Hey There! 👋 I have to confess that there were days when I neglected to use protective gear during my commute to work because it was too hot to wear a leather jacket in traffic. That’s where an evaporative cooling vest came to my rescue.
With a cooling vest, I was able to arrive at my office without excessive sweating, all while fully protected by my leather motorcycle gear.
Evaporative vest works by utilizing the natural process of evaporation to cool your body down. It prevents heat exhaustion and dehydration leading to higher concentration and alertness while riding in hot weather.
Getting a more comfortable and enjoyable ride is a good thing, right? This way you’ll be able to ride longer distances without feeling overheated. Especially useful in the city or when the outside temperature rises above body temperature.
Contents
factors to Consider when choosing an evaporative cooling vest
Type of cooling systems that are used in cooling vests:
- Evaporative System: This system employs the principle of evaporation for cooling. By immersing the system in water, it absorbs the water and gradually evaporates over time to produce a cooling effect.
- Gel Pad System: This involves the use of gel pads which are first frozen and then inserted into designated compartments in a vest to provide a cooling sensation.
- Ice Cube System: The third system utilizes frozen ice cubes. The ice cubes are placed into specific pockets within a vest, effectively reducing temperature as they melt.
The material used in the cooling vest
The outer shell of the cooling vest should be made of durable and lightweight material – such as nylon.
The cooling itself is managed by another material which will differ based on the type of the cooling system. These materials are all good
- Phase Change Material (PCM) – packs filled with a special substance that can be frozen, refrigerated, or immersed in ice water to charge. PCM is designed to remain at a constant temperature for a prolonged period of time.
- Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) – A synthetic polymer that can absorb and hold onto large amounts of water.
- Polyacrylate – Retains and holds large quantities of water.
- Cellulose – polymer found in the cell walls of plants, to absorb water.
- Hydrogels – networks of polymer chains that are highly absorbent (they can contain over 90% water)
Size and Fit
Look for a snug fit that does not restrict your movement. Especially if you plan to use a cooling vest while riding offroad where you will need to shift your body a lot on the bike.
Ease of use
The vest should be lightweight and washable. It should also have a zipper so it is easy to put on or take off. Additionally, it should be easy to pack in motorcycle luggage, some Vests get stiff as they dry and cant be conveniently folded to fit inside your pannier as other clothes.
Best Overall
#1 Ergodyne
Type: Evaporative (Soak in Water)
Material used for cooling: Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)
Zipper: ✅ Yes
Duration of Cooling: ✅ 4 hours
Machine washable: ✅ Yes
Benefits & Features
✅ Effective Cooling: The vest effectively provides a cooling effect, making it suitable for outdoor activities or hot climates.
✅ Long-lasting water hold: The vest is capable of holding water for 4 hours due to the (PVA) material in it. Four hours is a lot more than I prefer to ride between stops. It can be “recharged” at petrol station bathrooms in cold water in the sink, and you will have another 4 hours of cooling at your disposal 🥶.
✅ Durable: Can be machine-washed without being damaged. This vest will serve you for several years.
⚠️ Inaccurate sizing: The product sizes are reported as larger than expected. The manufacturer decided to play it safe if someone would want to fit it over the motorcycle jacket. Note that it is better to choose the smaller version if you want to equip it over your shirt.
⚠️ Odor: The vest may develop an unpleasant smell if it doesn’t dry quickly enough or after multiple uses without washing. Make sure to machine-wash it after every 2-3 uses.
The Verdict
This cooling vest is a great investment for individuals frequently participating in outdoor activities in hot climates. Its effective cooling mechanism and quality build make it a viable solution to beat the heat. However, be aware of its sizing issues and the fact that it can become quite heavy when soaked. Care should also be taken to properly clean and dry the vest to avoid any unpleasant odor. All things considered, if you are comfortable with occasional maintenance, Ergodyne is a worthy choice.
Runner Up
#2 Fly Racing
Type: Evaporative (Soak in Water)
Material used for cooling: Polymer
Zipper: ✅ Yes
Duration of Cooling: 3 hours
Machine washable: ✅ Yes
Benefits & Features
✅ Looks nice, has a good quality finish. Also, users have reported a good fit, which contributes to the vest’s effectiveness and comfort.
✅ Effective Cooling: Same as other products in this list – The Fly Racing provides efficient cooling during intense heat, making it perfect for hot days in the motorcycle sadle.
✅ Quick Soaking Time: With a soaking time of just 2 minutes, the vest is quickly charged with cool water and is ready to use.
✅ Lightweight and Portable: Unlike some other products in this list – this vest does not get stiff as it dries. This means that you can pack it with other clothes in the motorcycle pannier and use it only on hot days.
The Verdict:
The Fly Racing vest provides an effective and long-lasting cooling solution. It’s portable and lightweight, with a quick soaking time that adds to its convenience. While it may leave water stains and possibly work less effectively when stationary, the overwhelming consensus from users is positive, with one even referring to it as a “lifesaver” in Arizona’s intense heat.
