How to Use Your Arctic Heat Ice Vest — Activation & Care Guide
How to Use Your Arctic Heat Ice Vest — Activation & Care Guide
Your Arctic Heat ice vest arrives in a dry, dehydrated crystal state. Before first use it must be activated in water. This only needs to be done once — after that, simply re-chill or refreeze between uses.
Step 1 — Initial activation (first use only)
Submerge the entire vest in fresh cold water for 10 minutes until the crystals in the pockets swell into firm gel form. Pockets should feel firm but not bursting. Do not use salt water.
When removing from water, grab the top and bottom of the vest and gently twist in opposite directions to remove excess water. You can also roll the vest in a dry towel to remove additional moisture.
Hang the vest to dry completely. Once dry, the vest should weigh approximately 2.2 lbs — it is now activated and ready to chill or freeze.
Step 2 — Chilling or freezing your ice vest
Freezer (recommended — maximum cooling)
Place the activated, dry vest in a freezer without any tight packaging — an open shopping bag that allows airflow is fine. To prevent sticking, place a sheet of wax paper or freezer paper between the vest panels. After 1–2 hours the vest will be thoroughly chilled.
If the vest feels stiff when taken from the freezer, apply a light mist of water from a spray bottle to restore flexibility. If completely frozen solid, you can gently snap the gel pockets with your fingers to make them more flexible.
Refrigerator (moderate cooling)
The vest can be chilled in the refrigerator for a gentler cooling effect — useful for extended wear or for those who find freezing too cold. Allow at least 30–45 minutes.
Ice slurry (quick cool-down during sport)
Spread the activated vest inside the resealable Arctic Heat bag (if purchased) or a thin waterproof plastic bag. Seal and squeeze out the air, then place the sealed bag into an ice slurry until sufficiently chilled. In some situations the vest can be dipped directly into ice water for a couple of minutes.
Step 3 — Wearing your ice vest
The vest should be worn firmly against the skin, or as close to the skin as possible. A firm fit maximises contact between the gel panels and your body, which drives the cooling effect. The vest will not make outer clothing wet when used frozen or refrigerated.
The back of the vest has 3 cooling panels across the upper back. The front has 4 cooling panels.
Using warm in winter
The vest can also be used warm. With the vest in its activated (gel) state, heat in a microwave oven in 30-second intervals, checking temperature after each interval until the desired warmth is reached. Heating times vary depending on microwave wattage. Always check temperature against your skin before wearing to avoid burns.
Maintenance and care
Re-hydrating the gel
If the gel pockets start to dehydrate and become flat over time, soak the vest in water for 5–10 minutes until the pockets swell again. If pockets have returned to dry crystal state, repeat the initial activation soak.
Storing
The vest can be stored in the freezer between uses, or hung in a ventilated area. For long-term storage, hang the vest in a ventilated area and allow it to fully dehydrate (returning to crystal). Once fully dry, fold and store indefinitely.
Washing
Hand wash in warm water with a mild synthetic laundry detergent for 2 minutes and hang to dry. If the vest also requires reactivation, you can use a short delicate cycle on a front-loading washing machine only — keep the cycle as short as possible. Do not use bleach. Do not iron. Do not dry clean. Do not use fabric softeners.
Safety notes
- Gel crystals are non-toxic, non-irritating to skin and mucous membranes, and are not absorbed by the skin.
- Some medical conditions may require advice from a health professional before use.
- Take extra care when using with children, the elderly, disabled, ill, or sleeping recipients.
- If gel is ingested, seek medical advice.
- Always check temperature before wearing when using the vest warm — burns are possible if overheated.
Questions? Contact the Arctic Heat USA team or visit our ice vest collection.