How to use the US Army ECWCS Cold Weather System

[@douglascox9996]

When sleeping inside a sleep bag with wet/muddy boots on, slip them into waterproof bag to keep the sleep bag dry and clean. The old, issued waterproof clothing bag turned inside-out does the job and still allows the inside to remain dry and clean.

[@NobleSavage44]

70’s-90’s was so much simpler, but colder. 😁

[@GruntProof]

🤣

[@xusmico187]

cotton wool long johns, cotton field jacket. shelter half...

[@USMCGrunt-jd8je]

70s Marine and we had a field jacket and gloves if we bought them.

[@Dmac6969]

I really like my trigger mitts. I do drill in -30°C and they work just fine. When your not doing anything, pull your trigger back in with the other fingers to warm it up. And pop the finger back out when you need it

[@GruntProof]

🍻😎

[@MarcP5267]

I’m a laborer and I implemented ECWCS into my layering system. I like it because it’s not only warm but keeps me dry and offers mobility.

[@zgoat4127]

I luv these clips it show a great alternative to the expensive yuppie gear good on you sir

[@oldschooltakingyaback]

Such an excellent, no nonsense take & wisdom from experience. Thanks for another excellent video.

[@isaackho7280]

Finally found a proper channel that explains all the layers in detail with the actual clothes shown. Thank you for your video man your a genius! Well done :)

[@GruntProof]

thanks!

[@doughunter3967]

big congrats on the retirement and thanks for the great info as usual...Yah bless...doug

[@GruntProof]

Thanks!

[@SargentTiger]

this ECWCS system is so warm that when we ruck in -30 degrees it is a good rule of thumb to have only lvl 1s on and lvl 5s, once you are 30 minutes deep in that ruck march mid winter that foot march is gonna start feeling like summer environment real quick

[@UnknownSpartan]

I completely agree on the level 4 being not really useful but it's more because the level 5 does the same thing but with better waterproofing/resistance. It's been said before by other guys, but worth saying again, the level 5 jacket is good for anything that isn't pouring rain with the idea that it dries faster when it does inevitably wet out. With anything above that, you use the level 6 goretex.

[@williambennett1836]

A trick I've done with the booties was to spray flex-seal on the bottoms and about an inch up the sides. Improves durability when stepping out in the night onto gravel or wet ground

[@GruntProof]

That's cool but I haven't found the need to improve these yet.

[@projectrealitygrumpstactic5817]

@@GruntProof Should do it before it gets messed up.

[@billb5732]

Heh. Pretty funny that you don't use L4 and L5. They are actually the result of the highest-tech research done on the ECWCS at Natick Labs. Apparently they were designed based on input from SOF. As you say, L4 doesn't stop wind. What it does do is: breath ferociously while providing permanent rain resistance. Theoretically, when working at 7 METs (like 10-mile run pace), body heat moves moisture out of the system faster than rain can get in. L5 is a better windbreaker, still with the same permanent water resistance. Again, best use is when you're active. That permanent water resistance is superior to most civilian gear, which uses DWR that eventually fades. It is also superior to GoreTex (L6) when you're active, because L4 and L5 breath MUCH better than L6. The recommendation for L6 (GoreTex) is to use it only when you're static and not working hard (or in sub-freezing weather).

[@karolagosz726]

Guys deployed to Poland (humid, windy winter, -5 to +5 celcius) wear level 5 all the time, as the weather prevents the level 6 membrane from doing its job efficiently.

[@maddogmaz1576]

I was never a big believer of the system but we worked with the Canada's Reservist in the Artic Circle and that changed my mind. The system works and it was -70F.

[@outdoorswithcam]

I am hunter. I use some of ECWCS. Mainly 1-4. I do like the LVL 4 wind breaker. Its NOT wind or water proof but it fits in bottom of backpack and I like to pull it out right before dark when temps drops. I tried the LVL 6 one time and will never wear it again. Way to noisy. Its also bulky in backpack. I have worn it running a trap line and its great for that. But NOT for hunting. Another great video!

[@GruntProof]

Yes!

