Details & Features of the ECWCS Generation III Level 1 Sand Thermal Under Garments:

ECWCS stands for 'Extended Cold Weather Clothing System' and was developed by the U.S. Military to provide it's soldiers with a clothing system to get them through any weather situation they might encounter in the field.  From sand storms to blizzards and rain this gear will take it all.  The system is a layering system designed to keep it's wearer comfortable through a wide range of temperatures and conditions. Layering allows for adding or removing of layers to adjust to the body's temperature needs avoiding hypothermia which allows for peak performance in the field.  There are currently 7 layers in this system and the items for sale here are Layer 1, or the Base Layer also referred to as the Silk Weight top and bottom.  The Base Layer is worn next to the skin by itself or in conjuction with other levels for added insulation and to aid in the transfer of moisture, they are designed to wick moisture and to provide protection from the elements.  It 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 in previous ECWS systems.  

How does Polartect® Power Dry®work? 
Moisture and high relative humidity next to the skin causes discomfort.  Polartec Power Dry keeps the skin dry through three complimentary mechanisms:
1.  Breathable:  The fabric is highly breathable and does not restrict the movement of moisture vapor
2.  Moisture Wicking:  'Touch points' on the fabric's inner surface draw off the sweat.  Sweat is wicked off the skin to the outside of the fabric where it spreads rapidly for evaporation.  Polartec Power Dry fabrics move at least 30% more moisture away from the skin than single component fabrics.
3.  Spreads & Evaporates:  When the sweat reaches the outside of the fabric, it spreads out to many times its original surface areas, enabling it to dry at least 2 times faster than cotton.

Features:

• PowerDry® fabric allows fabric to absorb any moisture from the body and dry quickly
• Machine washable
• Warmth without weight
• Very comfortable next to the skin
• All seams double reinforced for durability and longevity of garment
• Drawers have an elastic waistband and access fly
  
• contoured long tail undershirt for additional protection from the elements
  
• Thumb holes aid in donning multiple layers (thumb holes only in PolarTec which is 98% of our inventory).
  
• Reduced chaffing and increased comfort during movement
  
• All garments here made by US Government contracted manufacturer with Contract # and NSN# on tags

What is the ECWCS Generation III:  The third generation of the Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS-III) is a radical re-design of the cold weather clothing system for the U.S. Army.  It is based on layering systems believed to be the most effective by mountaineering professionals and incorporates 7 layers of clothing.  Each piece fits and functions either alone or together as a layering system to provide the most effective options in the lightest weight possible to soldiers.  It is 33% more compressible, 25% lighter and is rated as significantly more comfortable.  It is more versatile and includes functional features that allow the Soldier to adapt to varying mission requirements and environmental conditions ranging between -40 to +60 degrees Fahrenheit.  The U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division field tested 18,000 of the ECWCS-III systems in Afghanistan in the fall of 2006 with great reviews, hence it is the most current ECWCS system in the US Army to date.

Components of the ECWCS Generation III System:

• Level 1:  Base layer silk weight shirt and long underwear worn next to skin or by itself or in conunction with other levels for added insulation and to aid in the transfer of moisture  This Level (1) For Sale Here, see description above
  
• Level 2:  Base layer Mid-Weight shirt and long underwear worn next to skin by itself or in conjunction with other levels for added insulation and to aid in the the transfer of moisture.
  
• Level 3:  High-loft Polartec® Fleece jacket Primary insulation layer, worn underneath shell layers or as an out garment in cool condition
  
• Level 4:  Jacket shell, designed for wear under body armor worn in transitional environments to provide wind and sand protection
  
• Level 5:  Jacket and trouser shell level to be worn with base and insulative levels for use in moderate to cold conditions
• Level 6:  Jacket and trouser waterproof barrier designed to be worn over other levels in moderate to cold wet conditions alternating between freezing and thawing
• Level 7:  Soft Shell Insulative layer for use during static operations in extreme cold and dry conditions