Cold Weather Layering like US Special Forces | The Protective Combat Uniform
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- Опубліковано 11 бер 2023
- This is a comprehensive visual guide for the Protective Combat Uniform (PCU) (as well as the ECWCS Gen III) cold weather layering system. Here you will learn how to develop and use your cold weather system according to US Special Forces doctrine.
Commercial technical garments tend to run for premium prices and can be restrictive to those seeking to enter the world of cold weather technical activities. Military surplus, such as the ECWCS Gen III and PCU garments, are an excellent choice for a cost effective and high quality suite of cold weather layers. All of the ECWCS and PCU “levels” can be found on most surplus sites and are all over eBay.
This video also aims to showcase some of the cooler, more elusive garments of the PCU system.
Featured Garments:
-Level 1 Base layers - Halys PCU Block 1
-Level 2 - ECWCS Gen III Waffle layers
-Level 3 - Halys PCU Block 1 Fleece jacket
-"Level 4" - Arktis Stowaway Windshirt
-Level 5 - Patagonia PCU Block 1 Softshells
-Level 6 - Patagonia PCU Block 1 Goretex
- Level 7 - Halys PCU Block 1 High loft vest, Halys PCU Block 0 Type 1 High loft Jacket + Block 1 pants, and Halys PCU Block 1 Type 2 “Monster” Parka
For more information on the PCU System, check out Soldier Systems, ITS Tactical, The Full 9, and Ontario Geardo on the web.
For more references about cold weather effectiveness check out the channel “GruntProof” / @gruntproof . He has a lot a great videos on this very topic and covers many of its other facets.
And feel free to drop your favorite videos and channels in the comments you think may be useful to those who are getting into cold weather hobbies, sports, etc.
Next video is in the works and will continue our surplus cold weather effectiveness journey. Make sure you subscribe and stay tuned.
Imagine getting killed in the field with all this expensive protective combat uniform someone will get free loot
@@PRIMAL_HUNTER1988 Yes, nice gear doesn’t make you invulnerable.
solid video bro
@@PRIMAL_HUNTER1988that's why you should always wear a helmet
@@KitCreepwhat’s the song in the background?
Interior alaska here. Use PCU/ecwcs 7 months out of the year.
1. Always wear no matter what
2. Add when active when temps are 15 to -20
3. Add when active when temps are -20 to -40
4. Never wear, not worth the weight (use a Patagonia Houdini in summer)
5. Always wear
6. Not really applicable unless summer
7. Mainly just the top always when I’m static and slowly working.
I’m military but most of my use is as a civilian running a trapline (ski, snowshoe, snow machine) I’ve found it’s easiest to just have a mid layer adjusted for the temp/activity and throw my 7parka on when I’m static or slow.
*Arctic pro tips*
Arctic necklace- 550 cord, chapstick, lighter, knife.
Carry a spare waffle top/bottom for sleep/ emergency
Boiled water into nalgene and put it in parka or sleeping bag between your legs
Get OR camp booties
Thin cap active/ fur hat static
Mukluks- replace the liner with Steiger 9mm wool/felt liner and good darn tough socks.
Use level 7 top as a garbage bag around your legs in your sleeping bag
Carry a soft canteen on a cord inside your layers. Drink a little and add snow. Let your heat melt it.
Adding a vapor barrier to feet can increase warmth and preserve insulation if your out for a bit.
Gortex boots cause frostbite. I don’t like gloves or boots were I can’t remove the insulation and dry out.
Check out the nato and Norwegian cold weather manuals.
These are all great tips. I love seeing how individuals adapt the system based on their own experiences, needs and applications. I especially enjoy learning how those who actually live in these climates do it since they'll have far more experience than those who have to travel there. I've heard some say they'd never take cold weather advice from an Alaskan (probably because you've been acclimatized), but acclimatization doesn't stop the body from dropping below 95ºF if you don't know what you're doing. We have a lot to learn from you guys. Especially the chapstick necklace thing. Definitely keeping that one. I hate losing those in one of my pockets in one of my many layers somewhere.
