How to Make a Cooling Neck Collar

Long-distance runners and others who engage in physical exertion during the summer can be adversely affected by the buildup of heat in the body. One method of reducing heat stress is to use a cooling neck collar. Many mass-produced types are available, but you can quickly make a reusable neck cooler at home with just a few basic materials.

Things You'll Need

• Polymer crystals
• Long sleeve from a shirt

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Instructions

• 1

  Add water to polymer crystals to make about 2 cups gel. The amount of crystals required varies by brand but is usually only 1 or 2 tsp.

• 2

  Tie or sew one end of the sleeve closed. Tightly woven cotton fabrics will work best. A tube sock could also be used in place of a sleeve.

• 3

  Fill the sleeve with the polymer gel. Vary the amount of gel in the sleeve until it feels comfortable hanging around your neck.

• 4

  Tie or sew the other end of the sleeve closed.

• 5

  Place the sleeve in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it, and then just drape or wrap it around your neck. The cooling effect will last for several hours, and the sleeve can be recharged by soaking in cold water.