Abstract: A closed loop portable cooling system for a person comprises an air circulation pad, a desiccant module, an air pump module and a heat pump module. The air circulation pad is worn by the person and provides cooling air to the person's body and removes warm moist air from the person's body. Air is delivered and removed locally to evaporation chambers adjacent to the person's skin. The warm moist air removed from the evaporation chambers is dried, compressed and cooled. It is then returned to the air circulation vest. The system is a closed loop system so that outer protective garments may be worn over it.