Wearing armor is not comfortable. Even the most comfortable and breathable plate carrier in not really all that comfortable and it will make it harder for your body to shed heat. The CTAV (Cooling and Trauma Attenuating Vest) from CORTAC seeks to makes armor just a bit more tolerable.
The CTAV is a set of panels that can be affixed to the interior of any armor carrier, between you and the carrier. CORTAC claims that system increases airflow, cooling, comfort, and provides additional blunt trauma protection. According to CORTAC, the CTAV can reduce the surface temperature of your armor carrier by as much as 9.1 degrees. Comfort is further enhanced by the wicking and quick evaporating properties of the CTAV.
The CTAV certainly sounds good on paper, especially if you tend to run hot like I do. Check out the CTAV at CORTAC.
I currently wear the older design CTAV. It definitely helps with heat, especially with my new NIJ standards for soft armor (But that is a rant for another day). While it won’t magically eliminate heat, it will be a noticeable improvement. I noticed the biggest difference when I was active and not wearing it.
I had a different experience. It seemed a lot hotter and added too much bulk for my liking.
I gave it to a buddy to wear without telling him what it was supposed to do. He didn’t feel any cooler and the bulk was a issue.
I would demo it first before dropping any money on it. Also, if you wear a class-a type shirt which is tailored you will most likely have to get new shirts.