ICEVENTS® Shoulder Pads bring load carrying and ventilation to the next level at an incredibly light weight.

BLUF:
ICEVENTS® Aero are for lighter, minimalist plate carrier setups, SOF and SWAT type applications. 
ICEVENTS® Classic are for heavy, full duty/conventional combat loads loads and similar.

What is the difference between ICEVENTS® Classic and ICEVENTS® Aero plate carrier shoulder pads? (Deep Dive)

FAQ: Yes, ICEVENTS® products can be trimmed. We do not recommend this because you lose the super clean factory edge finish (and warranty, obviously), but if this doesn't matter to you, trim away. 

*IMPORTANT NOTE ON APPLICATION/UNIFORM/APPAREL: Due to ICEVENTS® unique omnidirectional ventilation architecture and full width profile for heavy loads, ICEVENTS® Classic Shoulder Pads are designed to be worn with Combat Shirts and other duty-type uniforms with collars. Some users might be able to wear ICEVENTS® Classic with a t-shirt or other non-collared shirt depending on exact body type, setup preferences, and field worthiness. However, wearing ICEVENTS® Classic without a collar is not recommended. For shirts without a collar and/or lighter loads, we recommend ICEVENTS® Aero Minimalist Plate Carrier Shoulder Pads.

ICEVENTS® Classic Shoulder Pads are recommended for heavier, more protective plate carriers worn with full duty uniforms. If you are running a t-shirt or other low-collar shirt, we recommend ICEVENTS® Aero Plate Carrier Shoulder Pads.

IMPORTANT NOTE: All ICEVENTS® products across all packages/bundles in the entire ICEVENTS® Collection, use one of two footprints, ICEVENTS® Classic or ICEVENTS® Aero. The only two differences other than footprint, are the backing (PowerMesh, hook backed, hook-receptive loop backed) and the size (all pads are full size except holster pads which are half size).

Actual results may vary. Click here to contact us if you have any additional questions!

ICEVENTS® Classic are available for:

• Plate Carrier Stand-off Ventilation
• Gun Belts / Tool Belts
• Shoulders and Belt
• Shoulders and Torso
• Duty Belt, Shoulders, Torso and Headband

Designed and manufactured in the USA from US materials. Fulfilled from our Knoxville, TN HQ. Not subject to ITAR.

Patented: ICEVENTS® Classic USD887,716S ICEVENTS Classic USD887,717S
Additional US and International Patents Pending.

For bulk Corporate/Unit/Agency orders of 100+ units or to request a quote, please click here.

Each Package Includes:

• 2x ICEVENTS® (Classic or Aero shape depending on selection) Universal Plate Carrier Shoulder Pads/Backpack Shoulder Pads
• 48" roll of OneWrap Hook/Loop Tape (matching)

	1. Length	2. Width	3. Height	Weight
ICEVENTS® Classic Pad	10.25 inches / 26.04 cm	3 inches / 7.62 cm	0.25 inches / 0.66 cm	0.9 oz / 0.0563 Ibs (Per ICEVENTS® Classic Shoulder Pad)
ICEVENTS® Aero 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)

 

FAQ

What is the difference between ICEVENTS® Classic and ICEVENTS® Aero?

ICEVENTS® Review

ICEVENTS® InfoCard

Colors

ICEVENTS® Shoulder Pads are currently available in Black and Coyote Brown. There are no plans to make additional colors at this time. Click here to join our email list to be the first to know of any updates.

Designed for carrying heavy loads while maintaining an ultra thin, ultra light profile, these shoulder pads offer unparalleled ventilated comfort. The innovative honeycomb construction includes an omnidirectional ventilation architecture, providing extra relief during prolonged use.

ICEVENTS® Classic Shoulder Pads are ideal for use with Combat Shirts and other collared uniform shirt styles, they offer a perfect balance between protection and comfort.

ICEVENTS® Aero Shoulder Pads provide more relief around the neck than ICEVENTS® Classic Shoulder Pads and are better for those who wear T-Shirts or tops without a collar with their plate carriers.

