• The vest contains crystals located within the cross panels / pockets. To activate these crystals, initially soak the vest in water for 15 minutes. The crystals in the pockets will swell into a gel. The pockets should now be firm but not bursting. When removing from water, grab the top and bottom of vest and gently twist in the opposite direction to help remove the excess water. The vest should now hang to dry or can be spun dry. The vest is now activated.
• The vest must always be in activated (gel) state before use. Once activated the vest can be placed in the refrigerator or freezer. The vest can also be placed inside the releasable bag it was purchased in, and placed on ice or in an ice water slurry. The length of cooling time is subject to outside temperature and body heat considerations. As a guide if soaked in an ice water/slurry for 5-10 minutes, the vest will stay cold for 30-60 minutes. If frozen for 2 hours or longer it will stay cold for up to 2 hours. The longer the vest is left in the freezer, the longer it will stay cold. If the vest is stiff (frozen) when taken out of freezer; apply a light mist of water from water spray.

If a newly activated vest is to be: chilled in the refrigerator, freezer or heated in microwave, then allow all the excess water to dry off. Place the vest on a hanger and wait until the material is dry. This will ensure the lightest possible vest weight.

• If the crystal / gel pockets start to dehydrate and become flat, soak for 5-10 minutes so that the gel pockets properly swell again. If pockets return to the original crystal state, simply repeat the initial soak.
• Whilst in the activated (gel) state, the vest must be stored by hanging in a ventilated area. If you wish to store the vest for long periods, allow the vest to completely dehydrate (returning the gel to crystals), then fold and store. To re-activate, simply repeat the initial soak.
• To wash, simply hand wash in warm water with mild soap for 2 minutes and hang to dry.
• The back of vest has only the top 3 panels filled with gel. The lower pocket on the back is not used, so that the kidney’s do not get chilled.
• The vest weighs between 1.75 to 2.2 pounds when correctly activated.
• The vest can be used warm / hot. The vest must be in the activated state and then heated in a Microwave Oven. Check the vest’s temperature every 30 seconds until the desired temperature is reached. Heating times may vary according to wattage and settings of the microwave.
• It is IMPORTANT to check that the vest is not too hot before wearing to avoid burns.
• Please note: Gel crystals are non-sensitive to skin and mucous membranes. The gel crystals are not absorbed by the skin and are non-toxic.

Warning:

Some medical conditions may require advice from a health professional before application.

Take extra care when using with children, the elderly, disabled, ill and sleeping recipients.

If ingested seek medical advice.

For more information visit www.arcticheatusa.com