[@LancerMyMan]

I found the issued gear to be really great in cold weather. I had a lot of outdoors, backwoods, skiing experience before I went in. I continue to use surplus items since I left service. The sleep system is a must have item. I’ve slept in it in the snow. I was very warm. I hope that you are enjoying your retirement. You have earned it. Thank you for you service. - - BTW - Absolute truth about SMGs. We looked like dorks wearing foliage green fleece caps with multicam in the field. Black would have been a improvement. (AFG AO Circa 2012).

[@Bluestatesurvival]

Congratulations on your retirement and thank you for your service to our country. You are America's Sergeant! (Kind of like Captain America, but more Grunty).

[@GruntProof]

🤣🤣 thanks!

[@michaelfarinola5044]

Old Ironsides, good unit. I was a tanker in 3AD to the north in Germany back in the Cold War/desert storm days. Congrats on your retirement and I really appreciate your reviews of this "new" gear I was unfamiliar with.

[@maltaconvoy]

This is extraordinarily helpful - thank you VERY much. I'm on the learning curve in the colder parts of northeast Asia where a lot of gear I brought from California for cold weather is next to useless. Your content is helping me get educated and caught up. Liked and subscribed - cheers, brother! 👍🏻

[@cpreston942]

Thanks!

[@WilliamAshleyOnline]

I just got to say this stuff although in ACU slight different as it was previous gen I think, but true words, level 6 is great however it can slice very easily a sharp edge can tear through it fast, also lower level 6 layers in cold wet, along with good cold wet boots with liners. In super cold weather though its good to have a second cold weather bag. The level 7 permalofts can be closed up at the bottom and used to keep your feet warm, but you need to generate a little body heat first. Having patches for the bivy although its hardy it can still be easily punctured. patches are one of those things you want to have a bunch of with you that and a sewing kit. While the kit is made super hardy, over the years I have noticed that tears and seam loss does happen. It took a whole lot longer on the gen 1 jacket to loose its seam liner. The hoods also come in handy when it is super cold out. Thermals are only useful in super extreme cold or if you are static as for some reason they cause sweating way faster even in the cold if you are active. The stuff I add to my kit that arn't part of ECWS are a merino wool sweater, but any soft wool sweater will do, a zip up thermal layer that is synthetic fleece with zipper pockets, a balaclava rather than the beanie, non chaffing boxer briefs, in summer may do shorts, a thin ski sock smart wool liner under the thicker socks, and a wool scarf I found a green goat fur scarf that is super warm. Also I might throw on a Turksh or Russian style hat with eat warmer flaps. I picked up a few new pieces of cold weather kits to try out this winter the m65 liner, and cold weather face mask (the white one) from older kits. In actual cold weathr without a heater the second bag can make the difference between getting up at 2am or not. Note this is not for US military use this is just the gear I like wearing when out in nature. That said I picked up some OD green outers to check out this year due to like war and stuff. Also ballistic goggles like ski goggles, even better if they can be used underwater, protects from eye pokes and hard hails etc.. The eyes become a weak link in cold winds. Sadly due to the ongoing war in Ukraine I don't feel comfortable buying Surplus military gear as I may be seen as a combatant by opposing forces etc.. not so much an issue in peace time but the outer layers need to be swapped out if there is a possiblity of hostilities to avoid confusion or being identified as a combantant accidentally. There is also the chance that older generations might be put back into service if a draft happens and there is a supply shortage on uniforms etc..

[@rtownsend891]

Hello from home! Old combat medic here from Mississippi. My time started before you and was in a little after you had just joined I believe. We might have pounded some of the same sand/mudd😂😂😂. Just came across you and subscribed. My son got issued all the new toys also… He brought it home some we could set up all his gear, however he wanted it with me making a suggestion occasionally, but I was amazed and a little whiny, no lie. They did issue us some of that but most of it came out after I got busted up. I actually traded a goretex for a bivy bag from a British team guy, can’t remember what sandbox I was in at the time,and I also had my 2 woobie’s.. Even with my large ruck ,space was a factor. I did go out and purchase all my own equipment so I could modify it AND it made turn in go a whole lot smoother…I look forward to watching your other videos and what you put out next…

[@rickcalvert183]

Congratulations on your retirement! Remember that all Sergeants Major are not assholes. I’m a retired Sergeant Major and I really enjoy your Vidieos!

