Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

These are 2 very different products based on the same principle - evaporative cooling. Evaporative cooling works the best in dry climates (think Arizona), and has the least effect in humid climates (think Florida). Ergodyne Chill-Its 6700CT Evaporative Cooling Bandana with Cooling Towel (this product). The "CT" is does not contain the absorbent beads, but does have a microfiber towel on the inside of the "bandana" which (supposedly) increases its evaporation rate and therefore its cooling rate. It is much lighter than the 6700 (and all of similar technology). The Ergodyne Chill-Its 6700 Evaporative Cooling Bandana - TieErgodyne Chill-Its 6700 Evaporative Cooling Bandana - Tie, Solid Blue The 6700 is similar to most all the other cooling bandanas that contain gel beads which absorb water and release it slowly. There are many of these products on the market and they seem to differ mostly on the amount of absorbent beads they contain. This particular model is more generous bead wise than many. "Which one is better?" is subjective and is largely dependent upon your access to cold water, how long you intend to use it, and how much the excess weight (of the hydrated beads) bothers you. For occasional use you should also consider the tried and true cowboy version of the same concept: the standard cotton bandana dipped in cold water. The 6700 will last by far the longest as moderate cooling properties go. As with all of these genera, they do tend to warm up and their cooling is less pronounced over time (as the day progresses); recommended if you want some all day cooling without refreshing the bandana. The downside is you have a heavy thing around your neck and that it may emit a (very light) slime that some find offensive. The slime is minimal and can be avoided by not overhydrating the "bandana" (think Viagra warning), or freezing it. The 6700CT may be preferred by anyone who is bothered by the weight and/or potential "slime" of absorbent gel "bandanas" and has more access to cooling water during the day. It seems to stay a little cooler longer than a plain cotton bandana (dipped and wrong out), but not much. hth, high