How The Military Stays Warm: Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS)
The Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) is a layer-based apparel framework for the U.S. Army. Worn in moderate to sub-zero climates
The first system was developed in the 1980s by the United States Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, Natick, Massachusetts.
The third and most recent generation of ECWCS is called the Extended Climate Warfighter Clothing System. Built for insulation, layering and ventilation, Gen III is the most sophisticated version of the system yet. It’s less bulky and much lighter than previous versions and includes twelve garments built out across 7 levels (or layers).
GEN III Level 1
Level one includes a lightweight undershirt, underwear and balaclava. This primary insulation wicks moisture, keeps skin dry and serves as a base layer for the system. [Lightweight undershirt, Lightweight Bottoms & Balaclava]
Gen III Level 2
Level two is a midweight base layer used in place of level one in above freezing temperatures or used in combination with level one in freezing climates for added insulation. These garments also wick moisture. Built with spandex in a waffle top fabric pattern, they offer enhanced flexibility over level one. [Midweight undershirt, Midweight Bottoms & Balaclava]
Gen III Level 3
Level three is a breathable, quick-drying fleece jacket. It’s an excellent insulator, creating air pockets to retain body heat. Incredibly versatile, this fleece is used as a primary outer layer in cool weather above freezing temperatures or used together with layers five, six and seven when temperatures get well below zero. [Fleece Jacket]
Gen III Level 4
Level four is a wind jacket built for stormy conditions. Its primary purpose is not to provide temperature protection, but cover from the wind and rain when the weather turns foul. Its nylon / spandex fabric makeup features a water-resistant finish to keep soldiers dry. [Wind Jacket]
Gen III Level 5
The level five jacket and pants offer heavy-duty cold-weather protection while remaining comfortably lightweight. They’re also less heavy and bulky than similar garments before them. Built to be worn in a wide range of temperatures, level five is great with limited base layers when the weather is above freezing and worn with most (or all) previous layers in extreme cold. [Soft Shell Jacket and Pants]
Gen III Level 6
The level six pants and jacket are designed for non-freezing temperatures in sedentary scenarios. Their dual-layer, seam-sealed GORE-TEX fabric offers elite weather protection. To prevent overheating, this outer layer shouldn’t be worn during strenuous activity. [Outer shell Jacket and Pants]
Gen III Level 7
The level seven parka and pants are for the most extreme, Arctic-like conditions. Rated to -60°F, these garments help to keep soldiers warm and safe when temperatures are well below zero. Level seven is worn with other levels to offer maximum insulation and protection from dangerously low temperatures. To prevent overheating, these garments should not be worn during strenuous activity. [Heavy Parka and Pants]
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