Glacier Tek Flex Vest Cool Vest with Nontoxic Cooling Packs

I use this in Arizona, I bought 2 so I can keep one in the freezer or a cooler with ice packs while I wear one. I consistently get 3-4 hours out of these in the dry heat here. About the time the ice packs liquify (maybe 2 hours in) you may feel a little hot, but the vest remains cool. I've found this is due to condensation, I take it off and shake it, then resume wearing it. In a more humid environment this may be more of an issue, but for a solution without any mechanical assist it works as well as it possibly could.

This is actually my second cool vest purchase from Glacier Tek. My son borrowed my original vest for a hike and loved it so much…. Never returned it. I like my new Flex Vest even better because it is a bit more stylish and is a better fit for my smaller frame. I definitely recommend this product if you are looking to keep yourself cool for 2 or 3 hours in the hot sun.

I purchased the less expensive yellow vest and glad I did. I'm in Florida and wear the vest in 90-100 degree direct sunlight to do yard work for hours on end. In 90 degree temperature I was getting about an hour of cooling in direct sunlight. I do get 2 1/2 hours of cooling in the shade. Pro: The vest does cool. Packs freeze quickly, less than 30 minutes if you lay them flat not touching each other. So, you must have freezer space to accommodate. Cons: does not cool 2 1/2 hours as described. Packs must lay completely flat and not touch each other to freeze quickly and not have lumps in them. Price: Over priced for 1 hour of cooling in direct sunlight. 2 cooling packs sets needed to prevent constantly stopping to freeze the packs. I gave a score of 3 as I do get benefit from wearing the vest although it's just an hour as I couldn't work in direct sunlight for an hour without a cooling vest.

Nice product - accomplished exactly what I need it to without the bulk of other vests. I use this under my hard back shooting coat in high power 3 position, mid range and long range competitive shooting. Comes with plenty of phase change packets and an abundance of pockets in the front and back of the vest to hold them. I fill the back pouches only. I ordered a size smaller than I normally wear and when zipped up it is very snug and form fitting which works well under the coat. The vest has some compliance for size but not a ton. it is very minimal and not bulky. The only downside is the requirement to carry a cooler to store extra / regenerate used packets through-out the day. If you practice management of your packages the supplied quantity will last you through-out the day. This item really makes those hot sunny days cooking in the sun while slung up in position bearable.

Okay, I am a professional Santa entertainer, and this is a real life saver. It cools me down and does not add a lot of weight and bulk. Granted it will not last all day...about 2 to 2 1/2 hours of constant cooling. I would recommend getting extra gel packs so you can cool them while wearing the others if you are going to be in the heat longer. Believe me, when you are wearing a red suit that does not breathe, this is a true relief. I like the zip front that is an easy on and easy off garment; like putting on a zipper vest or sweater. It stretches and forms to your body. Great product for a really good price.

I have heat intolerance due to fibromyalgia. This vest works well in hot conditions.

I bought this item to help keep myself cooler while fursuiting. I decided to put it to the ultimate test recently: walking around town on a sunny, 80°F day while wearing a 100% cotton t-shirt over the fursuit. (Normal fursuiting is very hot; wearing a cotton t-shirt over top of it makes it MUCH worse).The vest definitely made a difference, as walked around town for about an hour and a half with no real issues at all (had to stop early for personal reasons). It feels exactly like you would expect it to feel: strapping ice packs to your body. The ice was mostly melted after the hour and a half, but the packs still kept my body cool by the end. I didn't get any numerical temperature ratings for the vest under the fursuit, but my personal opinion is that it works effectively. The actual vest itself conforms nicely to my body.The only downside is the price (which is why I am giving it 4/5 stars). It's one of the highest priced cooling vests on the market. I would only recommend it to people who plan on using it extensively for several years.

Made travel fir folks with cystic fibrisis possible