Cool Vest Choice for 2018 Rally ?

[Ohio Mike]

:Heading into SW Texas in late June for the 2018 Rally, I'm thinking that now is the time to start looking at cool vests. Only one I have read about so far is the TechNiche, sold by Soundrider for $62. Wondering what hot weather riders out there are using and your likes and dislikes for what you have or had. Source and approximate cost would be of interest too.

Thanks,
Ohio Mike

[Dave]

I can't recommend a cool vest as I don't use one (BTW, I live in Austin TX) but some of my friends like them. One problem with cool vests is keeping them wet - a dry one becomes unwanted insulation. My approach is to wear a mesh jacket (much cooler than riding in a T shirt because it keeps the hot sun off your skin) when riding a bike with a fairing. For long rides in really hot weather, I wear a long sleeve cotton T shirt under the mesh jacket. I will occasionally wet down the shirt for cooling but unlike a cooling vest, it doesn't make me a lot hotter when it dries. One of the most important things is to stay hydrated. Many of my friends will wear a Camelback so they can drink whele riding. I have a Camelback style water bladder in my tank bag for the same reason.

[Me Again]

I can't recommend a cool vest as I don't use one (BTW, I live in Austin TX) but some of my friends like them. One problem with cool vests is keeping them wet - a dry one becomes unwanted insulation. My approach is to wear a mesh jacket (much cooler than riding in a T shirt because it keeps the hot sun off your skin) when riding a bike with a fairing. For long rides in really hot weather, I wear a long sleeve cotton T shirt under the mesh jacket. I will occasionally wet down the shirt for cooling but unlike a cooling vest, it doesn't make me a lot hotter when it dries. One of the most important things is to stay hydrated. Many of my friends will wear a Camelback so they can drink whele riding. I have a Camelback style water bladder in my tank bag for the same reason.

Thanks Dave.
I have often read that you can always tell a tourist because they run around in shorts and T-shirts and complain about the heat .
Advice from those who live there is more than welcome .

[Mr Jensee]

One of the advantages of owning a Voyager is that you can pack along some bottles of water and maybe a small cooler to keep the vests hydrated. I think I remember seeing some cooling vests in the store at Cycle Gear. If you have on in the town were you are give them a call.

[Dave]

One of the advantages of owning a Voyager is that you can pack along some bottles of water and maybe a small cooler to keep the vests hydrated. I think I remember seeing some cooling vests in the store at Cycle Gear. If you have on in the town were you are give them a call.

You don't need a cooler to keep the vests wet. My friends who use them keep them wet inside a heavy duty zip lock bag. However, once the vests dry out, it takes a while to fully absorb water again and you don't need cool eater. Use the cool water to hydrate your body.

[Mr Jensee]

No you don't. However the cooler could stock water that will keep YOU hydrated. You can always find a service station to wet down and soak a vest periodically if you need to. I've had cooling pads before that fit into my mesh jacket that I really don't use much anymore so I know how they work.

[cranky]

.. I've also heard very positive comments on cool - neck wraps!!!!