construction:cooling:vests

Vests

From: Mouse
Subject: Keepin cool under the fur; SD fun fur sources

David A. Holt (GCC/TEME) writes:
How does one acheive proper cooling while in a furry costume in the bright
sun (body and head)? Suggestion (although it would probably make the
costumes *very* expensive. A cool suit designed to circulate cool water
through plastic tubing around the wearer. These are used in professional
racing (NASCAR, IMSA and others to protect the drivers of the race cars from
such dangerous things as heat exhaustion and heat stroke) and other high
temp. environments.

I have one of these. It set me back $2500 & can be acquired from Mine Safety Appliances in Pittsburgh, PA 1800 MSA-2222. It's called a Core Control whole-body cooling system. It's a royal pain to lug around & use if you're furry alot of the time. For rare/ extreme situations, it's OK. I still sweat though I don't experience heat fatigue.

Perhaps more practical is the Kool Vest & Kool Kollar combination- They're cheaper & easier to transport & use. They're at (405) 943-8811.

What I get the most use out of is my CamelBak. It's a soft back pack which can be filled with ice & crinking fluid. A tube & nozzle allows hands free sipping of the fluid as the ice cools you. I've not gotten sick doing costumed characters in parades since I got one of these. Call (800) 767-8725

I imagine that with a little ingenuity, one could design and use a
“cool-suit” for him/herself. Not hard really, just make sure it don't leak.

I tried, basing it on dry ice and an anitfreeze fluid pumped around, but the fumes are potentially lethal.


From: Greg C., on keeping cool in costume;
I realize this thread died off a couple of months ago, but an interesting product announcement came across my desk that just begs to be posted. I quote:

“Born out of the need to protect soldiers from the dangerous effects of excessive heat when increased caloric activity occurs when wearing chemical protective clothing or life support gear in high ambient temperatures, KoolShirt has evolved into a personal safety body cooling shirt which works in harmony with the body and manages heat stress.”

“…the light-weight, ergonomic cooling shirt requires no external power cell to operate. KoolShirt's KoolPacks contain a proprietary Heat Transfer Formula which is available in two safe temperature settings of 65 or 75 degrees F…”

“…when applied directly to the skin, KoolShirt heat sinks the body's excess heat build up for hours of safe heat stress management. In just minutes, KoolShirt can be energized by placing the KoolPacks in ice and water…”

This kontraption looks a lot like a waterski vest, and would add some bulk under costume. From what I can tell, its a combination of cooling packs and heat sinks, with only the heat sinks coming in contact with the skin. There are two models – regular (3.5 lbs) and Magnum (6 lbs). Cost is unknown.

The manufacturer is Exothermal Technology Corp., 1720 Main St., NE, Palm Bay, FL 32905, phone (800) 991-KOOL. I know nothing about this company other than what's on their promo material (they bill themselves as “the folks who know cool”).

/home/furryfursuit/faq/data/pages/construction/cooling/vests.txt · Last modified: 2011/08/11 12:01 (external edit)

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