Reviving the Battle Jacket: The Ultimate Hydration Backpack Solution for Chest Rigs
by Justin Li
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.
Above: ICEPLATE® Backpack Gen 3 built out as a Qore Performance 'Battle Jacket'. Mating ICEPLATE® Backpack Gen 3 with a split front chest rig (here we are using the Spiritus Systems 34 Alpha Split Chest Rig). Notably here we also have the addition of the Mustang Survival 'Float Coat' floatation device for maritime use and IMS Pro Combo to add an additional 1.5L of hydration capability, bringing this setup's total to 3L.
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.
Why the 'Battle Jacket' Concept Works
The 'Battle Jacket' setup is perfect for users who need to stay light and agile while carrying a full load. The ICEPLATE® provides both cooling and heating, serving as a crush-proof hardcell hydration bladder—even under the weight of a full pack. This setup excels in scenarios where maneuvering through difficult terrain is key, and the threat level is low but still present, making heavy armor impractical. When rapid egress and mobility are priorities, the 'Battle Jacket' is an ideal choice.
However, the 'Battle Jacket' isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. No single setup meets the demands of every mission. The ability to wear armor is crucial for most front-line units. For higher threat environments, we recommend scaling your setup based on the situation. Your armor can be worn in a 'slick' carrier like the ICEPLATE EXO®-SLK Gen 3, Spiritus Systems LV119, or T.REX Arms AC1, with a belt kit or chest rig over it. In these cases, the 'Battle Jacket' worn over the top of a slick plate carrier would limit ICEPLATE® to hydration only. For full utility of your ICEPLATE® while wearing plate carriers, we suggest using either our IMS Pro or IMS Versa Combos.
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.
Hi Sp,
ICEPLATE® Backpack Gen 3 restocked on Friday at 1700 ET and sold out in approximately ten minutes in most colors, although we still have some MultiCam units left here:
https://www.qoreperformance.com/collections/molle-sleeves/products/iceplate-backpack
We hope this helps, but please let us know if you have any additional questions.
#StayFrosty
Qore Performance Customer Support Team
Sp
Would love one for the field I work. Always in the heat on foot through brush for up to hours, beats hauling a plate carrier around in the desert.
When is this presumably going to hit the market? Ad a radio pouch and some bands to hide cords, and this is perfect
Info@qoreperformance.com
Hi Kai,
ICEPLATE® Backpack Gen 3 only comes in a single configuration for right now (other attachments are coming), but it does come in multiple color ways.
kai
could you use a different type of pack?
Qore Performance
Hi Mckenzie,
ICEPLATE® Backpack Gen 3 is available in HiVis Safety Yellow here:
https://www.qoreperformance.com/collections/backpacks/products/iceplate-backpack
We hope this helps, but please let us know if you have any additional questions.
#StayFrosty
Qore Performance Customer Support Team
They work. Distributes load over a wider surface on your shoulders. They are semi-firm, texture is a bit rough out of the box (beware when taking plates off overhead, they can scratch your face until they wear down a bit.) Can be spray painted if that matters to you. Easy to install and take off, also help keep routed cables and hydration tubes in place if you tighten them down enough. Overall, good purchase.
Intelligent decision to fit a canteen in a slim design. I couldn’t justify $50 for the ICEFLASK holster, so I utilized a normal radio pouch. For $17, the ICEFLASK Canteen is Slim, sleek and isn’t cumbersome, allowing full range of motion of arms while in kit. Definitely recommend. Qore, I recommend R&D focuses on something slim and sleek to fit flush with plates- or, for Recon purposes, something that coincides with both spaces on backside of kit but doesn’t take up the space of plate.
Hi Tom,
Thanks for taking the time to leave an honest reivew of your ICEFLASK™ experience. Regarding your suggestion, what you are describing is exactly the role filled by ICEPLATE® Curve, especially when paird with our IMS Pro Gen 3 with either a CATAMARAN Gen 3 to run under your plate carrier/armor or ICEPLATE® Backpack Gen 3 to run with a chest rig.
Awesome product, very light weight and well ventilated. I ordered the plate bag with the AXL cumberbund with tubes and set up was easy. I am 5'7", 205lb, lift weights, so the plate bag fits and covers my torso the way it is supposed to. Only wish i had the option to order the Large cumberbund. There is room to mount the IMS pro gen 3 on the back, inside but the large cumberbund would give me a little more play room. But that's small stuff. Other than that, AWESOME product and AWESOME customer service..
I thought this came with the pads but it’s just the Velcro system
The CATAMARAN Gen 3 product page selection boxes are labeled 'Bag: Single or Pair' and the ICEVENTS® Pontoons selection box is labled 'CATAMARAN Gen 3 Panel Only or ICEVENTS® Pontoons Included.' We apologize if this was confusing, but if you could let us a know clearer way to state this, we'll be happy to look in to updating the labels!
Totally satisfied with the product, stucked it in my bullet vest on duty and saved my day, because of its body shaped form, you cant feel it after 10min and it really cools you down and gives you the long run
It felt abrasive in the beginning, after 3 or 4 day of wearing that start to mold, but the glue between the velcro start to separate. It may need extra sew around it so it doesn't start to come apart
Hi there,
Thank you for your feedback on our ICEVENTS® Classic Plate Carrier Ventilation Pontoons. We apologize for the delamination - that is definitely not normal. Please contact our Customer Service Team and they'll get you squared away under our Forever Warranty. We appreciate your support and hope you continue to enjoy your ICEVENTS® Pontoons.
#StayFrosty
Qore Performance Customer Support Team
Fantastic addition, makes daily carry more bearable.
Hi Kelly,
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review for your ICEVENTS® Aero Holster Pad. In reading your review, it sounds like it works great for you, so I wanted to personally check-in with you and see why that resulted in a 1-Star review?
Thanks again for taking the time to leave a review!
#StayFrosty
Qore Performance Customer Support Team
Hi Sp,
ICEPLATE® Backpack Gen 3 restocked on Friday at 1700 ET and sold out in approximately ten minutes in most colors, although we still have some MultiCam units left here:
https://www.qoreperformance.com/collections/molle-sleeves/products/iceplate-backpack
We hope this helps, but please let us know if you have any additional questions.
#StayFrosty
Qore Performance Customer Support Team
Would love one for the field I work. Always in the heat on foot through brush for up to hours, beats hauling a plate carrier around in the desert.
When is this presumably going to hit the market? Ad a radio pouch and some bands to hide cords, and this is perfect
Hi Kai,
ICEPLATE® Backpack Gen 3 only comes in a single configuration for right now (other attachments are coming), but it does come in multiple color ways.
could you use a different type of pack?
Hi Mckenzie,
ICEPLATE® Backpack Gen 3 is available in HiVis Safety Yellow here:
https://www.qoreperformance.com/collections/backpacks/products/iceplate-backpack
We hope this helps, but please let us know if you have any additional questions.
#StayFrosty
Qore Performance Customer Support Team
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