Also, I'll definitely be looking different countries' cold weather systems. I've got some shooting mittens from a couple different countries but comparing whole systems from other nations would be a great idea. Especially those around the arctic circle. The Norwegians already taught me about the magic of wool mesh. I'd like to see what else they got.
Why no level 4 windshirt mien weighs nothing and I love it
Yeah I use a lot of that stuff in the Adirondack high peaks. Best boots I've used so far are the usgi intermediate cold wet boots- they're goretex boots with removable liners. Totally recommend
This is perfect advice.
Mint fucking info. Thanks bro!
I did cold weather survival course in norway whilst i was in the military taught by royal marine mountain leaders. And they said that its actually easier to operate in super cold conditions instead of a place like scotland where its cold but also very wet an slushy.
The temperatures in norway is so cold that it keeps the snow "dry and fluffy" and doesnt soak into your kit, and leaves most of your kit dry to.
Where as scotland your just soaked to the bone with the wind chill hitting you its miserable.
It really is crazy how that works. Kinda like how 120ºF in the desert is manageable but 120º with high humidity certain death. I'll take I'll take a tundra over a jungle every time.
Also, it's no wonder they wear so much wool in Scotland. There aren't many other materials that can deal with those kinds of conditions as well.
I have worked outside quite a bit too and honestly I'll take really cold and dry over barely cold but wet any day.
Cold dry is the easiest to operate in for sure. Wet is insufferable even if it's mild.
Us finns has known this importance of layers forever. And we learn it early on as kids. One of the reasons we managed so well in the winter war which had one of the coldest winters of the century.
Most Americans will never know cold the way you guys do. We merely adopted the cold. The Finns were born in it, molded by it...
@@KitCreep Yeah, actually in suburbs and country side finnish mothers often leaves their babies outside to sleep in -20 degrees celsius and it's perfectly fine. Foreigners finds that always shocking.😂
Here in Hungary the coldest weather was just an extra layer under my regular pants. I used to own a pair of cold weather pants but didn't really need it. Sometimes maybe some thicker boots would have been nice but that is it.
The cold was fine, but strong dry winds were the bad part.
I already know if i even visit Northern Europe i will have to budget for cold weather clothes too.
@@KitCreep Bane
@@KitCreep underrated
I'm from the west highlands of Scotland and much prefer wool out on the mountains. A good set up for rough weather I find is good boots with two pairs of socks, one thin merino and one thick wool. A heavy weight wool kilt. lets the air flow but keeps you warm. Two merino wool long sleeves, a wool fisherman's jumper and a wool over coat. A peacoat is good for ease of movement. A good fur trapper hat is the only kind of hat i've ever found works properly in Scotland when it gets really wild. Then a poncho for rain protection. Waxed cotton or rubber. Ponchos are good as they let a lot of air flow and keep rain away from your upper and lower. After a good trek with all that even in the worst conditions you will be cosy, dry and fresh.
Homeless people have been using that technique for decades, just not as much bling.
Experience is our best teacher.
actually what homeless people are doing is exactly what “being tactical” means
they’re probably veterans to :(
@@jonathana.1802
It's funny seeing commercals about the ony hoodie you will ever need and that layering is so passe. They miss the whole point of layering.
Once you take off that super warm hoodie with little underneath, you will freeze your azz off.
@@jonathana.1802
I'm a disabled veteran and did several years homeless.
An INCREDIBLY comprehensive guide you have put together. Wish they showed this to everyone way back when. The way they framed it was such a hassle, this is as easy as it gets!
Great show! The coldest I've experienced was 3 degrees F at the Ice Water Springs shelter on the eastern shoulder of Mt LeConte, NC. Ice rime on the branches 2 " thick. Winter camping focuses the mind. All external concerns are replaced my your immediate thoughts and actions. Wonderful meditation. Walking off the mountain and into the parking lot in a swirling blizzard was exhilarating.
This was a great video.. Time to really dive into this from socks, gloves, mittens, boots, hats... We need a full kit list from your perspective
By far the most succinct and useful video I’ve come across to date on the subject matter. Highly appreciate you for putting this out.
