A 2025 industrial study tested different vest types and found each significantly relieved heat strain, with liquid cooling vests often offering the strongest physiological cooling.
A wide range of cooling vests for heat-strain mitigation purposes during physical work are available on the market. The decision regarding the optimal cooling vest/concept for a specific environment can be challenging by relying solely on the information provided by the manufacturers.
- Air-cooling vest:
Uses cold air from a high-pressure air tank. A special tube cools the air to about 19°C and sends it into the back of the vest.
- Water-cooling vest:
Pumps cold water through tubes in the vest from a bag filled with ice and cold water.
- Evaporative vest:
Soaked in warm water for 1–2 minutes, then squeezed dry. It cools the body as the water slowly evaporates.
- PCM vest:
Uses frozen cooling packs that are placed in the vest after being frozen for 24 hours.
- Hybrid vest:
Combines the evaporative and PCM vests. It uses both soaked fabric and frozen packs for extra cooling.
Key Findings:
- Liquid-circulating (COMP) vest provided the strongest and most consistent cooling, keeping skin temperature the lowest (~32.4 °C) throughout physical activity.
- Ice water vests also offered effective cooling but were less consistent as the ice melted.
- PCM and evaporative vests gave moderate cooling, but their effects wore off faster or depended on humidity and airflow.
- Hybrid vests combined methods but did not outperform liquid-based systems.
For high-heat environments, long-duration tasks, or situations involving heavy protective clothing, liquid-cooling vests are the best option.
For lighter work, shorter use, or when simplicity and mobility matter, PCM, ice, or evaporative vests are still useful and more convenient.
No one-size-fits-all: the best choice depends on the environment, activity level, and cooling duration needed.