The Protective Combat Uniform (PCU) line of clothing was developed for U.S. Special Operations Forces as a garment divided into a layering system for ease of wear and comfort for soldiers, to replace the ECWCS, which has a more simplified fabric and cut.
The main functions of the layer 5 pants are to protect the soldier from rain, wind, and excessive overheating during heavy movement. They are used both separately and in combination with other layers for any activity.
The main material is a special nylon softshell fabric with Lycra added, which resistance to water is achieved by encapsulation with silicone. The fibers of the fabric impregnated with silicone flecks are impervious to moderate precipitation and wind. The Flex material stretches well, does not impede movement, and is easily ventilated.
Micro-ripstop spinning gives the pants additional resistance to abrasion and good breathability.
The pants dry quickly, stretch well, reduce infrared radiation (providing additional invisibility in the dark), do not flake, and protect against UV exposure (sunburn and other degenerative effects on the skin).
The pants have 6 symmetrical pockets (3 mirrored on each side) – 2 classic slash pockets with ventilation to add breathability to the pants and quick access to the contents or hide frozen hands for quick warming; 2 side patch ventilated (thanks to eyelets in the bottom) hip pockets with two entrances with fasteners (Velcro flap on top and zipper on the side) and 2 patch pockets with zippers on the thighs in front.
For added wearer comfort, in addition to the built-in elastic waistband that fastens with Velcro, it also comes with elastic suspenders. If this is not enough, because you need, for example, a belt for attaching tactical equipment, it can be threaded through the standard loops on the waist. The fly is equipped with a zipper with two runners to be able to open in any direction. The bottom of the pants is also equipped with elastic cuffs for a better fit and body heat retention, can be quickly expanded for easy on/off with zippers on the sides (which are carefully covered by a Velcro protective flap), and is equipped with hooks to the shoes to prevent unwanted rolling of the pants.
Can be used with a first or second layer of clothing in moderate temperatures, or with a second layer and fleece insulation at low temperatures in dynamic conditions.
Additionally, there are internal pockets with the option to insert special tabs to protect the knees. Also included is a compression bag with a handle for easy transportation and storage of the pants.
Specifications
Material: Flex Nylon (96%) with DWR impregnation
Fittings: YKK
Fabric water resistance: 4000 mm.w.c.
Pants weight: 509 g
Set weight: 596 g
