Superpro Cooling Vest for Men & Women - Lightweight Breathable Mesh Vest for Hot Weather, Outdoor Sports & Work - Stay Cool in Summer Heat

I purchased this directly from the company.Disclaimer: I am NOT getting paid by “Polar-Products.com”, Santa Maria, CA or “Frogg Toggs” or anyone else. I paid full price and did NOT receive any discount or free sample, for the sole purpose of providing a “fair and honest review” on Amazon or other site.Polar-Products.com is the actual name of the company, like LLC or Inc. following the name and I purchased the products (Superpro Cooling Vest/Polar Cooling Tie) directly from the company and I bought the Frogg Toggs Chilly Towel on Amazon. (See my review comparing the Polar Tie to the Frogg Toggs Chilly Towel).(Please note “Polar-Products.com” is a completely different company than “Polar Products, Inc.”, in Stow, Ohio who also sell on Amazon).CLIMATE: I am in Central America, relatively close to the equator in an “Amazon-jungle like” climate. The daily high temperature is 85-105 degrees F. (30-41 degrees C.), relative humidity 64-85+% (average but it rains almost daily-99% humidity), wind/breeze 0-3 mph (0-5 kph), except during thunder storms or weather fronts. We are currently averaging 80% relative humidity.This is the warning for the area from the regional weather service, which is for the entire year. “Comfort Levels: Given average maximum temperatures and humidity levels you can expect dangerous heat conditions. Sunstroke, muscle cramps and heat exhaustion are likely. Heatstroke is possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity (see heat index for more information).”Please expect a lower rating for both products than individuals who live in a low humidity climate or windy area, where evaporation occurs more easily and rapidly.I purchased these products to use in an area where there is no ice, cold water or electricity. I know Phase Change/or active cooling systems work better in this type of climate but those were not an option for me.Rating system: 0-5 (0 completely worthless and 5 being absolutely perfect)The products from Polar-Products.com are quite unique. When you first receive the clothing it is completely flat. Instructions state to soak for 10-20 minutes, then distribute the gel substance evenly throughout the channel. Be certain to check after 10 minutes and every 10 minutes while soaking. With further soaking the gel chamber will swell/expand to the size of a large hotdog or brat, approx. 1.25-1.50 inches in diameter (3-3.8 cm). The instructions state you can use climate temperature water with the initial soaking. The company reports their products remain cool-chilly for 24 hours without refreshing in water. After testing in this climate, I can attest that they stay cool and effective for a minimum of 24 hours.Polar-Products.com “Superpro Cooling Vest”: Multiple sizes from Small to 2X-LargeRating for Polar-Products.com “Superpro Cooling Vest”: Solid 4.0The Superpro Cooling Vest has 4 cooling channels along the back, 1 neck channel (similar to the tie) and 2 front lower abdominal channels and 2 front lapel channels. When first trying the vest my only soaking was in cold water 37-38 degrees F. (4 degrees C.) and I immediately felt cold which lasted 2-3 hours and I was cool to chilly and comfortable from that point forward. The air temperature was 95 degrees F (35 degrees C.) and relative humidity was 80% upon initial testing of the vest. During the next 18 hours I periodically shook the vest and occasionally wore it “inside out”. I never re-cooled the vest in cold water or put it in climate temperature water. I wore it on top of a T-shirt.Would I recommend and buy another Superpro Cooling Vest?YES, without hesitation. I will be adding pockets to the vest front for glasses, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent as well as large metal “eyelets” at the bottom of the vest for attaching lightweight gear with small carabiners. I would also suggest the company to consider adding cooling channels around each arm outlet to cool the axillary area and regional blood supply.Possible CONS: “Superpro Cooling Vest” is not a flashy, high fashion clothing vest that will have people surrounding you, telling you how cute you are or how sharp you look or what fabulous taste you have in clothing. It is a highly functional vest whose performance is better than their competition. Where I am, I prefer function to form and Polar-Products.com has the function as attested by our military, firefighters and construction workers who all swear by this company’s products.As an addendum, I will be obtaining Polar-Products.com Ankle and “Polar Wrist Wraps” and a “Cool Wrap XL”. I am hoping this will increase my comfort level and I will be able to give complete suggestions for an “Amazon Climate Cooling Kit”, just like the company has a “Military Cooling Kit” and has suggestions for Fire Fighters and Construction workers.