Cooling Vests Expected Performance

COOLING Effects

The cooling performance of Silver Eagle Apparel will depend on the following:

1.) The length of time the fabric's core absorbed moisture. See activation procedure for specific products. The fabric's core will absorb water for up to five minutes, but additional time may be recommended if wicking is required to evenly distribute moisture.

2.) Humidity. Higher humidity will slow the evaporation, producing less cooling, but over a longer duty cycle.

On June 18, 2001, 3M's Safety and Security Systems Division published the results of a study performed by North Carolina State College of Textiles in Raleigh, NC, to determine the effectiveness of the same three-layer fabric that us used in the Silver Eagle Outfitters cooling apparel. Read more (Table opens in new window.) >>

3.) Temperature. Higher air temperature will increase evaporation. On still days, the initial sense of cooling may lessen as the body adjusts to the cooling affect. However, the garment continues to remove heat, and its contribution is dramatically felt if the wearer moves into an air conditioned environment.

Samples of the same fabric were tested by Auburn University to evaluate how long it cooled. Samples were heated in an oven, starting at 70° F and at 50% relative humidity and gradually increased to 170° F and 1.5% relative humidity. When compared to a conventional fabric, the three layer evaporative cooling effects of the cooling fabric lasted five times longer. Read more (Graph opens in new window.) >>

4.) Wind speed over the garment. Higher wind speed increases evaporation and cooling. On cycles, leathers or windbreakers may be worn over the garments and opened to regulate cooling.

Based on these parameters, expect cooling from 1.5 hours on a motorcycle on a hot, dry day, to up to 5 hours walking on a more humid day with less wind over the garment.

WARMING Effects

Silver Eagle Apparel also provides warmth when dry. When there is no moisture added to the garment's inner core, it converts to a functional insulator. Because of the design and coverage, the Silver Eagle vests are especially effective as ultra-light windbreakers. The nylon liner and outer shell provides a barrier to the wind when worn on top of other clothing. It also allows garments to glide easily across its surface when worn beneath other clothing.

Expected Performance of Silver Eagle Apparel