Too Hot? Keep cool at home, car, outside with the Back Cooler

Step 3 Seat heat exchanger

This part will take the most time.

The idea is to put about seven feet of tubing on the back of a seat so it contacts your upper back and can absorb heat which cools you off.

Use nylon mesh like that pictured or get a car seat cushion and fasten the tubing to it. I used UV resistant, heavy thread with an upholstery needle. My technique needs some improvement and if anyone has any suggestions on how to attach the tubing to the mesh securely and quickly, let me know. I did try threading the tubing in and out of the mesh, but it distorts the mesh and takes a long time.

The tubing must not be kinked, so any pattern that you like should work. I sized it so my back would cover the tubing and reduce condensation. Place it on your wide upper back, do not use it near your kidneys in the small of your back.

Supply and return lines are interchangeable.

I had a friend sew some UV resistant upholstery fabric into a tube, about 1" diameter to hold the vinyl tubes together, insulate them and reduce condensation. Don't sew? Use pipe insulation, taped on plastic packing material or leave them bare.

The length of the supply lines depend on where you use this. Shorter is better.

If you want two back coolers you'll need to find 3/8" Y adapters.

Comments

[rednksurfer]

Use bubble wrap laminated with aluminum foil that Lowes Home improvement sells for metal buildings to insulate from infrared radiation in the backside of the cooler ....

[guy90]

Yup, realstick read my mind- cable ties are strong and durable for a lot of applications- for me they're a bonus, because it saves on intricate knots and sewing!

[TheRealStick]

You could always try cable ties to attach the tubing to the mesh. Might not be especially pretty, nor would it be the pinnacle of comfort, but it's quick, cheap, and effective.

[Thax]

I know I've seen velcro straps that act like cable ties, but are less rigid and reusable. I want to say they were used for bundling electronic cables. They would be just about perfect.

[jeddaka]

i agree. I have a bunch of Velcro straps and its would be great for this

[jpinney]

Could you cut a path out of a seat cushion for the hose to lay in?

[Ev]

Sure, or if the seat cushion is soft enough so the tube isn't crushed. The tubes work best with one layer (or no layer) of clothing, and it helps to shift around a bit while it's on, so the seat bottom isn't the best place for the tubes. But if it works for you, let me know.

[jpinney]

I was more thinking of one that could be on your back. I see the problem though if it works best with bare skin.