US Army Tactical Assault Panel System Hydration Options : Integrating the TAPS Chest Rig with Qore Performance’s ICEFLASK

We've had a few questions about how to integrate ICEFLASK with the US Army's issued TAPS Chest Rig, so we put this quick guide together for integrating the U.S. Army's Tactical Assault Panel System (TAPS) with the all-new ICEFLASK MBITR Canteen by Qore Performance.
Above: ICEFLASK integration for the TAPS chest rig issued by the US Army. Photo credit @benblake93
The modern battlefield demands versatile and innovative solutions to keep soldiers mission-ready, whether that’s carrying essential gear or staying hydrated and thermoregulated to prevent heat injuries. The U.S. Army’s Tactical Assault Panel System (TAPS) and our ICEFLASK represent two such innovations, and together, they create a seamless, efficient solution for today’s soldier.
Overview of the TAPS Chest Rig
The Tactical Assault Panel System (TAPS) is the U.S. Army’s go-to chest rig, designed for modularity and integration with body armor systems like the Modular Scalable Vest (MSV). Key features include:
- Lightweight Design: Prioritizes mobility without compromising load-carrying capacity.
- Modular PALS Webbing: Allows soldiers to customize gear placement for mission-specific needs.
- Compatibility: Seamlessly integrates with the MSV or functions independently as a standalone chest rig.
- Quick-Release System: Ensures rapid donning and doffing during high-stress scenarios.
TAPS provides the framework to carry mission-critical equipment such as magazines, grenades, and radios. But what if this platform could also help soldiers manage heat, cold, and hydration? Enter the ICEFLASK by Qore Performance.
What Makes ICEFLASK Special?
The ICEFLASK by Qore Performance redefines what a water bottle can do. ICEFLASK is a collaboration between us and Redbeard Tactical. As such, it is a military water bottle designed for military infantry end-users by military infantry end-users. Some key attributes of ICEFLASK include:
- PRC-152 Dimensions: ICEFLASK’s shape mirrors that of a PRC-152 MBITR radio, enabling it to fit securely in standard MBITR radio pouches.
- Multi-Purpose Functionality: Beyond hydration, ICEFLASK can be filled with hot or cold water to provide conductive thermoregulation in any weather condition, helping soldiers stay warm in cold environments or cool during high heat, preventing heat injuries and keeping units at maximum combat effectiveness.
- Durability: Built to endure the rigors of military use, the ICEFLASK is both rugged and reusable, providing an eco-friendly alternative to disposable cooling packs commonly used in popular coolers like Yeti, Pelican, Coleman, and RTIC.
- Locking Mechanism: Securely locks into the ICEFLASK Wing Holster and ICEFLASK MOLLE Holster with a proprietary Friction Locking System, ensuring the symbiotic coexistence of stability during dynamic movement with rapid single-handed access.
How TAPS and ICEFLASK Work Together
Pairing the TAPS chest rig with the ICEFLASK offers an enhanced tactical setup, enabling soldiers to carry hydration and temperature management tools without sacrificing space or functionality. Here’s how they complement each other:
1. Efficient Use of Pouch Space
TAPS is designed with radio pouches as a core feature. ICEFLASK’s PRC-152 dimensions allow it to slide directly into these MBITR-sized pouches, replacing radios during non-communication-intensive missions or supplementing gear loadouts when radios aren’t in use. This means soldiers don’t need additional hydration carriers or bulky cooling packs, maximizing the utility of existing loadout space.
Above: ICEFLASK integration for the TAPS chest rig issued by the US Army. Photo credit @benblake93
2. Enhanced Thermoregulation
When filled with ice-cold or hot water, ICEFLASK can be positioned in close proximity to the body, leveraging TAPS’s chest-mounted design for conductive thermoregulation. This placement helps regulate core body temperature during extreme weather conditions, reducing the risk of heat exhaustion or hypothermia.
3. Improved Mobility
TAPS’s lightweight and modular design combined with the compact form factor of the ICEFLASK ensures that soldiers maintain high mobility. Unlike traditional hydration packs or external cooling systems, the ICEFLASK adds functionality without increasing bulk or compromising balance.
Above: ICEFLASK integration for the TAPS chest rig issued by the US Army. Photo credit @benblake93
4. Rapid Reconfiguration
TAPS allows for quick reconfiguration of loadouts. Soldiers can easily swap ICEFLASKs in and out of radio pouches as needed, ensuring uninterrupted hydration or temperature management during extended operations.
Above: ICEFLASK integration for the TAPS chest rig issued by the US Army. Photo credit @benblake93
Practical Applications
- Training Environments: Replace radios with ICEFLASKs during training missions where communication gear is not required, providing soldiers with accessible hydration.
- Cold Weather Operations: Fill ICEFLASK with hot water to keep the body warm, leveraging TAPS’s snug fit for optimal heat transfer.
- Hot Weather Deployments: Use ICEFLASK with ice-cold water to combat rising temperatures, reducing the risk of heat injuries during missions.
- Reconnaissance Missions: Carry multiple ICEFLASKs for hydration and thermoregulation without the need for additional packs, keeping the load light and manageable.
Above: ICEFLASK integration for the TAPS chest rig issued by the US Army. Photo credit @benblake93
Conclusion
The integration of the TAPS Chest Rig and ICEFLASK exemplifies the synergy between cutting-edge equipment and mission-critical functionality. Together, they empower soldiers with lightweight, versatile solutions for hydration, thermoregulation, and gear management—all while optimizing space and mobility.
Whether you’re preparing for a hot summer deployment or a frigid winter mission, the combination of TAPS and ICEFLASK ensures you stay ready, resilient, and operational.
Optimize Your Kit Today
Learn more about the ICEFLASK by Qore Performance and how it can revolutionize your tactical gear setup. Buy ICEFLASK now.
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