Worth Mentioning
#3 Hyperkewl
Type: Evaporative (Soak in Water)
Material used for cooling: Polymer
Zipper: ✅ Yes
Duration of Cooling: 2 hours
Machine washable: ❌ No, Hand-wash only
Benefits & Features
✅ Provides noticeable cooling effect: This cooling vest has got riders raving about its ability to combat the heat, whether you’re cruising down the freeway or stuck in traffic. You’ll feel like you’re riding in the shade, even in triple-digit heat.
✅ Versatile: It fits under a motorcycle jacket and can be used in different situations, from motorcycle rides to heatwaves at home. Note that it is recommended to get a slightly smaller version than recommended by the manufacturer for a snug under-the-jacket fit.
✅ Ease of use: The vest is easy to “recharge” by soaking in water. Note that you would have to do it every 2 hours to keep it cool, otherwise, it gets a bit “swampy”. In other words, it might feel like you’re wearing a wet sponge if you don’t recharge it.
⚠️ Hand-wash only.
The Verdict:
HyperKewl Cooling Vest is a formidable opponent against the summer heat. Despite a few hitches – the weight when soaked, a constant damp sensation, a case of model confusion, and a somewhat limited cool-off duration – this piece of gear has proved to be an effective tool for motorcyclists looking to stay cool on their rides. You may need a few rides to get used to it, but once you do, you’ll wonder how you ever rode in the heat without it. It’s not a perfect solution, but as the mercury rises, it’s a product you’ll be glad to have in your arsenal.
Best for Offroad
#4 Alpinestars
Type: Evaporative (Soak in Water)
Material used for cooling: polymer-embedded material
Zipper: ❌ No (Difficult to kaon on/off)
Duration of Cooling: 2 hours
Machine washable: ❌ No, Hand-wash only
Benefits & Features
✅ More stylish compared to other products in this list: The overall build and design look like a casual well-made t-shirt.
✅ Does not restrict motion during intense physical activity. This makes it suitable for active offroad riding when you have to move and shift your weight a lot.
⚠️ Does not have a zipper and therefore is more dificult to equip or take off when it is wet.
⚠️ Hand-wash only.
⚠️ Is not as long-lasting as other products in this list. Being designed as more flexible – it does not have as much polymer material embedded into the fabric leading to less water absorbed. As a result, it evaporates quickly and the vest should be resoaked again after just 2 hours.
The Verdict:
Alpinestars stands out for its stylish design and freedom of movement, making it a suitable choice for intense physical activities such as off-road riding. However, the absence of a zipper could make it more difficult to put on or remove when wet, and the hand-wash-only requirement might be inconvenient for some users. Its cooling effect, while effective, tends to be less durable due to the lesser amount of polymer material, leading to quicker evaporation and requiring re-soaking approximately every two hours. Consider these factors in relation to your specific needs when making a decision.
The Most Affordable
#5 NJDGF
Type: Evaporative (Soak in Water)
Material used for cooling: Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)
Zipper: ❌ No (but has straps on sides)
Duration of Cooling: 3 hours
Machine washable: ❌ No, Hand-wash only
Benefits & Features
✅ Effective Cooling: The vest provides substantial cooling, particularly in hot weather or during physically demanding activities.
✅ Easy to use and equip: The vest is straightforward to activate – just soak it in water and wring it out. Due to straps on the sides that can be undone – it can be quickly equipped. This is very practical if you want to quickly take it off and “recharge” it with cold water during a petrol station stop.
⚠️ As it Dries it becomes Stiff: The vest becomes stiff once it dries, which can be inconvenient for storage, once soaked in water it will become flexible like a sponge.
⚠️ Size Issues: The ‘one size fits all’ may not cater to all body sizes, with some users finding the vest too big. However, this does make it more affordable in the end.
⚠️ Material is a bit strange to wear: The material is similar to a chamois cloth used for car drying.
⚠️ Aesthetic Appeal: The design and cut of the vest are basic and can’t be considered fashionable.
Verdict:
Overall, the Evaporative Cooling Vest appears to be a practical and effective solution for cooling during hot weather. While it has some drawbacks, such as drying stiff and a lack of aesthetic appeal, the advantages, such as its cooling effectiveness, ease of use, and low price point seem to outweigh these minor inconveniences.
The Bottom Line
Key factors to consider when selecting an evaporative cooling vest include the cooling system employed, the materials used, how well it fits, its ease of use, and how quickly it can be recharged.
Among the vests reviewed, the Ergodyne vest is particularly noteworthy due to its effective cooling, durable water-holding capacity, and robust construction. Despite occasional sizing inaccuracies and the potential to develop an odor over time, it’s a sound investment for those living and riding in hot climates. Alternatively, for those prioritizing style and freedom of movement, Fly Racing could be a worthy option, while NJDGF represents the most cost-effective choice. Each vest has its own set of advantages and drawbacks, and these should be balanced against specific individual needs and preferences. In summary, any of these vests could significantly improve the comfort and enjoyment of riding in hot weather.