[@GruntProof]

You're the only one in history 🤣🤣 thanks!

[@jerrymandarren]

As a civi I’m looking for one price, functionality and this can include blending into my local environment, and that durability that we came to expect.

[@derekboland1460]

I'm surprised you dont like the level 5's, especially as you live and work in Germany. They were designed to completely replace your BDU's in colder wetter climates. The idea was to remove cotton from your combat top and pants to avoid getting hypothermia when you got wet, as they are windproof, showerproof and dry quickly compared to the standard BDU's. The level 4 was not designed an outer layer like say the British windproof smock, it was designed to go over your level 1,2 and or 3 and under your level 7. The idea being that it would trap warm air between the layers and hence create good warmth to weight ratio and for such a lightweight layer it wouldn't be too heavy or bulky to pack. This actually works surprisingly well. As fan of the level 5's, I just replace the level 4 top with the level 5 top, as I'm already wearing or carying it, as there's no need to carry both as they function in exactly the same way when using them like this. Although you would have given the level 4 & 5's back now. My suggestion would be to do an experiment and get a lightweight windproof layer (there's lots of civilian analogs) and place it over you base and or midweight layer and under your level 7, which I see you wear often and compare the difference with and without it. You might be surprised the results. Cheers love you work

[@claywebb4819]

Very Glad I discovered your channel! I'm a militia type survivalist and this is great information for my purposes.

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Back in the 1970s we (2/75 Rangers) didn’t have goretex, we wore artic parkas, wool pants and shirt. The goretex would have been nice, but wool is warm even when wet.

[@AlphaCharlieConcepts]

I've been mixing & matching the newer base layers with my older woodland ECWCS outer layers for a long time. You bring up a good point that too many people often overlook, you can mix and match and make your own system that works for your situation and environment. Side note.... you don't happen to have a good source for the level 7 usmc coyote booties by chance do you? I've looked high and low and haven't had any luck finding any.

[@GruntProof]

I think they got popular and everyone wants them now. They're from Wild Things so maybe you can order custom direct from them like I did. Two years ago I still had to wait about 90 days. Or wait til spring and summer and look on ebay

[@AlphaCharlieConcepts]

@@GruntProof RGR. I knew Wild Things made them, just can't ever find any available... lol. I might just have to go direct then. Thanks!

[@joshavery4814]

Thanks for the info bud!

[@TAVAAR7]

@@AlphaCharlieConcepts I had to get on an email notification list directly from Wild Things...even they were out of stock of a but the small size for a while

[@rythmicwarrior]

Wiggys makes some affordable comparable ones.

[@BarneyFife1776]

I hilariously am getting/already have everything in this video which is how I found the channel; my outer layer will be my camo parka jacket I’ve had for years but I’m going to follow it up with that thick German tarp looking poncho when it rains

[@kylewithac1]

Fantastic video. Went from Marines to Army and nobody explained this system to me! Thanks man!

[@GruntProof]

Thanks!

[@christopherrivera9840]

Bro did 8 years in the corps no one explains shit to anyone

[@memathews]

Sound was perfect for me, 'cept that guy Randall kept interrupting. 😆 Good explanation on a clothing/sleeping system, that''s years worth of field experience and knowledge. Congratulations on your full retirement, Randall. atb

[@GruntProof]

🤣🤣 thanks!

[@johnburgin7478]

😂

[@BarneyFife1776]

I’m glad you said what you did about the boots because I have a pair of Lowa Renegades’ that are definitely waterproof as I soaked them for a couple minutes with a water hose until my feet got a little cool and a little made its way in (probably from the boots not going up my calves), but they’re not insulated; I doubled down on 6 pairs of darn tough wool socks

[@joshavery4814]

Side note with mittens. We would use them to kneel on Ice fishing to keep our knees dry.

[@brandonelliott5345]

I agree with everything you said. I never understood why someone would need a jacket for wind lol. The level 7 stuff is so warm i love it.

