2nd Gen ECWCS Parka

[Solid]

Hello everyone,

I've searched the site and found related threads but nothing that actually answers my question.

I'm going to be doing a lot of training in the Alps over christmas and find that my ski jacket is too bulky and rips relatively easily. I was looking for a relatively inexpensive equivalent and found the 2nd Gen ECWCS jacket (currently issued to the Marines?). The information on the jacket and its general build suggest that it will suit my needs, but I was wondering, from any of you that already have it: while it windbreaks and is waterproof, is it actually warm by itself (no inner liner), or does it need thermals underneath it? Also, does the retractable hood inhibit movement of the neck/is uncomfortable?

Thanks everyone,

Solid

PS: I'm buying it in black, because I think that only real soldier or hunters should wear camo.

[0802]

It's a wind breaker only. It gives as much warmth as any wind breaker, if it does get cold you will need a fleece or something else under it.

[Solid]

Damn. I was hoping that they had combined the fleece-liner's warmth into the 3 layer system.
Are there any other [warmer] parkas/jackets (not sure about the difference) that are cheapish and available in black that someone could recommend?

Sorry to be a pain,

Solid

[Axe]

I did a week in Transylvania and another in Balkans last Feb doing some fairly serious hill humping and brush cutting with Woodland ECWCS coat and pants and the polypro inner layers. The stuff I had wore much better than the commercial, or foriegn issue stuff everyone else had. I wasnt anywhere near climbing Mt. Everest, but did give a fair amount of abuse. I stayed nice and dry and almost too warm. Temps were 15-25 degrees F and windy.

[Solid]

Thanks for the input. Any note on the 'claustrophobia' effect of the retracted hood? Nothing worse when negotiating a thin trail with a huge drop-off than not being able to fully turn your head.

Thanks again,

Solid

[JY]

Hi Solid;

The Gen II parka's hood is cut "cobra" style and has a draw cord at the base to pull the bottom of the hood back. it has much better side vision than the Gen Is. The whole thing rolls up and stashes under the color. There is a secondary add on hood to go over this if you need more cold pro.

I like the Gen II's features, handwarmer pockets, the anti moisture bands on cuffs and bottom to keep water from creeping up the material, two large arm pockets and such. BUT without the hung liner it is noisey until well broken in.

Again, this is an unlined parka shell, where the Gen I had a hung nylon liner enclosing the gortex. This does make it easier to patch and maintain the parka though. You will need a fleece liner jacket of some type. the SPEARS layer 4 or 5 jacket works very good for really cold weather. For lesser cold some of the civies 300 or 200 polarmax would be good.

Take care...Jim

[Solid]

Jim- I just recieved mine and boy does it work well. It's a big parka, and, as you say, is noisy, but with a good thermal layering system underneath it is light, warm, and breathable. Probably the best buy I've made in a long time.

There's a good chance that I'll modify it a bit to better suit my needs, the most obvious part being the hand-warmer pockets: I'm thinking about putting in a lining of some kind to keep my hands warm when they're not in gloves.
I have some old gloves with an insulate/goretex/windstopper fabric that I'm going to cut up and sow in as removable inner pockets, but I was wondering:
Is there a material/combination that is hard wearing, washable, breathable and warm that you would recommend?

Thank you, the advice on this thread has been fantastic,

Solid

[Axe]

Originally posted by Solid

Is there a material/combination that is hard wearing, washable, breathable and warm that you would recommend?

Solid

Heavyweight PolarFleece works well for me. Most fabric stores carry it by the yard.

[Solid]

Are there any other modifications you might recommend?

Thanks,

Solid

[Axe]

I found the jacket and pants good to go, with appropriate underlayering. I did not even find the need for the handwarmer mod as discussed.. With proper gloves, it was a non-issue. I spent a lot of time kneeling/sitting/lying in snow waiting for shooting targets to approach, too. I will say that 1000 gram thinsulate boots were my best friend. 200 gram just wouldn't have cut it in those conditions. Hump, hump, hump, sweat, sweat, sweat, sit, sit, sit, chill, chill, chill, do it over and over again...................

[Solid]

Are the shoulders good to go in terms of friction tearing from the ruck?
Sorry, these things are just occuring to me and I'd better have em down before starting to hike!

Thanks,

Solid

[JY]

Hi Solid;

The shoulders have worn well on my parka, the most damage done is the camo pattern will get thin in spots.

For good mil spec quality polar fleece check out Cabelas at http://www.cabelas.com/ . It's made with their labels but is first class gear. They do ship overseas and are very reliable.

Take care...Jim

[Solid]

Perfect.
Again, thanks everyone for your kind assistance,

Solid