[ OVERVIEW ]
ONE STOP PLATE CARRIER THERMOREGULATION UPGRADE KIT
The all-new Plate Carrier Upgrade Kit from Qore Performance is your ultimate solution for enhancing plate carrier performance. Whether you're wearing body armor professionally, as a responsible citizen, or recreationally in settings like the Tactical Games, Patriot Games, Crossfit or Airsoft, thermoregulation is crucial. Standard plate carriers trap heat against the body, creating uncomfortable microclimates. Unlike these conventional designs, which often rely on heavy foam or spacer mesh padding that retains heat and moisture, few offer the built-in relief of stand-off ventilation like Qore Performance’s ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3.
Meet the IceAge Ecosystem: A suite of thermoregulation tools designed to retrofit any armor system, whether for soft or hard armor, eliminating environmental limitations from the mission. When facing threats like heat exhaustion, heat injury, or hypothermia, our systems prevent operational capability from being compromised.
For military personnel, law enforcement, and individuals in extreme conditions, effective plate carrier ventilation is critical. Overheating isn't just uncomfortable—it impacts cognitive functions and poses serious health risks. Enter the CATAMARAN Gen 3 paired with ICEVENTS® Aero Shoulder Pads to provide an innovative solution to mitigate these heat-related challenges.
Upgrade Kit Options:
Ventilated Padding Only: (Separate Product Page):
This option includes two CATAMARAN Gen 3 Combos and a set of Aero Shoulder Pads. The CATAMARAN Gen 3 Adapter Panels allow for universal mounting of our renowned ICEVENTS® Classic Ventilation Pontoons onto any plate carrier or soft armor system on the market. Together with ICEVENTS® Aero Shoulder Pads, this setup offers omnidirectional ventilation and padding, making it compatible with MOLLE and Slick Plate Carriers, as well as soft armor systems. Compatibility Note: If your armor has shoulder straps and plate bags, this upgrade kit will be compatible.
Ventilation + Hydration:
This upgrade kit includes two CATAMARAN Gen 3 Combos, a set of Aero Shoulder Pads, and IMS Combo for external mounting of ICEPLATE® for durable hydration only. This upgrade kit brings ICEVENTS® omnidirectional ventilated padding to the front and rear plate bags via CATAMARAN Gen 3 as well as to the shoulders via ICEVENTS® Aero Shoulder pads alongside ICEPLATE® mounted with the IMS sleeve to the rear of your plate carrier for an incredibly durable hydration source. Compatibility Note: Mounting IMS requires a MOLLE field on your rear plate bag and will NOT be compatible with slick plate carriers.
Ventilation + Cooling, Heating, Hydration:
This upgrade kit includes one CATAMARAN Gen 3 Combo, a set of Aero Shoulder Pads, and IMS Versa Gen 3 Combo for internal mounting of ICEPLATE® for full cooling, heating and hydration capability. This upgrade kit brings ICEVENTS® omnidirectional ventilated padding to the front plate bag via CATAMARAN Gen 3 as well as to the shoulders via ICEVENTS® Aero Shoulder pads alongside ICEPLATE® mounted with the IMS Versa sleeve to the internal rear plate bag for powerful conductive cooling and heating capability as well as 50 fl oz (1.5 L) of drinking water. Compatibility Note: If your armor has shoulder straps and plate bags, this upgrade kit will be compatible.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This page is for complete, one stop Plate Carrier Upgrade Kits. If you want to buy individual CATAMARAN Gen 3 Combos, ICEVENTS® Aero Shoulder Pads, IMS Versa Gen 3 Combo or IMS Combos individually, please click on the relevant product link to go directly to that product page.
DO I NEED TO MODIFY MY PLATE CARRIER?: All Plate Carrier Upgrade Kit items alleviate the need to make any permanent alteration or modification to your issued plate carrier. There is no need for any damaged/missing/altered gear statements or government reimbursement. The variety of attachment methods allows you to remain in compliance with your issue facility’s (CIF, IIF etc.) turn in or exchange policies. Add or remove as needed.
