Reviving the Battle Jacket: The Ultimate Hydration Backpack Solution for Chest Rigs

Introduction to the 'Battle Jacket' Concept

At Qore Performance, we're excited to update a customer concept that perfectly blends hydration, temperature regulation, and streamlined load-bearing gear—the 'Qore Performance Battle Jacket.' Originally inspired by innovative customers @drewcasbopkins (since banned by Instagram) and Fred of @Counting_coup_tactical, this setup replaces traditional 'H' or 'X' harnesses with ICEPLATE® Backpack Gen 3, a durable, on-body cooling, heating and hydration solution that keeps you light and mobile.

The Original Setup: ICEPLATE EXO®-CRH (Chest Rig Harness)

Previously, this concept featured our (now discontinued) ICEPLATE EXO®-CRH, combined with a split chest rig like the Spiritus Systems 34 Alpha Split Chest Rig. This setup offered a revolutionary way to create a load-bearing vest with integrated cooling, heating and hydration that can stand the abuse of a heavy pack.

Above: The Qore Performance Battle Jacket concept first introduced to the world by @drewcasbopkins on 24SEP 2022.

Above (top, from left to right): Tactical Tailor Universal Mag Pouch, Velocity Systems Radio Pouch, Crye Precision 9x7x3 GP Pouch, Qore Performance ICEPLATE EXO-CRH, TNVC NVG-PPE, Ferro Concepts Mini Dangler, Tactical Tailor Universal Mag Pouch

Above (bottom, from left to right): Leatherman Multitool, SOF TQ Gen 5, ICEVENTS Classic Ventilation Pontoons (hook backed), Rite in the Rain 3x5 Notebook, Suunto MC-2NH Compass, Surefire M600V, Outdoor Research Sensor Gloves

Above: A later iteration by @drewcasbopkins, 02OCT 2022.

The Evolution: ICEPLATE® Backpack Gen 3

With ICEPLATE EXO®-CRH now discontinued, ICEPLATE® Backpack Gen 3 takes its place, offering all the same advantages with a simplified attachment system. Unlike ICEPLATE EXO®-CRH,  ICEPLATE® Backpack Gen 3 can be used in your day to day life by simply unclipping your chest rig and connecting the lower straps to the shoulder straps, making a 'hydration backpack' that is as much at home on the trail, going for a run, enjoying sport events and the like. The transformation from duty-use to casual use is as simple as connecting or disconnecting a few buckles.

ICEPLATE® Backpack Gen 3 allows you to carry hydration securely on your body, eliminating the need to transfer bladders between your main pack and load-bearing gear, providing 1.5L that can be frozen or filled with boiling water for cooling and heating respectively, with an additional 1.5L being possible with the addition of a second ICEPLATE ® attached in seconds via Velcro to the rear of the 'Battle Jacket' setup using our IMS Pro Combo.

Above: The 2024 update to the Qore Performance 'Battle Jacket' concept. This ICEPLATE® Backpack Gen 3 setup was sent to us by @silentsolutions with the addition of a Mustang Survival Float Coat and Blue Force Gear SF chest rig as a 'Tactical Aircrew Vest' for helicopter use.

Above: A minimalist ICEPLATE® Backpack Gen 3 'Battle Jacket' setup, mating with a coyote Spiritus Systems 34 Alpha Split Chest Rig.

 

Explore the Modern 'Battle Jacket'

For those interested in optimizing their loadout with this modern 'Battle Jacket' concept, we encourage you to explore the ICEPLATE® Backpack Gen 3, paired with your choice of split front chest rig.