Heatstroke is the number one enemy of the furry fandom. If you are suiting, you will get hot. The goal isn't to be "cold"; it's to stay alive and conscious long enough to get that perfect photo.
This guide skips the theoretical "you could try this" fluff and focuses on what 99% of veteran suiters actually use on the convention floor.
The Hierarchy of Cooling
1. The Foundation: Under Armour HeatGear
Before you buy a $200 cooling vest, spend $50 on proper undergarments.
The Product: Under Armour HeatGear (Long Sleeve Compression Shirt + Leggings).
Why: It's not just about fabric thickness. HeatGear is designed to wick sweat away from your skin to the surface of the fabric where it can evaporate (or just sit, but at least it's not boiling you).
The Mistake: Wearing cotton. Cotton gets wet, stays wet, and becomes a heavy, hot, soggy towel wrapped around your body.
2. Cooling Vests: EZCooldown vs. The World
The gold standard in the fandom is the Phase Change Material (PCM) vest. Unlike ice packs (which freeze at 32°F/0°C and can cause frostbite), PCM packs freeze at 50-70°F. They feel "cool," not "cold," and last longer.
The Winner: EZCooldown Performers Vest
Pros: Designed specifically for mascots. Does not add bulk. The packs are segmented to bend with your body.
Cons: Expensive ($150-$200+) and often ships from the Netherlands (shipping time/cost).
Verdict: If you suit for more than hour at a time, buy this. It's an investment in not passing out.
The Budget Alternative: Industrial Cooling Vests
Pros: Cheaper ($50-$80 on Amazon/hardware stores).
Cons: Designed for construction workers, not foxes. They are often bulky, have stiff non-segmented packs that look blocky under a suit, and heavy velcro straps that can scratch.
Verdict: Better than dying, but you will look "chonky" in photos.
3. Neck Fans & Ventilation
Most modern fursuit heads have built-in fans (usually 5V computer fans powered by a USB bank).
The Rule: Fans do NOT cool you down. They cycle air. They prevent CO2 buildup and help defog your vision.
Neck Fans: The "headphone style" neck fans are popular, but they add noise right next to your ears. Great for headless lounges, annoying inside a head.
The "Camelbak" Controversy
Hydration packs (Camelbaks) seem like a no-brainer: hands-free water! But many veterans (and makers) hate them.
The Risks
Leaks: If the bladder bursts or the hose disconnects, you just dumped 2 liters of water into your $2000 foam bodysuit. This causes mold.
Condensation: Even if it doesn't leak, cold water causes condensation on the outside of the bag. Your back will get wet.
Weight: Water is heavy (1kg per liter). That's extra weight on your back, generating more heat.
The Alternative
Bottled Water & A Handler. Use a "squirt top" or straw-enabled water bottle and keep it in the headless lounge or with your handler. Take frequent breaks. Taking your head off for 5 minutes cools you down 10x more than sipping tepid water through a tube.
Signs You Are Overheating (The "One Minute" Rule)
If you feel:
Dizzy
Suddenly cold (chills)
Nauseous
Or if you stop sweating...
You have about 60 seconds before you collapse.
STOP whatever you are doing.
SIGNAL your handler or a friend.
HEAD OFF. Do not worry about "ruining the magic." Do not worry about being seen. Take the head off immediately.
Sit down.
Explore All 2026 Conventions
Browse our complete calendar with dates, locations, and details for every upcoming furry convention.