Do you really struggle with running when the heat is on? Sometimes only a cooling towel (or hat, gaiter, skirt) is the only thing that stands between you and melting on the run. I am definitely #teamcoolingtowel. In fact, just the other day I was looking for mine . . . but that’s a tale for next month’s Runfessions. In the dog days of Summer I often sport one while running.
Now there are cooling towels, cooling gaiters, even cooling headbands!
I’m linking up with My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Runs with Pugs, Zenaida and Run Laugh Eat Pie for Fit Five Friday. Today I’m sharing 5 cooling towels that might just make that next hot and humid run a little easier.
1: Chill Pal Gaiter
I am definitely intrigued by this one — there may be a review in the future! I have a couple of cooling towels, and one problem is they get on your clothes (wet tshirt anyone?) and you don’t really need that! You can buy this here (Amazon Affiliate Link).
2: Mission Multi Cool
Another gaiter! How did I not know these existed? One reviewer claimed it lasted for 2 hours in CO. Mine never seem to last that long. It would be “cool” if it did! You can buy them here (Amazon Affiliate Link).
3: Alfamo Cooling Towels
People gave these cooling towels 2 thumbs way up. One even said her dog loved it. Hmm, Bandit is very heat intolerant — maybe he’d like one? You can buy them here (Amazon Affiliate Link).
4: Ergodyne Chill-Its Cooling Headband
Headbands are not my thing — well, not during running, anyway. I want my face and eyes protected as much as possible! I know many that don’t like hats or visors that do run with headbands. How cute is the stars and stripes pattern? Sorry it’s too late for this year, but maybe next!
Reviews on most of the cooling headbands, including this one, weren’t very favorable (as in they do not cool you for more than a few minutes), and they’re on the pricier side. So do your due diligence. You can buy them here (Amazon Affiliate Link).
5: Syourself Cooling Towel
The reviews on this one say it stays cool for hours, and it comes in a variety of colors at a relatively low price. You can by them here (Amazon Affiliate Link).
6: Mission Women’s Hydroactive Max Laser-Cut Performance Hat
That’s a mouthful! The reviews on this was mixed. Some people said any hat you wet would do as a good a job, others felt it really helped. I think I need to look for a cooling visor next, that’s what I like to wear in the Summer! You can by them here (Amazon Affiliate Link).
Final Thoughts
I have done a lot of very hot races with my cooling towels. I’ve also done some very hot races without them — and wished I’d brought them. They do help me. Skirt Sports’ Cool It line was made of the same sort of cooling material as most cooling towels, and they became my hot race uniform!
Most cooling towels are relatively inexpensive, but read the reviews: some towels do not live up to their marketing hype.
Have you ever tried a cooling gaiter?
Do you have a cooling towel you love?
What running gear would you like to see in a cooling material?
Chocolaterunsjudy 
Nope. Never
. I don’t love running in the heat but I slow down and endure. Lately with all the rain I don’t need a cooling towel. Lol
I hate things around my neck so a towel would bother me. Glad it works for you.
My hubby just bought one from froggtoggs. He uses it for tennis. Between games.
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Slowing down doesn’t help me with the heat or the sweat. I definitely love a cooling towel!
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I could never run with a towel around my neck. Lol.
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I’ll definitely have to try one of the towels. I used one in a race once and loved it.
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I think they help a lot. If only they would actually stay cool for hours like they advertise!
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Agreed!!!!
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Hmmm! I’ve never used a cooling towel! I’ve never even thought of it. I’ll have to look at some of these and read the reviews- might be something I could use in Florida!
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I’m surprised by the number of runners who haven’t heard of cooling towels! The hardest part is finding a good one.
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I’ve never heard of a cooling towel or gaiter! I have been known to take my hydration pack with me and filled it halfway with ice. not a long-lasting solution though…
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I hadn’t heard of a cooling gaiter before. I’m interested because the towels get your top wet!
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I know I had one of these at some point. Not sure what I did with it! I like to keep a frozen towel in the car for when I finish my run. Thanks for the ideas
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I had one run recently where I really wish I’d done that! That definitely feels lovely after a hot run.
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I have a couple of cooling towels, but I never think to use them (in recent years, that is). I did use one, a couple years ago, for some of my bike rides. I should have the hubby use one for mowing the lawn…might also give him a little sun protection around his neck.
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I never thought of bikers using them!
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I may get a cooling gaiter for my husband. He had a hard time out there during today’s race and would have benefitted from something like that, for sure.
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I know when I do actually use them they help me.
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I have never used a cooling towel. During my workouts I do one or two stops at the fountains and while racing ….. I hope to find water somewhere.
I only use sun protection because I am a skin cancer survivor.
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Many of the places I run have no fountains! It’s nice when that’s available.
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