Plate Carrier Hydration and Body Armor Cooling, Heating: What is the difference between IMS Pro and IMS Versa?

This guide helps military, law enforcement, and prepared citizens find the ideal plate carrier hydration and thermoregulation solution using our IMS (ICEPLATE® MOLLE Sleeve) line.

ICEPLATE® Curve is a battery-free thermoregulation system shaped like a Medium ESAPI plate. Using basic physics, it delivers 70W of cooling (2-4 hours) or 52W of heating (3-5 hours) with 50 fl oz (1.5L) of frozen or warm water, redefining human performance in extreme temperatures.

IMS Pro Gen 3 and IMS Versa Gen 3 integrate ICEPLATE® seamlessly into any plate carrier or body armor system—but which one is right for you?

IMS Pro Gen 3 (Internal or External Mounting)

IMS Pro Gen 3 is the optimal solution for mounting ICEPLATE® Curve inside plate carriers with internal Velcro loop fields, such as:
✔️ ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3
✔️ Crye Precision AVS
✔️ Shaw Concepts ARC Carrier V2

Why Internal Mounting?
✔️ Conductive cooling & heating for maximum efficiency
✔️ Protects against heat injuries in extreme conditions
✔️ Rapid attachment & removal using CATAMARAN Gen 3 for carriers lacking internal Velcro loop fields

For plate carriers without internal loop fields, CATAMARAN Gen 3 serves as a universal adapter, enabling the seamless interchange of ICEPLATE® for cooling, heating, and hydration—or ICEVENTS® Pontoons for ventilated padding based on mission needs.

Above: IMS Pro Gen 3 shown in various configurations, directly mounted to ICEPLATE EXO ® Gen 3 for internal cooling, heating, and hydration as well as mounted to both the Crye Precision JPC 2.0 and the LBT 35L Extended Day Pack via CATAMARAN Gen 3 Velcro loop adapter panel.

IMS Pro Gen 3 – External Mounting Option

IMS Pro Gen 3 can also be externally mounted to the rear of a MOLLE-equipped plate carrier using OneWrap. While this setup does not provide cooling or heating, it transforms ICEPLATE® into a next-generation hardcell water bladder with key advantages over traditional soft bladders:

✔️ Unmatched durability under heavy packs and equipment
✔️ No risk of ruptures during vehicle ops or critical movements
✔️ More reliable hydration in extreme conditions

For users needing a rugged, low-profile hydration solution without the risks of popped bladders or compromised gear, external IMS Pro Gen 3 mounting delivers confidence under load.

Please note: Our previous external only mounting option, IMS, has now been discontinued. For external mounting, we recommend IMS Pro Gen 3.
Above: A Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman (SARC) with a IMS Pro Gen 3 plate carrier hydration pack mounted externally, using ICEPLATE® for hardcell hydration only. Photo credit: Forward Observation Group

IMS Versa Gen 3 – Universal Internal Mounting for Any MOLLE Plate Carrier

IMS Versa Gen 3 brings internal ICEPLATE® Curve mounting to any MOLLE-equipped plate carrier, making it the ideal hydration solution for military-issued carriers like:

✔️ USMC PC Gen III
✔️ US Army MSV

Unlike IMS Pro Gen 3, IMS Versa Gen 3 is designed for plate carriers lacking internal loop Velcro fields, ensuring compatibility with any plate carrier on the market today.

Its precision laser-cut split-bar ladder system allows for a secure, universal MOLLE mount, making ICEPLATE® integration seamless across any carrier with MOLLE—no modifications required. Maximum adaptability. Zero compromise.

Above: IMS Versa Gen 3 shown in various configurations, directly mounted to the USMC PC Gen III and Crye Precision JPC 2.0 for internal cooling, heating, and hydration. 

IMS Versa Gen 3 (Universal ICEPLATE® MOLLE Sleeve) and IMS Pro Gen 3 (ICEPLATE® MOLLE Sleeve Pro) are the most advanced, most capable plate carrier hydration and thermoregulation systems ever created. To help you choose the right solution for your needs, we’ve put together a quick comparison table and instructional videos at the bottom of this article.

Click here for details on body armor cooling science

Summary

IMS Pro Gen 3 and IMS Versa Gen 3 both offer seamless ICEPLATE® hydration and cooling/heating integration with plate carriers—the choice depends on your setup.

✔️ Own a plate carrier with an internal Velcro loop field (like ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3, Crye Precision AVS, or Shaw Concepts ARC Carrier V2)? Go with IMS Pro Gen 3.

✔️ Running a plate carrier without an internal Velcro loop field? IMS Versa Gen 3 is universally compatible with any MOLLE-equipped carrier thanks to its strap and shock cord mounting system.

✔️ Need the flexibility to swap between hydration and ventilation? IMS Pro Gen 3 + CATAMARAN Gen 3 allows for on-the-fly customization.

✔️Do you want External Hard Cell Hydration only? Go with IMS Pro Gen 3.

For a permanent, ‘set-and-forget’ setup, IMS Versa Gen 3 is the way to go. For maximum adaptability, pair IMS Pro Gen 3 with CATAMARAN Gen 3.

Still have questions? Shoot us an email.