[@Brent0331]

Sound advice brother.

[@GruntProof]

Thanks man!

[@ericwitt4586]

Hey bud I’ve got seven sleep systems from the old down and the attic bag which is so big but warm as hell lol I’ve got three ecws bags also thanks for the video I didn’t know the patrol bag went over the intermediate bag that is helpful thanks again Eric

[@stevenkeithley4336]

Love the videos bud keep em coming. Stay safe and be well. Strength and Honor...

[@GruntProof]

Thanks!

[@markbeasley5322]

Most information I've ever seen crammed into a youtube video. Good job.

[@RangemasterP226]

I’ve owned and used the Gen I, Gen II and Gen III gortex jackets. Gen II is the best ever (except it’s only in ACU). It’s a real jacket unlike the Gen III, plus is has pockets. Wish they made a Gen II jacket in OCP. Thx for your reviews.

[@GruntProof]

Thanks! I wish the level 6 had pockets because it's much lighter than the gen 2 goretex. I love it and use it a ton but it's just too bulky for heavy activity.

[@DocFischer]

I have the Gen II in Marpat, cost me an arm and a leg, but I live it. It is heavy though and I would love to add a lighter Gen III to my equipment. But it's not cheap either. Rather get the Decathlon raingear for UL uses. 😄

[@The508ranger]

Flashbacks from Ranger school with the Brown Poly Pro….”Crazy Jakes” (bottoms cut long ways with the Velcro)

[@flubdreload2818]

ECWCS are awesome. You know they work when 20 degree weather feels like summer time with just silks, no waffles

[@lyfandeth]

Winter mittens are now available with all four fingers in half-length finger gloves, plus a mitten cover that flips over the entire hand, or stays folded onto the back of the hand. Not just single-finger shooting gloves.

[@kellymouton7242]

I've used the cold weather shell over the fleece, over the regular top, over the waffle top, and stood at a traffic control point at 18-25° in the November breeze and thought "this doesn't suck as much as I thought it would" Thanks for a great tutorial, ill be sharing it with some of my Joe's.

[@nateminegar6974]

Great video as always Randall! Love the insight on the layering systems … I do a lot of winter backpacking up in New England and I always like hearing other viewpoints on staying warm. love ECWCS as well.

[@GruntProof]

Thanks!

[@jamescrowe7892]

Congratulations on retirement. Gotta love those FIIGMO moments. Thank you for your service. Damn, it looks like the poor ground pounder would go nuts trying to figure out what kind and how much winter clothing he/she should carry in the field. Is the clothing allowance still crappy?

[@GruntProof]

Thanks! It's enough to buy new boots every few months

[@jamescrowe7892]

Roger that. When I was in we could get maybe 1 new work uniform a month with our allowance. When my brother was in in '61 he said they could turn in worn out uniform items to clothing issue and get new ones.

[@ssumrall70]

@@jamescrowe7892 I had to buy my own "issued" PT uniform and never got paid back for it AND had to turn it in when I completed my enlistment.

[@Svenne_Kloppe]

I wore one pair of Belleville 950 mcb for 2 years during my mountain hiking and snowshoeing up in northern Norway until they started to leak in water. Needless to say, the soles are safe to use on slippery wet or frozen mountain rock, but unfortunately they have been discontinued in production.

[@monsieurlunik5270]

Well, first your videos help me for the Ranger roll and now for the cold weather gear ! I can’t thank you enough ! I am not a military guy just a military surplus enjoyer from France but your videos help me a lot ! Many many thanks !

[@GruntProof]

Merci!

[@asmith7876]

DUDE!! Congrats on retirement!!!! I hope it lasts longer than you served, gotta get your money's worth, right? I love your videos, the no BS presentation style, the honest reviews of gear. But I really love seeing all this modern gear you're issued, absolutely fascinating! In the 80's we didn't have ANY of this stuff! The warmest clothing we had was that mf-ing MOPP gear chemical suit LOL. Kinda funny thinking about Cold War stuff given the current world situation. We had a 1st Sgt who spent his entire career as a Drill Sgt and many years as a recruiter. How the f*&k he got put in charge of a line unit is beyond me. Had us bring shoe shine to the field to shine our f-ing boots. Hope you got to keep enough toys to have fun with in the mountains, you earned it!

