Whether the water in your thermos is still cold by the afternoon is largely determined when you fill it. Performance depends on the drink’s starting temperature, the amount of ice, how full the container is, how often you open it and where you keep it throughout the day. We’ll look at how to keep drinks cold during all-day training, extended range sessions or travel in a vehicle baking in the sun—and why carrying a separate supply of ice in an insulated food jar can also be useful.

Heat stress affects far more than comfort. It can reduce physical performance, impair concentration and slow decision-making. What role do hydration, functional clothing, ventilation and modern thermoregulation technologies play? In this article, we'll look at practical ways to reduce thermal load during firearms training, operational duty and extended movement in full kit.

Both carry water—but that's where the similarities largely end. While a traditional hydration bladder is designed simply to keep you hydrated, the ICEPLATE® was developed as part of a broader approach to personal thermoregulation. In this article, we'll compare the two systems, looking at their design, intended use, and the situations where each one makes the most sense.