Spring is finally here, meaning it's time to dust off your cooling gear and prepare for another warm season. Every year around this time, we get a flurry of the same great questions from our customers—and we’re here for it!
Let’s examine the most common concerns and provide some quick tips and reminders to ensure your cooling vest is in top shape and put any concerns to rest.
PCM Cooling Packs: What's Normal, What's Not?
1) "My packs were frozen when I pulled them out of storage. Is something wrong?"
Your Cooling Packs are probably totally fine! Our PCM (phase change material) powered cooling packs freeze at 70°F (21C). This means that over long periods of time, they could easily freeze sitting in your closet, covered in all your other summer clothes. This should not be a concern, it's just science doing its thing.
That said, over many years and thousands of freeze/thaw cycles, the PCM may lose some of its ability to heat-storing capabilities and may freeze or melt in unusual conditions. If you have had your cooling packs for 3+ years, and notice they don't last as long as they used to when using the cooling vest normally, it may be time for a refresh. Check out our recycling program for a sweet deal on replacements.
2)"My packs are frozen in a weird, uncomfortable shape. How do I fix them?"
This has happened to me so many times that I've lost count. It's also a great reason to make sure to pull your cooling vest out of storage BEFORE you know you'll need it. This is a common occurrence when the melted packs are squished into weird shapes by other clothes and in your closet. Then they freeze up, and now they are either difficult to get back in the cooling vest pockets or really uncomfortable to wear. Its also an easy fix:
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Run them under warm water (not boiling!) until they fully melt.
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Lay them flat in your fridge or freezer to re-freeze in the right shape.
Boom—back to wearable and comfy. Check out this step-by-step guide for more information on reshaping cooling packs.
3)"My packs are a weird color—are they still okay?"
Probably, but here's where things get a bit tricky. There are two separate things to look at here: the color of the PCM and the color of the plastic keeping the liquid inside.
Most of the time, the questioner is worried about the color of the PCM. In this case, there is no problem. Here's what's going on:
As the packs freeze, small bits of the material freeze at a time, creating a crystal-like structure. The color, which ranges from mostly clear to solid white, indicates how big those crystals are and, thus, how fast the packs froze.
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White packs = froze quickly (like in ice water).
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Clear packs = froze slowly (like in a closet at room temp).
Also note that the PCM itself is an organic material (bio-based, not petroleum). This means that there are some variations between batches. Some are perfectly clear, and some have a slight yellow color to them. But don't worry—they have all been tested to provide the same cooling capacity!
While color shifts are usually just a freezing-speed thing, if the plastic looks very yellow, that is a sign of plastic degradation. This is usually from long-term UV exposure, which can make the plastic brittle. Meaning it might be time for a new set. Check out our recycling program for a sweet deal on replacements.
Cooling Vest Garments: Let’s Talk Fit
We don’t get many garment-related questions this time of year, but there's one that’s super important: proper sizing.
Fit matters. A snug, secure fit ensures the cooling packs make contact with your skin—that’s how the cooling works, so that's important.
Here are the two main things that can mess with fit:
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Stretching over time
Our vests are made from 4-way stretch spandex to hug your body and keep the cooling packs in place. But like any fabric, it can stretch over time, especially with repeated washing. Be sure to follow the wash instructions to keep it lasting longer! -
Body changes (yep, it happens to all of us)
Maybe you packed on a few cozy winter pounds (guilty!), or perhaps you’ve dropped a size thanks to a new workout plan. Either way, your body’s changing—and your vest size might need to change too.
Not sure about your fit? If your vest feels too tight, consider getting an extender panel or a new size. If it’s gotten too loose, the best bet is a new garment to ensure you’re still getting max cooling power. We even offer a free FitKit to help you find the perfect fit—check it out here.
Ready to Stay Cool?
Getting your gear spring-ready takes just a few minutes, but it can make a huge difference in your comfort and performance all season long.
Still have questions? Hit us up—we’re always happy to help you chill 😎