[ SPECIFICATIONS ]
1. Length | 2. Width | 3. Height | Weight | |
CATAMARAN Gen 3 (Per Panel) | 16.625 inches / 42.23 cm | 10.75 inches / 27.30 cm | 0.125 inches / 0.3 cm | 5 oz / 0.3 Ibs (Total system weight with ICEVENTS®) |
ICEVENTS® Aero Shoulder Pads (Per pad) | 10.25 inches / 26.04 cm | 3 inches / 7.62 cm | 0.25 inches / 0.66 cm | 0.6 oz / 0.0375 Ibs (Per ICEVENTS® Aero Shoulder Pad) |
IMS Combo (External Hydration Only Option) | 12.875 inches / 32.70 cm | 9.5 inches / 24.13 cm | 0.5 inches / 1.27 cm | 22.4 oz / 1.4 Ibs (IMS with empty ICEPLATE®, Source 90 Drink Tube and ICECAP) |
IMS Versa Combo (Internal Cooling / Heating / Hydration Option) | 13.25 inches / 36.2 cm | 10.5 inches / 26.67 cm | 0.25 inches / 0.64 cm | 20.8 oz / 1.3 Ibs (IMS Versa with empty ICEPLATE®, all included straps, Source 90 Drink Tube and ICECAP) |
[ WHAT'S INCLUDED]
VENTILATION + HYDRATION ONLY
1 x ICEVENTS® Aero Shoulder Pad Set
Ranger Green/Obsidian Black: Black Shoulder Pads
Coyote Brown/MultiCam: Coyote Shoulder Pads
(Front + Back)
4 x ICEVENTS® Classic Plate Carrier Ventilation Pontoons
8 x 5-inch Velcro One-Wrap straps
2 x 48" of Elastic Shock Cord
1 x Freezer Cap
1 x ICECAP
VENTILATION + COOLING / HEATING / HYDRATION
Ranger Green/Obsidian Black: Black Shoulder Pads
Coyote Brown/MultiCam: Coyote Shoulder Pads
2 x ICEVENTS® Classic Plate Carrier Ventilation Pontoons
8 x 5-inch Velcro One-Wrap straps
2 x 48" of Elastic Shock Cord
1 x Freezer Cap
1 x ICECAP
[ VIDEOS ]
[ FEATURES ]
Universal Mounting |
CATAMARAN Gen 3 adds a Velcro loop field to almost any plate carrier or soft armor carrier, MOLLE or slick. ICEVENTS® Aero Shoulder Pads are mounted via OneWrap and can be used with any body armor system.
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Multiple Mounting Methods | Designed for maximum versatility, CATAMARAN Gen 3 can be mounted with MOLLE, Velcro One-Wrap, Elastic Shock Cord and more. |
Ultralight |
Weighing in at just 5 oz (0.31 Ibs), CATAMARAN Gen 3 Combo adds the magical ICEVENTS® Classic Plate Carrier Ventilation Pontoons to any armor system. ICEVENTS® Aero Shoulder Pads are 90% air by volume and add only a further 0.6 oz (0.04 Ibs).
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Ultra Thin | CATAMARAN Gen 3 adds virtually no additional bulk to your plate carrier, coming in at just 0.125 inches thick (0.3cm). ICEVENTS® Aero Shoulder Pads are the slimmest shoulder pads on the market coming in at just 0.25" thick. |
Strong |
CATAMARAN Gen 3 is constructed from our unique ICEPLATE EXO® laminate for an unrivaled strength to weight ratio and a completely hydrophobic chassis with a tensile strength of 600+ pounds.
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Simple Installation |
Installing CATAMARAN Gen 3 and ICEVENTS® Aero Shoulder Pads on a plate carrier can be completed in just a matter of minutes.
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[ COMPATIBILITY ]
Our Plate Carrier Ventilation Upgrade Kit is compatible with any plate carrier or soft body armor system with shoulder straps and a plate bag. It sounds that simple because it is!
Ergonomically optimized to deliver maximum mobility for overhead movement and prone positions, ICEVENTS® Aero Plate Carrier Shoulder Pads bring load carriage and ventilation to the next level at an impossibly light weight, 90% air by volume, weighing 0.6 ounces.
CATAMARAN Gen 3 is for users with plate carriers that lack the internal Velcro loop fields found in models like ICEPLATE EXO®, the ARC V2 from SHAW Concepts, and the rear harness of the Crye Precision AVS, CATAMARAN Gen 3 is the solution for which you've been waiting.
