Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Cooling vests

Anyone try something like this? (http://www.ridecool.com/ultra.htm)

I was given the bandannas as a safety reward from my company it works as long as you wet it every hour or so with cool water.

I'm scared of such a device. I don't wanna be riding around in a big yellow wet thing.

the worst part is its the same inside as a diaper almost it feels like a wet diaper the jacket would be terrible IMHO the bandanna is kinda okay

the worst part is its the same inside as a diaper almost it feels like a wet diaper the jacket would be terrible IMHO the bandanna is kinda okay

That sounds horrible.

the worst part is its the same inside as a diaper almost it feels like a wet diaper the jacket would be terrible IMHO the bandanna is kinda okay

Hmm - giant wet-diaper feeling YELLOW thing, I could take it by my brother's (new father) house and terrify him...:D

I have one. Trek used to sell one that looks just like this--mine's silver. I'm undecided on whether it helps, but I think it might. One days where the heat index was near 100 I'd use it and at every stop (20 miles or so) I'd "recharge" it by dunking it in ice water. Then it would really help for twenty minutes or so. I would also stuff ice from a convenience store between the vest and my jersey. I think it's worth a try if you have serious heat issues like I do. I rode my first century in August heat with one on.

The thing that keeps me from wearing it more (besides the ENORMOUS Fred factor) is that you are basically putting on a quilted garment in the hottest time of year. If you don't or can't recharge it every so often I think it could work against you.

I was using it in the humid midwest, where the humidity limits evaporation. I think it would be great if you were in a dry climate and riding in the heat. I'm curious, too. Anyone else use one of these?

Here's a cheap trick from the Ultramarathon Cycling world:

A couple of tube socks, filled with ice. Tie them together and hang them over the back of your neck. It cools the blood flow to the brain very nicely and helps you keep thinking straight. It also helps keep the core temp down. It worked across the Salton Sea Basin for the guy I crewed for on RAAM last year....Rob Lucas. Temps were 109F and we kept the ice socks stocked and sprayed him down with a water mist as needed. The Ice Socks though really did help!

Is the cooling vest just a vest that leaks out water? I usually try to ride through an open hydrant for the same effect :D

I was given the bandannas as a safety reward from my company it works as long as you wet it every hour or so with cool water.


This is the only problem with these or the socks or just about anything like this. If you don't keep it refreshed, it gets warm. And when that happens, you've got a warm heavy piece of cloth you need to carry around that really does you no good. If you're supported or have frequent access to cool water, then go for it. If you regularly ride with 2 hours between water stops, you should just slowly acclimate yourself to the heat.