ECWCS on a Budget! | Lightfighter Cold Weather Field Clothing

[@bryanfaulkenburg462]

Has anyone ever seen the Wranglerstar video of Wildfire firefighters turning their leather gloves inside out to make them last much longer as the split side of the leather is more cut resistant than the smooth side. It also puts the sewed seams outside for more comfort. Then, they add large grommets for retaining purposes.

[@LFAnon]

I have seen it, just haven't done it yet. Im usually in mechanix

[@BigSawCat]

@@bryanfaulkenburg462 6th generation Master Saddler, this is accurate. In fact belts and billets are supposed to be "flesh out". I could speak for hours on the how's and whys

[@Bucky1836]

i wear my socks inside out for same reason and did my work gloves too... was taught that by a Korean and Vietnam vet he fought in both.

[@ScrubDaddy265]

Ray Jardine, a former NASA scientist and ultralight backpacking enthusiast, did research and found that multiple light layers are better than single heavier layers, so a Silkweight with a softshell is a great choice.

[@Swiftbeatz46]

Great video! I recently discovered the wonders of the Sam’s Club clothing section…I think once you hit a certain age it is inevitable 😂

[@LFAnon]

@@Swiftbeatz46 yeah the 30's are a wild time!

[@ExtremelyAverageMan]

33 is when the Costco bug hit me. I not only browse the cleaning section now, but the clothes section always gets a peruse through. Now I excitedly say things like "It's in my size! It's only $20! Do I need another flannel?!"

[@BigSawCat]

Tatted up rock-a-billy at 45, "this is a nice polo, does it come in taupe?" 😂

[@ExtremelyAverageMan]

@@BigSawCat There's no saving us 🥲

[@78tooth83]

The only thing I can recommend to add to your set up is wet weather gear. It can be used as a wind breaker over your other cold weather gear. A good place to look is Bass Pro after Christmas. They generally have some pretty decent sales going on. The only reason I bring up the wet weather gear, my team got stuck pulling security a couple of times in temperatures around 13 degrees with winds around 28 plus MPH. Every thing you laid out plus the wet weather stuff is what we found to work that let us put our kits on.

[@LFAnon]

I have wet weather gear. This just isnt it.

[@78tooth83]

@ I was saying you can add as a layer to your other gear as a layer, to help break or keep the wind off ya.

[@TackshooterOG]

Got some snow in VA here, Got a good run around in my lightfighter rig! I did a 12 mile overnight march, last one before my next son is born and I will be indisposed for a while! Keep up the videos for me while I'm infant wrangling

[@Rebel_Spirit_Operations]

Nippy is an understatement here. Always good to + up on layer knowledge.

[@n.speezly1467]

The 32 degree silk weights are awesome, I used them under the waffle thermals this hunting season. Also, I hate fleece too so I used one of the Gerry or Orvis puffer in place of the ecwcs fleece. And the Kirkland merino wool socks, those things are great

[@LFAnon]

wearing my kirkland socks right now!

[@FLSheepdog]

In far north MN, agree with your video 99%. I also spend money on the touk / stocking cap / watch cap and the neck gaiter. Defense Mechanisms has a grid fleece gaiter that is large enough to cover my dome and neck, and you lose a lot of heat in the neck. Rock on dude!

[@LFAnon]

@@FLSheepdog grid fleece is pretty nice. I don't love high loft fleece. Have you seen the mesh grid base layers that are very European lol

[@FLSheepdog]

@LFAnon too european for me, cant blend in with the canuckistanis too much. Grid is the way for field stuff.

[@leesurferdude]

I use my usgi type dust neck gaiter, roll/fold it to 4 layers, put that on my head to cover my ears well and then place my watch cap beanie over that then whatever else I may need to keep my grape warm. When I was younger and less broken I used to atv camp in northern Idaho at times it would get 18 below and there would be icebergs floating down the river. If you do stuff at 18 below when it's miserable doing stuff at 25 above feels like the Bahamas ^5 Thank you for the video

[@LFAnon]

@@leesurferdude now that I'm older and a little less of a meathead the cold really sucks!

[@lens7859]

Love my Costco clothes. Got a couple pieces last month, the green coat and a base layer.

