Universal Plate Carrier Ventilation Upgrade Kit - (FITS ANY PLATE CARRIER/BODY ARMOR, including USMC PC Gen III, US ARMY MSV, Crye JPC, CPC, SPC, FCPC v5, etc.)
Description
[ OVERVIEW ]
Fits Any Body Armor. Yes, Any.
The Universal Plate Carrier Upgrade Kit from Qore Performance® is the ultimate system upgrade for any plate carrier—delivering cooling, ventilation, and comfort without permanent modification. Whether you’re operating professionally, training competitively, or wearing armor as a responsible citizen, thermoregulation is mission-critical.
Standard plate carriers trap heat against the body, creating hot, inefficient microclimates. Foam and spacer mesh padding retain heat and moisture, worsening fatigue. Our solution: 3D honeycomb matrix stand-off ventilation.
The IceAge Ecosystem
Thermoregulation. Anywhere. Any Mission.
The IceAge Ecosystem is a suite of modular thermoregulation tools that retrofit any armor system—soft or hard—to eliminate environmental limitations. When heat exhaustion, heat injury, or hypothermia threaten performance, our systems ensure your operational capability never degrades.
Pairing the CATAMARAN Gen 3 with ICEVENTS® Aero Shoulder Pads provides a lightweight, universal solution that dramatically improves airflow and comfort, keeping you sharper, longer, and safer.
Ventilated Padding Only
Includes:
* Two CATAMARAN Gen 3 Combos
* One set of ICEVENTS® Shoulder Pads (Classic or Aero)
The CATAMARAN Gen 3 Adapter Panels enable universal mounting of ICEVENTS® Classic Ventilation Pontoons (or IMS Pro Gen 3) onto any plate carrier or soft armor system—MOLLE, slick, or hybrid. Together with ICEVENTS® Aero Shoulder Pads, this setup delivers omnidirectional airflow, impact dispersion, and comfort under load.
If your armor has shoulder straps and plate bags, this upgrade kit will fit—no exceptions.
No Tools. No Mods. No CIF Headaches.
All components install in minutes with no permanent alterations to your issued carrier.
* No damaged gear statements
* No reimbursement paperwork
* No compliance issues with CIF or IIF turn-ins
Add or remove as needed. Mission flexibility built in.
Pre-Packaged Efficiency
Each Universal Plate Carrier Upgrade Kit is pre-assembled by our team for maximum efficiency and cost savings.
Combinations cannot be changed, but individual ICEVENTS® Shoulder Pads and CATAMARAN Gen 3 Combos can be purchased separately here.
100% Made in the USA
Engineered, manufactured, and assembled by U.S. citizens for unmatched quality, durability, and comfort.
[ SPECIFICATIONS ]
| 1. Length | 2. Width | 3. Height | Weight | |
| CATAMARAN Gen 3 (Per Panel) | 16.625 inches / 42.23 cm | 10.75 inches / 27.30 cm | 0.125 inches / 0.3 cm | 5 oz / 0.3 Ibs (Total system weight with ICEVENTS®) |
| ICEVENTS® Aero Shoulder Pads (Per pad) | 10.25 inches / 26.04 cm | 3 inches / 7.62 cm | 0.25 inches / 0.635 cm | 0.6 oz / 0.0375 Ibs (Per ICEVENTS® Aero Shoulder Pad) |
[ WHAT'S INCLUDED ]
8 x 5-inch Velcro One-Wrap straps
2 x 48" of Elastic Shock Cord
[ VIDEOS ]
[ FEATURES ]
| Universal Mounting |
CATAMARAN Gen 3 adds a Velcro loop field to almost any plate carrier or soft armor carrier, MOLLE or slick. ICEVENTS® Aero Shoulder Pads are mounted via OneWrap and can be used with any body armor system.
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| Multiple Mounting Methods | Designed for maximum versatility, CATAMARAN Gen 3 can be mounted with MOLLE, Velcro One-Wrap, Elastic Shock Cord and more. |
| Ultralight |
Weighing in at just 5 oz (0.31 Ibs), CATAMARAN Gen 3 Combo adds the magical ICEVENTS® Classic Plate Carrier Ventilation Pontoons to any armor system. ICEVENTS® Aero Shoulder Pads are 90% air by volume and add only a further 0.6 oz (0.04 Ibs).
