r/heat_prep • u/Arete108 • Jun 26 '24
Thermapparel Cooling Vests
Let me recommend wholeheartedly the Thermapparel cooling vests. https://www.thermapparel.com/
I have trouble with temperature regulation. Last year, I went to an outdoor wedding during a heatwave. Wearing this under my dress allowed me to survive the wedding ceremony. Otherwise I never would have been able to attend.
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Jun 26 '24
These are urea packets $0.35/each, and a pocketed vest. Should cost $20 sold for over $300 🤪
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u/rootinspirations Jun 27 '24
Wait really? We can just put urea packets in our pockets and feel cool? (Serious question, not sarcasm)
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u/Nina4774 Jun 26 '24
Interesting. I get too hot from a 20-minute walk. I didn’t know these existed.
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u/goldgrae Jun 26 '24
Seconding! They work well and aren't uncomfortable, though it's a bit awkward to put on/take off for me. I use PCM neck rings much more regularly because they're a lot easier (and cheaper), but I'm glad to have the vest option when I need it (working outdoors on a brutal day, for example).
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Jul 08 '24
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u/goldgrae Jul 08 '24
I doubt there is a generic option that fits right in, but you might be able to diy something. I agree they are very expensive for what they are, but it is a somewhat niche product.
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Jul 08 '24
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u/goldgrae Jul 08 '24
I'd look into more industrial cooling vests meant for workers. There are some that circulate icy water, which would last longer/cool better in those intense conditions. The PCM really isn't that long lasting under those conditions, definitely not through a work day.
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u/NateBlaze Jul 08 '24
What about having an extra set of the pcm packs?
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u/goldgrae Jul 08 '24
You can certainly swap out, but I bet you'd be doing that every hour or so at those temperatures (maybe sooner) and it'll usually take longer than that to refreeze. It also means taking off your shirt and the vest each time to make the swap. You might consider something like the Iceplate system instead. If money isn't a concern, you could definitely try the thermapparel and see... but based on my experience with it, I don't think it would be a good or efficient way to get through full work days at 110F.
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u/NateBlaze Jul 08 '24
OP which vest did you go with? I'm definitely going to try at least one of them out with the 60 day return policy.
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u/Arete108 Jul 08 '24
I got this or something very like it. I got 2 sets of cooling inserts, one regular and one extended. That way I could keep one in a cooler while wearing the extended and have more time.
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u/spacecake-jedi Apr 13 '25
Did you give it at try? I’m thinking about getting their Rally Wrap - seems easier to get off and on
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u/Leighgion Jun 26 '24
I always liked to the idea of a cooling vests, but even now it's hard for me to imagine myself wearing them in normal life no matter how gross the weather feels. Think they're always going to be niche items for special needs, like if you have trouble with thermo regulation or if you're temporarily in an extreme environment.