FAQs
How do Mission cooling products work to provide instant relief?
Mission cooling products, including their towels and headwear, utilize proprietary HydroActive™ technology. This process is chemical-free and relies on the fabric's physical structure to enhance natural evaporation. When the fabric is wet, wrung out, and "snapped" in the air, the cooling technology activates, dropping the fabric temperature to as low as 30 degrees below average body temperature in under a minute.
Why do you snap a Mission cooling towel?
It redistributes the water through the fabric and starts evaporation properly — which is why the towel goes noticeably cold in seconds rather than gradually warming up to the job. It's not a marketing flourish; it's how you activate it. Rewet and snap again whenever it dries out.
Are they reusable and washable?
Yes — that's a large part of the appeal. There's nothing to charge, nothing to freeze, and nothing to replace. Rewet as often as you need, and wash them like normal fabric. Check the specific product page for care details, since PVA and microfiber have slightly different requirements.
Where should I wear a cooling towel?
Around your neck. Blood runs close to the surface there, so you're cooling the blood that then travels everywhere else — which does far more than cooling a random patch of skin. A gaiter works even better than a towel for this, because it seals and doesn't slip while you're moving.
Are Mission cooling towels and hats reusable and machine washable?
Yes, all Mission cooling gear is designed for long-term, repeated use. The cooling technology is embedded in the fabric's fibers, so it will never wash out or degrade over time. You can machine wash Mission towels, gaiters, and hats with like colors using mild detergent. For best results, air-dry or tumble-dry on low heat to maintain the integrity of the performance fabric.
How do cooling towels work to lower body temperature?
Cooling towels utilize evaporative cooling technology to provide immediate relief. When the towel is soaked with water and wrung out, the specialized fabric construction (such as PVA or high-performance microfiber) regulates evaporation. This draws heat away from your body, making the fabric feel significantly cooler than the ambient air temperature. A simple "snap" or wave of the towel in the air often reactivates the cooling process by increasing airflow through the fibers.
How long does the cooling effect of a neck towel last?
Depending on the humidity and airflow, a high-quality cooling towel from brands like AlphaCool or Mission can stay cool for up to 2 hours per soak. In high-humidity environments, evaporation is slower, so you may need to "snap" the towel more frequently to maintain the chill. Once the towel begins to dry or reach body temperature, simply rewet it with water at any temperature to restart the cooling cycle.
