Gen Iii Ecwcs 7 Layer System

Officially dubbed “Extended Cold Weather Clothing System” many refer to it as Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System or ECWCS. The ECWCS system consists of multiple layer options that can be worn in combination to provide adequate protection for individuals in temperatures from +40 to -60! Over the years the ECWCS system has gone through multiple improvements with technology advancement and material evolution. GEN III ECWCS utilizes an innovative design that reduces bulk; it takes up 33 percent less space and weighs 25 percent less than its predecessor systems.

You can always find out about the size and current cost of the kit on the store pages. The back of the ECWCS Gen III Level 7 trousers belt does not have any slots, pockets and other structural elements. Only an elastic waist section for a more tight fit to the body, and two diagonal flaps on the sides that need attention. The areas most favorable to mechanical loading are reinforced by an additional layer of nylon.

Ecwcs Generation Iii Level 7 Parka Rfi Issue, Urban Gray

Each piece of GEN III ECWCS functions either alone or in concert with other components as a system. This provides more options for the Soldier and enables seamless integration with load-bearing equipment and body armor configurations. The GEN III ECWCS design allows moisture to escape and at the same time has water resistant properties. The first generation of the ECWCS was made in the 1980s by the Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center. The outer layer pants and parka were triple-layered for insulation and water protection. Soldiers reported that the parka was uncomfortable, leading to the improved Gen II parka and its popularity.

Level VI also incorporates near infrared signature reduction technology further enhancing soldier survivability. I served active duty for 4 years and was stationed in Fort Wainwright, Alaska. It actually is a 7 layer system complete but 3 layers is all I ever wore in Alaska, any more and I started sweating. My whole time in Alaska I very rarely wore more than 3 layers of the system. I would say go for it OP, it will keep you warm enough but not too warm. If you feel you need more warmth just add a fleece jacket to it.

U S Military Uniforms

The GEN III ECWCS Extreme Cold Weather Parka is designed for use during static operations in extreme cold, dry conditions. Constructed with an outer shell fabric that has a water resistant finish and with PrimaLoft® Sport thermal bonded high-loft insulation, Level VII is highly durable and breathable. Constructed with an outer shell fabric that has a water resistant finish and with PrimaLoft Sport thermal bonded high-loft insulation, Level VII is highly durable and breathable. Fully insulated, wind/water resistant layers for extreme cold conditions provide ultimate warmth across a broad operating range thanks to Low Loft and High Loft options.

They’ve been repeating that “you lose heat through your head” thing for a very long time. Those base layers are basically the same as Patagonia’s Capilene 1 and their R1 gridfleece. Patagonia was actually one of the suppliers for the ECWCS system. Tennier’s Level VI Parka and Trouser are lighter in weight than previous versions. Heated seam seal tape covers all stitched seams making THESE Parkas and Trousers windproof and waterproof.

Usgi Polypropylene Thermal Pants

Originally retailing at around $670 USD (roughly $850 CAD or £500) per set of parka & trousers, now reduced to less than half the original price when purchased as used surplus. Everything has a downside, and with ECWCS LEVEL 7 the light weight and compressibility comes with sacrificing some durability. Water resistant outer shell, Nylon reinforced knees and elbows, and a high collar with collapsible stow-able insulated hood. The light grey color makes these blend in well in both urban and wintery outdoor environments.

In total, this system consisted of 23 individual garments including; gloves, mittens, base layers, trousers, parkas, socks and liners. Extreme Cold Vapor Barrier Boots, which are worn on top of a demi-season pair of shoes, or oversized ski boots, protect the feet from the cold in such cases. And, most likely, crampons, snowshoes or skis are attached to them, removing which you will immediately fall to the knees, or even deeper.

Materials offer a greater range of breathability and environmental protection, providing greater versatility in meeting Soldiers’ needs. Unfortunately, today not all manufacturers of clothes for fishing and hunting make their products taking into account the requirements of application and the wishes of potential users. Based on this, in the modern market there is a lot of low-functional and not very comfortable clothes, which should not be purchased. A good alternative to commercial models may be uniforms intended for the armed forces.

The system functions through insulation, layering and ventilation. Insulation resists the transmission of heat, traps air and wicks moisture away from the body. Layering increases air space and allows easy adjustment to a Soldier’s activity level.

It offers excellent freedom of movement, good protection from snow and sleet with moderate protection from heavy, wet snow or rain. The water-resistant “soft shell” is far more breathable than any “waterproof-breathable” garment and is used for most field applications, back-stopped by a waterproof nylon parka. The parka – which is a particularly popular component – is characterized by a cobra hood with woven nylon drawstring adjustable pulls and an attachment piece that allows fastening of a fur ruff . There is a two-way, full-front slide fastener to provide full-face protection, leaving only the eyes uncovered.

40 °F (±10°), cold/wet 35 to 45 °F, extreme cold -25 to 0 °F, and Static extreme cold from -50 to 0°F. As you’ve probably realized weight is such an important factor with your bug out bag, so we really appreciate the incredibly light weight and compressibility of the Level 7 Parka and Trousers. Current US military soldiers are fitted with a 7 Level system called “Extended Cold Weather Clothing System” or ECWCS.

Level 7 features the incredibly warm “Primaloft” high-loft insulation—known to stay warm when wet, unlike down which loses its warming properties when wet. The sixth layer is the hard-shell layer for moderate to cold wet conditions. The system can be broken into 7 layers, consisting of 12 components. These pieces work in conjunction to provide insulation, and wick moisture from the body.

Since time immemorial soldiers have been braving the worst climates imaginable. Over these many years, governments across the globe have had to balance the lives of these soldiers with the price of their equipment. Note that it’s possible for orders to be placed without the contracts being announced on DefenseLINK, which has a lower limit of $5 million. The US military has also solicited a number of 100% small business set-aside contracts for specific pieces of ECWCS-III clothing, including some dual-award contracts to ADS and other firms. Adherents of the most popular types of outdoor activities – hunting, fishing and tourism, like no one else needs special clothing that best suits their beloved pastime. Such clothing should be protected from cold, wind, rain and fully consistent with the season of use.

Behind these valves, 12 cm wide, located on the sides of the pants of ECWCS Gen III Level 7, there is a zipper that runs the entire length of the pants. This clasp has two sliders, so the diagonal valve and the wide Velcro on the belt do not allow one of them to unfasten under the action of gravity, or mechanical loads (jerks, clamps, etc.) on the base material of the trousers. The width of the trousers is closed with a zipper, the position of which in the closed state is further fixed by a small diagonal valve on the Velcro. This valve protects the lightning from mechanical influences, as well as from wind and cold air blowing, which is very important in this field. The Level VII parka features a two-way center-front zipper opening with a protective wind flap, nylon reinforced elbows, two front zipper pockets, a rip stop nylon inner lining and an elastic cord in the bottom hem for adjustability.