[@LFAnon]

Cant beat the price and availability!

[@David-bt1fp]

Thanks for the vid, keep em coming please !!!

[@Saintgrove4life]

Awesome, always appreciate your videos

[@LFAnon]

@@Saintgrove4life cheers!

[@manuelgchapajr2000]

Great Video lots of good info CSM Chapa

[@LFAnon]

Appreciate that, CSM! Cheers!

[@ExtremelyAverageMan]

YES, thank you for making this! Been saying for a while now that you can't beat a pair of double-knee Caterpillar pants in tan/brown/olive drab for $20!

[@LFAnon]

@@ExtremelyAverageMan yeah im pretty basic when it comes to pants. I'll often just throw on some sweats underneath!

[@twinarrowssurvival.2.065]

Being here in North Carolina didn't think I'd need this video but I need this video thanks brother...🇺🇲🇺🇲🪖🪖💪

[@LFAnon]

cheers bro!

[@AlphaCharlieConcepts]

Yes. Well done sir. Lots of ways to have functional weather appropriate clothing without breaking the bank. Doesn't have to be a $400 whatever made from alien space material....

[@LFAnon]

@@AlphaCharlieConcepts but if you got some of that space material I'm still interested...

[@BoomerChimichanga]

@@LFAnon isn't space material the stuff that keeps my head from imploding?

[@MoonMoon-gu2ge]

I still have my full ecwcs issue, they didn't want it back. The marshmallow suit just sits there looking sad, because I live in the Mojave lmao.

[@LFAnon]

They sell for about $350 online!

[@MoonMoon-gu2ge]

@@LFAnon I dont doubt it, all surplus has seen a surge in price or lack of stock. When it comes to my gear though, Im a hoarder because I never know when Ill need to lend something out or modify something for a purpose.

[@woodsrunnersepa]

​@@LFAnon got my full set for 50 haha

[@okanagan.outdoors]

I dig the war room! Can we get a tour of how you organize your kit and your logistics plan. Thanks brother

[@LFAnon]

@@okanagan.outdoors not a bad idea! 💡 Cheers

[@johnburpi8484]

2:00 if you looking at the same jacket but American material tenner industries sells level 5 army jackets in different Colors like OD green tan and black. Highly recommend them

[@LFAnon]

Awesome thank you!

[@joshdunham4274]

Great information and content as always. My old issued black silky base layers are still going strong 25 years later. Also signed up for the training and haven't heard back..... I guess Im one of the weirdos.

[@LFAnon]

I am just getting back to emails here hopefully today!

[@joshdunham4274]

@@LFAnon Awesome!

[@LFAnon]

Check your spam. I replied 5 days ago 😢

[@joshdunham4274]

@@LFAnon Got nothing😞

[@tom_olofsson]

Excellent, thanks

[@LFAnon]

@@tom_olofsson cheers

[@TravisJ-je6ub]

I have been wearing the 32 Deg gear for years. If you can find their thin hoodies, they are super- fantastic.

[@LFAnon]

@@TravisJ-je6ub yeah that's what I have it's great. Layers baby.

[@BoomerChimichanga]

I have come to hate laces in my old age, especially in winter when they get all iced up. My beat around boots are Merrell Moab Adventure Chelsea PLR Waterproof Boots, but they seem to have discontinued them. I've also had good luck with the Duluth Trading "Wild Boar" boots, which come in both mid and insulated calf-height (which I use when mids just won't cut it). Edit: crap, even those Wild Boars have gotten crazy expensive. I pairs I have cost half what they are charging now.

[@MrZgx10]

One thing I learned with keeping warm hands, use a pair of rubber gloves as a liner. I used to ride my motorcycle as my daily even in the winter months of upstate NY.

[@LFAnon]

vapor barrier, works great if you use it correctly!

[@LFAnon]

@@MrZgx10 works on your feet too! Just don't sweat!

[@jackrackham3406]

Shit, good tip on the Costco stuff. I'm a member, and my housemate even wears the stuff, but I had no idea it was actually cost-competitive with ECWCS surplus.

[@LFAnon]

cheers!

