Tired of carrying around a mini fan or re-washing your cooling towel every two hours? With summer temperatures reaching record highs around the world, the latest trend in personal cooling has arrived: high-tech cooling vests and jackets.
These innovative garments claim to keep you comfortable even in the most extreme heat.
We tested three air conditioners in the heart of Hong Kong’s bustling Causeway Bay district on a hot summer afternoon when temperatures reached 34C (93F). One was equipped with dual fans, one with an ice pack, and one with a fan and ice pack combination. Read on to see how they performed.
1. Pink polyester jacket with dual fans
This jacket is a fashion statement. I loved the striking pink color the moment I saw it. The hood also has a hole for long hair, and you can pull it up to cover half your face.
The jacket comes with two fans and a battery, and installation was relatively easy, although I felt that the fans being visible on the back took away from the fashion appeal.
Once I turned the battery on, the fan began circulating cool air inside the jacket, and within seconds the jacket was inflated.
You’ll definitely attract attention walking down the streets of Causeway Bay in this outfit. Are you wearing long sleeves in this heat?
To my surprise, the jacket did keep some parts of my body cool – I felt the breeze on my neck and back, and I didn’t sweat as much as I normally do.
However, the cold air cannot reach your sleeves and heat builds up, so it may be better to wear the jacket as a vest.
This jacket is voluminous, so it’s better suited to wearing outdoors than in the muggy indoors, and it feels light enough to wear in early summer or fall to go for a jog – I can’t imagine wearing it in crowded places like the MTR or a shopping mall.
More “extreme” variations of the jacket come with four or more fans.
Overall, this jacket is great for a laugh, great for staying cool while doing some light exercise, and easy on the wallet, as it can be purchased for around 170 RMB (US$23) on Taobao (Taobao is owned by Alibaba, which also owns Post).
Joan Yau
2. Beige work vest with ice pack
This no-frills cooling vest comes with four removable hot and cold gel packs that can be attached to the front and back. To cool, simply place the packs in the freezer for an hour. To warm, heat the packs in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
How effective is this vest at cooling you down? Not very well. It only cools the small area of your body where the ice pack is placed, while the rest of your body sweats under the layers of clothing.
After a few hours, the ice pack will melt and moisture will seep through the fabric. At least the vest is machine washable.
The design is minimalist, with a zipper and four adjustable strips at the shoulders and waist for a better fit. The vest only comes in one size, so be sure to check before you buy.
The polyester fabric is too hot for summer and it’s not waterproof, but the material is sturdy and durable enough to last a few summers. For 50 RMB (on Taobao) it’s a great deal.
Annie Chan
3. Navy cooling vest with ice packs and fan
Resembling a fishing vest, the vest can hold up to five ice packs and has a battery-powered fan that circulates cool air inside.
The fan is operated by a power button on the left side of the chest, and the vest can be fastened with buckles on either side and can be zipped closed for maximum cooling.
This vest is durable, well-made and easy to operate, and its dark navy color is understated and its function is not immediately obvious at first glance.
The ice pack feels cool and refreshing at first, but because the vest has a thin lining, it begins to feel like your skin is pressed directly against the ice, which creates very cold spots that contrast with the hot, humid weather, creating an uncomfortable body temperature imbalance.
After a while, the outer shell of the vest will become damp with condensation, which is also not ideal.
While functional in theory, this vest is less practical for everyday use in the summer, especially if you’re constantly switching between indoors and outdoors. Given its weight and bulky appearance, it may be more useful for construction workers or other people who spend a lot of time outdoors.
For 368 yuan, I would argue there are better, cheaper and more comfortable alternatives on the market.
Lindsay Fenn
