- Why Heat Is the Hidden Enemy Under Body Armor
- The Real-World Consequences on ineffective body armor heat management: Fatigue, Failure, and Tragedy
- The Perfect Storm: How Ineffective Body Armor Heat Management Becomes a Killer
- How to Fight Back Against the Heat
- Your First Layer is Your Best Defense
- Choose vests which incorporate body armor heat management systems with dedicated air flow channels.
- Hydrate or Die: It’s Not Just a Saying
- Smart Habits Make a Big Difference
- Final Thoughts
One of the least discussed effects of wearing armor, that only professionals who wear their vests all day can truly understand, is that it can get very hot and sweaty under there. This is especially true in hot and humid environments, where body armor heat management can be critical to survival and combat effectiveness.
All that heat, and sweat is really uncomfortable. It lowers morale, causes serious health concerns, significantly decreases your combat effectiveness, and can also lead to bad wearing habits. These habits, like loosening the vest for relief, result in improper use and drastically lower protection.
However, there are ways to fight this “hidden enemy” under your armor. In today’s post, we will talk in detail about why heat is such a serious issue, and give you some effective, tried, and tested tips to help you stay cool on your next shift.
Why Heat Is the Hidden Enemy Under Body Armor
When it comes to body armor, we tend to focus a lot on factors like stopping power, weight, and durability. Though these are very important considerations, somewhere along the lines, we forget to talk about comfort, and how much of an impact it can have on the overall effectiveness of your armor setup.
Even when we do talk about comfort, it is usually related to the weight of the armor, and how that weight is distributed on the body. However, we forget about heat regulation, which is one of the most prominent doctors contributing to comfort.
In other words, heat is the real hidden enemy that lurks under your armor. It can cause fatigue, lead to bad wearing habits, and damage the armor as well.
The Real-World Consequences on ineffective body armor heat management: Fatigue, Failure, and Tragedy
In fact, there have been several reported incidents where police officers have collapsed, in some cases, even died because of extreme exertion during training exercises and active duty, and in almost every case, the officers were wearing armor. These cases are even more prevalent in the military, where soldiers have to carry more gear, wear heavier armor, and operate in extremely hot desert environments like Iraq, and Afghanistan.
Moreover, according to a recent Associated Press Investigation, at least 29 law enforcement recruits have died during basic training in the past decade, with most deaths linked to extreme exertion, dehydration, heatstroke or physical trauma. Just last year, a 33 year old probationary police officer Edgar Ordonez died during a training exercise.
The Perfect Storm: How Ineffective Body Armor Heat Management Becomes a Killer
So, heat can be extremely dangerous. Though it might not seem that dangerous on its own, when it comes combined with other factors like improper hydration, pre-existing health issues, heavy restrictive armor, and hot and humid environments, it can create a perfect storm, which as we have seen, can even lead to death.
And here’s the most dangerous part: because it’s so miserable, it pushes people into bad wearing habits. You see guys loosening their straps way too much, taking their vest off the second they think they have a minute, or even skipping it altogether for “quick” jobs. It happens slowly, almost without thinking. You tell yourself it’s just for a second to cool down. But that’s how it starts. Every time that vest isn’t on right, or isn’t on at all, your protection is gone. You’ve lowered your guard against a bullet because you couldn’t stand the heat anymore.
How to Fight Back Against the Heat
So, if heat is the enemy, how do you fight it? You can’t just wish for cooler weather. The good news is, you’re not powerless. Beating the heat comes down to a mix of smarter gear, smarter habits, and a smarter mindset.
Your First Layer is Your Best Defense
It all starts with what you wear underneath. That cotton t-shirt you love? It’s a trap. Cotton soaks up sweat and holds it against your skin like a wet rag, making you colder when you’re still and hotter when you move. You need moisture-wicking fabric.
Look for shirts made from polyester or merino wool. They pull the sweat away from your body and help it evaporate, which is your body’s natural cooling system. This one simple switch can make a world of difference.
The Thermacore Base layer T-Shirt is specifically designed to keep you cool under armor. It removes moisture before it turns into sweat, helping you maintain an ideal core temperature so that you can perform your best.
The Thermacore Base layer T-Shirt works by promoting evaporation of sweat, which is your body’s natural way of cooling down. Unlike other base layers, the Thermacore retains significantly less moisture, slowing down the rise of your body temperature. Additionally, when you do get hot, it also helps you cool down in less time.
Additionally, this shirt incorporates top industry standards like 37.5® Fiber Technology, and Fresh-2-Skin® Cooling, which incorporate menthol coolness to the fibers. Overall, the Thermacore Technology has been proven to decrease the rate of core temperature buildup, increasing athletic performance by up to 26%.
Thermacore Base Layer T-Shirt
THERMACORE™ BASE LAYER T-SHIRT:
A High-Performance Shirt Built for Demanding Conditions
Keeps you drier, cooler, and more focused — whether under body armor or during intense activity.
INTEGRATED COMFORT LAYER:
Thermacore T-shirt removes moisture before it turns into sweat, helping you maintain an ideal core temperature so that you can perform your best so you can increase your efficiency and use less energy to do the same amount of work.
Unlike wicking materials that simply distribute moisture, the temperature regulating fabrics and materials with Thermacore Technology actually remove it.
Choose vests which incorporate body armor heat management systems with dedicated air flow channels.
Choosing a high quality vest that is designed with comfort in mind can also make a lot of difference. For instance, the Cataphract ballistic vest from Ace Link armor comes with a dedicated molded padding system which incorporates air circulation channels to improve body armor heat management and comfort.
Product Comparison
Hydrate or Die: It’s Not Just a Saying
This is the most important habit you can build. If you’re waiting until you’re thirsty to drink water, you’ve already lost. By the time you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. You need to be drinking water consistently throughout your entire shift, not just pounding a bottle at lunch. Keep a bottle with you and take small, regular sips. And after your shift, keep drinking. Rehydrating is what prepares your body to do it all over again tomorrow. This isn’t just about comfort; it’s about keeping your mind sharp and your body functioning when it matters most.
Smart Habits Make a Big Difference
Sometimes the best solutions are about working smarter. If you have a chance to take a break, take it in the shade or in air conditioning, even for a few minutes. Let your body’s core temperature come down. If you’re in a vehicle, crank the A/C and point the vents at your chest to blow cool air up under your vest. When you can, unzip your outer uniform shirt. Every little bit of airflow you can get to that hot, sweaty area under the armor helps more than you think.
Final Thoughts
Fighting the heat isn’t just about being the toughest and strongest person on the shift. It’s about being smart, and making the right decisions. It’s about using every tool and trick you have to stay safe, effective, and protected, without being tempted to compromise that protection just to catch a breeze.
So, make sure to take your body armor heat management seriously, and choose the right gear to stay safe and cool on long shifts.
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