Ice Water Circulating Cooling Vest Tan Detachable Bladder XL-2XL

Size and Fit of the Vest:I wear XXL shirts, and the XL/XXL UniVest cooling vest fits very comfortably. The velcro adjustment straps provide a wide range of adjustment, and the elastic portion of the straps expand with a comfortable amount of tension.I usually dislike snug-fitting clothes, but I actually prefer adjusting the velcro straps of this vest for a snug fit, because the elastic expands comfortably -- without too much tension. There is also plenty of length remaining in the velcro adjustment straps for a loose fit, if I wanted that.Cooling Capacity of the Vest:I did some engineering calculations for a 2L bladder that is frozen with 1.5 L of water:1.5 L of water weighs approximately 3 lbs.Ice: 0 to 32 degrees F:When 1 lb of ice changes temperature from 0 to 32 degrees F, it absorbs 16 Btu of heat. (The specific heat of ice is half that of water.) (32 * 0.5 = 16)Ice to Water:When 1 lb of ice melts to water, it absorbs 144 Btu of heat.(==> This transition from ice to water provides most of the vest's cooling capacity.)Water: 32 to 72 degrees F:When 1 lb of water changes temperature from 32 to 72 degrees F, it absorbs 40 Btu of heat. (40 * 1.0 = 40)16 + 144 + 40 = 200 BtuSummary: When 1 lb of ice at 0 degrees F changes to water at 72 degrees F, it absorbs 200 Btu of heat. So 3 lbs of ice at 0 degrees F will absorb 600 Btu of heat.As a useful comparison, drinking a 0.5 L bottle of water (weighing approximately 1 lb) that is refrigerated to 40 degrees F will absorb 60 Btu of heat. (98.6 - 40 = 58.6 ~ 60)So, the amount of cooling provided by a vest with 1.5 L of ice at 0 degrees F is equivalent to drinking 600 Btu / 60 Btu = 10 bottles (0.5 L size) of water refrigerated to 40 degrees F.Additional Comments:Based on my brief experience with the CompCooler UniVest so far, and the reviews and Q&A's of other Amazon customers who have purchased either type of CompCooler vest (backpack or UniVest), it appears that the ice and chilled water in a frozen 2L bladder will typically last 1-2 hours, depending on the situation. For a frozen 3L bladder, which also fits in this vest, it should last 50% longer (1.5-3 hours).As other Amazon customers have suggested, freezing additional bladders or freezing large ice blocks, to refill the bladder, are both good ways to get full workday cooling from the vest. The quick-release hose fittings and the plastic clip that slides to seal the bladder are easy to use, once you figure them out the first time.

Had the vest for a bit over a week now and used it almost every day in NJ summer. It definitely works and it works well - when filled with ice, it makes working in a hot and humid auto garage bearable. I also use it under my welding jacket and it's an absolute lifesaver in the summer; would recommend to anyone in the automotive, welding, and metal fab fields.The vest is a bit stiff and very tight, which is expected considering the function. The adjusting straps are a nice addition. So far, I've only worn this over a T-shirt so I don't sweat into the vest, which is fairly comfortable. You can still wear a jacket, another T-shirt, or a button up shirt over it if you want to cover it.I feel like the 8 hour battery life is underestimated. I've had it running for a good 3 hours and it hasn't gone down from 2 lights out of 3, so it's more than 8. Comes with a charger and arrives in charged state, so that's neat.This vest also came with a bladder in it, which I must've missed in the description, so now I have 2, which is even more convenient for long, hot days. Overall, I would recommend it but I do wish that the cost was lower. Perhaps that's due to Compcooler having no known competition in the recirculating cooling vest market.

I have a medical condition which does not allow me to sweat and naturally cool my core. As a result sunny, humid, warm conditions can result in my body temperature increasing and becoming dangerously high. The options are to not go outside and stay in an air conditioned environment, or attempt to reduce the impact of the heat and keep my core cool. I have a number of cooling vests that I use regularly, evaporative style as well as freezer flexi pack vests. These vests have been effective on a limited basis and generally last only 1-2 hours, depending on the temperature, before they become less effective. This limits my time and activity outside and particularly when attending social activities. I ordered and received the cooling vest within five days (very fast shipping) and had the opportunity to use it for the first time attending an outdoor festival. Preparing the vest for the outing was very easy and the prior reviews were most helpful. I was concerned about going through the security screening process but that went smoothly with minimal explanation to the screener. The effectiveness of the vest far exceeded my expectations and I turned the pump on intermittently when I began to feel warming in my core. The cooling was very fast and extremely effective and lasted for nearly 3 hours. I highly recommend this product and look forward to future outings in the heat knowing I have an option not previously available to me. It has given me back a big part of my life--being active outdoors.

This vest has saved me this summer. With this on, no more heat exhaustion whatsoever. Feel great during and after long day at work in 100 degree weather. Buy the 3 liter bladders. At least 2 of them. There's some wieght to it but easy trade-off. Buy it! I would pay $500 for this thing. 3 liter bladders last at least 2 hours in 100 degree heat outdoors . I bring a cooler full of them to work 😁Update!After one year I have gone through 4 bladders. Leaks incredibly easy. Paper thin bladders. I think they do this on purpose do keep money coming in.The vest is only as good as it's ice source. The ice source leaks before it freezes sometimes. Definitely will when in the vest and water runs down your back.

I used the vest for the first time this past Sunday. I'm a pastor and needed the cooling to last about 1 hour and 20 minutes. The cooling capacity of the vest started out great and then, after 30 minutes, rather than cooling, the vest (now filled with warm water because all the ice had melted) became a slow cooker. It was horrible! If you are able to add ice to the vest then this product is for you. If you need the ice to keep you cool for longer than 30 minutes, you might want to consider a different product.