I’m glad you found this video helpful. Ya I thought it was really strange how such a popular system had so little content on UA-cam about it. And I know that I’m a visual learner so I figured others would appreciate something like this.
dude, excellent video! Just enough oorah to keep it fun without getting too bro-y. Keep this exact vibe, it's genuine and straight forward, with a bit of fun to keep it from getting too serious.
Most detailed description of the PCU system on YT, great video. Subscribed
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed.
Video so good I had to come back months later to use it in my studies while I design my own protective system for my less active civilian life lol. Great advice that anyone can adapt into their daily life. Looking forward to more from you!
Thank you! Glad I could help. New video on rain layers is coming out next week. Hopefully that can help influence your decisions.
I have been using a layering system which keeps me comfortable but not necessarily dry for years. I have used kit such as Paramo, buffalo for many years. I tend to overlayed when I stop rather than taking off outer layers. When I get going I remove the outer insulating layer. One key I use is to start cool when I start exercising. I like garments I can ventilate on the go - put zips etc rather than having to stop and remove layers. Other kit I have is Rab Vapour Rise. I live in the UK. I use wind shirts which I find really good. When sking in Norway (-12) I wore two layers. Base layer and a Paramo smock ( Aspira). I add overlayers when I stopped.
This is a very thoroughly researched system. This was a very thorough and well presented video. Thank you very much. 🇬🇧👍🇺🇲
I'm writing from late October '23. I'll be using your vid immediately to guide my purchasing choices assembling a cold weather clothing kit. All hail the algorithm.
This is my exact system i use for everything from rain, whitewater rafting, backpacking, and snow camping up in the mountains. Cool to see the military has the same idea.
Incredibly thorough video and demonstrations, thanks
Finally a tutorial on this subject I can use! Lived in England and in Colorado. Leaving the west coast for the Rockies.
When I graduated (over 40 years ago) as an Environmental Engineer my first job included snow surveys, ice surveys and building remote mountain weather stations. Out motto then was Clothing is Equipment. This a wonderful video. Well done.Today I spend a lot of time in the Canadian outdoors all year long and am constantly experimenting with the latest outdoor gear. Keep up the great work and I look forward to your opinion on footwear and other accessories.
Thank you so much! I agree with that. Each of these layers are another tool in the toolbox. And that sounds like an amazing first job. I'd love to have the opportunity to go somewhere like that in the future.
And yes, definitely stay tuned for hand and footwear systems I've been working on. Thanks again!
Thank you for the brilliant content. Looking forward to seeing more videos.
Above anything else I really enjoyed the positive mindset making you conclude by saying that there aren’t any bugs. It makes it even more pleasant to watch and actually makes me want to try
I’m so happy you felt that way! The snow and the cold is something to be played in. Not feared.
a really good and straight-to-point vid, thank you
Great job, subscribed. Can't wait for the next.
Brilliant piece of content
🏴 love from Scotland 🏴
Thank you for the PCU 😉
Watching this to prep for a move to the Midwest. Great info.
thank GOD!! someone put a awesome PCU layering system vid thats up to date thanks Kit Creep
Radddd video man! Only partway through but loving it! Great info all over the place. 10/10
Definitely love how easy this is to follow
Thank you! I wanted this to be as comprehensive as possible.
Awesome summary! You helped me to choose how I'll look in the future 😁
Great video. Especially filming in all the actual conditions, that must have taken a while.
Potential future topics:
-How to pack cold weather clothing as minimally as possible for an assault/raid while still maintaining enough to deal with contingencies.
-Skis vs Snowshoes vs Boots w/Gators, when to pick one over the other for tactical, survival, backcountry situations in various terrain.
-Keeping hands and feet warm. Over boots, muckluks, mittens, liner gloves, dexterity vs warmth, electric gloves, chemical handwarmers, etc.
Thank you. Ya it took a few months of waiting for the right conditions to film. I felt like it’d be more appealing than doing a table top review in a makeshift studio.
