Skip to content

Frequently Asked Questions

How are the GlacierPacks charged, and how long does it take to charge them?

GlacierPacks can be charged using a freezer, refrigerator or container of ice water - basically anything colder than 59° F. GlacierPacks can be charged in just 20­ to 30 minutes by submerging them in ice water until they become solid. They can be charged in a freezer in about an hour or in a refrigerator in several hours.

How long does the Cool Vest stay cool?

The GlacierPacks maintain a cool, constant 59° F (15° C) temperature for up to 2½ hours.

Do the GlacierPacks "sweat" or feel wet when used?

No. Because GlacierPacks operate around 60 degrees while ice is 32 degrees (or lower), there is a much lesser effect.

Well, how much do the GlacierPacks “sweat” or feel wet when used?

Our Glacier Tek design reduces any sources of condensation to a minimum. GlacierPacks are renewable and contained so that they will not undergo any evaporative process, which typically adds to condensation. The local temperature difference created by cooling packs will still encourage sporadic condensation to form, but at far less of a rate than ice would lead to. The pockets on Glacier Tek vests are also designed to absorb that limited condensation. The end result is that most users will not feel moisture unless they are handling a cooling pack directly.

If air is not passing directly over the vest, will it still cool effectively?

Glacier Tek vests use PCM cooling packs, which do not rely on airflow to work properly. This allows them to be worn underneath jackets and other apparel without performance being affected negatively.

What is included with the Cool Vest?

Every Glacier Tek cooling vest comes with at least one full set of GlacierPacks as well as instructions for product care and use. Additional GlacierPacks can be purchased here.

How many GlacierPacks are worn in a Cool Vest? 

Glacier Tek cooling vests (for humans) will have either four or twelve pockets to place GlacierPacks in.  Each vest will include at least one full set of (8-12) cooling packs that are distributed throughout those pockets.

How durable are the cooling packs?

While our GlacierPacks can withstand body-weight pressure, such as laying on them, you should use caution around any sharp objects. We do offer an accessory called the Glacier Tek Nail Stop set you can purchase to further protect the packs from being punctured by sharp edges, tools, etc.

Where can I find safety information about my Cool Vest?

Glacier Tek Cool Vests are powered by PureTemp, a biobased phase change material that is nontoxic and biodegradable. The PureTemp 18 safety data sheet (SDS) can be viewed here.

Are the vests adjustable?

All Glacier Tek vests feature an adjustable fit except for the Flex vest.  The Flex vest is available in a range of fitted sizes, S-3XL.

Which Cool Vest is right for me?

Glacier Tek cooling vests are versatile and most of them will serve you well for general use. Certain styles are designed to excel in specific environments, but choosing the right cooling vest will typically come down to your preference for style and appearance!

Sport and Original designs are made to be easily adjustable, allow for a wide range of movement, and are our most popular item. Banox vests trade Velcro for buckles, and feature a FR3-rated material that has a more durable feel and is excellent for hazardous or dirty work. Flex vests offer a fitted, professional appearance that will look much more like everyday outerwear than a standard cooling vest. Here is a short video that gives an overview of our full range of products.

Which Cool Vest will fit me? 

The Flex (fitted) vest is available in sizes S – 3XL, fitting up to a 52” chest. A sizing guide for Flex vests is available on the product’s listing. Adjustable vests - including the Sport, Banox, Original, and Disposable vests - will fit up to a 46” chest as well (without additional extenders).  Adjustable vests can fit up to a 58” chest with the addition of extender sets for the vest. Here is a short video that gives an overview of our full range of products.

Does a Cool Vest fit under clothing, such as a mascot costume or PPE?

Most Glacier Tek cooling vests add approximately 1” of thickness at the front and back of the body, so it fits comfortably under any outerwear such as jackets or PPE.  For standard clothing, the Glacier Tek vest can fit underneath apparel that is not overly snug, but keep in mind that the vest still works as intended if placed over the top of shirts and other everyday wear.

The Flex vest offers our snuggest fit and is ideal for those who want a more professional-looking vest or would like to wear a vest that can be more easily concealed underneath other clothing.

Does the Cool Vest cover the sides of the torso?

Glacier Tek’s adjustable vests are designed with open sides to ensure that the wearer can move freely without any discomfort. The Flex vest is our only exception, designed like a typical (sleeveless) vest since it is fitted to your size. If you are looking for additional cooling along the sides of the torso, check out our new Side Cooling Kit that will add GlacierPacks to the sides of your vest.

What temperature should GlacierPacks be stored at?

GlacierPacks can be stored in a freezer for a few weeks, but no longer than a month. If you don’t plan to use the GlacierPacks for a month or more, it is recommended that they be stored in a refrigerator or at room temperature to maintain their long-term flexibility. Also, packs should not be kept in temperatures that exceed 120℉—such as in vehicles or attics—for longer than a few hours.

How do I keep a spare set of GlacierPacks cool without a freezer?

Once the GlacierPacks are charged, they can be stored in a cooler with an ice pack. They can also be recharged on the go in 20-30 minutes in ice water.

How do I clean my GlacierPacks?

All GlacierPacks can be hand-washed with warm water and dish soap. Rinse and towel dry. If desired, isopropyl alcohol may be used for disinfection first.

How often do the GlacierPacks need to be replaced?

The material inside a GlacierPack never stops working. If the GlacierPack is not damaged by a puncture or a tear, it can be used indefinitely.

What should I do if a GlacierPack is damaged? 

Any cooling pack that becomes damaged or develops a leak should not be used. The PureTemp material within GlacierPacks is non-toxic and the film that contains it is non-recyclable, so a damaged GlacierPack can simply be thrown away as standard waste would.

Where can I purchase a vest locally?

Our vests are not sold in physical retail stores, but can be purchased online.