CATAMARAN Gen 3 revolutionizes plate carrier comfort by introducing a Velcro® loop field to the inside of any plate bag to effortlessly mount ICEVENTS® Classic Plate Carrier Ventilation Pontoons. This ensures superior convective cooling and breathability, enhancing wearer comfort and endurance in extreme conditions.
Designed for universal mounting, CATAMARAN Gen 3 uses a variety of attachment methods, including MOLLE, Elastic Straps, Velcro One-Wrap, and Elastic Shock Cord. It is compatible with popular slick carriers such as the AC1 from T.REX Arms and the LV-119 from Spiritus Systems. In fact, CATAMARAN Gen 3 boasts broad compatibility, fitting seamlessly with most plate carriers on the market.
To further assist our end-users, we've listed specific plate carriers confirmed for CATAMARAN Gen 3 compatibility. These are just examples of more popular carriers for reference, CATAMARAN Gen 3 will fit most plate carriers:
Plate Carrier | Confirmed Compatible with CATAMARAN Gen 3 | Compatible with IMS (Hydration only) | Compatible with IMS Versa Gen 3 (Cooling, Heating, Hydration) | Optimal Mounting Method |
U.S. Army MSV | Velcro One-Wrap, Elastic Straps, Elastic Shock Cord | |||
U.S. Army IOTV | MOLLE, Elastic Side Straps, Velcro One-Wrap | |||
USMC PC Gen III | MOLLE, Elastic Side Straps, Velcro One-Wrap | |||
T.REX Arms AC1 |
Not Compatible
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Velcro One-Wrap, Elastic Straps, Elastic Shock Cord | |
Spiritus Systems LV-119 COVERT |
Not Compatible
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Velcro One-Wrap, Elastic Straps, Elastic Shock Cord | |
Spiritus Systems LV-119 OVERT |
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LBT 6094 |
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Crye Precision AVS (Front Plate Bag Only) |
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Crye Precision SPC |
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Crye Precision JPC 2.0 |
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Defense Mechanisms MEPC |
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FERRO CONCEPTS FCPC V5 |
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FERRO CONCEPTS Slickster |
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Not Compatible |
Velcro One-Wrap, Elastic Straps, Elastic Shock Cord
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Agilite K-Zero |
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Agilite K19 |
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MOLLE, Elastic Side Straps, Velcro One-Wrap
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Armored Republic Testudo Gen 3 |
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MOLLE, Elastic Side Straps, Velcro One-Wrap
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IMPORTANT NOTE: The above plate carriers are far from the only setups compatible with CATAMARAN, this list is not exhaustive.
[ WHY VENTILATION IS IMPORTANT IN PLATE CARRIERS ]
In demanding environments where plate carriers are a necessity—be it for military personnel, police officers, or prepared citizens—managing heat and moisture is critical. The CATAMARAN Gen 3 Combo and ICEVENTS® Aero Plate Carrier Shoulder Pads, with its focus on effective body armor ventilation, addresses a consistent flaw in tactical gear: maintaining optimal airflow to prevent overheating and ensure comfort.
When a plate carrier, such as a vest or chest rig, lacks proper ventilation, it can trap heat and moisture against the body. This not only causes discomfort but can also lead to decreased cognitive function and potential health risks, especially in humid climates or high-temperature conditions. Effective ventilation systems, like those offered by the CATAMARAN Combo, ensure that fresh air circulates between the body side of the carrier and the armor, significantly reducing the buildup of heat and moisture.
Furthermore, when you must wear body armor for extended periods, the importance of a ventilation system that can maintain a stable temperature and manage moisture is amplified. The CATAMARAN Gen 3 Combo's compatibility with our ICEVENTS® Classic Ventilation Pontoons and innovative design elements, such as its breathable material, is a versatile option that allows you to bring our ICEVENTS® technology to any plate carrier.
[ THE QORE PERFORMANCE ADVANTAGE ]
The Qore Performance Advantage is embodied in the CATAMARAN Gen 3 Combo's integration with ICEVENTS® Classic Ventilation Pontoons. This synergy allows you to bring innovative ICEVENTS® technology to any plate carrier setup, elevating the overall wearability of your armor by offering increased comfort, adaptability, and efficient heat management.
