When we discovered First Line Technology’s Standard Cooling Vest, it quickly cemented its place as one of our top-reviewed vests, which you can read about in detail here. The vest was virtually all aces in convenience, concealability, comfort, and cooling duration. But, and there has to be a but, it didn’t work for some users. Originally developed for industrial and military uses, the vest was a bit too large for petit users (and a no-go for children), and a bit too awkward for users with larger chests, especially women. First Line Technology listened to their users and developed two new vests: the XPC Cooling Vest reviewed here and the Standard Mesh Cooling Vest with an extra small option.
The Mesh vest functions and wears virtually the same as the Standard with a few key details, starting with the mesh. The mesh is slightly lighter, saving about an ounce, and a bit more breathable. The extra breathability is most noticeable on bike rides, etc., when you’ve got steady airflow. There is a tradeoff, as the fabric used on Standard is more durable than the mesh, a factor if the vest is worn mostly over clothes. Worn under clothes, the mesh vest is the preferred choice. The Mesh vest also comes in white, a cooler option, albeit a more stain-friendly option, an issue for the Pig Pens of the world. (I’ve already managed to smarm our test version.)
Perhaps the most critical difference between the Standard and Mesh vests comes down to sizing. The Mesh vest fits a little snugger and now comes in an XS size for children or petit users. That vest drops two cooling packs (14 instead of 16) and is even lighter (estimated 3.5 lbs). Overall, the First Line Technology series of vests continues to shine, and we are encouraged by their willingness to change up their line to better accommodate multiple sclerosis users of all shapes and sizes.
Design: 5
Fit: 5
Adjustability: 5
Endurance: 4
Comfort: 5
Convenience: 5
Concealability: 4
Versatility: 5
Sports: 4
Portability: 5
Quality: 5
Cold Sensitivity: 5
Dryness: 5
Weight: 3 lbs 11 oz