And I agree. Those topics all deserve their own separate videos. I think discussing the addition of combat gear into the mix would be interesting. Body armor and combat loads really throws a wrench into things.
@@KitCreep great work overall though. That was a really ambitious first video.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I am currently looking for a cold weather system for work and you gave me a good bit of information.
Brilliant video. Thank you very much
Awesome video. East coast Canada reporting in…. I used the level 7 pants and mutant parka while pulling static duty. Toasty warm @ -40 to -50’c for 8 hours of night duty. For other layers, I used minus 33 ( brand name) wool socks, leggings and zipper hoodie. Winter tip: turn canteens or water bottles upside down. The ice will form at the “ new top” and leave the drinking end ice free. Or, what I prefer, a camelback under my layers but above my base layer…..body warmth will help keep the water warm….. I have sensitive teeth 🦷 and it kinda boosts morale to have something warm hitting the system at those temperatures. Cheers 🍻, take care and stay frosty ☃️. Looking forward to exploring your channel.🫵🤟🇨🇦🫡🇺🇸🫵🤟
Level 7 is definitely a fan favorite. And for the right reasons.
And YES. The upside down canteen trick is great. I just learned about that one this year. If you look closely you may be able to see my canteen is upside down in a non insulated on my ruck’s waist belt. Can confirm that this is a great way to store water externally so I don’t have to dig in my ruck.
I’ve wanted a breakdown like this forever thanks man
Me too man. One day I just thought "Fine. I'll do it myself".
Great video. Going to have watch it several times in order to get the most from it.
This was filled with great know how!
Excellent,,,well done. GoreTex is the sliced bread of protective gear. But not in salt water environments. We always teach to stay dry in extreme cold. Your PCU layers seems to solve that. THX!
Awesome, thanks for sharing Creep 🤙
Well, stay healthy for all of us & Safety First! Peace across the Globe ✌😉
in the hills of appalachia we would often see 3 feet or more of snow at a time in the 80's. i remember layering up and then having the snowsuit for the outer shell. miss those days!
Outstanding overview.
cant wait for the next vid, very nicely explained
Next ones coming soon. Just in time for spring.
You got a sub from me. First time I've subbed after a single video.
Great content man. Keep it up.
Thank you! More is on the way
This is an awesomely detailed breakdown and it seems there is a point to be made about that thick vest after all.
It would be good to see about what you can do in extremely hot conditions to not pass out.
It gets pretty hot and humid in the summer where I am. I’ll give my 2 cents on hot weather garments soon. Summer is coming…
Keep it up! Love your content.
Great vid mate
Waiting for more
Very informative. Thanks.
“you are going to get wet”, that statement is so very true. Finally some truth in dressing for the outdoors. As soon as I read something written by a supposed expert on the outdoors that states that “you must stay dry”, or “if you get wet you die”, I stop reading and that “expert” losses all credibility with me. When I am working hard I am always wet with sweat. When it is raining for hours or days on end I am wet. You need clothing that dries quickly, that still retains some dead air when wet, and that slows evaporative heat loss. Thanks for a good video.
Most everyone rocks the ECWCS system in the army now and there are trial versions of the CTAPS being tested at the moment. New versions of the PCU are also being used in multicam/scorpion variants.
I work outside through the winter and my 3 items that get me through the coldest days are a carhartt beanie, alpinestar neck warmer and a heated gilet i got from amazon that i always pack 2 powerbanks with.
Great overview of the system as a whole! I'm excited to see you cover boots and socks specifically. I think that them being in contact with cold stuff and often concurrently in motion makes them the hardest to get right.
I have struggled with keeping my feet warm even with Thinsulate(400g) hiking boots and Darn Tough hiking merino wool socks in colder conditions.
I agree. Footwear is a very personal matter but I will be exploring different types of footwear and what features I look for depending on temp and application.
Hmm maybe I do want to play in the snow…I really enjoyed this!! I can tell you had fun making it too. Can’t wait to see what you do next :)
That’s great! Plus surplus is so much cheaper than brand new technical garments so that’s one less barrier to entry.
