The Complete Guide to Running Cooling Vests - Benefits, Types, Buying Tips

The Benefits of Running Cooling Vests

Running cooling vests have become an increasingly popular gear choice for runners looking to stay cool and comfortable during warm weather runs. The vests use phase change material and evaporative cooling techniques to lower body temperature and reduce sweat buildup when running in hot and humid conditions.

For runners who tend to overheat easily or sweat profusely, running cooling vests can provide welcome relief and allow you to perform at your best. In this comprehensive guide, well explore the key benefits of running cooling vests and explain who can benefit most from using them.

1. Prevent Overheating

One of the main purposes of a running cooling vest is to prevent your body from overheating during exercise. The phase change material inside the vest absorbs heat from your core body temperature as you begin to warm up and sweats. This helps regulate your temperature so you dont overheat as quickly when running in the heat.

By keeping your core body temp in check, a cooling vest allows you to run longer and avoid heat-related illnesses like heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps. This makes cooling vests ideal for endurance runners who need to stay cool over long distances.

2. Reduce Sweat Buildup

Excessive sweating during runs can cause chafing issues and make your clothes wet, heavy, and uncomfortable. Running cooling vests help reduce overall sweat production by lowering your core body temperature.

The cooling material absorbs sweat through evaporation. This moisture is drawn away from your skin rather than soaking into your clothing. With less sweat buildup, youll stay dryer and more comfortable over the course of your run.

3. Improve Athletic Performance

Being too hot while running hampers your performance and makes runs feel harder than they should. By keeping your body cooler, running cooling vests allow you to run faster and stronger when temperatures rise.

Staying cooler means your heart doesnt have to work as hard to pump blood to the skin. This frees up cardiac capacity so more oxygenated blood can reach your working muscles. Your pace and endurance will improve as a result.

4. Prevent Chafing Issues

Excess moisture from heavy sweating during runs can lead to chafing of the skin, particularly under the arms, along the bra line, and between the legs. The friction caused by wet skin rubbing together results in uncomfortable and sometimes painful chafing.

Running cooling vests keep your skin drier by wicking moisture away from your body. This greatly reduces the risk of chafing issues, allowing you to focus on your running rather than constantly adjusting your clothing.

5. Make Hot Weather Running More Enjoyable

Trying to run when its hot and sticky out can feel downright miserable. Being constantly soaked in sweat makes you feel heavy and worn down. Cooling vests help make running in heat and humidity more pleasant.

Staying dry and comfortable means you can fully enjoy your run without distraction. Time and miles go by quicker when you arent bogged down by the effects of heat and humidity. Running becomes fun in any weather with a cooling vest.

Who Benefits Most from Running Cooling Vests?

While any runner can benefit from a cooling vest on hot days, some may get more use and relief from them than others. Here are the types of runners who benefit most from running cooling vests:

Endurance Athletes

Runners who tackle long distances and races benefit greatly from cooling vests. The prolonged heat exposure over multiple hours of running means these athletes are at high risk for overheating without cooling aids.

Ultramarathoners, triathletes, and marathoners who need to run strong for hours on end get great use from cooling vests for staying cool and competitive in warm conditions.

Runners Prone to Overheating

Some runners simply have a tendency to overheat more quickly and easily than others, even on short runs. Biological factors like weight, fitness level, and genetics play a role here.

If you know you have a propensity for getting hot when running regardless of the distance, a cooling vest can help limit your heat issues.

Heavy Sweaters

Runners who tend to sweat excessively can benefit greatly from the sweat-reduction capabilities of running cooling vests. The evaporative cooling helps limit sweat production while pulling moisture away from the skin.

If you end up drenched in sweat even on short runs in mild temperatures, a cooling vest can help keep you dryer and more comfortable.

Masters Runners

As we age, our bodies have a harder time regulating temperature due to decreased sweat production. Masters runners over 50 years old tend to overheat more easily.

Cooling vests provide needed assistance for maintaining safe body temperatures over the course of training and racing for veteran runners.

Runners with Medical Conditions

Some health conditions and medications can inhibit the bodys ability to stay cool through sweating. These include diabetes, heart conditions, vasculitis, Parkinsons disease, and antidepressants.

Runners managing these issues get important heat regulation assistance from running cooling vests when training and racing.

Types of Running Cooling Vests

There are a few different designs and technologies used in running cooling vests to provide temperature regulation and sweat control. The main types include:

Ice Pack Cooling Vests

These vests have pockets built in to hold removable ice packs. As the ice melts, the chilled water absorbs body heat through conduction. The vest needs to be periodically re-iced to maintain the cooling effect.

Phase Change Cooling Vests

Phase change material (PCM) inside the vest absorbs heat as it changes from solid to liquid form. This effect provides sustained cooling as long as the PCM remains partially frozen from chilling in ice water.

Evaporative Cooling Vests

Advanced fabrics wick moisture from the skin while maximizing airflow across the vest. Rapid evaporation of sweat helps cool the body through the conversion of liquid sweat to gas.

Hybrid Cooling Vests

Some vests combine features and technologies for enhanced cooling power. This includes pairing PCM and evaporative materials to both absorb heat and promote sweat evaporation.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Running Cooling Vest

With different designs and features available, its important to choose the right cooling vest to meet your needs. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Fit

You want your cooling vest to fit snugly so that the cooling panels stay in direct contact with your skin. However, the vest still needs to allow a full range of motion and not restrict your running movements.

2. Cooling Power

Look at the expected cooling duration and capacity to match the vest with your typical running times and temperatures. More extreme conditions require greater cooling abilities.

3. Ventilation

Well-ventilated vests allow sweat and heat to dissipate more readily. Look for vests made from open-mesh fabrics or with ventilation features.

4. Size and Coverage

Vests are available in different sizes and coverage options. Choose one offering adequate core coverage without restricting shoulder movement.

5. Convenience

Consider details like quick-release straps, easy access zippers, removable cooling inserts, and machine washability based on your needs.

6. Comfort

Prioritize a vest made from soft, breathable fabrics that wont chafe or irritate your skin, especially when sweaty.

7. Price

Prices range widely based on technology and features. Balance your budget with the specifics needs for running cooling.

Tips for Using Your Running Cooling Vest

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.