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| Ultra Thin | CATAMARAN Gen 3 adds virtually no additional bulk to your plate carrier, coming in at just 0.125 inches thick (0.3cm). ICEVENTS® Classic or Aero Shoulder Pads are the slimmest shoulder pads on the market coming in at just 0.25" thick. |
| Strong |
CATAMARAN Gen 3 is constructed from our unique ICEPLATE EXO® laminate for an unrivaled strength to weight ratio and a completely hydrophobic chassis with a tensile strength of 600+ pounds.
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| Simple Installation |
Installing CATAMARAN Gen 3 and ICEVENTS® Aero Shoulder Pads on a plate carrier can be completed in just a matter of minutes.
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[ COMPATIBILITY ]
Our Plate Carrier Ventilation Upgrade Kit is compatible with any plate carrier or soft body armor system with shoulder straps and a plate bag. It sounds that simple because it is!
Ergonomically optimized to deliver maximum mobility for overhead movement and prone positions, ICEVENTS® Aero Plate Carrier Shoulder Pads bring load carriage and ventilation to the next level at an impossibly light weight, 90% air by volume, weighing 0.6 ounces.
CATAMARAN Gen 3 is for users with plate carriers that lack the internal Velcro loop fields found in models like ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3, the ARC V2 from SHAW Concepts, and the rear harness of the Crye Precision AVS, CATAMARAN Gen 3 is the solution for which you've been waiting.
CATAMARAN Gen 3 revolutionizes plate carrier comfort by introducing a Velcro® loop field to the inside of any plate bag to effortlessly mount ICEVENTS® Classic Plate Carrier Ventilation Pontoons. This ensures superior convective cooling and breathability, enhancing wearer comfort and endurance in extreme conditions.
Designed for universal mounting, CATAMARAN Gen 3 uses a variety of attachment methods, including MOLLE, Elastic Straps, Velcro One-Wrap, and Elastic Shock Cord. It is compatible with popular slick carriers such as the AC1 from T.REX Arms and the LV-119 from Spiritus Systems. In fact, CATAMARAN Gen 3 boasts broad compatibility, fitting seamlessly with most plate carriers on the market.
To further assist our end-users, we've listed specific plate carriers confirmed for CATAMARAN Gen 3 compatibility. These are just examples of more popular carriers for reference, CATAMARAN Gen 3 will fit most plate carriers:
| Plate Carrier | Confirmed Compatible with CATAMARAN Gen 3 | Optimal Mounting Method |
| U.S. Army MSV | Velcro One-Wrap, Elastic Straps, Elastic Shock Cord | |
| U.S. Army IOTV | MOLLE, Elastic Side Straps, Velcro One-Wrap | |
| USMC PC Gen III | MOLLE, Elastic Side Straps, Velcro One-Wrap | |
| T.REX Arms AC1 | Velcro One-Wrap, Elastic Straps, Elastic Shock Cord | |
| Spiritus Systems LV-119 COVERT | Velcro One-Wrap, Elastic Straps, Elastic Shock Cord | |
| Spiritus Systems LV-119 OVERT |
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| LBT 6094 |
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| Crye Precision AVS (Front Plate Bag Only) |
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| Crye Precision SPC |
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| Crye Precision JPC 2.0 |
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| Defense Mechanisms MEPC |
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| FERRO CONCEPTS FCPC V5 |
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| FERRO CONCEPTS Slickster |
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Velcro One-Wrap, Elastic Straps, Elastic Shock Cord
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| Agilite K-Zero |
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| Agilite K19 |
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MOLLE, Elastic Side Straps, Velcro One-Wrap
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| Armored Republic Testudo Gen 3 |
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MOLLE, Elastic Side Straps, Velcro One-Wrap
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IMPORTANT NOTE: The above plate carriers are far from the only setups compatible with CATAMARAN Gen 3, this list is not exhaustive.
