As Europe’s summers grow longer and hotter, the question isn’t whether we need new ways to stay cool—it’s how we do it without adding to the problem.
Air conditioning might feel like the go-to answer, but it comes with serious trade-offs. It’s expensive to run, energy-intensive, and firmly fixed indoors. For people on the move, outdoors, or in buildings without ventilation, staying cool remains a daily struggle.
But what if you could carry the cool with you?
Cooling Without Power—Yes, Really
The challenge is clear: people need reliable, practical ways to beat the heat that don’t rely on infrastructure or electricity. Not everyone has A/C. Not everyone wants A/C. And in the face of energy shortages and climate pressure, pumping more power into staying cool isn’t always sustainable.
That’s where passive cooling comes in—solutions that use nature’s own laws to keep us comfortable, without draining resources.
One of the simplest, and smartest, is wearable evaporative cooling.
Duracool: A Swiss Answer to a European Heat Problem
Based in St. Gallen, Nahtlos AG is a Swiss startup with deep research roots. As a spin-off from the Swiss research institute Empa, the company originally focused on health-monitoring textiles.
Now, they've taken their expertise in smart fabrics and applied it to a fast-growing need: personal heat relief.
Their solution is called Duracool—a lightweight cooling vest and shoulder pad system that doesn’t rely on batteries, fans, or fancy tech. It runs on something much simpler: water.
So how does it work? You fill the vest’s inner layer with water, seal it, and wear it. The fabric slowly releases the moisture through evaporation, pulling heat from your body and creating a cooling effect that lasts for hours.
No wires. No noise. No charging. Just relief—on demand.
Who It’s For—and Why It Works
Duracool wasn’t made for athletes or extreme sports. It was made for real people living real lives in a changing climate.
Think:
- Gardeners and construction workers out in the sun
- Teachers or healthcare staff in unventilated buildings
- Parents pushing strollers through 36°C streets
- Seniors who need a way to stay cool without complicated tech
The vest is reusable, easy to store, and weighs less than a small bottle of water when filled. And because it doesn’t rely on any external power, it creates zero emissions. That makes it one of the few cooling options that help you adapt without contributing to the problem.
Swiss Simplicity for a Heating Planet
Duracool is a perfect example of Swiss thinking: precise, practical, and quietly effective.
In a summer filled with record-breaking temperatures, it's not just about cooling down—it’s about doing it responsibly. Whether you’re working, commuting, or just trying to enjoy the outdoors without melting, Duracool gives you the power to stay comfortable—without plugging in.
Big climate shifts need global action. But everyday survival? Sometimes it starts with a splash of water and a smart piece of fabric.
Learn more and explore the collection at duracoolwear.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is passive cooling, and how does Duracool use it?
Passive cooling refers to reducing heat without energy input. Duracool uses evaporative cooling—your body’s natural way of staying cool—to draw heat away through slow water evaporation embedded in its fabric layers.
Does Duracool require any power or batteries?
No. Duracool operates without electricity, batteries, or refrigeration. It’s powered entirely by water, making it ideal for on-the-go cooling and off-grid environments.
How do I use the Duracool vest?
Simply fill the vest’s internal layer with tap water, seal it, and wear it. The fabric releases the moisture gradually, producing a cooling effect for several hours. When it dries out, refill to continue using.
Who benefits most from wearing Duracool?
Duracool is ideal for anyone exposed to heat without access to air conditioning—gardeners, construction workers, healthcare staff, commuters, and seniors needing practical, low-tech cooling solutions.
Is Duracool eco-friendly?
Yes. Because it uses no electricity or emissions-producing systems, Duracool offers a sustainable alternative to traditional air conditioning, supporting climate-conscious living and energy independence.
Can I wear Duracool every day?
Absolutely. Duracool is lightweight, washable, and designed for regular use. It's perfect for daily wear during heatwaves, whether indoors or outside, without needing any special maintenance.