Does this use phase change cooling? How long does it last? I know ice/ice pack systems can be too cold.
770107
No, it doesn't use phase change cooling. Just freeze the ice packs overnight for 12 hours and keep them refrigerated until time to use. How long it lasts varies depending on heat in the surrounding climate. In a humid climate that is between 85°F and 98°F with a relative humidity of between 65% to 96%, it lasted around 2 hours on average. At worst case (98°F and 96% RH), it lasted maybe 1.5 hours. We wore it over our t-shirts and polo shirts and didn't find it "too cold" although if you're the "sensitive" type, you might.
770108
I too, like T.J. am not sure what exactly phase change cooling is, but the vest does all the seller describes. I can wear if for a couple hours before replacing the icepacks
770109
I have MS, and this is great. It last about 1 to 2 hours for me. But I also have the refill pack. Just replace the icepack when it melts all the way.
770110
This is not one that you soak in water. The frozen gel will last a while depending on how hot it is outside and how hot your skin temp usually is. If it is very hot outside and you have a high skin temp normally I would say the packs will last about two hours or so frozen. You still get some cooling though through the liquid gel for a little bit. I would get an extra set and keep it in a cooler in your car or on your work site if possible. That is what we have done for my mom and it works great for her.
770111
I am not sure what you mean by phase change cooling... I have never worn it longer than an hour, it works well for that time. It is very cold when I put it on but I wouldn't describe it as too cold. I often wear a synthetic shirt, patagonia silk weight capiliene, in between the vest and my skin.
770112
No I do not think so. All you do is freeze the ice inserts. They are placed in the vest. Here in Texas it gets well over 100 degrees. I use this vest when I ride motocross. Here it lasts a little more then an hour. I wish I had a refill it would help!
770113
This Says ICE vest, and has to be Frozen so NO it is not a Phase changing vest. It will start to melt at 32* f or 0*C so if Ice is too cold this will be. Most Phase Cooling devices start around 58*- to some that only kick in at 82*F and last longer ... The downfall of Phase Changing Materials is that they are Expensive
39687
No problems for us. This is our second ice pack from them. They both continue to work fine. I would recommend contacting the company and ask for a replacement.
1723133
When I bought mine, it didn't come on a cold pack either. I think it should be OK since it wasn't out of the freezer for several days. The one I have works great.
1533689
Yes, I have. I let the water run until I know its cold enough. Its been 2 yrs. since I have had mine. Knock on wood, mine is doing good, no problems or issues with it. It has paid for itself, since I don't have a ice maker on my apt. refrigerator. Forget ice cube trays, they don't make enough, take too long to freeze. I make around 3-4 gallon size freezer bags full of ice. This can take all day and into the evening to get nice full bags of ice. You can leave the ice maker if you have to leave to do something. I have, and when I get back its waiting for me to empty the ice and/or add water. Doesn't overheat either, as it shuts down automatically.
36956
Does not hurt to use frozen ice packs. I would not use regular ice as it is not water proof. I kept the items in the trunk ofy car and it did a good job keeping things cool with ice packs.
1175610
I agree with M. Oliwa--the cooler is not meant to hold temps low enough for ice not to melt, though in a cold environment, it is, as M. Oliwa says, theoretically possible. Bottom line, don't count on this for storing ice, just for keeping food at refrigerator temps. And it works fine for that.
1486578
If your problemis that the unit doesn not maintain the desired temperature, my unit's temp did the same thing after a month or so. having nowhere to turn, I solved the problem by putting one of those frozen containers that come with plastic beverage and food coolers on the top shelve of the left compartment. I then kept entering the desired temp several times for both compartments. It took two shots with the frozen pack, but it worked. Both sides now hold their set temp.Goog luck.bluefox803@aol.com
578889
I send lunch with our daughter, and there is an ice pack with it. When she gets home, it is not still frozen- or cold for that matter. I pack her lunch at 8:30, and she gets home at 4:00. I am sure it keeps until 12:00, which is all I really need. May I suggest a small Igloo cooler, instead? I can say that it is a great, sturdy product. Easy to clean- no smelly cracks that don't clean well. I am very happy with it, and it will last for years.
514151
I have only used ice packs... I felt as though the ice would melt to fast... It is a great backback cooler and holds alot!I would recommend it for sure... :-)
1498401
Never tried to freeze an ice pack by mine keeps frozen things frozen. I would give it another day or two and if it still doesn't freeze I would return it and get a replacement
384826
I would be careful about this POLAR ICE PACK. They have a good product except for the ice packs. The ice packs do not stay frozen very long. I also have a ice pack that I bought from CVS and this stay frozen much longer.
572864
I did not use ice packs. I froze bottles of water. I would leave around seven in the morning and the water was still mostly frozen at three and four in the afternoon. I do not know how long an ice pack would last but it would be at least as long as in any other bag of this type. I would recommend this bag to anyone. It is a good quality cooler.
906315
no you best bet will be a regular cooler. I put a large ice pack in mine and by the end of the day it has melted, but it keeps it cool/cold until lunch but I am not in that extreme heat
164041
well by the time the shipment got to me the icepack had melted. But that never seemed to alter the effectiveness. I suggest you use an icepack for as far, or as long as possible until you reach your destination :)
799813
No, it cools at the same temperature. It is quite cold but there is not a way to change the temp. It does have a room temperature spout that can be used.
230288
It's not the motor that needs to cool down - it's the bowl itself. The freezing process comes as the cold material between the inner and out walls of the bowl takes away heat from the ice cream mixture. For best results, keep the bowl in your deep freeze rather than the freezer portion of your refrigerator. Dedicated freezers are colder. It takes about six hours to "recharge" the mixing bowl after you run a batch. I purchased a second mixing bowl so that I would have the option of a second mix without waiting overnight.......
398063
It didnt take long to defrost. I did a trial run with this product. I placed it in a foil thermal wrap with a frozen ice container. Didnt last long, but my ice container was still frozen