[ WHY VENTILATION IS IMPORTANT IN PLATE CARRIERS ]
In demanding environments where plate carriers are a necessity—be it for military personnel, police officers, or prepared citizens—managing heat and moisture is critical. The CATAMARAN Gen 3 Combo and ICEVENTS® Aero Plate Carrier Shoulder Pads, with its focus on effective body armor ventilation, addresses a consistent flaw in tactical gear: maintaining optimal airflow to prevent overheating and ensure comfort.
When a plate carrier, such as a vest or chest rig, lacks proper ventilation, it can trap heat and moisture against the body. This not only causes discomfort but can also lead to decreased cognitive function and potential health risks, especially in humid climates or high-temperature conditions. Effective ventilation systems, like those offered by the CATAMARAN Gen 3 Combo, ensure that fresh air circulates between the body side of the carrier and the armor, significantly reducing the buildup of heat and moisture.
Furthermore, when you must wear body armor for extended periods, the importance of a ventilation system that can maintain a stable temperature and manage moisture is amplified. The CATAMARAN Gen 3 Combo's compatibility with our ICEVENTS® Classic Ventilation Pontoons and innovative design elements, such as its breathable material, is a versatile option that allows you to bring our ICEVENTS® technology to any plate carrier.
[ THE QORE PERFORMANCE ADVANTAGE ]
The Qore Performance Advantage is embodied in the CATAMARAN Gen 3 Combo's integration with ICEVENTS® Classic Ventilation Pontoons. This synergy allows you to bring innovative ICEVENTS® technology to any plate carrier setup, elevating the overall wearability of your armor by offering increased comfort, adaptability, and efficient heat management.
Key to this advantage is the material, which is specifically engineered to facilitate optimal airflow and evaporative cooling in any atmospheric conditions. The design incorporates strategic placement of our ventilation panels to ensure that air flows freely around both the front plate bag and the rear plate bag, effectively acting as a heat-dissipation ventilation device.
Another advantage is the adaptability of the CATAMARAN Gen 3 Combo. It is compatible with any carrier with MOLLE attachment capabilities. This ensures that whether you are wearing a full vest or a more streamlined minimalist plate carrier, you can access the same level of advanced body armor ventilation. Our simple mounting system allows for quick and secure attachment, making installation as easy as putting on a tee shirt with the rugged durability and reliability only mechanical mounting can provide.
Lastly, the ICEVENTS® system, integral to the CATAMARAN Gen 3 Combo, exemplifies Qore Performance's commitment to innovation. Our ICEVENTS® technology is not just a plate carrier accessory; it is a vital component in maintaining a balanced temperature and moisture level, crucial for enduring high-temperature environments or prolonged periods of wear. The integration of these elements demonstrates Qore Performance's dedication to providing solutions that are not only practical but also advance the physiological capabilities of end users in the field.
Below we'll be answering the most frequently asked questions about CATAMARAN Gen 3:
[ FAQ ]
Below we'll be answering the most frequently asked questions about CATAMARAN Gen 3:
1. In what colorways is CATAMARAN Gen 3 available?
CATAMARAN Gen 3 is only available in black because it is not visible when worn under a size Medium or larger plate carrier.
2 . Can I use CATAMARAN Gen 3 for front or rear plate bags or are they different?
Whether you purchase a CATAMARAN Gen 3 for the 'Front' or 'Rear' plate bag, they are identical. Both versions are interchangeable and offer the same mounting options. We've provided the selection on the product page purely to address and dispel any concerns regarding compatibility for your specific use case.
3 . Should I run my ICEVENTS® Classic Plate Carrier Ventilation Pontoons in Venturi or Parallel configuration?
It’s a matter of personal preference. Venturi is more suited to Shooter/Swimmer Cut and Single Curve plates, while Parallel is better suited to SAPI Cut plates.
4 . Does CATAMARAN Gen 3 work with Swimmer/Shooter Cut armor plates?
Yes, and it can be trimmed without losing structural integrity to best suit these plate shapes. We even included additional stitching on CATAMARAN Gen 3 to maintain structural integrity even after trimming.
5 . Will CATAMARAN Gen 3 work with soft body armor?
