battle-jacket · chest-rig · chest-rig-hydration · iceplate-backpack · iceplate-backpack-gen-3 · iceplate-exo-crh · load-bearing-vest · qore-performance-battle-jacket · 15 comments · Sep 03, 2024

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.

Qore Performance Battle Jacket is an IcePlate EXO-CRH (Chest Rig Hydration) with a 34 Alpha Split Chest Rig by Spiritus Systems

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.

15 comments

Qore Performance May 26, 2025

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 May 26, 2025

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 Dec 09, 2024

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 Dec 09, 2024

could you use a different type of pack?
Qore Performance Sep 07, 2024

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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Back to INSIGHTS: Military, Law Enforcement, Civilian

Impressive!

What a well thought out design. This fits in so many different applications, simply brilliant! Well done and thank you.

Instagram Handle: Shaggydavis

Sick af. I love the catamaran because it allows you to use Qore’s vented padding, and/or with an IMS Pro you can utilize the Ice plate! Which you can run with padding if you want! Which is how I personally run it. If you want unparalleled comfort and airflow on any plate carrier this is what you want!

Comfortable

Adds comfort to TNC/Safariland combo.

for what it is

Well for what it is its great, down side i have with it is i wish there was an option during purchase for LEFT OR RIGHT, I'm using it in a slick carrier for under a chest rig and i want the option to have a T junction for being able to connect to both front and back at the same time drinking out of both. with these Two things alone id be bumping up to a 5 star rating with no problems

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave an honest review of your ICEPLATE® Curve experience. We used to make Right Exit ICEPLATE® Curves, but there was almost no demand for them, so they were discontinued back in 2023. Details: https://www.qoreperformance.com/blogs/running-the-business/discontinued-product-sku-rationalization-explained?_pos=1&_sid=56b02836b&_ss=r

We hope this helps, but please let us know if you have any additional questions.
#StayFrosty
Qore Performance Customer Support Team

Keep working

We outfitted our warehouse staff with ice plates and it has been a solid tool to keep working in the summer heat and and humidity. Tennessee Heat is unforgiving this product is a game changer.

Instagram Handle: @jericho_concepts.

Great item, easy storage. The bottom is easy to drink from and has a steady flow rate with
No leaking. I run the bottle in the right rear wing of my carrier and it fills the space quite nicely.

Instagram Handle: be_quiick

100% Required Kit

Do my best to keep this short.
I’ve used multiple types of vest stand offs over the years. And sadly they all end up the same way, adding bulk and not adding enough ventilation.
But that changed with Qore. Doubt I’m remembered but first came across Qore from a training class a while back in NJ.
Started off with some of their other products but with the crazy heat and more importantly humidity I needed something more then the ventilation my issued carrier could handle.
The install was straight forward, i opted not to use the shoulder pads as that’s not really an area I needed more ventilation or padding.
But on back to back 90 degree days with high humidity, before it my shirt would be soaked and gross.
Now however, I can feel the heat and at worst some moisture but it never gets soaked. I’ll be pouring sweat but the ventilation pontoons are doing their job and letting it evaporate / keep me cool under my carrier.
It’s a lot of money but if you're spending all day in a carrier and you have to be in the heat. This is money well spent all day long. Don’t hesitate.

Is good. Buy.

Instagram Handle: diego.soriano05

Great Thermal regulation

Great for long weighted walks/runs in the Miami heat, lasted around 2-3 hours but the cold water to drink helps immensely.

Can't wait to use it in the National Guard so I don't have to suffer from the humidity and sun, I'd recommend it to my peers so they too don't have to suffer and increase our sustainability.

ICEPLATE® SLK Gen 3 Safety Vest with Cooling/Heating/Hydration

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

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