The present disclosure is generally directed to hydrogel-fibrous web composites that can be used various heat transfer applications. For instance, the thermally conductive hydrogel-fibrous web composite can be used as a skin-contacting layer in a thermal energy transfer pad used to control patient body temperature. The hydrogel polymer is integral to the fibers of the web. Thus, the hydrogel-fibrous web composite provides good thermal conductivity and skin adhesion properties. The present disclosure is also generally directed to methods of preparing the hydrogel-fibrous web composites.