[@GruntProof]

Thanks!

[@christianwilson5956]

I totally agree on the useless of the softshell and wind jacket. I wish they would combine the features of the softshell with the material of the rain jacket. The only reason i dont use my rain jacket as a mild cold weather jacket is my unit.

[@tsalesto]

In the Finnish army we actually call mittens "no can do". They are pretty warm though and with our weather it saves our digits. We pair the mittens with underlayer gloves of course.

[@hsheist9407]

Ref: GEN lll fleece. This is also available with Polartec WIND PRO. As such compares more than favorably to my beloved WEP jacket (top of the flight underware) and my beloved MA-1, with pink highlights from all the UV over the years. Also covers the small of the back as the others were made for aircraft seats. That addition Changes the Gen111 fleece from a layer to a layer & Jacket. It is polar tech 100, my beloved Black Gen 11 is polartec 300. Seems to work best against the skin, as a shirt, with a 2nd or 3rd polartec layer. Also a good travel jack for driving or flying, sleeping. Since I passed 65, I get colder quicker. Any good uniform is not a pain in the ass. Military or Civilian. As a journalist, usually solo I'm often required to carry my uniform (s) along with my kit. (Biz suit, 501 CTs, Tux, Blue Blazer-all work wear) In the old days 4 Nikons or Leicas, lenses and 100 spools of film, for the most part I don't wear obvious military unless I'm with the military, then unbadged surplus makes sense as it made for Military transport and the import aspect of not drawing attention ones self or other. Speaking as a civilian grunt ... enjoyed your knowledge.

[@bendakstarkiller1270]

Thank you for this. I'm educating myself on military stuff as a civilian and I have a mil-sim event in a week (late october) and wanted to know what I should acquire not to freeze during the night. Best wishes from Poland!

[@Paul1970]

Awesome gear review! Congrats on your retirement, and thank you for your service!

[@danielroncaioli6882]

I remember the switch from the old field jacket with liner to the Gen 1 ECW jackets and trousers with the brown bear fleece liners. It was a huge improvement. The new stuff has only gotten better.

[@GruntProof]

Definitely. I still have the bear suit

[@michaelfarinola5044]

The old field jacket with a rain coat that had a sewn in poncho liner was my go-to in the field. Shame the damn things seem to shrink.

[@Bruce6001]

In my mind as non military it’s hard for me to picture a soldier carrying all this clothing and sleeping systems and food and ammo and weapons and armor in cold weather combat, if it’s just training sure but I would almost expect a lot of this gear to be transported behind the soldiers by someone not really in the fight but more logistical or if the shooting starts is everything except weapons and ammo dropped?

[@wilfdarr]

Yes it can be packed that way, so your ammo is on your vest, 2 days survival in a small bag, everything else in a large bag or tied to that so you can just lose the big bag of you need to, and you can even drop the smaller bag if you need to. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5WYdaxtq5WCd7s

[@GruntProof]

Right, that's why we usually leave stuff at home

[@wilfdarr]

@@GruntProof Blasphemy!

[@coyoteblue9733]

One point of order the Danner boots can absolutely be waterproofed. There's a product called NYX wax that will do them perfectly. I actually have videos on my channel of me standing in a creek with water over my feet and Nick swags on my boots. Minor belleville's but it's the same boat and the water is not even getting on them in the creek

[@billb9806]

Outfreaking standing, congrats on the retirement! I love your knowledge bombs and nuggets. Still want more atv shenanigans and trips showing off and testing more gear! I am healing well from my back surgery and looking forward to doing some atv camping this year! I have amassed a significant amount of gear and ready to begin testing and utilizing it.

[@GruntProof]

Thanks!

