Cooling vest

[Joy]

Has anyone purchased a cooling vest that you wear the backpack where it circulates ice water through the tubing in the vest?

I need something that lasts longer than the ice packs in the vest I have.

They melt and then retain heat so I end up feeling worse after maybe 40 min. to an hour. The hotter it is the less effective they are even though companies claim they work up to 4 hours.

If you have a system such as this how much does it weigh? How many hours can you wear it and stay cool. What is the site you purchased it at? I realize they are more expensive, but I am willing to pay for it if it honestly, really works.

Thank you.

[ActiveMSers]

Here are two backpack versions. They look to be the exact same, only with different tags (and prices). I have not yet reviewed them, but I would be very interested to hear your experience (or others). The Veskimo site has much more detail. It looks like the vest with water has a total weight of 12 lbs. That's about twice as heavy as your ice vest, but far more power. Hope this helps, Joy! - Dave

http://www.veskimo.com/proddetail.ph...ackpack-system

Veskimo Hydration Backpack Features

This insulated Hydration Backpack incorporates a high efficiency battery powered pump to supply ice chilled water to the Veskimo Microclimate Cooling Vest. Together, the Backpack and Vest comprise a fully self-contained Complete Personal Cooling System providing the user with comfort, convenience and unrestricted mobility. Fill with up to seven pounds of ice plus one pint or more of water for over four hours of body cooling. The pump can run for eight hours using eight alkaline or ten NiMH Rechargeable AA Batteries in the Quick-Change Power Pack. An optional Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery can be used to power the pump for 6+ hours, or an optional External Power Cord connected to a 12V DC source can be used for continuous operation, eliminating the need for batteries. This backpack also functions as a hydration pack, serving up chilled, filtered drinking water on demand with the pump on or off.

Backpack Features and Specifications
Extra large 4.4 quart capacity reservoir made from ultra-tough thermoplastic polyurethane
Large 5.5-inch wide slide-opening top on reservoir for quick filling and easy cleaning
Can be filled with ice cubes, cylindrical ice blocks or four 1/2 liter frozen water bottles (used as quick-change ice cartridges)
5/8-inch thick, 10 layer high performance radiant reflective foil-faced gas-filled thermal insulation surrounds the entire reservoir
Single charge of ice lasts for 4+ hours (actual duration dependant on user activity level and ambient temperature)
Small high-efficiency pump circulates ice-chilled water through the cooling vest
Ten NiMH rechargeable or eight alkaline (single use) AA cells in a Quick-Change Power Pack provide 8+ hours of continuous pump operation
Optional Lithium Ion Battery Pack provides 6+ hours of continuous pump operation at one-half the size & weight of the AA Power Pack
Cooling rate can be adjusted to personal preference using the convenient power switch on left shoulder strap
Dry-break style quick-disconnect fittings for easy connection to vest with no leakage when disconnected
Backpack also serves as a source of chilled, filtered drinking water (hydration pack) with the pump on or off
Drink tube on right shoulder strap is thermally insulated to keep first sip cold
Bite-valve with removable cover and shut-off valve prevents leakage during transport or storage
130-micron inline filter on the drink tube prevents any particulates in the reservoir from reaching the bite valve
Backpack constructed to Mil-Spec standards using rugged 600 Denier Cordura Nylon
Fully adjustable shoulder, waist and sternum straps with quick-snap buckle closures to comfortably fit all sizes
Padded back panel and shoulder straps with breathable mesh provide enhanced ventilation
Zippered external top pocket with key clip and mesh organizer for storing on-the-go essentials
Mesh pocket on left shoulder strap holds cell phone, MP3 player or snack bar for convenient access while wearing the backpack
Lower pocket holds battery pack for quick and easy access
Reflective safety stripes for high visibility in low light conditions double as attachment loops for shock cord to strap extra items to the outside of the backpack, or to attach an auxiliary expansion pack
Low-profile design keeps pack stable and prevents interference with helmet
Dimensions: 21" tall x 7" wide x 6" deep (max) at bottom, 3" deep at top
Weight empty: 2.5 pounds without batteries, 2.8 pounds with Lithium-Ion Battery Pack, 3.1 pounds with AA Battery Pack
Weight full with AA Battery Pack and reservoir filled to maximum capacity (4.4 quarts): 12.0 pounds
Color: Black with grey trim
Warranty: One year on all materials & workmanship
Patent pending

And another, with different tags....
http://www.amazon.com/KewlFlow-Circu.../dp/B003MXM9GA

[TJS5701]

Cooling Vest

Joy, Have you looked at the cooling vest from Glacier Tek? Good quality, not ice, reasonable cost. Lasts about 2 1/2 hours. www.coolvest.com