The multi-layered insulating system of the Generation III Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (GEN III ECWCS) allows the Soldier to adapt to varying mission requirements and environmental conditions. Materials offer a greater range of breathability and environmental protection, providing greater versatility in meeting Soldiers’ needs.
GEN III ECWCS utilizes an innovative design that reduces bulk, taking up 33 percent less space, and weighing 25 percent less than its predecessor systems. Each piece of GEN III ECWCS functions either alone or in concert with other components as a system, thus providing more options for the Soldier and enabling seamless integration with load-bearing equipment and body armor configurations. The Gen III ECWCS design allows moisture to escape and at the same time has water-resistant properties.
GEN III ECWCS is a 12-piece kit that enables Soldiers to utilize seven different layers, depending on the mission and environment. The system functions through insulation, which resists the transmission of heat, traps air, and wicks moisture away from the body; layering, which increases air space and allows easy adjustment to a Soldier’s activity level; and ventilation, which allows moisture to escape. By mixing and matching Gen III ECWCS components, Soldiers can protect themselves from temperatures ranging from 40 degrees Fahrenheit to minus 60 degrees.
Level I: Light-Weight Undershirt & Drawers
Base Layer: Worn next to skin by itself or in conjunction with other levels for added insulation and to aid in the transfer of moisture.
The GEN III Light-Weight Undershirt and Drawers are designed to wick moisture and to provide protection from the elements.
Constructed with Polartec Power Dry Silkweight material, this layer is highly breathable, wicks moisture away from the skin and dries fast, providing evaporative cooling in warmer weather and insulating in cool weather – all with less weight and bulk than previous systems.
Level II: Mid-Weight Shirt & Drawers
Base Layer: Worn next to skin by itself or in conjunction with other levels for added insulation and to aid in the transfer of moisture.
The GEN III Mid-Weight Shirt and Drawers provide light insulation in mild climates and serve as a base layer in cold climates.
Constructed with Polartec Power Dry grid material, this layer provides extra warmth in cooler conditions but still wicks moisture away and dries fast. The material offers stretch for increased comfort and is lighter weight with less bulk than previous systems.
Level III: High-Loft Fleece Jacket
Primary Insulation Layer: Worn underneath shell layers or worn as an outer garment in cool conditions.
The GEN III High-Loft Fleece Jacket is the primary insulation layer for use in moderate to cold conditions.
Constructed with Polartec Thermal Pro® material the insulation on the Level III Jacket creates air pockets that trap air and retain body heat providing outstanding warmth without weight. With excellent breathability, the Level III jacket dries quickly with increased warmth while maintaining lower bulk and increased durability than previous systems.
Level IV: Wind Jacket
Shell Layer: Designed to be worn with base and insulative levels in transitional environments to provide wind and sand protection.
The GEN III Wind Jacket is designed to act as a low volume shell layer that optimizes the moisture wicking properties of other GEN III insulative and next-to-skin layers. It is also designed to be worn under body armor.
Constructed from stretchable nylon with a water resistant finish, this full-zippered jacket provides wind and sand protection with low weight and bulk.
Level V: Soft Shell Cold Weather Jacket & Trousers
Shell Layer: Designed to be worn with base and insulation levels for use in moderate to cold conditions.
The GEN III Soft Shell Cold Weather Jacket and Trousers are designed for use in moderate to cold weather conditions as a soft shell combined with other base and insulative layers.
Constructed with stretchable and breathable water resistant materials, the Jacket and Trousers provide light-weight, low bulk and extreme comfort for movement.
Level VI: Extreme Wet/Cold Weather Jacket & Trousers
Shell Layer: A waterproof barrier designed to be worn over other levels in moderate to cold wet conditions alternating between freezing and thawing.
The GEN III Extreme Wet/Cold Weather Jacket and Trousers are designed for use in moderate to cold wet conditions as a hard shell layer combined with other base and insulative layers.
Constructed with two-layer GORE-TEX and seam-sealed throughout, the Jacket and Trousers provide an outstanding light-weight, completely waterproof, windproof and breathable level of protection against the elements with 50% less bulk than previous systems. Level VI also incorporates near infrared signature reduction technology further enhancing soldier survivability.
Level VII: Extreme Cold Weather Parka & Trousers
Soft Shell Insulative Layer: The outermost level of protection in the system designed for use during static operations in extreme cold and dry conditions.
The GEN III Extreme Cold Weather Parka and Trousers are designed for use during static operations in extreme cold, dry conditions.
Constructed with an outer shell fabric that has a water resistant finish and with PrimaLoft Sport thermal bonded high-loft insulation, Level VII is highly durable and breathable. The Parka and Trousers maintain warmth even when wet and provide protection in extreme cold conditions during static operations.