[@Zulutime44]

That wool insert inside leather outer glove system is identical to the ones issued to me per TA-21 in March 1962. Winter temps in Germany got down to 10 below F with frequent daytime temps in single digits. Clearly the GI gloves were not enough. I drove a jeep in the field, so it mattered to me. One fellow in my company had Inuit style mittens that came up his forearm, but I made do with some crappy commercial insulated leather gloves. Protecting hands and feet in the wintertime was a major shortcoming for Uncle Same in those days. - Z

[@qpwoeiruty850]

The parka is phenomenal. I use it when I play with my son in the snow. I can literally sleep on the snow with the parka

[@Lured-in]

Thank you for your service! Very much appreciated!

[@johnsteele2986]

Compared to the heavy and somewhat impractical system we have the ECWCS seems like an excellent system. Most of our stuff is more geared towards Barracks wear than out in the field so it's often heavy and bulky.

[@outdooraf]

Thank you for your service - in the Army and on this channel.

[@GruntProof]

Thanks!

[@p_serdiuk]

From the standpoint of a civilian, Gore-Tex is very expensive. It doesn't make a lot of sense to me to break it out every time there is some light rain, it has to be absolutely pouring. This is how I use my softshell jacket -- whenever it is chilly and windy and there is a chance of light rain, which happens quite often even in summer, it serves as both the insulation layer and the weather layer at once. If the forecast predicts low temps, I can take my fleece. If the forecast predicts heavy rain, I can take my Gore-Tex. This way, wear and tear as well as dirt and mud are spread out between different pieces of gear, which is important when you bought all of said gear yourself.

[@oldsoldier181]

Those level 7 puffy jacket/pants were designed by climbers. I have an OLD issue set, from way back. I have slept in just that and a bivy sack. The set I have came with a hood and booties, all made of the same stuff. the bivy pants also had a high waist, so that there was no drafy. Also, I still have my original issue bivy sack. Thing has to be 30 years old now. I use Big Agnes bags in them now though.

[@outdoorslifesurvivecraft5078]

Congratulations on your retirement!! And Thank You of your service!! Thanks!! That helps a lot. Good to know. I buy a lot of surplus stuff for camping and hiking, I figure if it works good for you guys, it's going to be good for me.

[@GruntProof]

Thanks!

[@lovellbadgett1965]

Another Abso Great video.. I have 1, 2, 3 and 6. More that sufficient, down to 15-20° or so (with movement) but i'm from Michigan. Lol.. Oh yeah.. Welcome to the next stage, of your journey. Now its 🕙, to do the things You want to do. 🍺..😎

[@GruntProof]

Thank you!

[@JohnDoe-cd6ro]

What was the issue with the mid weight pants? What didn't you like?

[@chadmorgan7976]

Thanks man for the vid - and congrads on your retirement. Best of luck, find a good gig after discharge...and I hope it involves more vids. It would be interesting to hear how operations (the behind the scenes info of how missions, supplies, whatever) all works...I like how you explain purpose for things all the time. A lot of people don't understand that intuitively. Anyways, again, thanks for the vids and hoorah for the service.

[@GruntProof]

Thanks!

[@OnyxTheBlackMetalBard]

"Welp guess your Unit sucks, wait till you get to the next one" hahahaha loved it!!! This is why I love this Dude, he´s always just himself!!!

[@Bigfezzig]

Love the vids and congrats on retirement. Next adventure awaits I’m sure!

[@GruntProof]

Thanks!

[@WeShootBack1776]

Wear Dad's set now for cold weather hot tenting and Backpacking here in Pennsylvania on the Appalachian trail, i use his fleece jacket underneath it and this bad boys warm

[@plrinternetmarketing]

There, subbed for you! Cheers from Ab, Canada. I've personally slept outside in -50c with my Wiggy's Antarctic sleep System and was warm other than my face area since I dislike sleeping with my face inside my bag.

[@GruntProof]

🍻

[@goatman3828]

Those sleeping booties look awesome! I'm constantly battling cold feet at night. Where do those booties come from? And are they as warm as they look? Thanks. Congrats on retirement. I spent some years in Korea. Coldest damn place I've ever been. Especially at night!

[@GruntProof]

Wild Things Tactical Booties - they're amazing!

