Solvest

Most wearable cooling falls into two camps: fan jackets that move warm air around, or ice-pack vests that add weight. Solvest, presented as a Kickstarter project, tries to bridge the two with a hybrid system of dual fans and dual semiconductor TEC (Peltier) elements, packaged in a vest that borrows from classic workwear and modern techwear.

Hybrid cooling

According to the maker, the TEC cooling plates deliver cold directly to the skin while high-output fans push air through dedicated ducts. The campaign states that in a 30℃ ambient environment the plates drop to 15℃ within 60 seconds, and claims a temperature reduction of up to 15℃. The fans have five speed settings, and a vertical dual-zone layout is said to keep cooling consistent over long wear.

Airflow is directed through vents placed specifically at the neck and underarms, areas the maker identifies as heat and sweat hotspots. The maker cites infrared camera testing showing a perceived temperature drop of 5℃ to 7℃. Adjusting the shoulder straps downward is said to open up space at the underarms and sides for more ventilation.

Design and maintenance

• Durable fabric with tactical-style storage pockets
• Adjustable shoulder straps intended to fit most body types
• Velcro panel above the pocket for swappable animal patches featuring a bear, seal and octopus
• Tool-free modular system: snap-fit housings let the dual fans and TEC units be removed in seconds
• Fully waterproof built-in controller, according to the maker

The modular approach is pitched as a way to replace or upgrade individual components rather than the whole garment. For power, Solvest uses a standard USB interface; the maker says a commercially available 20000mAh power bank sustains 4 to 5 hours of continuous high-output cooling, and batteries can be swapped quickly.