A protective garment assembly can include an elongate main portion having a length that extends between first and second ends. The main portion can include an upper fabric layer and a lower fabric layer. At least one energy-absorbing layer can be arranged between the upper and lower fabric layers and can extend at least partially between the first and second ends. At least one high-strength strip can be arranged between the upper and lower fabric layers adjacent to the at least one energy-absorbing layer. A plurality of armor elements can be arranged between the upper and lower fabric layers adjacent to the at least one energy-absorbing layer and the at least one high-strength strip.

A head cooling apparatus for cooling a user's head includes a cap which defines a cavity configured for receiving the user's head. The cap comprises a base member which defines a rim of the cap and extends toward a top end of the cap. The cap also comprises a containment member which is coupled to the base member and a heat transfer substance which is housed in an interior space in the containment member. A covering is removably mountable over the cap.

An apparatus comprises first and second fabric layers having corresponding and aligned elongated rectangular sections, which are stitched together at one or more periphery seams. A water-permeable compartment is located between the first and second elongated rectangular sections at the respective middle portions the first and second fabric layers. The water-permeable compartment has an elongated rectangular topside section and an elongated rectangular underside section, each having a length that is less than the length of the elongated rectangular sections of the first and second fabric layers. The second fabric layer and water-permeable compartment collectively define an opening at the middle portion of the second fabric layer, wherein the opening is configured to receive a cooling medium or a heating medium. The apparatus provides the option of whether to wet the middle portion of the second fabric layer that is in contact with the neck of a user.