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).

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

ECWCS parka and trousers.

Layer 5 - snow camouflage layer

Overwhite parka and trousers.

Handwear

Light duty gloves and the glove inserts, trigger finger mitten shells and the mitten inserts, extreme cold weather mitten set, snow camouflage mitten shells.

Headwear

Cap with earflaps, combat vehicle crewman's hood (balaclava).

Footwear

Nylon cushion sole socks, cold weather boots (black and white).

Accessories

Trouser suspenders.

Instruction

• Use and Care of the Extended Cold Weather Clothing System
• TC 21-3. Chapter 2. 1986.
• "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.

Improvement

• Generation III ECWCS
• Marine Corps Mountain/Cold Weather Clothing System