Has anyone used a neck cooling bandanna?

[emily_in_nc]

I read an article recently (seems like it was in Dr. Mirkin's e-newsletter) stating that cooling neckbands/bandannas could help people run or exercise longer in hot weather. Has anyone tried one? I am tempted since I live in such a hot-weather area, and after sweltering through "winter" runs, I know it's only going to get worse from here on out as the sun gets even stronger.

Here's an example of what I am talking about:

http://www.rei.com/product/691097/ka...-header-691097

Would be interested in any experiences or feedback pro or con of such a thing, or any other similar products you've used.

Thanks!

[OakLeaf]

I've heard of other people doing well with those, but my experience is negative. It insulated my neck - the part of the gel closest to my body took on my body heat, prevented my own sweat from evaporating and cooling me there, and didn't exchange heat at all with the outer part of the bandanna, which presumably stayed cool.

What has literally saved my life more than once on the motorcycle is a cooling vest. I'm prone to overheating, and dizzy and confused on two wheels at 70 mph in traffic is not a good way to be. Mine is from TechNiche and those tend to be the most inexpensive. But, I've never used it at less than highway speed under a mesh jacket, so I can't speak to how it might work with less air flow. I know they sell a "velo" version and are popular among mountain bikers.

[emily_in_nc]

Interesting, Oakleaf - thanks!

In looking at their site, I see a version (Hyper Kewl Ultra) that looks like it might work for running, but I am not sure if it's supposed to be worn over bare skin (i.e., for men only) or if it can be worn over a light running top (synthetic).

Do you have any idea?

[OakLeaf]

I think you could wear it over any top that allows for heat and moisture transfer. On the moto, I wear it over my top (as often a cotton T-shirt as anything else) but under my back protector.

But since it covers your torso, you could just as easily wear it over just a sports bra - and maybe one of those sun protecting boleros either over or under.

[bmccasland]

I had one of those - worked great when I lived in a dry climate, not so well when I lived in a humid one. To the point I dried it out and put it away.

[emily_in_nc]

I read some reviews that said the same thing about these types of cooling systems in humid climates. Since I live in an extremely humid climate, I decided to go a different route entirely. I ordered a waist belt with two flasks. I figure I can use one for drinking as it gets hotter and I attempt longer runs, and the other for pouring over my head to help a little with the heat.

Here's the one I got: http://www.amazon.com/Nathan-10-Ounc...0973855&sr=8-1

Thanks for the all the feedback, though!

[spokewench]

I have used the neck towels that stay wet longer and slowly evaporate to keep cool. But, I never did this on a bike. don't know how to keep one on. I use them in between sets when it is really, really hot on the tennis court to cool me down in between the exercise.

I have used a cool vest on a motorcycle with mesh clothing, but I do not think it work very well for slower speed cycling.

[DebW]

I've heard of other people doing well with those, but my experience is negative. It insulated my neck - the part of the gel closest to my body took on my body heat, prevented my own sweat from evaporating and cooling me there, and didn't exchange heat at all with the outer part of the bandanna, which presumably stayed cool.

I tried one and had the same experience, but if I rotated the gel bandana frequently so the outer became the inner, then it provided some cooling. However, I think a plain bandana that I squirted water on frequently worked as well or better.