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 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
Mckenzie Tompkins
Wow I’d buy one. Just need it in marine worker orange or reflective strips on the colors shown here. Or Velcro so they can be added
Qore Performance
Hi Robert,
We’re glad you dig our Battle Jacket concept! As for the split front chest rigs, stay tuned to our LaunchPad emails as we will be offering our ICEPLATE® Backpack Gen 3 + split front chest rigs on our website very soon as a turnkey Battle Jacket package. We hope this helps, but please let us know if you have any additional questions. #StayFrosty
Robert
Shut up and take my money, how can I buy the front rig, I already have the plate and back pack.
Nayib
At first, it was a bit difficult to see the huge difference between the CRH which I have and this Gen 3 “backpack”, but I do love the go from tactical to normal everyday with a few clicks. Versatile, love it.
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
Wow I’d buy one. Just need it in marine worker orange or reflective strips on the colors shown here. Or Velcro so they can be added
Hi Robert,
We’re glad you dig our Battle Jacket concept! As for the split front chest rigs, stay tuned to our LaunchPad emails as we will be offering our ICEPLATE® Backpack Gen 3 + split front chest rigs on our website very soon as a turnkey Battle Jacket package. We hope this helps, but please let us know if you have any additional questions. #StayFrosty
Shut up and take my money, how can I buy the front rig, I already have the plate and back pack.
At first, it was a bit difficult to see the huge difference between the CRH which I have and this Gen 3 “backpack”, but I do love the go from tactical to normal everyday with a few clicks. Versatile, love it.
Leave a comment