What are the 5 different types of ThermApparel Cooling Packs?

What are the 5 Different Types of ThermApparel Cooling Packs?

ThermApparel Cooling Packs serve individual purposes to make the best fit for your cooling needs. From the workhorse ExtendedCool to the standalone Mini, here are the descriptions, specs, and uses for all five.  

How ThermApparel Cooling Packs Work

Our cooling technology is Phase Change Material (PCM). Why PCM? We chose it because it's the best. The PCM we use is non-toxic and bio-based, not petroleum-based. Our Cooling Packs cool no matter the conditions, working through conduction (making contact with your skin) to cool your body.

Think of them like a heat exchanger. The packs sit against your skin and pull heat out of the blood flowing close to the surface. Your body then circulates that cooled blood back through your entire system from head to toe, helping bring your core temperature down from the inside out. No ice, no wires, no noise.

Unlike cooling towels and evaporative vests, PCM does not need evaporation to cool you down. It works whether it's humid (when there is no evaporation) or in the desert (where evaporation occurs so quickly that cooling doesn't occur). Because our Cooling Packs are designed to start melting and refreezing at 66-70°F / 19-21°C, they will not sweat, keeping you and your clothing or costume dry.

Ice vs PCM

Our Cooling Packs are not ice packs. Putting ice directly on your skin is dangerous. Ice is too cold and will damage your skin if left on too long (think frostbite). ThermApparel Cooling Packs are not as cold as ice and are safe against the skin for long periods without batteries, pumps, wires, external coolers, or noise.

Ice and other cooling vests require a layer or two of clothing between them and your skin to help prevent frostbite. Putting freezing ice and gel packs on your skin also interferes with your body's natural cooling system. When something too cold is introduced, your body automatically tries to warm it up, wasting precious energy.

Our Cooling Packs work with your body. The packs cool your blood as it passes through, and that cooled blood circulates throughout your body from head to toe, helping maintain a lower core temperature from the inside out.

Who Uses ThermApparel Cooling Packs?

PCM cooling packs aren't one-size-fits-all, and that's exactly why we made five types. Our customers include:

• People with heat-sensitive medical conditions including MS, POTS, hypohidrosis, lupus, Parkinson's, and fibromyalgia, where heat triggers symptoms or flares
• Furries and cosplayers wearing full-body costumes that trap heat fast. PCM cooling packs worn under or inside a costume provide safe, discreet relief without wires or noise
• Santa performers and holiday entertainers working long shifts in heavy suits and hot venues. Our packs recharge in 30 to 45 minutes so you can keep going all day
• Actors, performers, and production crews including Hollywood productions, summer stock, outdoor theatre, and anyone working under hot stage lights. Riggers and crew on their feet all day in the heat count too
• Equestrians who need SlimCool's discreet profile for the ring or ExtendedCool's longer duration for mucking out the barn
• Theme park workers on their feet for hours in the sun, often in costume
• Outdoor workers and athletes including construction, landscaping, cycling, running, and hiking in the heat
• People who simply run hot. No diagnosis needed. If heat makes you miserable, PCM cooling works for you

Frequently Asked Questions

What are ThermApparel cooling packs made of?

Our cooling packs use Phase Change Material (PCM), non-toxic, bio-based, and not petroleum-based. PCM works by absorbing heat as it changes from solid to liquid, which is what creates that steady, consistent cooling effect against your skin.

How do ThermApparel cooling packs actually cool my body?

Think of them like a heat exchanger. The packs sit against your skin and pull heat out of the blood flowing close to the surface. Your body then circulates that cooled blood back through your entire system from head to toe, helping bring your core temperature down from the inside out. No ice, no wires, no noise.

Are ThermApparel cooling packs safe against my skin?

Yes. Unlike ice packs, our PCM packs freeze at 66-70°F (19-21°C), so they're cool and comfortable, never painfully cold. You can wear them directly against your skin for extended periods without risk of frostbite or skin damage.

What's the difference between the 5 types of cooling packs?

Each pack is designed for a specific garment and use case. ExtendedCool and SlimCool fit the main vest garments (UnderCool 3, RallyWrap, UltraCool) and offer the longest cooling duration. FlexCool is patented and made exclusively for the Headband. CoolSleeve66 is made for the CoolSleeve and targets the radial artery at your forearm. Mini Cooling Packs are standalone and go wherever you need them: pockets, sports bras, costume layers, pulse points.

Can I mix and match cooling packs between garments?

ExtendedCool works interchangeably in the UnderCool 3, RallyWrap, and UltraCool. SlimCool is designed for the UnderCool 3 only. FlexCool is exclusive to the Headband, CoolSleeve66 is exclusive to the CoolSleeve, and Mini Cooling Packs are standalone. Check the specs tables above for full compatibility.

How do I recharge my cooling packs?

The fastest method for most packs is ice water. Just drop them in a zip-lock bag with ice and water. Freezer and fridge work too, though times vary by pack type. Check the specs table for each pack above for exact recharge times. For continuous cooling, keep a second set ready to swap while the first set recharges.

Can I store my cooling packs in the freezer long-term?

All ThermApparel Cooling Packs can be stored in the fridge or freezer between uses, and it actually extends their lifespan. The one exception is the FlexCool (Headband) pack, which should be stored in the fridge only. Freezing it solid will make it stiff and it won't curve to fit your head.

How do I clean my cooling packs?

Hand wash with mild soap and water. Do not put them in the washing machine or dishwasher. They will leak and make a spectacular mess. Trust us, we've tried it.

Are the cooling packs safe for children and pets?

The PCM inside is non-toxic and bio-based. That said, cooling packs are not designed for children or pets and should be kept out of reach. They are not chew toys, and we'd like to keep it that way.

How long do cooling packs last?

With proper care, ThermApparel cooling packs are reusable thousands of times and last about 3 years. After that, natural chemical degradation will cause cooling time to start to diminish. When that happens, don't just toss them! Send them back through our Cooling Pack Recycling Program and we'll take care of them responsibly. As a thank you for recycling, you'll save up to 35% on a brand-new replacement set, with free shipping both ways within the USA.