[@MidwestDeplorables]

This year I ditched the “goretex” merrils, which sucks. Got full grain leather Osolos and treated with Sno-Seal. So good. Very heavy, but so good.

[@LFAnon]

I really want a nice pair of stitch down leather hiking boots... but $$$

[@MrZgx10]

@@LFAnonwife got me some Danner elk hunters for Christmas. Pricey but ow so comfy and solid traction in the snow and ice. Full leather construction with a good year welt so they are rebuildable

[@MilitiaStateArmory]

What do you recommend for a winter forge sleep system?

[@LFAnon]

USGI system

[@gibby_da_birb]

Surplus ECWCS from most milsurp stores and web pages sell for very cheap. Level I and II pieces I've seen are like 5 dollars I think

[@LFAnon]

Yeah but that is used underwear lol

[@tomreid5002]

I like to utilize the Hothands hand and foot warmer pads also, they can be used for your core, especially when static for a long period of time. Thanks for the vid.

[@LFAnon]

I actually prefer to NOT use those, as they only last a little bit, you need to keep them resupplied, then you still have to pack them out after using them.

[@adamkreuz9068]

32 Degrees makes some great stuff at crazy low prices. I wear their stuff all the time

[@LFAnon]

@@adamkreuz9068 I agree. For the rock bottoms prices it is all functional.

[@TheRiskyDingo]

Is there links to these items? I don't have a cosco near me and my Walmart sucks

[@LFAnon]

@@TheRiskyDingo the 32degrees website seems very affordable. The Kirkland jacket is discontinued and being sold at a premium aftermarket -_- Costco has a website! Generous return policy. I know club membership is an expense but it's often worth it in one purchase.

[@carbIce69]

Been waiting to know what jacket that is for a month

[@carbIce69]

Thanks king. Stay warm

[@LFAnon]

sorry I must have missed your comment, I try to catch them all!

[@maxejnar9934]

pheew wool my friend you need wool. I do cotton t-shirt, thick hoodie, a wool sweater and if it's raining a long oilskin trenchcoat

[@LFAnon]

Wool is expensive and doesnt pack well!

[@maxejnar9934]

@@LFAnon that is true.

[@OldMountaineer]

For the US Army, ECWCS is an acronym for “EXTENDED” Cold Weather Clothing System not “extreme” .

[@LFAnon]

But mine is EXTREME

[@0311-B]

You can almost never go wrong with Costco. Just be careful with fleece, you don’t want to be on the receiving end of Woolly Pete and catch fire and get shrink wrapped in it.

[@LFAnon]

Ive never been too concerned lol dont play with fire kids!

[@venatorboschet1204]

Cheers, get some mil surp if you are cheap. Also, I don't know how well this system works, you don't have any loft in your layers. Also, fxxk flannel shirts, they have 0 practical value in the outdoors. Please don't get mad, its not my objective to insult people. I've been hunting with my dad since i was 7, and i've been climbing mountains since i was 15 and now i'm 35. Nice guns, nice snow, nice mom and sis jokes. Wish you a great new year. (a romanian mountaineer)

[@LFAnon]

Well a flannel shirt has SOME practical value lol. But it's just what I'm wearing to make videos.

[@venatorboschet1204]

@@LFAnon I would like very much to see a boot video from you dude !!thanks in advance

[@LFAnon]

@@venatorboschet1204 I don't know enough about boots! And I have the kind of feet that never bother me but always bother other people. 🤮 So not a beacon knowledge.

[@Fractal-insights]

Are you ever concerned about the fire hazard that all of that synthetic clothing presents? I understand that wool can be very expensive, but dying by fire because your clothes are highly flammable is just as lame as dying from exposure.

[@LFAnon]

Ive been cold before. But ive never been on fire.

[@Fractal-insights]

@LFAnon fair enough

[@LFAnon]

@@Fractal-insights im also a full time structural firefighter... i wear synthetics at work the trick is not getting lit on fire!

[@jcaam8094]

Backyard warriors crack me up.

[@LFAnon]

fat boys like you crack me up!

[@Michael-wm1kg]

im gay

[@Napalmnate]

good stuff buddy

[@LFAnon]

thats cool brother its 2025!