Product Review: Omius Cooling Headband

Omius Cooling Headband

A Real Asset in the Heat of Ironman Oceanside 70.3

Gunnar Roll at the 2025 Oceanside 70.3 triathlon

At Ironman Oceanside 70.3 this year, I tested out the Omius cooling headband for the first time—and it absolutely delivered when it mattered most: the run.

If you’ve done Oceanside, you know the run course can be brutal. Two 5K segments stretch directly into the sun with minimal shade, ocean breeze at your back, and heat radiating off the concrete and nearby buildings. According to my Garmin, the temperature in these 5k segments hovered above 85°F and peaked at 91°F under the sun.

Just out of T2, I threw on the Omius headband, grabbed a cup of water, and poured it over the “cooling blocks”—porous graphite pieces that I jokingly refer to as mini square rocks. These rocks are the heart of the system, designed to rapidly cool your body via enhanced evaporation. As instructed, I kept refreshing them with cold water at each aid station.

The Results

In past races with similar conditions, I’d inevitably feel the heat start to drain my energy. My pace would drop, my effort would spike, and the rest of the run would feel like survival mode. But not this time.

With the Omius headband, I felt consistently cool, composed, and in control. At no point during the 13.1-mile run did I feel like the heat was affecting me. That alone made it a game changer.

I maintained my pace throughout the run—something I’ve struggled to do in hot races before. The headband never felt heavy, and the cooling effect kicked in quickly after each water pour. The simple act of keeping it wet made a tangible difference in performance.

What I Loved

• It works—cooling was immediate and sustained.

• Lightweight and comfortable even when saturated.

• Easy to use mid-race: pour water, keep running.

• No tech or maintenance—just smart material design.

  
  

Things to Consider

• You need access to water to keep it effective.

• The blocks can look a bit bulky or odd (think square graphite rocks), but function outweighs fashion here.

• For even more sun protection, I’m planning to pair it with the Omius-compatible visor in my next race.

  
  

Final Take

The Omius cooling headband turned what could’ve been a punishing run into a controlled, confident performance. In a sport where small advantages add up, this was a huge boost on race day. If you race in the heat—or just want to avoid being cooked during your next long run—this is a piece of gear worth investing in.

Omius is a TCMTriSquad Supporter and offers a 20% discount to team members.