I had a great time with this video. You can expect more cool stuff here very soon. Thanks for your support!
I've been wanting to go look for one each of each layer. Good Info
Dude this was great!
Great video and you right about the no bugs part but also no bears.
Luckily the bears around me are more scared of us.
Really excellent video!
Very cool information. I've used some if these techniques while ice fishing, didn't realize I was being smart 😅. I liked & subbed...
Great video man, definitely subscribed
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it
Very good overview! I sent it to my friend, who freakin' froze in Prince George earlier this month.
Thank you! Hope it’ll help him out!
Excellent video
Outstanding !
Extremly good and informative video men.
Much appreciated!
I love the waffle fleeces
Grew up backcountry skiing. All I ever wore was sweatpants under shell pants, random tube socks in my boots, and a light sweatshirt under a shell. Never got cold ever. Used bag balm on my face and wore a beanie and was good up to -10F. It’s really just the wind that kills. And if you sweat it’s over, don’t overdress. The sweat will freeze once you rest and you will get cold quickly. The thick socks are nice when you’re chilling but your feet can get pretty sweaty in them if you are trekking hard. You should dress light and make sure to have an extra layer and space blanket in your pack
Awesome work! Thank you!
In general, I think the Army lags a bit behind civilian mountaineers for methodology, weight, and technology.
I've lived in the PNW most of my life, and I spend a lot of time doing long treks in the mountains in summer and winter, both day-use and overnight.
Here are some tips I would add:
Pure down/puff is the best warmth/weight and warmth/volume ratio you will get.
For a puff jacket, I would highly recommend the Decathlon Trek. It's similar weight/pack factor/insulation as the mountain hardware ghost whisperer, so it's one of the best ultralight down jackets on the market. Where it really shines, however, is that it's 1/4 the price of the GW, at only 80$ for a 0F rated puffer.
I run very hot while active, and about average while static, and for me the key to staying warm is to wick moisture away quickly while static. So I use a cooling, wicking base layer and a thin, warm, and loose synthetic layer for warmth down to 15F if active and there's no precip. Smartwool is great but frankly the $10 32Heat/Cool from costco works great for my uppers.
If there is precip or bad wind chill, I'll wear a shell and potentially open vents. I'll also wear the shell from 15F to -5F if active.
GTX is 100% overrated and there's plenty of research to show it is never both waterproof and breathable at the same time. The exception is if you apply a good layer of dwr frequently, at which point you could use almost any other shell material. FortNine recently put out a great video on this oriented towards motorcycle gear, but the point extends to all categories.
I would recommend just finding any other number of other, cheaper ePE or PU shells and just spray on a DWR coating occasionally. You can save anything from $100 to $600 doing that. The REI Rainier is a great mid level jacket and only costs $100 new (90$ with the member discount), about 80$ cheaper than the patagonia torrentshell.
If static below 30 or active below -5, I'll throw on the trek. The shell does a good job of protecting the trek from precip.
I similarly like to layer my head (including ears!), hands, and feet protection. I think the latter two are arguably more important if you're active than even core layers since blood flow to your extremities is often much worse.
Finally, carrying a lot of gear in the mountains sucks. Pack light and minimize the number of layers you need to carry. Going all synthetic except your puffer (which should be down, not synthetic) makes a huge difference. And plan your layers around your expected route with some tolerance for contingency.
For instance, if I'm going ski touring with a low of 10F, I'm rocking a wicking layer, thermal layer, and only if it's windy, the shell. For my lower, I'll just use my uninsulated ski overalls and 32Heat base layer. On that kind of trip, I don't plan on ever being static for long periods, because I'm either going up, or I'm going down. I'll roll and pack my puffer in my pack, but I should never need to bust it out.
Great video, thanks for the info!
What an awesome video man!
❤ amazing video. thank you so much x
helpful and informative! keep up sir.
Thank you for this video
Really enjoyed this, nice one. This should be shown in any cold weather outdoor activities courses, not just military.
Thank you! That’s one of the reasons I made this vid. I’m not in the military but they do a great job of creating standards that are easy to follow. Figured this might help out any fellow outdoorsman.
