Okay, for those of you that are interested, I said I would let you know my thoughts on this “cool vest” that I purchased on tuesday ,July15. I’m being specific with my purchase time to let you know the amount of time that I’ve been able to use it. For youse guys that don’t know what I’m talking about, this is a vest(like those you see on hwy workers) that has a insert front and back that freezes at 53 deg. in 15 minutes in ice water and stays at 53 deg. for 2-4 hrs. I’ve only see it last about 2 hrs.
The first “test” after getting the vest was to get into my van with windows up and no A/C on(now this is mid afternoon, lower to mid 90’s) . I went home approx. 10 miles. with A/C off, And I can honestly say that I didn’t sweat and was comfortable. Now, I wasn’t doing anything physical…..duh! but I was comfortable.
The next day I was able to use it inside a hot warehouse (approx. 100 degrees) and doing mild physical work with light sweating. My co-workers were sweating quite a bit.
I’ve yet to really put it to the test in the hot sun, but I’m sure that my comfort level will be a whole lot better with the vest than without it. I’ll be using it outside this weekend , and if any body is interested, I’ll let you know what I think.
Edited 7/17/2003 7:51:52 PM ET by butch
Replies
I bought one last summer and used it frequently but have only used it once this summer. It has velcro straps which are a pain and it needs a second set of cool packs to be in continuous use.
This summer I am beating the heat with a small Camelback and feel that it is a better solution. Frequent hydration really makes the heat much more bearable and I feel much healthier. If I had to work in a potential lethal situation (attic) I would use both. ( and would spring for an extra set of cool packs).
For normal (94 in the shade) stuff I feel that it is much healthier to deal with it...with sunscreen, wide brim hats and lots of h2o. The second you feel thirsty you are already seriously dehydrated.
the Camelback I have (mule) provides three liters of water and has several well thought out compartments. The mouth on the bladder is plenty wide enough for ice cubes and the bladder compartment is insulated enough to keep the ice going all day long. It is much more convenient that a cooler with ice and bottled water. easy to wear or to keep close at hand and much faster to access that getting h2o out of the cooler.
I never used to drink much water, preferring sodas. Now I drink close to 3 L a day and the heat does not really bother me at all.