Cooling Products

[kwarendorf]

This popped up on Shell's Topic Request List. She referenced a few old threads. I just bought two so I thought I'd start a new one.

Both of the ones I bought were from this site. http://www.polarproducts.com. They have lots of different kinds of vests and accessories.

I bought 2 different kinds of "collars". The first is evaporative meaning you soak it in water and the evaporation process provides the cooling. I used it once and it worked pretty well. It kept me cool enough that my foot flailing didn't start until almost 2 hours into my walk. It was warm and sunny but not too humid. Evaporative cooling is advertised for best use in non-humid environments. That pretty much disqualifies NYC in summer :-)

So I bought this one: http://www.polarproducts.com/polarshop/pc/Kool-Max-Cooling-Neck-Upper-Spine-Wrap-173p43.htm It has cooling packs that you toss in the freezer. It also has a flap that extends down the top part of your spine. I haven;t tried this one yet, but will file a full report...

Kyle

[daddycute]

I use an evaporative cooler.Evaporative coolers consume up to three quarters less electricity than central air conditioners

[Lulu54]

If funds are tight, you can also apply for a cooling kit of assorted garments from MSAA and from MSF, but hurry because their June 1 deadline is looming.  SEveral people here are the recipients of their help.

There are some home made garments you can make, too.  A set of instructions are at

http://www.ehow.com/how_5113881_make-neck-wrap-cooler-beads.html

the beads that are used in these are those gel beads that are used in potted plants to retain moisture and you can buy them in a variety of stores.

stay cool!
L

[Guitar_grrrl]

Thanks for this, Kyle!

I wear a Kool-Tie in the summer around here, where the  humidity is usually a steady 40-50%.  It's like a bandanna stitched around a pocket of polymer beads that you soak in water for 45 minutes initially, and then for just 5 minutes each morning afterwards.  I have two - one in a blue Indonesian batik, and one in a red Indonesian batik.  I got mine at REI.  I love my Kool-Ties!