What's a cooling vest and why do I need one this summer?
Some athletes like many of those preparing for outdoor events at this summers Tokyo Olympics  purposefully train in hot and humid conditions to prepare for competition. Whether they spend time at camps in the steamy south, incorporate sauna sessions into their routines, or overdress for some of their workouts, theres no question that acclimating to extreme conditions in advance is both possible and beneficial for performance. But others  like the millions ensnared by the current heatwave sweeping through the U.S. and Canada  find themselves heat training by necessity. Unlike pro athletes, who generally take a methodical and gradual approach to the heat, such sudden and unexpected conditions have left many people severely unprepared and, in many cases, endangered. While the best defense against heat-related illnesses is an abundance of caution and familiarity with the warning signs, there are some things that can help buffer the effects of serious heat when you have no choice but to operate in it. If you already have the standard solutions covered  fluids, electrolytes, hat, sunglasses, breathable clothing, sunscreen, portable fan, and such  your next move might be to add a cooling vest to the mix. A cooling vest (sometimes called an ice vest) is exactly as it sounds: a vest that you either slip over your head or strap onto your chest thats typically filled with ice packs or gel that can stay chilled for extended periods of time. Other models rely on evaporative cooling and are activated with a quick dunk underwater. The idea of these vests is to cool the surface of the skin, which in turn helps to keep the bodys core temperature down, decrease heart rate, and delay or stave off conditions such as dehydration, overheating, and worse. Typically worn before training or competing (many athletes competing in this years Olympic Track and Field Trials wore them on their warm-ups), they can also help to keep you cool between efforts and bring you back to baseline as soon as your workout ends. Theyre not just for elite athletes either. Whether youre a weekend jogger, soccer parent, construction worker, or generally heat-sensitive individual, here are 5 cooling vests to consider this (unprecedented) summer and beyond:  HyperKewl Cooling Sport Vest  TechNiche International Adult HyperKewl Cooling Sport Vest, Medium, Royal Blue TechNiche International amazon.com $35.24 Array.data.call_to_action  Rather than relying on ice or gel packs, this affordable vest works through evaporative cooling. Simply soak the vest in water for 2 to 3 minutes, ring it out, and put it on for 5 to 10 hours of cooling. If at any point you want to rehydrate it, simply repeat the process and carry on with your activity. While putting on a damp vest will not appeal to some people, the convenience factor (not needing a freezer or having to deal with several ice packs) may be a worthwhile tradeoff. Sizes range from XS to 3X-Large for adults and it is available in two colors on Amazon, plus more on the TechNiche International website. Sports Cool Vest  Glacier Tek Sports Cool Vest for Men and Women (Blue Color) Glacier Tek amazon.com $199.00 Array.data.call_to_action  Created with the athlete in mind, this Amazons Choice vest has adjustable, elastic straps and room for 8 PureTemp cooling packs, which consist of a nontoxic phase change material that stays chilled for up to 2.5 hours in 100-degree heat and can withstand thousands of melting-solidification cycles. An hour in the freezer or 20 minutes in ice water is all it takes to recharge the packs. Although its a one-size-fits-all situation, individuals who need more room can purchase extender strap sets separately, while children in the 30- to 90-pound range will do better with the Childrens Cool Vest. Color options include blue, gray, brown, and red. Personal Cooling Cold Vest  FlexiFreeze Ice Vest (Zipper Closure) FlexiFreeze amazon.com $99.99 Array.data.call_to_action  With elastic cords for side panels and weighing in at just 3.5 pounds when fully loaded, this washable neoprene vest by FlexiFreeze is one of the lighter options on the market. Its also one of the shorter-lived cooling systems, with 96 pure water ice cubes that fit into each vest and stay cool for an estimated 90 minutes. While you can extend that duration by purchasing and freezing extra ice cube panels, doing so requires pre-planning as well as freezer access when youre ready to make the swap. Choose between zipper and Velcro closures, and hope that the universal size (advertised to accommodate sizes ranging from XS to 6X) fits. Evaporative Cooling Vest  Ergodyne - Chill-Its Evaporative Cooling Vest Ergodyne amazon.com $26.24 Array.data.call_to_action  Another wallet-friendly option that utilizes evaporative cooling, this vest is made of breathable quilted nylon, has mesh side panels, and requires a quick 2- to 5-minute soak to activate. It stays hydrated (cool) for up to 4 hours, at which point the vest can be resubmerged and put back on for another round. Like the TechNiche product, some dampness while wearing it is to be expected. Although the vest was designed for individuals working in such industries as construction, landscaping, assembly, and iron/steel fabrication, its benefits extend to all active bodies who wear a size medium to 3XL. Color choices include gray and a high-visibility lime green, which will surely be an asset to certain activities and professions. Kool Max Adjustable Zipper Cooling Vest  This lightweight adjustable vest is Polars best-seller for a reason. It features an adjustable fit, is made with machine-washable cotton, and accommodates 8 to 12 cooling packs, depending on the size you order. The packs can either be water-based (which requires advance freezing and stay cool for 3 to 4 hours) or phase change (which is activated when submerged in ice water or placed in a refrigerator or freezer, and stay cool for 2 to 3 hours). The vest comes in 6 sizes ranging from XS/S to 2XL/3XL and five colors and has the option of swapping the cotton out for breathable nylon for an upcharge.