Your Cooling Toolbox: Gear for Beating the Heat

Staying cool in hot weather isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety and maintaining your energy throughout the day. Whether you’re working outdoors, attending summer events, or managing heat sensitivity, having the right cooling tools at your disposal can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll break down the most effective portable cooling aids, explain how they work, and help you choose the best options for your needs.

Why You Need a Cooling Toolbox

Heat stress can impact your health, productivity, and enjoyment of outdoor activities. By assembling a personalized cooling toolbox, you equip yourself with versatile solutions to manage heat in any situation. Each tool, from UV-blocking umbrellas to advanced cooling vests, serves a unique purpose in your heat management plan.

Top Portable Cooling Tools and How They Work

1. UV-Blocking Umbrellas

 

Click here to learn more about environmental risk factors

Direct sun exposure can raise your body’s heat load by up to 10°F. A UV-blocking umbrella is a simple yet effective way to reduce this risk. Not all umbrellas are created equal—choose one specifically designed to block UV rays for maximum cooling. In tests, UV umbrellas can make the shaded area up to 11°F cooler than standard umbrellas. Ideal for outdoor events, beach trips, or sideline spectating, the main drawback is that you’ll need a free hand or a way to secure the umbrella for continuous protection.

2. Portable Fans 

Fans increase airflow, helping sweat evaporate and heat escape from your body. They’re most effective when the air temperature is below your body temperature (98.6°F). In high humidity or extreme heat (heat index above 99°F), fans may actually make you feel hotter by blowing warm air onto your skin. Use fans for moderate conditions and physical activities like gardening or running, but switch to other cooling methods in extreme heat.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends that people NOT use fans when the heat index temperature—a combination of the temperature and humidity—climbs above 99°F. 

3. Cooling Towels

Modern cooling towels use advanced materials like microfiber or PVA to deliver a refreshing cooling effect through evaporation. Microfiber towels feel softer but don’t stay cool as long as PVA towels, which are more absorbent and provide extended relief. Simply wet the towel, wring it out, and drape it on your neck or wrists.

 Pros: inexpensive/ easy to use                 Con: feel good but don't lower core temp

 Note: Cooling towels are most effective in dry environments—high humidity reduces their cooling power. While they feel great, there’s limited evidence that they significantly lower core body temperature.

4. Cooling Vests

 

Cooling vests are the most effective wearable solution for combating heat. There are two main types:

Evaporative Cooling Vests:

Lightweight and slim, these vests work like oversized cooling towels. They’re best in dry conditions but lose effectiveness as humidity rises.

PROS	CONS
Can be long-lasting	Soggy and wet
Quick Charge	Doesn't work well in humid conditions
Inexpensive	Needs air flow to perform

 

 

Ice Vest:

It absorbs heat well but can be too cold for direct contact, bulky, and may cause wetness.

PROS	CONS
Lowes cost	Too cold, one size
one size fits all	Causes skin burns
	Most condensation
	Bulky and Heavy
	T-shirt must be worn under vest

   

Gel Packs:

Stay flexible and comfortable but are heavy and have shorter cooling durations.

PROS	CONS
Soft and pliable	Short Cooling Time

 

 

Phase Change (PCM) Packs:

ThermApparel uses a PCM cooling pack that freezes at 70°F. This was chosen as it provides ample cooling power and is safe to be worn directly against the skin, allowing our cooling vests to be worn discreetly with minimal bulk and weight added.

PCMs that freeze at or above 70°F should be your first choice for any athletic activities as the coldness they provide will not constrict your blood vessels and inhibit oxygen flow.

Engineered to freeze at specific temperatures (like 70°F), these packs offer safe, long-lasting cooling that’s comfortable against the skin. They’re ideal for athletic use and extended wear to be discreet with minimal bulk and weight.

PROS	CONS
Lightweight	May be more expensive
Works in humid and dry climates
Long lasting
Comfortable
Boosts the body's natural cooling
Safe directly against the skin
Can re-freeze in ice water

 

PRO TIP:

To get the most out of a cooling vest, use it as pre-cool, event-cooling, and even /recovery-cooling

PRO TIP:

Put your PCM Cooling Packs in a large 2-3 gallon ziplock bag, fill it with ice and water, and refreeze your Thermappparel Cooling Packs in 30 minutes!

 

Don’t Forget the Cooler and Hydration

A cooler is the heart of your cooling toolbox. It keeps water, ice, and cooling packs ready throughout the day. Staying hydrated is crucial for heat safety—set reminders to drink regularly, and use your cooler to refresh towels or refreeze cooling packs. Modern coolers come in all shapes and sizes, including soft-sided bags that keep ice for days and can be refrozen for repeated use.

Featured Products for Your Cooling Toolbox

Pro Tip: Using Your Cooling Tools Effectively

• Organize your cooling gear for easy access.
• Start using your umbrella or shade early—don’t wait until you feel overheated.
•  Set phone reminders to drink water regularly.
• Apply cooling towels to pulse points like the neck and wrists.
• Wear your cooling vest before, during, and after exertion for maximum benefit.

With the right plan, you’ll stay energized and avoid the fatigue that comes from heat stress.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Building a cooling toolbox/ plan is a proactive way to stay safe, comfortable, and active during hot weather. By combining shade, airflow, evaporative cooling, and advanced cooling vests, you can tailor your approach to any environment. Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll show you how to integrate all these tools into a comprehensive heat management plan.

 The best plan is to use all your cooling tools together.

• First, organize and make all your tools easy to use. If it's a hassle, you will not do it, and the consequences will be too high.

• Start using that umbrella right from the beginning.

• Set the timer on your phone to drink regularly.

• Have the cooling towel ready to press into places on the body where blood flow is close to the surface i.e. the neck and wrist.

• Use the cooling vest before, during, and after exertion to absorb excess heat produced.

By doing these simple things, you will not be as tired at the end of the day. When you have made a plan that reduces heat stress on your body, you can do what you do without the fatigue that can last for days.

Read blog 7 to learn how to combine all the info from all six blogs into one coherent cooling plan!

 

 

**This website is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on ThermApparel’s website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Neither ThermApparel nor its employees, nor any contributor to this website, makes any representations, express or implied, with respect to the information provided herein or to its use.