What's the Best Wet Weather Layer? | PCU Breakdown: Level 6 (Hard Shells vs Rain Suits vs Ponchos)

This is the first breakdown of the PCU System. In this video we'll take an in depth look into the Level 6 Hard Shell as well as taking a deep dive into the different kinds of wet weather layers.
All of these options have their benefits and drawbacks but it's up to you to decide which one will work for you.
Featured garments:
Hard Shells:
- PCU Block 1 Level 6
- ECWCS Gen III Level 6
- ECWCS Gen I Cold Wet Weather Parka
Rain suits:
- USGI Improved Rain suit
- Frogg Toggs Ultralite 2
Ponchos:
- USGI Wet Weather Poncho
- Outdoor Research Wallcreeper
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:16 The Level 6
10:16 What is Gore-tex?
12:26 Cold Wet Weather Parka
16:07 ECWCS Level 6
20:58 Improved Rain Suit
24:59 Frogg Toggs Rain Suit
26:21 Ponchos

[@NealWayne]

I believe they use Gore-Tex Paclite in the Level 6. Paclite is considered to be a 2.5 layer construction. The standard, pro and active, versions of Gore-Tex have a 3 layer construction.

[@KitCreep]

Ya the 2 vs 2.5 vs 3 layer definitions get pretty confusing. I fell down the rabbit hole while researching and eventually found that there’s no industry standard for definitions for literally anything. Even for things like soft shell vs hard shell. I think you’re right though. I just figured I’d use the “3 layer” and “2 layer with a hanging liner” definitions for simplicity sake to help people building out their own systems.

[@FullTimeHypocrite]

@@KitCreep you should add weighing the poncho options as well, just for completeness.

[@nobisspectare3651]

NEW PCU AUTISM VIDEO DROPPED 🎉

[@victorkrupicz8324]

I am surprised that @Kit Creep doesn't have more attention. The quality and the easy to understand breakdowns truly are helpful and fun! Well, goes to show that only people who follow @Kit Creep are the only ones who are prepared for anything! Keep it up man!!

[@ironteacup2569]

Keep this sort of stuff up. Nice to see what’s out there. There are few places to find out exactly how to use your issued gear

[@KitCreep]

Glad you found it informative!

[@antoniogomez7914]

Covering all the moist bases! Love the variety of options covered! Can’t wait for the video on shelters and sleeping systems.

[@KitCreep]

Glad you liked it! I wanted to make sure I drew attention to the other options out there. I’ve got a lot of great options for those two topics too

[@renatamijic6176]

@@KitCreep ok a like

[@frankp.w.schindler3234]

thanks a lot for in depth explonation of multiple options, very much appreciated it! keep up the good work! excellent job!

[@bugoutbrad8395]

Excellent, informative video bro. Thank you. Cheers 🍻

[@wolferogers3047]

Excellent information, thank you! Especially at 7:13. fighting spider demonstrating a tactical abseiling/fast-roping combat drop… that’s how it’s done.)

[@worthopponent3156]

Great channel man, look forward to more future videos. The youtube algorithm gods blessed me with your cold weather gear video.

[@leomerveilleux122]

Learning so much with your videos! Keep it up 🫡

[@violetpurple6191]

I like your videos. They are CLEAN and well put together. Please make more🙏

[@zwickflixproductions4379]

Ran across your channel today and it’s honestly making me rethink everything about layering. I’m coming at this from a working in the woods/recreation perspective, but grouping the gear I already have into systems is a big change in mindset for me. Also, while we’re talking about rainsuits, the ones made by companies like Grundens for commercial fishing are worth a look. They don’t pack well and don’t breathe worth a damn, but they’re rugged and are second to none for standing around when it’s absolutely pissing rain.

[@pythonTF]

Great video dude

[@orange_phoenix4774]

really good explonation on the uses of this gear keep up the good work

[@mibunookami]

The snugpak patrol poncho has sleeves that make it less cumbersome when doing task.

[@jonm7753]

Need an extreme hot/humid weather kit video for us boogs down in FL

[@KitCreep]

Little late to this comment but I’m working on something for this summer 😉

[@pastellblau3719]

Great Video! Keep up the good work :)

[@roypaulcarter4654]

Good video. I enjoyed it. I have to agree with everything you said.

[@KitCreep]

Thank you!

[@RODEO1787]

thank you

[@jedi7489]

This should be more popular

[@YooperDanKulka]

Your the best! More information. Better comparison.

[@KitCreep]

Thank you!

[@Nothing_141]

Great Video! You’ve taught me so much about layering and its technology. Thankfully I was issued the gen 3 lvl 6 ECWCS set in MC. Also Do you know where I can find a 3 layer gore tex in Black similar to the ECWCS ? Ive had no luck on amazon, the descriptions are vague and don’t describe the construction while searching through inflated prices.

[@KitCreep]

Thank you! Love to hear it. Check out the Tru-Spec H2O gen 2 set. Looks to be a 3 layer design and comes in black. My buddy has one and he loves it.

[@Dan-sm3ru]

WET

[@KitCreep]

W e t

[@eveliinatistelgren172]

What kind of memory wire did you use??? Nitinol? Btw love your channel

[@KitCreep]

Thank you! It’s just the “memory”/“jewelry” wire you can find in Michael’s craft store or Amazon

[@ericwitt4586]

Got several sets I like the first gen in very bad weather

[@madbroindustries]

Does anyone know what if the sizing is like the OCP GEN 3 ECWCS Level 7 Army Extreme Cold Weather PRIMALOFT Jacket Parka Coat? I know the lvl 7 is on the bigger size so its recommended to go one size down, is this the same thing?

[@KitCreep]

If you’re planning on using it with body armor, go a size up so you can wear it over top. If not, then get it in your shirt size. It’s oversized enough to layer without too much dead space. Also I prefer a size long to cover my ass tbh.

[@orion3253]

There seems to be a bunch of non berry compliant, if not outright Chinese origin Patagonia tactical jackets that I'm not 100% sure are actually PCU. If your Patagonia L6 jacket lacked tags it might be because it's not something that was actually intended for the PCU. Not 100% sure if what you have is related to Patagonia MARS or not.

[@darekkrzepicki]

How are you , thanks for great video :) I have question about hood memory wire , coz i have level 6 goretex ucp gen 3 , wich have way too big hood , and i looking for any tutorial how to put this memory wire , can you help me out ? Thanks :)

[@KitCreep]

It’s pretty simple: just run the wire through the channel where the cinch cord is, bend the sharp ends and cover with tape (so the wire doesn’t poke a hole through the jacket), then tuck the ends inside the channel. I can do a Short video in the future

[@darekkrzepicki]

please do ,thanks for answer :)@@KitCreep

[@matsvineyard7564]

what's with the covered face?

[@anonymous_friend]

So you can't smell his breathe. Are you really that dense?

[@renatamijic6176]

sweet clothes can a try something