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Description
[ OVERVIEW ]

ICEVENTS® or IMS Pro Gen 3 ON ANY PLATE CARRIER
Meet CATAMARAN Gen 3: The Ultimate MOLLE Adapter for ICEVENTS® Classic Pontoons and IMS Pro Gen 3 Combo.
CATAMARAN Gen 3 makes mounting ICEVENTS® Classic Ventilation Pontoons or IMS Pro Combo Gen 3 onto ANY plate carrier or soft armor vest effortless. Precision laser-cut from our ICEPLATE EXO® Laminate, it features Velcro® loop fields for a seamless, tool-free installation—no tailors, no messy adhesives, no wasted time.
You read that correctly: CATAMARAN Gen 3 fits ANY plate carrier or soft armor vest on the market today.
For military personnel, law enforcement officers, and prepared citizens, heat is more than discomfort—it’s a threat to performance. Overheating depletes cognitive function and slows reaction time. CATAMARAN Gen 3 pairs with ICEVENTS® Classic Pontoons or IMS Pro Combo Gen 3 to deliver unrivaled plate carrier hydration, and thermoregulation, keeping you cool in the heat, warm in the cold, dry, and mission-ready.
Whether you run a MOLLE-equipped plate carrier or a slick plate carrier, CATAMARAN Gen 3 ensures elite-level hydration and thermoregulation in minutes. No compromises. No wasted energy. Just pure performance.
*Note: A la carte CATAMARAN Gen 3 panels are for existing ICEVENTS® Classic Pontoons and/IMS Pro Combo Gen 3 owners only. CATAMARAN Gen 3 panels do not provide any thermoregulation or hydration benefit without adding ICEVENTS® Classic Pontoons and/or IMS Pro Combo Gen 3.
**For easy, no-miss purchasing of our CATAMARAN Gen 3 + ICEVENTS® Classic Pontoons, check our our Universal Plate Carrier Upgrade Kits here.
***Just like our ICEVENTS® Holster Pads, CATAMARAN Gen 3 is available in black only, no other colors are planned. They are completely covered by your plate carrier, so even if we made these in Coyote Brown, nobody would see your ninja-ness.
DO I NEED TO MODIFY MY PLATE CARRIER?: No. CATAMARAN Gen 3 alleviates the need to make any permanent alteration or modification to your plate carrier. There is no need for any damaged/missing/altered gear statements or reimbursing Uncle Sam. The variety of attachment methods allows you to remain in compliance with your issue facility’s (CIF, IIF etc.) turn in or exchange policies. Add or remove as needed.
[ SPECIFICATIONS ]
| 1. | Length | 16.625 inches / 42.23 cm |
| 2. | Width | 10.75 inches / 27.30 cm |
| 3. | Height | 0.125 inches / 0.3 cm |
| Weight | 5 oz / 0.3 Ibs (With ICEVENTS®) |
[ WHAT'S INCLUDED ]
('Front' or 'Rear' Options Only)
2 x
('ICEVENTS® Pontoons Included' option only)
4 x 5-inch Velcro One-Wrap straps
48" of Elastic Shock Cord
(Front + Back)
('Both' option only)
4 x
('ICEVENTS® Pontoons Included' option only)
2 x 10-inch Elastic Straps
8 x 5-inch Velcro One-Wrap straps
2 x 48" of Elastic Shock Cord
('Both' option only)
[ VIDEOS ]
[ FEATURES ]
| Universal Mounting |
|
| Multiple Mounting Methods | Designed for maximum versatility, CATAMARAN can be mounted with MOLLE, Velcro One-Wrap, Elastic Shock Cord and more. |
| Ultralight |
|
| Ultra Thin | CATAMARAN adds virtually no additional bulk to your plate carrier, coming in at just 0.125 inches thick (0.3cm). |
| Strong |
|
| Simple Installation |
|
ICEVENTS® Features:
- 90% air by volume, weighs as little as 0.6 ounces (ICEVENTS® Aero)
- Omni-directional venting keeps you dry and comfortable
- Plush hexagonal honeycomb for unmatched load-bearing comfort
- Load distribution architecture that outperforms foams, reducing fatigue
- Anti-microbial
- Abrasion resistant
- Washable (if needed)
- Stimulates superficial blood flow to improve circulation
- Hydrolysis Resistance: does not retain water
- Stimulite honeycomb TPE technology
- Nylon Mesh Covering for frictionless belt interface
- Operating Temperature Range: -40 to 198 degrees Fahrenheit
[ COMPATIBILITY ]
For users with plate carriers that lack the internal Velcro loop fields found in models like ICEPLATE EXO®, the ARC V2 from SHAW Concepts, and the rear harness of the Crye Precision AVS, CATAMARAN is the solution for which you've been waiting.
CATAMARAN 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 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 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 compatibility. These are just examples of more popular carriers for reference, CATAMARAN will fit ANY plate carrier or soft body armor vest on the market today:
| Plate Carrier | Confirmed Compatible with CATAMARAN | 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 |
|
|
| LBT 6094 |
|
|
| Crye Precision AVS (Front Plate Bag Only) |
|
|
| Crye Precision SPC |
|
|
| Crye Precision JPC 2.0 |
|
|
| Defense Mechanisms MEPC |
|
|
| FERRO CONCEPTS FCPC V5 |
|
|
| FERRO CONCEPTS Slickster |
|
Velcro One-Wrap, Elastic Straps, Elastic Shock Cord
|
|
|
|
|
| Agilite K-Zero |
|
|
| Agilite K19 |
|
MOLLE, Elastic Side Straps, Velcro One-Wrap
|
| Armored Republic Testudo Gen 3 |
|
MOLLE, Elastic Side Straps, Velcro One-Wrap
|
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above plate carriers are far from the only setups compatible with CATAMARAN, 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 Combo, 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 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 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 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 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 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:
[ FAQ ]
Below we'll be answering the most frequently asked questions about CATAMARAN:
1. In what colorways is CATAMARAN available?
CATAMARAN 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 for front or rear plate bags or are they different?
Whether you purchase a CATAMARAN 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 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 to maintain structural integrity even after trimming.
5 . Will CATAMARAN work with soft body armor?
Yes. Although CATAMARAN 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 can also be mounted to soft body armor carriers without any alterations, via the included elastic shock cord, as shown below:

Above: CATAMARAN 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 work with Slick plate carriers?
Yes.
Designed for maximum versatility, CATAMARAN 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.
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 click here.
Pairs well with
Curious About Sizing?
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.
Surplus Condition Guide
- Unissued
- These items are brand new. They may sometimes exhibit signs of storage. They may be new in their original factory packaging, but most times will not be.
- Issued; Good / Issued
- These items are in issued/used condition but are fully functional. This grade of surplus item may also exhibit signs of use such as stampings, small stains or general dirtiness.
- Issued items will not have missing or broken buttons, zippers or be missing any functional components unless noted as such in the product description. Any items you purchase that are marked as "Issued; Good" but exhibit these defects will be replaced free of charge by Americana Pipedream.
- Grade 2
- These items are in issued/used condition but have defects that impede function. This may include missing buttons, broken zippers, holes and tears. They may also be missing components.
- This is the lowest grade of surplus item that we carry and they are not eligible for returns or exchanges due to condition.
Prop 65 Warning
All products that are NOT INTENDED FOR CONSUMPTION OR NOT FOOD PRODUCTS fall under this warning:
“WARNING: This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer.” WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including arsenic, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.”
In stock! Ships within 3-5 business days, or we'll refund your shipping cost.
First-class customer service, guaranteed.
Free exchanges & returns.

CATAMARAN Gen 3 Combo (Universal MOLLE Plate Carrier Hydration and Ventilation Adapter Panel for ICEVENTS®)
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible, within 24 hours on weekdays.
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Shipping Information
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Customer Support
Email help@americanapipedream.com to speak with our customer service specialists.
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FAQ’s
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