ECWCS Gen III Level 5 is a lightweight insulating layer made of Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) Gen III for protection against negative environmental factors.
In our previous review of the ECWCS Gen III Level 4 windbreaker, I mentioned that it is, in essence, the "younger sister" of the fifth layer kit, and has a lighter and simpler construction. So, today is the time to get acquainted with the main insulating layer and all the design features inherent in ECWCS Gen III Level 5.
While the previous layer is functionally adapted for use mainly in good weather conditions (moderate temperatures, absence or light precipitation), ECWCS Gen III Level 5 can be used as the main insulating layer throughout the year and in significantly worse weather conditions and lower temperatures. This layer has already added pants that were not in the fourth layer, as well as enhanced protective properties. As a result, the design has become a bit more complex and difficult, but at the same time more adaptable to more difficult conditions. For this reason, ECWCS Gen III Level 5 can be worn as a stand-alone layer to protect against low and medium intensity rainfall in summer heat, as well as to protect against mechanical damage and wind over insulation layers at negative temperatures. This versatility is also aided by the following design features.
- Insulating layer to protect against the effects of wind, dust / sand and rain.
- Lightweight and compact.
- Elasticity and vapor permeability.
- Adjustable collar hood.
- Eight pockets.
- Ability to wear \ remove pants without removing shoes.
- Main material: Milliken Nylon nylon with moisture-repellent finish.
- Available colors: Multicam.
Like the fourth layer jacket, ECWCS Gen III Level 5 is made of Milliken Nylon, a wear-resistant material that is further encapsulated with a silicone polymer and has a moisture-repellent impregnation. For a relatively light and thin material, it has a fairly good balance of qualities for convenience and protection. This is perhaps why ECWCS Gen III Level 5 is considered one of the most versatile layers of the Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) Gen III and paid attention to when it requires durable clothing for long-term use in harsh field conditions. In terms of comfort, it has an elasticity and vapor permeability that does not restrict the movement of Milliken Nylon and does not promote condensation inside. This makes it quite easy to combine ECWCS Gen III Level 5 with the four lower layers of the system without neglecting their moisture removal properties as far away from the body as possible. From the point of view of protection, the high density of synthetic material and moisture-repellent properties allow it to effectively retain wind, sand, dirt, rain and snow. Comfort and protection are also complemented by a relatively low weight, which makes it easy to transport the complete ECWCS Gen III Level 5 kit with you in the event of possible deterioration of weather, regardless of the time of year.
Now, from getting acquainted with the properties of the basic material, I propose to go to acquaintance with the features of the cut, and how it differs from the ECWCS Gen III Level 4 jacket.
Soft Shell Cold Weather Jacket
While putting ECWCS Gen III jackets on the fourth and fifth layers, you will definitely notice similar design features, but you will also notice that the fifth layer jacket has some enhancements that can be attributed to the presence of a hood, velcro panels on the shoulders, adjustable cuffs, extra pockets, reinforcing inserts and vents. So let's look at these details.
The ECWCS Gen III Level 5 jacket has a collar height of 9 cm vs 6.5 cm in Level 4, which is made of two layers of base material. Between them is a cavity in which a complex adjustable hood lies. Access to the hood is provided through a slot in the back of the collar, which is closed by three Velcro.
In its expanded form, the hood is adjustable in two directions: circumference and completeness, which are provided by shock cords and plastic cordlets.
I have already noted that compared to the fourth layer of ECWCS Gen III Level 5 it is adapted to the worst weather conditions. A good example of such fittings is the center buckle of the jacket. Where the previous layer had one zipper bar, there are two of them already: one in the front, 4.5 cm wide, and one outside the zipper, 3.5 cm wide. The front panel is fixed with Velcro, and in general you have Not only is lightning-proof and mechanical-proof, it also offers better protection against rain and water runoff, allowing ECWCS Gen III Level 5 to withstand higher rainfall.
Unlike the fourth layer, the ECWCS Gen III Level 5 Central Zipper also has two sliders on the fastener instead of one. This feature allows you to open the lightning not only in the top-down but also the bottom-up, which may be required when placing certain equipment on the belt, the use of mountaineering individual insurance systems, frequent entrance / exit of the car and similar scenarios.
On the chest of the ECWCS Gen III Level 5 jacket are placed two symmetrical Velcro strips measuring 13 x 2.5 cm (width / height) to accommodate the name (nametape) and ID of the troop. to which the user belongs. Just below, sewn to the windshield of the central clasp, there is also a small Velcro platform measuring 5 cm x 5 cm (width / height) to secure the chevrons with the title. Note that the nametags here do not have a slope like the previous layer.
Under the nametags, like Level 4, ECWCS Gen III Level 5, there are two vertical zippers with a length of 21 cm through which you can access breast pockets with useful dimensions of 14 cm x 31 cm (width / height). Vertical placement of the necks allows the use of pockets and their contents, even when personal protective equipment (bullet-proof vests) or unloading equipment (chests, RPS, etc.) are worn over the jacket.
The lining of the breast pockets is made of mesh, which at the same time allows for better circulation of air inside the jacket, as well as the use of the pockets of the pockets as ventilation openings through which excess heat and moisture can be discharged outside.
