Embodiments of an air-cooled gas laser are disclosed herein. A laser configured in accordance with one embodiment includes a laser superstructure, an optical assembly, and an elongated thermal decoupler member having a first end portion fixedly coupled to the optical assembly and a second end portion fixedly coupled to the laser superstructure. The laser further includes an optical assembly that includes a first holder member fixedly coupled to the first end portion of the thermal decoupler, a second holder member pivotally coupled to the first holder member and fixedly coupled to the laser superstructure, and a flexible seal having a portion coupled to the laser structure and disposed at least between the first holder member and the second holder member.