Cold Weather Layering like US Special Forces | The Protective Combat Uniform

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.