One of the key features of these shoulder pads is their adaptability. Whether you're using them for a heavy loadout or a low-collar shirt, you'll find that the ICEVENTS® Plate Carrier Shoulder Pads deliver consistent performance. The added padding adapts to various body types and setup preferences, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of users.

The quality of these shoulder pads is second to none. Made in the USA from US materials, they exemplify durability and reliability. The patented design and thoughtful specifications, including a light weight and compact dimensions, contribute to their practicality and convenience.

Investing in a better plate carrier shoulder pad set does more than just alleviate discomfort, it improves your focus. The last thing you should be worried about during a mission or critical assignment is constantly adjusting your plate carrier shoulder straps. The ICEVENTS® Plate Carrier Shoulder Pads provide enhanced comfort and load dispersion, allowing you to keep your mind and body in peak condition in the field.

Designed and manufactured in the USA from US materials. Fulfilled from our Knoxville, TN HQ. Not subject to ITAR.

Patented: ICEVENTS® Classic USD887,716S ICEVENTS® Classic USD887,717S
Additional US and International Patents Pending.

For bulk Corporate/Unit/Agency orders of 100+ units or to request a quote, please click here.

What is the difference between ICEVENTS® Aero and ICEVENTS® Classic gun belt pads?

ICEVENTS® High Mobility Ventilated Gun Belt Pads distribute the load evenly across your waist, eliminate hotspots, and make wearing a duty belt more comfortable. The unique honeycomb matrix disperses loads up to 5,000 pounds, removing pressure on your sciatic nerve and hips while providing unmatched omnidirectional stand-off ventilation. ICEVENTS® hydrophobic, anti-microbial construction is nearly indestructible - built to take the punishment of the most demanding user in the least forgiving environments.

ICEVENTS® Ventilated Gun Belt Padding is compatible with any gun belt today, including two-belt systems like AWS Gear, Lead Devil USA, Blue Force Gear, Ronin Tactics, Blue Alpha Gear, etc. Depending on your preference, they can be mounted two ways: on the duty belt itself for "set it and forget it" convenience, or they are also thin and flexible enough to thread through belt loops and run under traditional inner belts. ICEVENTS® have integrated slits for lacing Keepers from your existing duty belt setup.

IMPORTANT NOTE: All ICEVENTS® Classic products use the same footprint. All ICEVENTS® Aero products use the same footprint. The only difference is the backing (PowerMesh, hook backed, hook-receptive loop backed) and the size (all pads are full size except holster pads which are half size).

• 2x ICEVENTS® Aero or Classic (hips)
• 1x ICEVENTS® Classic (tailbone/lower back)
• 48" roll of OneWrap Hook/Loop Tape (matching)
  
  

Designed and manufactured in the USA from US materials. Fulfilled from our Knoxville, TN HQ. Not subject to ITAR.

Patented: ICEVENTS® Classic USD887,716S ICEVENTS® Classic USD887,717S Additional US and International Patents Pending.

For bulk Corporate/Unit/Agency orders of 100+ units or to request a quote, please click here.

[ OVERVIEW ] 

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ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3: The Best Defense is a Good Offense

ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 is the most advanced infantry fighting system available, transcending traditional plate carriers by enhancing physiological performance and shielding operators from environmental harm. Harnessing patented ICEPLATE® and ICEVENTS® thermoregulation and hydration technologies, it weaponizes temperature to extend operational limits and deliver unmatched endurance and effectiveness. For those committed to dominating the battlefield, ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 isn’t just the best choice—it’s the only choice.

WHICH VARIANT SHOULD I BUY?

This will depend on your size and use case.

Sizing:

S/M (Small / Medium) - Our S/M option will fit anyone that wears a standard Medium ESAPI armor plate. Medium ESAPI plates are designed to fit the majority of the U.S. military-aged population—typically estimated at ~85% of men and a growing percentage of women.


L/XL (Large / Extra Large) - ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 is now available here (30 MAY 2025) with plate bags optimized for Large ESAPI plates (10.125" x 13.25").

Based on U.S. Army anthropometric data (ANSUR II), Large plates are typically issued to the top ~10% of military personnel—those over 6'2" or with broader builds that exceed the Medium ESAPI fit envelope.

