I've been using my EnduraCool Multi-cool for about a month for desert hiking. I hike 4+ miles every day and a 10-20 mile hike once a week regardless of weather in a desert wilderness area. In late spring or summer it's 95-105 degrees (30% humidity); hotter than that I stay home. I cover up with a Tilley hat and light-colored clothing. Very little exposed skin. It has worked for me for many years, but I decided to try the EnduraCool Multi-Cool which my son (in construction) swears by.
Before a hike, I soak it good at home or camp and store it in a ziplock bag. When I get to the trailhead, I wring the excess water out into the ziplock bag, then save that water to re-wet the cloth later. There are no opportunities for water later in the hike so every drop is important on a 2 hour or longer hike in that heat. The instructions say to give it three snaps after wringing it. Some marketing guy thinks he's brilliant for coming up with that one, but it's pointless and potentially wastes water. I stretch the cloth to distribute the moisture, but snapping it doesn't make any difference. You might as well click your heels three times. There is nothing to "activate". Water on cloth evaporates. Evaporation is one of the few things we can depend on. Sort of like gravity in that respect. I rarely have to activate my boots to hold me on the ground.
I initially wear it as a neck wrap, tucking the excess inside my shirt collar. This keeps my neck cool, and cools the blood supply to my head keeping my head cooler. Excess water is absorbed in my shirt where it evaporates and adds to the cooling effect. In ~30% humidity, the cloth stays cool for about 30-60 minutes or more. Periodically, I reach inside the wrap, grab the bottom hem and pull it to the top, thus flipping it and putting the wetter end around my neck. I can feel the cooling, but I can also feel the effects of a cooler head. My thinking is sharper, and I don't fatigue as easily--both good things hiking alone in a desert without trails.
As the day heats up and a hot wind materializes, I pull the top hem up in the back as a hood, but I don't pull it up anymore than I need to keep it in place. My ventilated hat lets the sweat in my hair continue to cool me while keeping the sun off. The moisture in the cloth evaporates faster, but that's what you need as it gets hotter and more windy. If it gets too dry, I sometimes remove the cloth and re-wet it in the ziplock bag. I don't pour water on as it is too wasteful where freerunning water is non-existent.
Another trick I use is to keep track of how my throat feels. In a dry climate with lots of exertion (e.g. uphill), my throat dries out from respiration. When that starts to happen, I pull the top hem over my nose and mouth and breathe through the cloth. This reduces moisture loss as you breathe. The cloth captures moisture as you exhale keeping your throat from feeling dry. That recycled moisture keeps your face cool. Moisture management lets you hike longer and safer. I don't do this unless I feel the need as I honestly can't stand to have anything covering my face, but sometimes I have to compromise.
Anyway, it's a winner. I don't much care about the elaborate measurements a dozen youtube video reviewers performed with infrared thermometers in their backyard. The value for me has been the added comfort and safety the Multi-cool has provided me in actual harsh desert conditions. My Tilley hat, Multi-cool and sunblock are indispensable tools for desert hiking in summer.
Wore this during the end of July hiking from the South Rim to Phantom Ranch and back. When we got down to the Colorado River the temperature gauge at the foot bridge read 120 degrees. Wore this around my neck the entire trip and it worked like a champ. In the dry heat conditions you will have to apply water more frequently but if it's kept moist it will help you stay cool.
In contrast I also use this in the middle of summer when kayaking my local rivers. On a certain 9 mile trip after initially applying water I've found the band stays wet and is still cooling by the time I'm finished paddling. I was originally a skeptic of this product but this is one case I'm glad I took the chance because it has earned go-to status in my warm weather kit.
UPDATE: I just ordered this year's new high viz yellow color to go with the original sand color I used last year. I have to say the reduction in size from last year's model is disappointing to say the least. I love the high viz yellow color and reflective material but I have a tiny head and it's almost too tight to stand to be worn as a headband. Now I understand what some other reviewers have been saying about it being just too tight and small overall. No kidding, it seems the company wanted to save some money by making these smaller by using far less material. At the current price point it's a shame really, while the new colors are nice, the overall utility for those with average sized heads has been greatly reduced. Buyer beware, I had to knock a star off my original five star review because for many the headband function is now a complete afterthought.