@@KitCreep Does indeed. Truly great stuff. And you'd think that layering in very cold conditions is common sense, but like they say "that ain't so common anymore" 🙃😅
Not bad for a first video! I did some cold weather camping recently and made some changes to my layering system. Wish I'd known about this system then. Seems like it makes sense.
Thank you! I wish I learned how to layer a long time ago. But once you learn, you don’t have to sit around and wait for nice weather to enjoy the outdoors. Conquer all 4 seasons.
Very comprehensive although I still find it hard to keep track of all the different systems and different levels but you do a great job at explaining it.
I would highly recommend wool, particularly merino wool if itchy wool bothers you. It stays warm when wet like synthetic, but you can wear it over and over again on a multi day trip and it won't smell at all. I have merino base layers hats and sweaters that I use ski touring and hiking/camping in general. The army uses synthetic because it's cheap and works well but to the individual buyer, merino is great for a few dollars more.
Super informative content man. Can’t wait to see what you have in store!
Thanks man!
Great guide. Lots of new things I've learned, and I'm a lifelong AlaskanA
This is helpful thanks.
Очень интересный и подробный рассказ. Спасибо за информацию
Fan of these videos keep it up
Brilliant, you sound like one of my SERE instructors!
I also have an Arktis A192 stowaway, I love it so much
Great stuff! Thank you :)
Amazing. Thank you
Another thing about using zippers instead of velcro is velcro tends to be very loud when having to retrieve something from one of the pockets compared to a zipper where you can slowly open it without as much noise for when you find yourself in a sticky situation and are nearby enemy combatants.
Very helpful !
Go out there and s***** conditions and learn... That's a good stopping point
And it applies to everything 👍thx
Absolutely 10/10 vid, sub'd
thatnks for the vid. might use some of this for work.
Coming from northern (Manitoba) this is excellent advise.
I grew up in a semi arctic environment, Then I moved, I kind of miss it, crazy as that is. Feels powerful to tromp around in minus 40
Fantastic video! As a french "chasseur alpin" (mountain warfare infantry) i couldn't agree more. You said everything that needed to be said. We have this kind of instructions in the french mountain troops but this is not as good as you explain it 👌🏻
You have a new subscriber now and if you allow me I'll be glad to use your content as a support for my futur lessons that I give to young recruits about clod layering !
Cheers from France 🇨🇵
Thank you! I’m glad that you thought I explained it so well from your professional perspective. I did my best to make sure this could help anyone learn to layer, including new recruits.
7e Varces-Allières-et-Risset?
@@alexsmart5452 absolument 👍🏻
Well made vid bro
Well done
Excellent video bro. What I would like to see. A chow kit and cook. In the field. Cheers 🍻
Thank you. I’ve been itching to go on some overnighters.
Cool new channel, nice video.
Thanks and welcome
Thank you
Puffy jackets are absolutely the way to go. They've been around long to enough to where they're cheap now. The Ghost Whisper is wicked lite, but I just got a solid one for $20 for my lady from Costco. It's always with me.
loved how informative and interesting you made your first vid. have now subscribed. look forward to more. only wish the system was more available in the uk..i want the monster parka in XL...!!!
I hear you. There’s some cool stuff from your guys’ neck of the woods I wish I could get my hands on. Getting the right size is even worse. Glad I found a field smock in my size though. And thank you!
@@KitCreep hey i collect alot of military gear. what are you after? maybe we could do swaps on any.
The origin of multiple layer systems started in the mid-1970s when we started being issued a jacket that was the liner for the parka. It was understood that in the cold of idaho, where I was stationed at the time, intermediate levels of protection would be more productive. And yes it was a slow process, it is the US military after all, till they finally found an outlet to actually teach them how to layer. And they got heavy into it by the late 90s early 2000s. Especially when they were starting to do a lot more work in desert as well as cold climates. I've picked up a number of the long sleeve t-shirt things and I'm surprised at how comfortable they are at relatively high temperatures.
I use woolen sweater around the year because the material breaths so well