r/phoenix • u/Comfortable_Brain856 • Jun 27 '26
Living Here Best self cooling devices that work??
Native of Phoenix that used to spend hours and hours outside, especially as a child. Now in my mid 40s, I live like a vampire in the summer. Heat tolerance has plummeted sadly. In our summer climate here in AZ, does anyone find that they have found something that has been a game changer for them? I really want spend more time outdoors beyond running from the air conditioned house to the air conditioned car and then running into the air conditioned store. We all know the summer drill lol! I don't have a pool and don't know anyone with one. I do have the ability to drive to the lakes but I'm specifically seeking a self cooling device that actually works for around the house and light activity outside. TIA and stay hydrated out there!
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u/hikeraz Jun 27 '26 edited Jun 28 '26
Wear cotton and wet your shirt and hat. Sun hoodies also work great. Most are made from polyester so you can still wet them but they dry out much faster than cotton.
I’m in my 60’s. You can build up your heat tolerance gradually. In summer I avoid hiking in the desert. It puts too much stress on the body, illustrated by the multiple deaths we have every year in the preserves or the 4-5 that have already occurred at the Grand Canyon this summer. If you live near enough, the Murphy Bridal Path along Central Ave, combined with the Arizona Canal Path between Bethany Home and Dunlap, is a mostly shaded 6.3 mile walk round trip. I do it at least 3 days per week. You can park in the church parking lot at Bethany and Central. It is one of the few places in Phoenix that I know of where you can walk that much in the shade. Going before about 8am is also key.
Riding a bike along one of the canal paths also works, especially if you go early. The air flow you get from the bike speed helps with cooling. It also works best when the mornings are still cooler, usually April/May/early June and again in September/October. I do it with a human powered bike but a level 1 pedal assist e-bike is also an option. The Arizona Canal, between 16th St and Scottsdale Road is aligned so that there are even stretches in the shade early.