I reviewed cooling product gear from Mission. Mission’s website describes its products as scientifically proven and made to keep you comfortable “as you live, work, and play every day.”
I chose a theme park during a hot, humid stretch of summer recently (with real feel temperatures reaching 100 degrees or more) to test out three cooling products I purchased with mixed results.
Cooling Performance Hat ($19.99): This hat provides UPF-50 and is activated by pouring water on the inside of the cap. It comes in one size but has an adjustable fit via a hook-and-loop fastener in the back. Overall, the hat performed well. It was stylish enough to resemble a typical hat without calling attention to itself. It was easy to wet down and wear. Overall, it provided a cooling sensation and is worth trying the next time you will be outside in hot weather.
Cooling Removable Sun Nape ($9.99): This cooling neck cape (nape) provides UPF-50 and is supposed to insert into almost any hat. The plastic connector should fold into your hat’s sweatband fabric to stay in place. It is activated by pouring water over it, wringing out the water, and waving it. I really, really wanted this to work and had high hopes for this product. I was looking for something to keep the sun off three-quarters of my neck in addition to providing a cooling sensation. I found the napes to be a little shorter in length than I was hoping. In addition, I found the plastic insert to be impossibly hard to insert into the cap while I fussed with it in my air-conditioned home, let alone in the blazing heat in the park. After cramming the insert into the cap to make it fit as best as I could, I then had to bring it very carefully toward me and turn it upside down to put it on my head. If that miracle happened, I still had the struggle of adjusting the sides of the nape against the band where it bunched up as I put on the hat. I also do not feel it provided much of a cooling sensation. I also felt a bit silly walking around wearing it as it is not exactly discreet. I would not purchase this again.
Cooling Sun Sleeves ($19.99): These are made of 4-way stretch fabric and provide UPF-50. They are activated by wetting them, then wringing them out and snapping them. These were my favorite product of the three Mission products. I was thankful to have my arms covered from the sun and I did not feel self-conscious walking around wearing them. I would advise making sure you pull them up high enough over your wrist so any wristbands are assessable at a park and so the sleeves provide a seamless continuation from your short-sleeved shirt to allow for better souvenir photos. Also take care that the tag from the sleeve is where you want it if you purchase a see-through color such as white and will be taking photos. I found it very easy to pour water on my arms as I walked in the park, and I enjoyed the instant cooling feeling on my arms without having to take them off and wave them to activate.
I tossed the nape at the park because it was not working for me, and I knew I was not dragging it home to use again. I purchased a cooling neck wrap at the park and wore it around my neck with more ease, enjoyment, and benefit than the nape. Overall, I would recommend the hat and sleeves.
Although summer is coming to an end and fall is on the way, there are always warm days during the transition. Find what works for you to stay cool for the remainder of this summer.
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