How quickly are orders processed?

When an order is received it will typically be processed and shipped out on the same day or next business day. For orders that will require more than two business days to fulfill, Glacier Tek will contact the purchaser by phone or email.

How do I change or cancel an order?

If you need to make any changes or cancel your order after it has been sent, please call Customer Service at (800) 482-0533. Please note that your order may begin processing immediately after you place it, and it may not be possible to change items on existing orders.

What if an item I want is out of stock?

We try our best to fill all orders within 48 hours. Sometimes, despite our best planning, we underestimate demand and certain items are temporarily out of stock. We will let you know if an item is on back-order and will be delayed or if it is no longer available. We reserve the right to limit quantities based on merchandise availability.

If we are temporarily out of stock, you can back-order an item by prepaying (including shipping). When the product is in stock, we will automatically ship it to you.

Do Glacier Tek Cool Vests come with a warranty?

Glacier Tek warrants its products to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for 90 days from the date of purchase, provided the products supplied have not been subject to accident, alteration, negligence, abuse or misuse. If you are not 100% satisfied with your Glacier Tek product, you can return it for a full refund within 90 days of purchase. For details, see our return policy.

Can I order a replacement vest without the cooling packs?

Owners of a damaged or permanently soiled vest may wish to buy a replacement without incurring the cost of replacing the cooling packs. We are happy to accommodate you!. Please contact us for pricing.

Can the Cool Vest be returned?

If you are not 100% satisfied with your Glacier Tek product, you can return it for a full refund within 90 days of purchase. We’ll pay for return shipping as well, and there are no additional fees for restocking or other services. Returned products must be in the condition you received them, without signs of obvious wear and tear. Please see our return policy for details.

Which countries can Cool Vests be shipped to?

We are happy to arrange shipment for orders outside the United States excluding these countries and regions: Balkans, Belarus, Burma, Central African Republic, China, Congo, Crimea, Cuba, India, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Taiwan, Ukraine, Venezuela, Yemen and Zimbabwe. We ship to all US Military locations anywhere in the world, and give those orders the highest fulfillment priority. Shipping to US Armed Forces is handled by USPS, and typical delivery schedules are 7-10 business days.

Why were the GlacierPacks white and solid when I received my order?

GlacierPacks may solidify in transit if the temperature is below 59℉. This does no harm to them, and the standard instructions can still be used to charge them for use.

Can the Cool Vest help manage heat issues associated with medical conditions?

People who are affected by heat because of a medical condition such as Multiple Sclerosis or Dravet syndrome will often use Glacier Tek cooling vests to help manage body temperature. However, at this time our products are not certified as a HSA/FSA-eligible medical device or therapeutic treatment. We encourage those who are looking to manage a medical condition to consult with their doctor regarding any potential treatment of those symptoms.

Can Insurance pay for (or reimburse me for) a Glacier Tek cooling vest?

Glacier Tek is not authorized to receive direct payments from Insurance companies, as our cooling vests are not certified as a medical product or for a specific medical use. Insurance companies do have the authority to reimburse a patient for the purchase of a cooling vest as they see fit to, so the best course of action is to contact them directly and ask what will be needed to qualify for a reimbursement payment.

The typical method for Insurance companies to validate a cooling vest for reimbursement, is to be provided with a doctor’s written prescription that specifically requests a cooling vest for the patient. Your doctor or an Insurance representative may also ask for an HCPCS code to help classify the cooling vest, the category/schedule that cooling vests are listed under is E1399 (Durable Medical Equipment).

What is the Cool Armor?

Cool Armor is not a vest but a container for a GlacierPack that can be worn under body armor. The Cool Armor was designed to permit pack replacement without removing the body armor or uniform.

What is the Nail Stop?

Nail Stop is a piece of hard plastic that can be inserted into the pockets of specific Cool Vests to protect the cooling packs from roofing nails or any other sharp object you may come in contact with that could puncture the GlacierPack. Nail Stops are sold in sets of four.

What is the Extender set??

The extender set includes a set of straps that have either velcro or a buckle at the end, designed to help extend the capacity of a standard cooling vest to accommodate larger body types.

Do you sell cooling products for the head or neck?

Based on extensive research, products that only cool the head or neck can be ineffective and dangerous when not accompanied by core cooling. While cooling the neck and head may feel good for a short time, they may actually cause the core body temperature to rise further. This is because the hypothalamus will make adjustments to the body’s systems responsible for dissipating heat, and when the neck and head—two main areas of the body where heat escapes—are notably cool, the hypothalamus will react by keeping heat internally. This is counterproductive to overheating and can be potentially dangerous.

Can I travel on an airplane with my cooling vest?

To-date, Airlines have not yet published guidelines that are specifically for cooling vests and packs. However, numerous travellers have confirmed that they are able to fly with their vests and packs without issue - after providing TSA/Airline agents with the following information at any security checkpoint:

  • Print/provide a copy of the product’s description
  • Print/provide a copy of our PureTemp 18 SDS found here, which details the non-hazardous material enclosed within GlacierPacks.
  • If you have a specific need or medical condition that necessitates the use of a cooling vest, that information is beneficial to have available as well.
  • Bring the vest and packs with you on your person, or in your carry-on luggage, so that security can inspect them firsthand along with the accompanying documents that will identify the product.

Airlines typically have rules that prohibit the transport of “wet ice” or similar products within checked luggage. If you would prefer to keep your cooling vest set within checked luggage, it is best to contact the Airline ahead of time to have that request approved. However, we strongly suggest that you avoid storing GlacierPacks within a checked bag.


Products

Ready to find the Glacier Tek cooling vest that works for your needs? With our wide range of vest cooling systems for adults, children, dogs and horses, we’re sure to have a solution.

Shop Now