Stay cool through every set, round, and mile

We test cooling towels the way you'd actually use them — in sweaty gyms, hot mats, and open sun.

How cooling towels work

A cooling towel uses evaporative fabric: soak it, wring it out, and snap it to activate. As water evaporates from the weave it pulls heat away from your skin, holding the towel a good bit below air temperature for anywhere from 60 minutes to several hours. They're a cheap, batteryless way to manage heat for lifters, fighters, runners, hikers, and anyone working in hot climates.

Our reviews

Gym

Arctic Pro Mesh Towel

4.8$15 - $20

Our top pick for gym sessions — light, fast to activate, and stays cool through long sets.

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Combat sports

Ringside Chill Wrap

4.6$18 - $24

Built for combat sports — extra long, drapes over the shoulders between rounds.

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Outdoor

TrailGuard UV Towel

4.5$12 - $17

Longest cooling window we tested, with UPF-rated fabric for open-sun hikes.

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Gym

Everyday Frost Basic

4.2$8 - $12

The budget pick. Nothing fancy, but it does the one job well for under ten dollars.

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Gym

Polar Grip Heavyweight

4.4$22 - $28

Thicker weave that holds more water — best for wiping down as well as cooling.

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Outdoor

Summit Breeze Bandana

4.1$10 - $14

A neck-sized option for runners and cyclists who don't want a full towel flapping around.

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Quick comparison

ProductCooling DurationPriceRating
Arctic Pro Mesh TowelUp to 3 hrs$15 - $204.8 / 5
Ringside Chill WrapUp to 2 hrs$18 - $244.6 / 5
TrailGuard UV TowelUp to 4 hrs$12 - $174.5 / 5
Everyday Frost BasicUp to 90 min$8 - $124.2 / 5
Polar Grip HeavyweightUp to 3 hrs$22 - $284.4 / 5
Summit Breeze BandanaUp to 2 hrs$10 - $144.1 / 5