Better this mesh lining can be seen in the photo above, where you should also pay attention to the adjustable shock cord with cord lock, which help to press the bottom of the jacket closer to the body. This allows you to control the amount of air that will enter the jacket through the bottom, as well as help regulate the temperature distribution inside the jacket.
On the sleeves of the ECWCS Gen III Level 5 jacket are two more pockets measuring 12 cm x 15 cm x 2 cm (width / height). The front seam of the pocket is static, but in the back there is a fold that allows the pocket to expand within 2 cm when filling it with useful contents. Unlike the pockets of the jackets from the fourth layer, there are 10 cm x 15 cm velcro panels sewn on top of them, and another 10 cm x 5 cm (width / height) on the valve. The presence of Velcro allows you to fix on top of them a variety of IDs, distinguishing marks and moral patches.
For better differentiation of "your \ alien" in the dark, and when using night vision devices (PNBs), small black stickers reflecting light in the infrared spectrum are attached to the valves of the wrist pockets. If necessary, they can be placed both on top of the valve (when you need it) or under it (when no identification is needed).
Another opportunity to control the circulation of air and moisture inside the jacket lies under the armpits of ECWCS Gen III Level 5. If you remember, the 14 cm long lightning is absent in the jacket of the fourth layer, so it can also be considered as the advantage of the fifth layer.
Another benefit is the adjustable ECWCS Gen III Level 5 jacket cuffs, which can be controlled with a 9 cm long and 13 cm x 2 cm velcro strap (length / width). With this lapel, you can tightly press the cuffs over the gloves, blocking the path of cold air and precipitation inside the sleeves.
Soft Shell Cold Weather Trouser Pants
The ECWCS Gen III Level 5 pants are made from the same Milliken Nylon material as the jacket and therefore offer the same level of protection against wind, dirt and rain. Design features include four pockets, an elastic waistband, and the ability to wear or remove pants in the fifth layer without removing shoes.
The trousers have a waist height of 4 cm and a zipper width at the front, the position of which is further fixed by a button. In the photo above, I also suggest paying attention to the small sections of the sling that are sewn on the inside of the ECWCS Gen III Level 5. They are designed for locking suspenders. just in case you are wearing pants of the fifth layer over bulky warm pants. On both sides of the width on the belt are pairs of belt slots compatible with belt straps up to 6.5 cm wide.
Behind the belt are two identical slots and an elastic sling sewn inside the belt. With its help, pants respond well to changing positions and active movement. without causing discomfort, and without exposing it across the wearer, which can be important in lowering temperatures and increasing humidity.
On both sides of the rear slots are also placed wide velcro veils.
Their task is to block the zipper 22 cm long, sewn into the side seams of the belt in the closed state. Opening them allows you to quickly remove the pants of the fifth layer without having to remove your boots. We will return to this opportunity a little later.
Along with the side zippers, just below the waistband, the front pockets are 19 cm high. Through them, you gain access to pockets of about 19 cm x 25 cm (width \ height). Because of the relatively steep throat angle. and the absence of reinforcing inserts, these pockets will not be the best container for metal-clad essentials (pocket knives, lanterns, multi-tools, etc.).
In the crotch area, ECWCS Gen III Level 5 trousers have a diamond-shaped insert that helps to keep the feet moving smoothly while traveling in difficult terrain.
But here's where enough knives, multi-tools, lanterns and other useful little things are found in the thigh pockets that serve as the main transport containers in ECWCS Gen III Level 5. Pockets measuring 21 cm x 20 cm x 4 cm have several folds and a back wall that can expand when pockets are filled, allowing them to carry large enough items inside their pockets. To allow the contents to be better pressed into the thighs, the pockets of these pockets also have a tightening of the shock cord, the position of which is controlled by a plastic cord lock (see photo above). The valve of the thigh pockets is fixed by two Velcro, located at the edges of the neck.
For better protection against moisture and to extend the life of the trousers, the knee area is reinforced with an articulated insert of the base material. Two layers of Milliken Nylon in this place, constantly exposed to mechanical stress and soil contact, are still better than one.
The side seams at the bottom of the trousers, as well as the belt, feature 38 cm long zippers. With these, you can remove or insert ECWCS Gen III Level 5 trousers, even when wearing oversized boots for extremely low temperatures or skiing. For protection against fastening against mechanical influences and penetration of sediments, they are closed by strips of base material 3 cm wide.
In the photo above, it is also worth noting that the trousers are elastic and have two buttons for extra control over their width. With the help of zippers and neck elasticity, you can place them over the top of your boots so that the rainfall flows outwards, rather than placing your trousers inside, and all rainfall running down inside the shoe.
In general, I can say that the cut ECWCS Gen III Level 5 is really thoughtful and quite versatile. With only this layer and the ECWCS Gen III Level 1 thermal underwear kit, you can cover most of the heat protection needs of the warm season, and by extending them with ECWCS Gen III Level 2 kits and an ECWCS Gen III Level 3 jacket, extend the time of use of this layer up to three seasons, including early spring and late fall.
We thank the shop punisher.com.ua for the sample ECWCS Gen III Level 5 kit provided for review. You can always find out about the size and current cost of the kit on the store pages.
Source: secretsquirrel.com.ua
Author: secretsquirrel.com.ua