Yes. Although CATAMARAN Gen 3 was primarily designed for hard plates, its mounting hardware is also suitable for certain soft armor carrier configurations with MOLLE or Velcro loop fields placed similarly to a plate carrier. CATAMARAN Gen 3 can also be mounted to soft body armor carriers without any alterations, via the included elastic shock cord, as shown below:
Above: CATAMARAN Gen 3 Front and Rear mounted to an Armor Express Revolution soft body armor vest. ICEVENTS® Classic Plate Carrier Ventilation Pontoons mounted for body armor ventilation.
6. Will CATAMARAN Gen 3 work with Slick plate carriers?
Yes.
Designed for maximum versatility, CATAMARAN Gen 3 can be mounted with MOLLE, Velcro One-Wrap, Elastic Shock Cord and more. Elastic Shock Cord is how we mounted CATAMARAN to the T.REX Arms AC1 plate carrier pictured above.
7. Does Qore Performance have any plans to make ICEVENTS® that will match the shape of a plate bag for the inside of plate carriers? In other words, instead of having two ICEVENTS® with space in the middle, will you eventually make a single, monolithic ICEVENTS® pad that will take up the entire plate bag footprint that will offer more coverage?
We do not have any plans to make a full plate bag size ICEVENTS® pad. There are two reasons for this decision:
CATAMARAN Gen 3 is a Velcro-loop mounting platform only and provides no thermoregulation benefits on its own. Either IMS Pro Gen 3 (conductive thermoregulation + hydration) or ICEVENTS® Classic Pontoons (convective/evaporative thermoregulation only) are required to get any thermoregulation advantages. Our Universal Plate Carrier Upgrade Kits offer a convenient way to get all of these competitive advantages in a single, consolidated package.
[ RESOURCES ]
IceAge Insights
- CATAMARAN FAQ
- Plate Carrier Ventilation with CATAMARAN
- How Do I Wear ICEVENTS®?
- What is the difference between ICEVENTS® Classic and ICEVENTS® Aero?
- Padded Plate Backer: How to make your hard armor plates more comfortable when wearing your plate carrier
- Body Armor and Plate Carrier Ventilation Comparison: ICEVENTS®, MaxxDri, TacVent, Body ArmorVent, SKD PIG Pontoons
- How do I add ICEVENTS® Plate Carrier Ventilation Pontoons or ICEPLATE® Curve to the inside of my body armor?
For bulk Corporate/Unit/Agency orders of 100+ units or to request a quote, please reach out to help@americanapipedream.com
SHIPPED BY: Qore Performance
Pairs well with
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Given the massive variety of clothing we carry, a standard sizing guide is incredibly helpful for customers seeking the best fit.
Please understand that surplus varies widely in fit and cut and this sizing chart is general advice rather than tailor-level fitting.
Nearly every military has different sizing charts and schemes, which is why we've taken the time to put together this brief tutorial.
Jacket & Shirt Sizing
In absence of an established military size chart, we measure each jacket or shirt from armpit to armpit to get a rough idea of how it fits. If a garment is between sizes, we mark it one size down. For example, if a shirt measures 19.75" from pit to pit, it is marked as a small rather than medium.
To measure pit to pit, close up your shirt or jacket and measure from armpit to armpit.
This is our measurement guide that we use to measure garments without an existing military size chart:
14"-15" PtP = XXS
16-17" PtP = Extra Small
18"-19" PtP = Small
20-21" PtP = Medium
22-23" PtP = Large
24-25" PtP = Extra Large
26-27" PtP = XXL
28-29" PtP = 3XL
Pant Sizing
We typically convert pants to US waist and inseam sizes. If a pair of pants is between sizes, we mark it one size down. For example, if a pair of pants measures as a 33 waist, it is marked as a 32 waist.
To take these measurements we lay a pair of pants flat on the ground. We then measure across the waist and double the measurement. For example, if a pair of pants measures 16" across the waist it will fit a US 32 waist.
To determine inseam we measure from the crotch seam to the bottom of the cuff. For example, it a pair of pants measures 30" from the crotch seam to the bottom of the cuff we will list it as a 30 inseam or 30L.
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