I'm a big dude. 330 pounds and out of shape. I decided to clean out my property in 95 degree Alabama heat. This thing saved me from at least a dozen heat strokes! When your body sweats you'll be fine, but if the head gets too hot you will pass out. This headband kept the sweat off my face and the heat at bay. When it's that hot outside you don't notice the cooling effect as you normally would, but you don't notice the heat either. I was able to work for hours at a time without feeling any effects of the extreme heat and humidity. Mission products are an absolute lifesaver. I don't work outside without one. Bought a headband for outdoor play on the boat to keep me comfortable. Buy it and get to work!
Worth it!!!!!!!!
I am in my mid twenties. I bought this for a lot of reasons: I live in Texas, I ride a motorcycle, I work outside, and I workout outside.
When I run outside in the summer at 100 degrees, I wet it with ice cold water as soon as I need it. Which is about every 5 minutes.
On my motorcycle, I poor a little water on it almost every hour.
This makes being outside, in Texas during summer, bearable. I can last outdoors 2-4 times longer.
This is my second Enduracool wrap. It works like my first one - wet it; wring it, and then arrange it by either draping it around your neck or over your face or head. It's cooling. It works. I would give it five stars except that the color listed is high-visibility coral when in fact this thing is safety orange. No one would possibly ever call it anything other than safety orange (maybe hunter orange, depending on what part of the country you live in). Either way, I wanted it to be highly visible because I'll use it while hiking in Utah and Arizona. It is. I'm good.
Feature Product
- Proprietary technology cools to 30 degrees below average body temperature when wet
- Chemical-free, UPF 50 protection from the sun; helps defend against dust, debris and wind
- To activate cooling technology soak in water, wring out excess and snap three times; one size fits most
- Typically cools for up to 2 hours when wet; to reactivate, simply re-soak and re-snap
- Can be worn in more than 12 ways including as a headband, scarf, neck gator, hood, cap, do rag, facemask and more
Description
Feel cool in this multi-functional performance fabric. The Enduracool Multi-Cool is made from a proprietary performance fabric that instantly cools when soaked with water, wrung out, and then snapped in the air to activate the cooling properties. Designed to be functional and versatile, the Multi-Cool can be worn in over 12 different ways to help you keep cool, and protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays. The proprietary technology works by absorbing moisture and perspiration into the fabric core where the unique radiator-like fiber construction circulates water molecules and regulates the rate of evaporation to create a prolonged cooling effect.
I'm an avid outdoor adventurer Backpacking, kayaking, and rock climbing. The wrap does a decent job cooling. I've been using it in 90+ degree weather and find that it helps alleviate the discomfort that comes with heat. I wouldn't call it a game changer. I live in a very humid area and the cooling lasts maybe 45 min. Then it starts to get very humid and hot. As the wrap starts to get dry it starts to tighten making it very uncomfortable.I usually use it as a dew wrap or tie it slightly like a bandana/ dew wrag. Sometimes I wear it around my neck. When backpacking water is something you use very sparingly and having to rewet it every 45 minutes isn't a practical use of my resources. It's been awesome when I'm out kayaking and doing yard work. I liked the product enough to purchase the microfiber towel. Personally I think the towel stays cooler longer. The towel is big enough to tie as a bandana.it's almost half the price and personally I think it's a better investment
I have several colors of this Mission Multi-Cool and love them all. They keep you cool while working in the yard or working out in the oppressive heat. Just soak them, wring them out and snap them to activate their cooling affect. I throw them in with the wash and hang them dry. I've had several over the years and they have all retained their colors. Get yours so you can beat the heat!
This product is a life saver especially for those who are sensitive to heat. It really works and brings lasting cooling for your comfort. The design makes it easy to use in many ways. Very versatile. Great for working out in the garden or outside in the hot sun. Keeps cool without dripping all over you or your clothes. Great idea for athletes. Makes a nice gift idea. Packs really well, not heavy or bulky.
i love these! they are amazing! i have health issues and if the back of my neck gets hot i pass out with no warning. these have been a life saver for me. i keep one in my car and another in my purse. it has allowed me the freedom to walk the dogs again, go to summer picnics, and just all around be outside and not confined to being indoors in the AC. my husband also has one that he uses when baling hay. i find ice water works best for my because of my health issues, but he just runs his under the faucet.
I bought this to keep my neck cool while on my motorcycle in the Texas heat. It did the trick. It was very refreshing. It also kept the sun off the back of my neck, which is a plus. My only complaint, which is a stupid one, is that it gets the back of my collar wet. This is to be expected, but just making people aware.
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