IMPACT LOCK® Revamps Their Peltier Cooling Vest for Optimal Heat Relief

On July 3, 2026, Dick Corporation (based in Kashiwazaki City, Niigata Prefecture) is set to launch the upgraded "KA-153 4-Peltier Cooling and Heating Vest" under the brand IMPACT LOCK®. This innovative vest is recognized as a product that supports a project aimed at preventing heat strokes, making it an essential tool for workers in challenging environmental conditions.

The vest is equipped with four Peltier devices, allowing users to switch between cooling and heating modes easily. It is designed to protect against the heat during summer outdoor tasks, warehouse work, agricultural activities, security, and event setup while also addressing temperature fluctuations in early spring and autumn evenings. The earlier version of this vest saw impressive sales, with over 600 units sold on Amazon from July 1 to 31, 2025.

Enhanced Features for Increased Comfort and Usability

This 2026 updated model brings significant improvements over its predecessor. Notable upgrades include an expanded area of the mesh fabric to enhance breathability, larger armholes for greater mobility, and an extended length that allows for customizable positioning of the Peltier units. Introduced in June 2025, the original model was already a hit, but the new version now prioritizes a comfortable fit and usability on the job.

Cooling and Heating Performance

When it comes to cooling efficiency, the vest not only provides a strong cooling sensation but also maintains an impressive duration of usability during extended work hours. It can operate continuously for up to 8 hours, using a low-power setting where all four Peltier devices remain active, ensuring steady cooling throughout the day.

Moreover, the vest's design includes six attachment ports for positioning the four Peltier devices based on user preference and activity, allowing for tailored cooling and heating zones. This versatility is complemented by a robust 20,000mAh dedicated battery and an all-mesh structure promoting maximum airflow.

A Response to Increased Demand for Heat Management Solutions

As summer heat becomes a severe challenge for outdoor and semi-outdoor work environments, the importance of proper heat management has escalated. According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the count of workplace heatstroke cases surged to 1,803 in 2025, marking a record high since tracking began.

In June 2025, enhanced workplace heatstroke prevention measures were instituted. Employers are now required to implement early detection systems, develop procedures to prevent severe heatstroke, and educate their workforce accordingly. Recent predictions from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) for the upcoming three months indicate a tendency for warmer weather across eastern and western Japan, raising further concerns about heat conditions in the workplace.

As these trends manifest, the need for hydration, electrolyte replenishment, breaks, and effective temperature control measures is intensifying. Workers are increasingly turning towards wearable gear designed to assist in body cooling along with traditional hydration methods.

Development Insights: Transition to Temperature Management Gear

While various cooling products like fan-equipped wear, cooling fabrics, ice packs, and neck coolers have been utilized, high humidity and extreme heat conditions often hinder their effectiveness. The CDC advises that environments exceeding 35°C with high humidity significantly impair the body's ability for heat dissipation through sweat evaporation and convection.

To combat these challenges, the new Peltier vest by IMPACT LOCK® focuses on incorporating integrated cooling elements that provide direct temperature modulation by employing heat-exchanging plates that touch the body. The upgraded model responds to both summer heat and chilly autumn mornings by allowing operators to alternate between cooling and heating quickly.

Upgraded Design Elements for Optimal Performance

1. Improved Mesh Design: The vest's mesh area has been enlarged, permitting better airflow and reducing heat buildup during prolonged wear.
2. Wider Armholes: The armholes have been increased in size, allowing greater freedom of movement, particularly for laborers who need to engage in a lot of physical activity.
3. Extended Length: The increased vest length provides enhanced customization options, allowing users to position Peltier units more effectively for maximal cooling.

Key Features

- Adjustable Cooling/Heating: This vest operates between cooling temperatures of up to -22°C and heating surfaces up to 49°C, catering to various seasonal needs.
- Long Battery Life: With the use of the included battery, the vest can last approximately 8 hours in cooling mode, emphasizing a balance between cooling power and longevity.
- Customizable Peltier Device Placement: Users can attach the Peltier devices at their desired locations, tailoring the cooling and heating effect based on their individual needs and working scenarios.
- Versatile Usage Contexts: Ideal for industries like construction, agriculture, event planning, and outdoor leisure activities, this vest caters to a broad spectrum of work and recreational setups.

Availability Information

- Product Name: IMPACT LOCK® Cooling and Heating Peltier Vest KA-153
- Brand: IMPACT LOCK®
- Release Date: July 3, 2026
- Pricing: ¥27,280(税込)
- Color Options: Black
- Size: One Size
- Included Contents: Custom mesh vest, remote cable, four Peltier devices, 20,000mAh battery, charge cable (AC adapter not included).
- Where to Buy: Available on Amazon.jp, Rakuten Market, and Hachi Pro.

Supporting Heat Stroke Prevention Initiatives

Through its participation in the Heat Stroke Prevention Outreach Project—an initiative involving both the public and private sectors since 2011—Dick Corporation not only delivers robust heat-preventative products but also engages in activities aimed at enhancing awareness regarding heatstroke prevention. The IMPACT LOCK® cooling series directly relates to these initiatives, promoting workplace cooling strategies during both work and rest periods despite heat’s impact.

In conclusion, the innovative approach towards temperature regulation through the IMPACT LOCK® vest offers workers the tools they need to navigate increasingly challenging work environments safely and comfortably.