Abstract: Disclosed is a self-contained, rapid cooling device that can be stored for indefinite periods without losing its cooling potential. A liquid in a first chamber undergoes a change of phase into vapor which cools the first chamber. A sorbent in a second chamber is in fluid communication with the vapor and removes the vapor from the first chamber. The cooling process is facilitated by providing the interior surface of the first chamber with a wicking material to retain the largest possible contact between the liquid and the first chamber as the level of the liquid lowers during the vaporization process. A phase separator and a porous space-filling wick prevent unvaporized liquid from passing into the second chamber.