Water-Activated Cooling for Hot-Weather Work
The Portwest CV09 Evaporative Cooling Vest is a water-activated cooling vest designed to help workers stay more comfortable during construction, utilities, landscaping, warehouse operations, public works, maintenance, and other physically demanding work performed in hot conditions.
Superabsorbent fibers retain water while breathable cooling mesh promotes evaporation. This creates a portable cooling effect without ice packs, batteries, fans, or powered equipment. Portwest states that the vest can keep the wearer cool for up to eight hours, depending on temperature, humidity, airflow, activity level, and working conditions.
The lightweight design supports movement during active work and is designed to provide cooling without soaking the clothing underneath. Wicking, cooling, and drying properties make it a practical cooling vest for construction workers, outdoor workers, industrial crews, and employees working in warm indoor facilities.
Bulk Ordering & Procurement Support
Need evaporative cooling vests for a construction crew, utility department, warehouse, municipal team, landscaping operation, manufacturing facility, or seasonal heat-stress program?
American Safety Associates, LLC (ASA, LLC) supports business, government, municipal, contractor, facility, and industrial purchasing teams with volume pricing, purchase orders, formal quotes, and product-sourcing assistance. When ANSI visibility is required, compare this cooling garment with an ANSI Class 2 yellow safety vest. The cooling vest does not replace compliant high-visibility apparel.
Safety Note
This cooling vest supports worker comfort but does not prevent heat illness by itself. It should be used with hydration, rest breaks, shade, acclimatization, training, supervision, and the employer's heat-safety procedures.
Evaporative performance varies with humidity, temperature, airflow, and activity. This yellow cooling vest is not represented as an ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 2 or Class 3 high-visibility safety vest. Wear separately selected compliant high-visibility apparel when required.
Quick Buying Details
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Brand: Portwest
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Manufacturer Model: CV09
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ASA SKU: SCV09
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Product Type: Evaporative cooling vest
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Activation: Soak in water
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Cooling Duration: Up to 8 hours, depending on conditions
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Material: Polyester cooling mesh with superabsorbent fibers
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Color: Yellow
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Available Sizes: L/XL and 2X/3X
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Manufacturer-Listed Standard: EN 17353 Type A
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Power Required: None
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Ice Packs Required: None
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Unit of Sale: Each
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Best Use: Construction, outdoor work, utilities, warehouses, landscaping, maintenance, and industrial heat exposure
Key Features
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Water-activated evaporative cooling
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Up to eight hours of cooling
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Lightweight, breathable mesh
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Wicking and drying properties
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No batteries, fans, or ice packs
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Designed to keep underlying clothing dry
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Reusable and easy to reactivate
Common Uses & Applications
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Construction and road crews
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Utilities and public works
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Landscaping and agriculture
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Warehouses and loading docks
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Manufacturing facilities
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Outdoor maintenance
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Transportation and delivery
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Municipal heat-stress programs
Buying Guide: Evaporative vs. Ice-Pack Cooling Vests
Choose an evaporative cooling vest when workers need lightweight, water-activated cooling without batteries or replaceable ice packs. Evaporative vests work best where air can move across the garment.
A cooling vest with ice packs or phase-change inserts may be better in very humid environments or enclosed areas with limited airflow. Fan-powered cooling vests provide airflow but require batteries and additional maintenance. The CV09 is an evaporative model and does not contain ice packs, gel inserts, pumps, or fans. Complete a hot-weather work kit with UPF 50 protective neck gaiters for outdoor crews and facility teams.
FAQ
How does the Portwest CV09 cooling vest work?
The vest retains water in superabsorbent fibers. As that water evaporates, it creates a cooling effect around the wearer's upper body.
How do I activate the evaporative cooling vest?
Soak the vest in water and remove excess water according to the garment instructions. Reactivate it by soaking it again when the cooling effect decreases.
How long does the cooling last?
Portwest states that cooling can last up to eight hours. Actual duration depends on heat, humidity, airflow, physical activity, and how the vest was activated.
Is this an ice-pack cooling vest?
No. The CV09 uses evaporative cooling and does not require ice packs, gel packs, batteries, pumps, or fans.
Is this an ANSI high-visibility safety vest?
No. Do not use it as a replacement for required ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 2 or Class 3 apparel.
Does evaporative cooling work in high humidity?
It can still provide comfort, but evaporative performance generally decreases as humidity rises or airflow becomes limited.
What sizes are available?
The current ASA listing offers L/XL and 2X/3X. Match the displayed size labels to the garment labels before publishing.
