Extended Cold Weather Clothing System
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.
Components
The original ECWCS is composed of 23 individual clothing, handwear, headwear and footwear items which are used in various combinations to meet cold weather environmental requirements.
- Layer 1 - moisture wicking layer
- Polypropylene undershirt and drawers
- Layer 2 - insulating layer
- Polyester fiberpile shirt and bib overall, field trouser liner.
- Layer 3 - insulating layer
- Field coat liner and field trousers.
- Layer 4 - waterproof, windproof layer
- Camouflage parka and trousers.
- Layer 5 - snow camouflage layer
- snow camouflage parka and trousers.
- Handwear
- Light duty glove shells and inserts, trigger finger mitten shells and inserts, arctic mitten set, snow camouflage mitten shells.
- Headwear
- patrol cap, combat vehicle crewman's hood (balaclava).
- Footwear
- Wool cushion sole socks, vapor barrier boots (black and white).
- Accessories
- Trouser suspenders.
Instruction
- Use and Care of the Extended Cold Weather Clothing System
- TC 21-3. 1986. Section 4, Chapter 2.
- "Cold Facts about Cold Weather Clothing". PS Magazine, Issue 623, Oct. 2004. p.49-51. [pdf]
- TM 10-8400-201-23. Change 3. 1993. Chapter 20.
- "Army Cold Weather Uniform and Equipment Posture". ATTP 3-97.11. Appendix A.
- "Laundry Washing Formulas". FM 42-414. Appendix E.
- TB MED 508. Appendix D.
- FM 31-70. Chapter2. Section II.
