Best Cooling Vests For Running in 2023

1. TechNiche Evaporative Cooling Ultra Sport Vest

This spacey-looking vest is our first choice if you’re looking for a vest that will cool you off as you run without weighing you down.

The tech behind the significant cooling effect is an unusual evaporative material named HyperKewl. A polymer fiber core, nestled in a quilted outer layer and water-repellent inner layer, absorbs and holds water.

When you run, airflow through the breathable fabric causes the water to evaporate. This basically does the job of sweating, without you getting wet or even damp in the process!

To get the core layer full of water, you’ll need to soak the vest in water for 2 minutes before you head off on your run. Squeeze the excess water out (don’t twist the fabric!), put it on, and off you go.

It’s very easy to get on and off in a pull-on style. There are mesh panels underneath each arm, on the shoulders, and on the abdomen to facilitate better airflow. The more air flowing through, the cooler you’ll be!

The vest gets a big thumbs-up for its long-lasting effect. You can get 5 to 10 hours out of one good soaking, depending on the weather you’re running in. That means it’s great for runners of all types, whether you’re simply taking a daily run around the block or preparing for an ultramarathon!

Just be aware that according to the manufacturer, the vest lasts for around 100 uses. If you’re using it daily during hot weather, it may last around 2 years before needing to be replaced.

2. Glacier Tek: The Original Cool Vest

If you feel that evaporation tech wouldn’t be quite enough for you, an ice pack vest may be the next best option.

This heavy-duty vest is one-size-fits-most. The vest can fit runners with chest sizes from 29 inches up to 52 inches. Those who need more space can purchase extender strap sets.

With 8 ice packs included, the full system weighs less than 5 pounds. Even so, this may be too heavy for some runners – 5 pounds can make a big difference if you’re trying to improve your speed!

For those who don’t mind running with a weighted vest (which can actually help build muscle), this vest fits tightly thanks to a front zipper, side straps to tighten as you wish, and shoulders that can be adjusted.

You’ll get 8 ice packs with your purchase (4 large, 4 small), which are horizontal in shape. This helps them wrap around your body, creating as little discomfort as possible.

One of the things we like about this system is that it’s pretty customizable. If you need maximum cooling for a summer’s day run, pack all 8 ice packs into the vest. For light cooling (in a business meeting, long drive, or other situations), you can use just a few.

When your vest needs a cleaning, simply put it in the washing machine (without the packs, obviously!).

Ice packs can work wonders for recovery, too, so wear this when you get home if your upper body needs some muscle relief, or just to bring your core temperature down more quickly.

3. Techkewl Elite Hybrid Sport Phase Change Cooling Vest

A hybrid vest brings you the best of two cooling technologies, so there’s virtually no chance of this not working for you!

HyperKewl and TechKewl technologies work together to keep you comfortable on your run. Basically, it’s a combination of evaporative tech and Phase Change Material technology (essentially, ice pack-type cooling).

HyperKewl is what our top product uses to keep you cool. Soak the fabric in water for a couple of minutes before your run, then squeeze out the excess. Airflow will activate the cooling effect, which offers 5 to 10 hours on its own.

On top of that, you have TechKewl, which uses CoolPax PCM cooling packs. Freeze the pack, stick it into the front of the vest using the Velcro strips, and you’ll have an extra cooling factor that lasts 2 to 3 hours.

4. FlexiFreeze Ice Vest

If you get excited over “best value” products, this one should get you going! Weighing in at around 4 pounds when fully loaded with ice packs, it shouldn’t weigh you down too much. But it will do a good job of keeping you cool.

It’s made from Ripstop fabric, which is both comfortable and durable while still being lightweight. The neoprene ice packs are refreezable for as many uses as you need. They feature eyebrow-raising 96 ice cubes to keep you cool!

You won’t find it uncomfortable carrying this ice with you. They use FlexiFreeze ice, which is designed to not be bulky. It moves with you, avoiding any restrictions to your range of motion.

Another comfort factor is the full adjustability of this vest. Shoulder straps are adjustable using Velcro, and the waist uses a bungee cord-type tightening and loosening mechanism. Using these, you can adjust the fit between XS and 6XL, so it fits most people.

Once the ice packs are removed, you can throw this vest into the washing machine between runs.

5. ThermApparel Undercool Cooling Vest

This lightweight vest is designed to be worn underneath an outer layer, and it’s super light and thin for extra comfort.

Many other vests are designed to be worn on top of your shirt. This one, however, is made to sit directly against your skin, which enhances the cooling effect quite a bit.

Cooling packs are the key in this vest too. They use phase change material that’s engineered to freeze at 32°F. They’re specially designed for use against the skin, and shouldn’t cause any discomfort or ice burns, which normal ice packs may.

You can freeze them in ice water, the freezer, or even the refrigerator – anything below 32°F. They’ll take a little longer in the refrigerator, but it will do the job.

Depending on the weather, your body temperature, and your activity level, the packs will last an hour or two. This is noticeably less than others, but it will be perfect if you prefer shorter runs.

The moisture-wicking material uses mesh panels to maximize airflow. The abdominal panel can be tightened or loosened using the Velcro strap, but the shoulders are free and clear, optimizing coolness even before you add the ice packs.

6. Nike Precool Vest

If Nike is your brand, then you’re in luck! They win the top spot for the most stylish cooling vest. There’s nothing fancy about their vest, but it does look good, and you’ll feel good in it.

It’s made from stretchy, tight-fitting material. It’s meant to be figure-hugging, so you can get the full benefit of the ice packs inside it. For some, this skin-tight fit may be uncomfortable, but you won’t get benefit from it if it’s loose – you’ll only have ice packs flopping around.

It features polyester side panels that offer a generous amount of space under the arms, to allow for better airflow for extra cooling.

Remove and refill the 4 ice packs when you need to. You can run with all 4 if you’re out in the summer heat, or just 2 if you’re taking a slow jog or a walk.

In typical Nike style, the vest is minimalistic but eye-catching, with the iconic Swoosh on the front chest.

7. Compcooler Ice Cooling System

If you’re going to be out in the mountains, traversing rough terrain, for hours on end, you may need something more than just a regular cooling vest.

This unique water cooling system could be what hikers are missing. The vest looks like military gear, sleek and professional.

It’s a bit more of a comprehensive system than the others on this list. When you buy, you’ll get the vest, a 3-liter water bladder, a small water pump, and a rechargeable battery complete with a charger.

Freeze the bladder, fill it with water, and slip it into the back pocket of the vest. The water pump circulates ice cold water from the bladder through the cooling channel (located in the mesh lining), so you’re kept cool continuously.

The vest keeps the water temperature down to about 46℉, so whatever weather you’re hiking in, it should be quite helpful.