Soft Shell Cold Weather Jacket and Trousers
Mission
The Generation III Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (GEN III ECWCS) allows the Soldier to adapt to varying mission requirements and environmental conditions. Utilized materials offer a greater range of breathability and environmental protection, providing greater versatility in meeting Soldiers’ needs.
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. 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.
GEN III ECWCS is a 12-piece kit that enables Soldiers to utilize seven different layers, depending on the mission and environment. 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. Ventilation allows moisture to escape. By mixing and matching GEN III ECWCS components, Soldiers can protect themselves from temperatures ranging from 40 degrees Fahrenheit to minus 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Description
Level 5 of the GEN III ECWCS layering system is made up of jacket and trouser designed to keep Soldiers warm and dry in frigid temperatures. Options include the following:
Soft Shell Cold Weather Trousers—Made of 99% nylon and 1%, this water-resistant shell is designed to be worn with base and insulation levels for use in moderate to cold temperatures. They also feature:
• Snap Waist Closure with Zippered Fly
• Elastic Waist with Belt Loops and Provisions for Suspenders
• Two Front Hip Pockets
• Two Side Cargo Pockets with Velcro Flap Closures
• Calf-High Side Zippers with a Snap-type Flap Cover for Easy Access When Donning Over Other Layers or Boots
• Hip-Side Zippers with Velcro Flap Cover for Easy Access When Donning Over Other Layers
• Elastic Ankle Cuffs with Snaps for Adjustability
Soft Shell Cold Weather Jacket—Constructed with stretchable, breathable, water resistant materials that are lightweight and low bulk for easy movement and extreme comfort. The jacket also features:
• Two-way center-front zipper opening with a protective wind flap and elastic cord in the bottom hem for adjustability.
• Thongs on zippers for ease of use when wearing gloves
• High collar containing a collapsible hood
• Velcro closure sleeve pockets
• Two front zipper pockets
• Ventilation openings under the sleeves
• Velcro fasteners to attach rank badges and name tags.