Same Gen 3 architecture. Same performance. Now in a larger footprint.

Cummerbund Variants:

Side Strap - Buy this if you want the slimmest, lightest, faster variant or if you want to use a different cummerbund.

AXL Equinox Cummerbund Options
Looking for a turnkey, out-of-the-box load-bearing cummerbund with adjustability and quick-release capability? We now offer the AXL Equinox Cummerbund in both sizes:

• S/M AXL Equinox Cummerbund
  11 MOLLE channels (17.5" long)
  
  

• L/XL AXL Equinox Cummerbund
  14 MOLLE channels (22" long)
  
  

When you select the AXL Equinox Cummerbund option, your chosen ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 plate bag size (S/M or L/XL) will automatically come paired with the corresponding AXL Equinox Cummerbund size (S/M or L/XL).

For existing Side Strap customers, or if you would prefer a different cummerbund size for your body type, mobility needs, or load carriage preferences, both sizes are also available à la carte here. For additional colors or patterns not listed here, visit axladvanced.com.

Material Variants:

Berry Compliant Material -  This variant is made from Berry Amendment compliant material, meaning the ICEPLATE EXO® Laminate is 100% sourced and manufactured in the U.S. This is essential for large ($150,000+) U.S. Military acquisitions or for those who prefer entirely U.S.-sourced materials.

To learn more about Berry Compliance, click here.

USMCA Compliant Material - 
Our new USMCA variants use laminate made in Mexico, compliant with USMCA standards. This material provides the same strength, durability, and lightweight, hydrophobic properties as our other variants, but at a more accessible price point.

For further information on material differences, check out our article:
What is the difference between USMCA Compliant and Berry Compliant materials?

If you have any further questions about ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3, check out our FAQ here.

ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 is not for beginners or hobbyists. You can buy ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 as a complete package. Please note that ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 does not have an FR rating.

For L/XL ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 customers, please note: ICEPLATE® Curve matches the profile of a Medium ESAPI armor plate and will have some 'slack' if used in ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 plate bags. For secure and effective mounting of ICEPLATE® Curve for internal thermoregulation and hydration, add IMS Pro Gen 3 Combo.

Plate Carrier Cooling/Heating/Hydration: add IMS Pro Gen 3 Combo above

Exposed Armor Plates: good or bad? Here is the scientific and engineering truth behind exposed armor plates

IMPORTANT: click here for terms, conditions, and restrictions on body armor purchases.

First Spear® Tubes® Quick-Release Buckles are sold separately per First Spear licensing agreement requirements, but they can be purchased individually here.

Sizing, Armor Plate Compatibility

ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 is optimized to work with ICEPLATE Curve® for conformal fit with a Medium ESAPI multi-curve plate profile. Armor plates with the following dimensions will fit:

• 9.5" x 12.5" up to 1.1" for Medium ESAPI multi-curve or Shooter/Swimmer armor plate profiles.
• 10" x 12" up to 0.75" thick for Medium SAPI or Shooter/Swimmer plate profiles.
• Shooter/Swimmer, ESAPI multi-curve, and SAPI footprints all fit, as long as they fall into the dimensions above.

Complete Armor Packages

To purchase a complete ICEPLATE EXO® Armor Package, click here. To learn more about the difference between Level III+ C, Level IV and RF1 Elite multi-curve hard armor plates, click here to go to our IceAge Insights article with full video. For best results, we strongly recommend running the DFNDR Armor Medium Level III+ C Stand-Alone Rifle Rated multi-curve Hard Plates or the DFNDR Armor Medium Level IV Stand-Alone Rifle Rated multi-curve Hard Plates with ICEPLATE EXO® and ICEPLATE® Curve with an ICEPLATE® MOLLE Sleeve Pro, as ICEPLATE EXO® is specifically designed to fit Medium ESAPI armor plate profiles. Important note: all DFNDR body armor sales are final due to safety considerations. ITAR restricted. Not for export unless approved under ITAR by the U.S. Department of State.