[@Indylimburg]

This is a great synopsis. I've come to several of the same conclusions. For several years I was an instructor out on the ranges where weather and temps turned on a dime. So now my assault pack almost always has gortex top and bottom (I prefer the level 6 pants and the level 5 top), light glove inserts, watch cap, and wind shirt. Outside summer I keep a light weight compressed down jacket in as well. I like the wind shirt because I'm out in the desert, so it helps to keep the chill off while being light and breathable. I find with this load out I almost always have the optional layers needed to stay comfortable in a wide range of conditions. Obviously the waffle top and others are substituted in and out. I almost never have the waffle bottoms for the reasons stated in the video. I've seen guys heat cat in (almost done it myself as well) during winter movements due to improper layering.

[@GruntProof]

Definitely! Thanks

[@ClayinSWVA]

One of the best pieces of kit they got rid of was the goretex midweight jacket with hood. It replaced that useless field jacket.

[@brattrw54]

I layer the M65 (with the liner) and use silkies under the trousers. I add a waffle top if it's really cold. I don't see -50 degrees, but I do see -20 to 30 most years. All the same principles apply with layering and moisture. I find that if my hands and feet stay warm, I am good. I use the Army issue Gortex boots, and wool socks. Feet stay dry and warm. Only issue is sweat. Hands, on the other hand are always an issue for me. Just have to deal with them being cold no matter what... and carry handwarmers to cram on the inside of my gloves. I have also tried using a fleece under the M65 and if I am moving around its too much. Layers, head, hands and feet! I also discovered the gators. Fills any neck hole drafts nicely and that helps a lot. M65 jacket is still a great tool to have in your kit.

[@Russianman172]

Have you done a review on the Intermediate cold/wet weather gloves yet?

[@ВячеславЧерпаков]

If you are not a fan of soft shells what did use as an outer layer in a cool temperature just above 0 C? I mean during your service.

[@johnlindsey285]

Forgot to add pantyhose, the pre ECWCS 11B go to. Except when working with Electric Blasting caps, due to static. :-)

[@ColemanOutdoors]

I certain I've seen you touch on the levels before in some small way, but this all is one super comprehensive explanation was very interesting. Great work!

[@GruntProof]

Thanks man

[@kermitbartoe3231]

Thank you for your service

[@philigan2339]

Is this the correct number? Belleville Mountain Combat Boots Gore Tex MCB 267 96 I can't seem to find any that look like the ones you are holding in the video. None of them seem to have the same rubber toe that covers a large area. Thanks for all the great videos.

[@GruntProof]

Yes. Bates makes them too

[@leeming1317]

LOL the happy suit 16:00 it looks warm

[@harshadchaubal5420]

Which are the best cold and wet weather boots as per you. 1. Bunny boots 2. Iturri uk mod wet and cold weather boots 3. Karrimor Sf goretex boots (uk) 3. Belleville 600g cold weather thinsulate 4. Belleville waterproof assault flight boots 5. Khyber 400g insulate 6. Garmont T8 extreme goretex boots

[@harshadchaubal5420]

Hi I was expecting a reply from you. 😃

[@harshadchaubal5420]

Adding Rocky S2v insulated boots to the list. Would appreciate your response.

[@Military.FutureUrbanCamo]

I have the level 3 flecce jacket can't wait to wear it during November and Winter😍

[@reinaldogarcia70]

Very informative 👍thank you😊

[@Morningstar_Actual]

Down to like 40 degrees the bivy and lvl3 fleece does me nice. Past that the patrol bag, bivy and a couple layers is usually good enough for me

[@rebeccadubois8270]

My gear in 2009 the whole acu and beret in garrison. It kept me alive in Korea.

[@markottinger]

Lots of good information as always. Thanks Randal

[@hiwayman981]

Great video presentation. I've long thought that the level 4 wind shirt and level 5 parka/trousers were too lightweight to be effective against cold/wind/precipitation as well as too thin in material composition to hold up well in the field, with particular lean toward abrasion resistance, et. al. For the cold, like you said, wearing the issued ACU jacket over the level 1&2 base layers will in most cases be enough given combat loadout and activity level. For even colder conditions, why not issue each soldier a one-size over ACU jacket that would allow for the first three layers (which includes the fleece jacket) to be worn underneath it? That is until the US Army adopts another reasonably-well designed cold-weather coat which would hopefully resemble some of the British/European army combat smocks, with perhaps a nod here and there to the venerable M-65. Thank you.

