This vest does not come with ice packs. you will get wet I bought a two gallon bucket and lid from a home store. You soak your vest in water. It takes a few drops, and the built-in backpacks will swell quite a bit. Don't let it soak. The packages will explode. The vest will feel heavy, but once you put it on you won't notice it. I'm a 5'4" female and weigh 140 pounds. This vest was recommended for my husband by a friend's father who works on the streets of Death Valley for my husband. The name speaks for itself. It's mostly hot and dry here ". We live in the Mojave desert. in California. Both places are known for black flag heat. Shortly after my husband bought his and wore it for a while, a lot of people at his work bought them. , then a Columbia vest and. a button down shirt (super light). It stays cool until almost dry. I think the key is that we have low humidity despite high temperatures. hot dry conditions. Forget the Icepack version. You can make one Vest and wear a bucket or vest with ice packs and a freezer your choice one day the big problem was the very low $$ I was getting.