Evaporative Cooling Vests

[Rob]

Was thinking about getting one of these evaporative cooling vests to use while bikepacking/riding.  It says that it will cool for 5-10 hours per 3 minute soaking in water.  
http://www.techniche-intl.com/content/blogcategory/5/27/


http://www.palmflex.com/techniche/ultra_sport_vests.htm



Anyone ever try one?  

[Endurance Junkie]

Really?
I think I'll stick to drinking my water.

[Pivvay]

I could see it for when it's really freaking hot. I do the ghetto solution, ie just dunk my jersey and cotton hat in a stream.

[Rob]

Exactly, for when it's really freaking hot.  It might allow one to do a bikepacking trip in an area during a part of the season when it otherwise wouldn't be possible. 

[Pivvay]

Maybe. Usually the limiting factor is water. If this cut your water useage  significantly it might work. Any idea what they weigh?

A cotton t-shirt might be lighter, cheaper and functionally as good?

[Rob]

They don't give the weight, but they do say it's lightweight.  The reason it works well for so long is because of the polymer embedded fabric.  

I think it would be nice to have just for the comfort factor of being cool in 100+ degree weather.  

[ScottM]

I tried something similar, but made for the head/helmet.  I didn't find it worked much better than a bandanna or other fabric.  It might have stayed wet a little longer, but once it's mostly dry it doesn't cool much.

I'd be interested if the vest worked any better though.  Sometimes there's plenty of water around and it's just plain hot.

[tRoy]

If it is that hot then I would ride during the evening, morning and night - preferably with a full moon.