Key to this advantage is the material, which is specifically engineered to facilitate optimal airflow and evaporative cooling in any atmospheric conditions. The design incorporates strategic placement of our ventilation panels to ensure that air flows freely around both the front plate bag and the rear plate bag, effectively acting as a heat-dissipation ventilation device.
Another advantage is the adaptability of the CATAMARAN Gen 3 Combo. It is compatible with any carrier with MOLLE attachment capabilities. This ensures that whether you are wearing a full vest or a more streamlined minimalist plate carrier, you can access the same level of advanced body armor ventilation. Our simple mounting system allows for quick and secure attachment, making installation as easy as putting on a tee shirt with the rugged durability and reliability only mechanical mounting can provide.
Lastly, the ICEVENTS® system, integral to the CATAMARAN Gen 3 Combo, exemplifies Qore Performance's commitment to innovation. Our ICEVENTS® technology is not just a plate carrier accessory; it is a vital component in maintaining a balanced temperature and moisture level, crucial for enduring high-temperature environments or prolonged periods of wear. The integration of these elements demonstrates Qore Performance's dedication to providing solutions that are not only practical but also advance the physiological capabilities of end users in the field.
Below we'll be answering the most frequently asked questions about CATAMARAN Gen 3:
[ FAQ ]
Below we'll be answering the most frequently asked questions about CATAMARAN:
1. In what colorways is CATAMARAN available?
CATAMARAN is only available in black because it is not visible when worn under a size Medium or larger plate carrier.
2 . Can I use CATAMARAN for front or rear plate bags or are they different?
Whether you purchase a CATAMARAN for the 'Front' or 'Rear' plate bag, they are identical. Both versions are interchangeable and offer the same mounting options. We've provided the selection on the product page purely to address and dispel any concerns regarding compatibility for your specific use case.
3 . Should I run my ICEVENTS® Classic Plate Carrier Ventilation Pontoons in Venturi or Parallel configuration?
It’s a matter of personal preference. Venturi is more suited to Shooter/Swimmer Cut and Single Curve plates, while Parallel is better suited to SAPI Cut plates.
4 . Does CATAMARAN work with Swimmer/Shooter Cut armor plates?
Yes, and it can be trimmed without losing structural integrity to best suit these plate shapes. We even included additional stitching on CATAMARAN to maintain structural integrity even after trimming.
5 . Will CATAMARAN work with soft body armor?
Yes. Although CATAMARAN was primarily designed for hard plates, its mounting hardware is also suitable for certain soft armor carrier configurations with MOLLE or Velcro loop fields placed similarly to a plate carrier. CATAMARAN can also be mounted to soft body armor carriers without any alterations, via the included elastic shock cord, as shown below:
Above: CATAMARAN Front and Rear mounted to an Armor Express Revolution soft body armor vest. ICEVENTS
® Classic Plate Carrier Ventilation Pontoons mounted for body armor ventilation.
6. Will CATAMARAN work with Slick plate carriers?
Yes.
Designed for maximum versatility, CATAMARAN can be mounted with MOLLE, Velcro One-Wrap, Elastic Shock Cord and more. Elastic Shock Cord is how we mounted CATAMARAN to the T.REX Arms AC1 plate carrier pictured above.
7. Does Qore Performance have any plans to make ICEVENTS® that will match the shape of a plate bag for the inside of plate carriers? In other words, instead of having two ICEVENTS® with space in the middle, will you eventually make a single, monolithic ICEVENTS® pad that will take up the entire plate bag footprint that will offer more coverage?
We do not have any plans to make a full plate bag size ICEVENTS® pad. There are two reasons for this decision:
[ RESOURCES ]
IceAge Insights
- CATAMARAN FAQ
- Plate Carrier Ventilation with CATAMARAN
- How Do I Wear ICEVENTS®?
- What is the difference between ICEVENTS® Classic and ICEVENTS® Aero?
- Padded Plate Backer: How to make your hard armor plates more comfortable when wearing your plate carrier
- Body Armor and Plate Carrier Ventilation Comparison: ICEVENTS®, MaxxDri, TacVent, Body ArmorVent, SKD PIG Pontoons
- How do I add ICEVENTS® Plate Carrier Ventilation Pontoons or ICEPLATE® Curve to the inside of my body armor?
For bulk Corporate/Unit/Agency orders of 100+ units or to request a quote, please click here.