I get asked to test a wide variety of boating products, but
I wasn’t sure what I got myself into when I agreed to test the Coolware
Personal Cooling System. I had my doubts on its ability to truly work or to make
a difference. Plus I wondered if it would even fit me.
First off, you can adjust the device to fit tighter or more
loosely around your neck with the spring-loaded arms, so that concern was now
gone.
Using evaporative water, one AA battery (that is provided)
will give you 20 hours of continuous use. It really is as simple as filling the
water chamber, turning on the power switch and putting the device around your
neck. Within five minutes the cooling effect is in full force, regardless of
the temperature or activity.
It is recommended that you use distilled water for best
results, but it does come with a small refill bottle so you don’t have to lug a
gallon on the boat with you. With the extra refill bottle you can stay out on
the water all afternoon without worrying about it running out.
Priced at $29.99 on the Coolware website, it really is nice
to have onboard. It works best in humidity below 70 percent, and because it
weighs just 8.3 ounces when full, it truly is comfortable to wear.
How it works is the cooling plates are the part of the device that actually become cool. It is
the cooling plates coming into contact with your neck that provides the body
cooling sensation, which really is a smart way to cool down the body.