[@samsanfratello7549]

Congratulations on your retirement, you earned it. Good luck in your civilian life, keep up your channel.

[@GruntProof]

Thanks!

[@woodrowhurley2944]

How does the level 7 fit? How to pick proper size? I wear L short pants.

[@thomashorner7474]

There is a usage chart online to give a nice comprehensive idea on how to best utilize this system based on weather conditions and activity .

[@TAVAAR7]

I second most of what you said for what I've found works well for me. I like to wear the ninja suit when it gets down to 40 with the IHWCS and then standard FR set below 30 (active in dry with light to no wind). Waffle suit stays in my pack and only goes on if I'm stationary for a good while like around camp or LPOP and gets swapped with lvl7 if its freezing. Fleece is likewise for warming layer around camp. Lvl 4 are like Princess Bride ROUS's...I dont believe they exist. I actually do like the lvl5 more than the lvl6 most of the time. They stop a moderate amount of wind but still stay more breathable than the goretex...and they're a good bit more quiet too. Goretex I save for when its really wet and I can't just throw on a poncho for whatever reason. The jacket is great but the pants I dont like much unless I'm having to kneel in snow or when its past damp into the wet range and/or taller undergrowth thats soaked. I love goretex for keeping moisture out but if I'm active no variation of layering is keeping me dry enough from sweat, it breaths, but not well enough for that. I do like to couple the goretex jacket with the lvl5 trousers. Lvl7s...well I can't describe it better than the Marines so I'll leave their description alone and just second it. For footwear I like my belleville 320s until its cold and wet then I've got a pair of 790s I'll be breaking in for next fall. I like to have at least 2 pairs of socks plus the ones I'm wearing. 2 pairs that are the same weight of warmth/cool for wearing around and switching and one warmer pair for sleeping in. Got those same darn tough t4021 and the next lighter ones too that I like quite a bit. I've also been trying some Fox River ones (recommendation of Gritty Soldier, I'd love to see a collaboration with you two btw) and liking them so far. Whatever the case I like to start moderately cold and thats about right once moving without having to peel layers, stopping for more than about 10 mikes I'll have a layer in an outside pocket to throw over me and then stuff back away again pretty quick.

[@GruntProof]

Awesome!

[@edwinosorio2679]

You can now where the tan fleece cap in garrison and in the field

[@GruntProof]

No way!

[@mcat3272]

Well done..

[@GruntProof]

🍻😎

[@jorgebuzzi940]

Excellent video, very useful and well explained, thanks for sharing your experience.

[@neubert500]

Congratulations on making it to retirement! I put 37 years in in Law Enforcement so I never had to deal with Sgt. Majors, BUT a lot of people who thought they were. Enjoy life!

[@GruntProof]

Thanks for serving us on the real front lines

[@bustercrabbe8447]

Good video. Answers questions about arctic conditions. I prefer mittens over gloves in sub zero Fahrenheit temperatures.

[@kris4362]

Randall, well done mate. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 😎 (from the far downers .... HOKITIKA Sth Westland New Zealand)

[@GruntProof]

Thanks!

[@DocFischer]

Hey Randall, great video, always love the practical hands-on information. One thing I wanna add, the green flyers gloves (by Masley) have a Goretex lining (at least mine have), so they in fact are waterproof. I love those, they are so warm for a pair of finger gloves! 👍

[@GruntProof]

Mine too but I've been in rain and snow with them and they are not waterproof

[@DocFischer]

@@GruntProof typical problem with goretex 😄👍

[@lyfandeth]

@@GruntProof GoreTex is waterproof and in the consumer market, the top grades are warranteed for life. If it leaks it gets replaced, free. The problems are 1) counterfeit 2) failure to tape and seal the seams 3) failure to clean, which blocks the pores. GoeTex answers their phones and resolve problems courteously and professionally. Since you have military issue gear, it may have special problems.

[@wolffo999]

great video - thx