The Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) is a layered insulating system adjustable to personal preference, metabolism, and prevailing weather conditions.It is designed to maintain adequate environmental protection between +40°F and -60°F (4°C and -51°C).
The Generation III Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (GEN III ECWCS) was designed to be functional in multiple cold weather climates and activities.It consists of a versatile, multi-layered insulating system that allows the Soldier to adapt to varying mission requirements and environmental conditions.
The extended cold weather parka and trousers are new ECWCS development items.The parka and trousers serve as the windproof, waterproof layer in the system.
The cold weather field coat liner and trouser liner serve as an insulating layer for the ECWCS.
The polyester fiberpile shirt serves as the primary insulating layer on the upper body.The bib overall is used as an additional layer for temperatures below -25°F (-32°C) and down to -60°F (-51°C).
The ruff is an attachable component used with the extended cold weather parka.
The underwear layer next to the skin acts as a moisture wicking layer and serves to draw moisture away from the skin, transferring it to the outer layers of the system.
The 2nd generation parka and trousers incorporates features requested by Marines. Improvements over the original parka and trousers include a two-way entry pocket design, water channels to protect critical area from potential leakage, removal of the taffeta nylon lining to reduce cost, improved breathability, a roll and stow hood, and a Cordura nylon reinforcement of the elbow and knee areas to improve durability.
The parka and trousers replace the original parka and trousers in the Army.
The shirt and overalls replace polyester fiberpile shirt and bib overall.
Lightweight Cold Weather Underwear Set (LWCWUS) was developed to provide a moisture wicking, heat retentive, lightweight garment for moderate conditions not sufficiently cold for the polypropylene underwear.
The undershirt and drawers are designed to be worn next to skin by itself and to transfer moisture from the skin to the outside of the fabric where it spreads rapidly for quicker evaporation.
The shirt and drawers are designed to provide light insulation for use in mild climates as well as a base layer for colder climates, worn next to skin by itself or in conjunction with other levels (level I) for added insulation and to aid in the transfer of moisture.Fabric is slightly different than level I in that it provides extra warmth but still wicks moisture away from the skin to allow for quicker evaporation.
The jacket is designed to act as the primary insulation layer for use in moderate to cold climates.It is also approved to wear as an outer garment.The jacket creates air pockets that trap air and retain body heat providing outstanding warmth without weight.This comfortable garment offers excellent breathability, dries quickly and provides environmental protection while maintaining low bulk and durability.
The wind jacket is designed to act as a low volume shell layer in transitional environments to provide wind and sand protection, optimizing the performance of moisture wicking along with insulation layers when combined with body armor or the Army Combat Uniform.
The jacket and trousers are designed for use in moderate to cold weather conditions as a soft shell layer combined with other base and insulative layers.The jacket and trousers provide light weight, low bulk and extreme comfort for movement.
The jacket and trousers are designed for use in cold, wet conditions alternating between freezing and thawing as a hard shell layer combined with other base and insulative layers.The jacket and trousers provide a lightweight, completely waterproof, windproof and breathable level of protection against the elements.
The parka and trousers are the outermost level of protection in the system designed for use during static operations in extreme cold, dry conditions.