, those who need a plus size cooling vests will probably be happy with the Kool Max Fashion vest from Polar Products.

Buy it from POLAR PRODUCTS

COOLTURE – COOLING VEST

Highlights

• Provides a Short Fit that Ends at the Waisst
• Excellent for Mobility
• Very Smooth with Only a Belt Near the Bottom
• Four Flexible Sizes
• Appearance is Sleek and Dark Grey in Color

Key Factors

Extremely smooth and athletic in appearance, the only thing on the front of the Coolture Cooling Vest is a zipper and belt in the lower area. The belt is actually a patent pending “weightless belt”, which is designed to alleviate pressure on the shoulders.

For those who need a plus size vest, the four sizes of this vest combined with its three methods of adjustability ensure that you’ll get a good fit.

Who Makes It?

Coolture is a company that creates innovative cooling and warming products that range from consumable to wearable. Their target demographic seems to be more fitness oriented, because their website has a section for athletics, and also provides info on using cooling product to lose weight.

Bottom Line

A very smooth vest with a unique, patent pending belt, the Coolture Cooling Vest is easily among the most stylish vests that is available for plus sized users.

Buy it from MyCoolingStore.com

FIRSTLINE TECH– XPC

Highlights

• Inner and Outer Shells are Comprised of Polyester
• Contains 21 Phase Core Elements
• Includes Spare Phase Core Elements and Extenders
• Recharges in Low Temp Environment
• Available in Black or White

Key Factors

A vest that is flexible enough to accommodate plus sizes, the XPC by First Line Tech utilizes 21 Phase Core Elements. Charging those Phase Core Elements is easy, and can easily be done by storing them in a cooler for a short time.

The look of this vest is thicker than others, with distinct pockets used to hold their Phase Elements visible on the outside. Polyester is a tough and adaptable material, so this should be an excellent cooling vest for larger individuals.

Who Makes It?

First Line Tech has a cooling product for every occasion, and they continue to innovate the way cooling technology is implemented. Whether you need cooling gear that is lightweight, fireproof, or extra large, First Line Tech has the ideal product to suit your cooling needs.

Bottom Line

A thicker and larger vest than most others, the XPC may be the perfect cooling product for those who wear plus sizes.

Buy it from MyCoolingStore.com

Best Affordable Cooling Vests

There are cheap cooling vests out there! Prices for cooling products typically vary by a range of about $200, mostly depending on their materials, extra features, and cooling methods.

Here are a few of the most affordable cooling vests that would be an ideal first vest for curious customers.

TECHNICHE INTL – HyperKewl Cooling Sport Vest

Highlights

• Extremely Affordable Cooling Vest
• Outside is Quilted Nylon
• Emphasizes Comfort
• Available in Eight Sizes
• Two Color Options: Silver and Royal Blue

Key Factors

There’s no need to drop over $300 on an elaborate cooling vest when you can get the HyperKewl Cooling Sport Vest from TechNiche International.

Just because it’s only going to cost around $50 doesn’t mean it’s flimsy, as this vest is not only lightweight and water repellent, but the inner liner is embedded with HyperKewl Polymer. This means you get a highly durable cooling vest that can last for 5-10 hours per soaking, all at a very low price.

Who Makes It?

TechNiche International offers a wide variety of vests for different people, sizes, and purposes. The HyperKewl technology that is used in their Cooling Sport Vest is also used in other TechNiche vests and accessories.

Bottom Line

For a highly affordable vest that provides at least five hours of cooling power per soaking, the HyperKewl Sport Vest from TechNiche makes an excellent gift or beginner’s vest.

Buy it from MyCoolingStore.com

POLAR PRODUCTS – Cool Comfort®

Highlights

• Uses Hybrid Cooling System
• Cools via Evaporation and Frozen Water
• Reactivate with 20 Minutes in Cold Water
• Utilizes Water-absorbing Crystals
• Available in Two Colors: Blue or Khaki

Key Factors

Very slim and simple in appearance, the Performance Cooling Vest by Polar Products uses two methods of cooling. With crystals that retain water, and then allow it to slowly evaporate, a cool sensation is produced.

The refrigerator can be used to cool the material for up to two hours of cooling, so both methods combine to ensure you get a strong cooling effect at a reasonable price.

Who Makes It?

Polar Products makes distinctly different cooling vests that take advantage of a wide variety of technologies. Many of their products come with a lot of options and extras, allowing you to customize your cooling vest to a great extent.

Bottom Line

For a slender and affordable vest that relies on water-retaining crystals instead of phase packs, the Performance Cooling Vest is an excellent option.

Buy it from POLAR PRODUCTS

MIRANDA ENTERPRISES – FlexiFreeze Ice Vest

Highlights

• Very Normal and Casual Looking
• Lightweight and Less than $100
• Designed to be Extremely Light and Form-fitting
• Adjustable Four Different Ways
• Appearance is Very Casual and Smooth, with Navy Blue Coloring

Key Factors

Using 96 pure water ice cubes to provide cooling power, the FlexiFreeze Ice Vest is casual and affordable. Weighing only 3 ½ pounds, this is among the thinnest and most lightweight cooling vests on the market.

Unlike others which are clearly holding numerous packs or tubes, this one is stylish in a simple way, and can easily worn alone.

Who Makes It?

FlexiFreeze uses their layered ice cooling technology in a wide array of other products, including coolers, medicine bags, and other apparel. Their variety of coolers is notable, as they make various colors and designs.

Bottom Line

If your priorities are thinness, light weight, and price, then the FlexiFreeze Ice Vest is very likely your perfect option for a cooling vest.

Buy it from MyCoolingStore.com

Final Say on Cooling Vests

With so many vests designed for various purposes, the optimal one will be based on your specific needs. Those who want a cooling vest that can fight the brutal heat while staying active will need one that is light weight and not dependent on tubes or tanks.

If therapy is the main reason for the vest, then numerous powerful cooling vests are available that fit comfortably as you engage in daily activities. Whatever your priority, the right cooling vest can offer life-changing benefits that make your favorite activities and jobs a lot easier.

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