After spending today with a pair of chainsaw trousers on climbing and felling a group of leylandii, before dragging the brash out and then carrying the timber out, I am interested to know what you know about cooling vests. My temperature was stupid high and I sweated something crazy. I drank copious amounts of water and had a few breaks, but when the job needs done then got to keep going. I was thinking how I can stay cooler through a hot summer doing this work and thought of these cooling vests that you see the F1 guys wearing on the grid etc.

Are they any good? Any recommendations for a particular one?

Given the frequency of hot weather I’d say not worth it. Somehow all the other manual workers in the UK seem to manage without such a thing. Slow down a bit, work earlier, prehydrate, get help etc etc

Chill

If it really hot I fill my camelback bladder with ice cubes. Nice cold drink all ride and keeps my back nice and cool.