SwiftClip or G-Hook Compatible
Laser-cut slits measuring approximately 7.5" on center for compatibility with SwiftClip or G-Hook equipped placards. 

[ SPECIFICATIONS ]

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Weight:	15.2 ounces (plate bags, Shoulder Shrouds, Side Strap) to 23.2 oz (AXL Equinox Cummerbund)
Size:	S/M or L/XL (Depending on size variant selection)
Attachment Mechanisms:	MOLLE, Velcro, SwiftClip, G-Hook
Armor Plate Compatibility:	S/M: Medium Shooter/Swimmer or ESAPI (9.5” x 12.5” x 1.1”) Medium Shooter/Swimmer SAPI (10" x 12" x 0.75") L/XL: Large Shooter/Swimmer or ESAPI (10.25" x 13.25" x 1.1")
Materials:	ICEPLATE EXO® laminate, Velcro®, Nylon 12, Shock Cord, 500D Nylon outer (IRR compliant)
NIR Compliance:	All ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 variants except HiVis are covered in 500D Cordura for NIR compliance.

View Plate Carrier Weight Calculator

[ WHAT'S INCLUDED]

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SIDE STRAP

1 x Front Plate Bag
(S/M or X/XL depending on selection)
1 x Shoulder Adapter
(For quick release hardware)

1 x Rear Plate Bag
2 x Tri-Fold Shoulder Shrouds
(S/M or X/XL depending on selection)

2 x ICEVENTS® Classic Ventilation Pontoons

1 x MOLLE Placard

2 x Swift Clips

2 x Side Strap

1 x 48" length of 1/8" Shock Cord

AXL EQUINOX CUMMERBUND

1 x Front Plate Bag
(S/M or X/XL depending on selection)
1 x Shoulder Adapter
(For quick release hardware)

1 x Rear Plate Bag
2 x Tri-Fold Shoulder Shrouds
(S/M or X/XL depending on selection)

2 x ICEVENTS® Classic Ventilation Pontoons

1 x MOLLE Placard 2 x Swift Clips

2 x AXL SPC Tubes Adapter
2 x AXL Equinox Retainers
2 x AXL Wedges

1 x AXL Equinox Cummerbund
(S/M or X/XL depending on selection)

1 x 48" length of 1/8" Shock Cord
1 x 25" length of 3/8" Shock Cord
2 x Extra Cummerbund Pull Strings

[ TURBOCHARGERS ]

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ICEPLATE® Curve

THIN BUT CURVY

• Cooling - Fill and freeze ICEPLATE® Curve for up to 70 watts of conductive cooling per ICEPLATE® Curve - an unrivaled performance edge.
• Heating - Fill ICEPLATE® Curve with hot water for up to 52 watts of conductive heating power per ICEPLATE® Curve and an incredible competitive advantage in even the harshest climates.
• Hydration - Each ICEPLATE® Curve holds 50 fl oz (1.5 L) of water.
• One-Way Valve - The one-way valve allows air into ICEPLATE® Curve (drinkable option only), improving flow rate by more than 100% for an effortless drinking experience.
• Integration - Each plate bag is designed to accept ICEPLATE Curves or Medium ESAPI profile armor plates. When using armor plates with ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3, add IMS Pro Combo for internal or external mounting of ICEPLATE® Curve.

ICEVENTS®

LESS IS MORE

• Convection - Stand-off, omnidirectional ventilation facilitates Convection (evaporative cooling).
• Hydrolysis Resistance - Will not absorb/retain water, sweat.
• Anti-microbial - Totally permanent, ICEVENTS® are antimicrobial at the molecular level, meaning the characteristic cannot be washed away.
• Integration - ICEVENTS® Aero Ventilated Shoulder Pads evenly distribute load across your shoulders, reducing unnecessary strain. ICEVENTS® Classic Ventilation Pontoons (one pair included) provide stand-off ventilation between your body and your plate bag. Use one pair per plate bag as desired. 
  
  

Above: ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 shown with internally mounted IMS Pro Gen 3 Combo for plate carrier cooling/heating/hydration.

For bulk Corporate/Unit/Agency orders of 100+ units or to request a quote, please click here.