I have a friend who is a retired Navy Seal. He was a survival instructor in Alaska. Their winter sleep system was the MSS Bivy and Patrol (green) Bag combined with this set of parka and pants.
I can vouch for this parka. I wore it during a -40 degree windchill on top of some other warm layering and was absolutely comfortable walking around. I'm going to wear it in Northern Michigan for our deer hunt and I'm confident it will keep me warm all day.
It was around -30 F (-60 windchill) last week in St. Paul, Minnesota. I went for a walk with what I had and decided it was time to look for something new.
I keep a set in my car during the winter in case I get stuck. Even here in buffalo it's too warm to use as active wear. But if your static in 0 deg around ish weather this system rocks.
Of all the RUclips channels & experts . I honestly believe that you are the only channel giving advice on a multitude of products that myself and the public can know we're not getting taken for a ride and sold on something that isn't worth while. Your honest shows that you can be totally trusted on your reviews. Basically your word is Gospel Truth 100%. Thank you for you absolute honesty on your reviews.
Just picked up the parka to complete my set. I also found the booties too. The parka and pants will serve me well. I plow snow during the winter and I'm all set. Thanks for another great review. I have to watch your vids on the downlow cause my wife is going to kill me if I buy one more thing...oh well who wants to live forever
Excellent review Luke... Being prior USSF, I can say you did and outstanding job...have used top and bottom in -15 with a chill factor of -31 and did not get cold whatsoever...but keep in mind that was with L1 thru L7...Have a Blessed Day, my friend
I just got the parka and took it for a test here in Maine. It was 15 degrees and feels like 12 to 9 degrees with windchill. I went for a mile walk and just in a synthetic t-shirt I was sweating. Interesting enough my sweat did not make me cold in this! Warmest jacket I have ever owned hands down.
For me it has worked great for times I was not moving, such as hunting in a tree-stand. Walking in this set up, burns me up unless I am only wearing my underwear.
I have a set and bought it brand new at Quinn's in Saskatoon for 200.00. Don't regret paying the price. Durable,super warm and made well. Am going to try using it instead of a sleeping bag during a winter camping trip. Will post notes upon return. Strength and honour!
@ spent night outside at -17 Celsius. Long underwear, ecwcs parka and pants and sleeping mat inside bivy sack. Toasty night. Wasn’t a fan of the hood,but made do.
The level 7 pants and part in coat is like wearing a sleeping bag I don't know I compare them to like God it's you cannot live without these pants in the cold they are really really truly amazing
I have used it as a sleep system and it does a fine job. Add wool socks and the booties, and you have it made. I still used a light wool blanket, just because I like a cover over me, and I wanted to make sure that no sparks landed on me and ruined the system. The temperature I used them at was 19f and windy.
Bro, Love your vid, as I had to see what you say about these. Your spot on and this I know. I used these and felt like I lost my dog, after turning in prior to retirement. Forget those with negative comments, this is not for the rich, and its not over priced. Thanks for representing the military with spot on assessment's. You truly have a knack for the doing good vids, "goodluck."
I have the whole extreme cold weather system ... but I live in Northern Minnesota. It’s extremely awesome. A great option especially when one cannot afford the high end expensive brands like North Face, etc...
I got the whole system too and, having done that, came up against its limitations. I now view ECWCS as a entry point into technical clothing. I've filled in the gaps with a few specialized vests from the premium brands. Arcteryx garments are quite sophisticated in what they can each accomplish when paired intelligently. A superlight insulated vest like the Atom SL would be well-received by tactical users, I think.
@reallyhappenings5597 I understand using a puffer jacket instead of a fleece jacket but I don't understand vests. I live in northwest Alberta, and never had a use for a vest
I was looking at this piece of Equipment last week... Your video confirmed my initial research.....Thanks brother I'll be ordering this tomorrow after I figure out what size I am haha
slept in it,parka,pants and the U.S.M.C.issue boots.Supper warm,stuck in a van at a rest stop on Rt.81 North, south of Syracuse NY. Waiting out the white out.Got to -12, I was over warm,unzipped parka, good to go.
Primaloft being a synthetic is best for when you’re moving. Natural down is better for bag. I know u know this, so no insult. I love the channel and passion for surplus!
Ok i got my level 7 pants and top for $45. I may Never need it here in Alabama but for that price i couldnt turn it down. Your review did it for me. Thks
I'm from Minnesota. 3 decades now. Done a lot of research on cold weather systems. This is level 7 for a reason. There's a wheel of weather showing what layers lv 1 thru 7 to wear in different temperatures and while active or idle. the seven level system was designed to know exactly the attire needed in every situation in inhospitable environments. Neglecting the other layers completely eliminates the true comfort a complete set that's recommended for your activity and temperatures. We do get negative 50 here on occasion. Negative 30 is expected. These items are not for most, simply because of environment, but for the adventurous ones Minnesota and North, these items ARE freedom. Freedom that tundra tries her damnedest to us from.
I bought the "non"-USGI vest made by Brooklyn Armed Forces which is derived from the ECWCS/PCU systems. I think vests are really overlooked in a modular clothing system because they add that extra warmth without restricting movement. A vest is usually all I need to bring for extra flexibility. And I have multiple vests in multiple sizes to pair with whatever my existing layering setup may be.
I live in Tennessee I have this in my inventory for winter bug out. It sure beats what i was issued for team sprited in Korea in the 1985. I believe it will work great with a lite sleeping bag in the winter in Tennessee. With or without a fire.
Hey bro. I live in west quebec near Ottawa. We get temps at night of around -30 and colder sometimes. I use army surplus cold weather bag, snowshoes, and the works. Love your vids, but I notice most of them are angled towards people with a bit of money. Some of us don't even have the 50 to spend on a pair of army pants. Maybe you could do a "poor mans" gearset like I have. Canadian tire axe.. Sweaters and a farm coat and mechanics overalls. Snowmobile boots... That kind of thing. Farmer gearset. Know what I mean?
Winter van life? Most people just aren't going to need this much insulation. When it's this cold, most people just look out the window and say, "Yeah, nah, eff going outside."
Total awesome I have the jacket but I like the pants enough to buy them thanks for sharing Luke and agreed it could replace a sleeping bag for ultra light hiking.
That parka is excellent. Trying talk my kids into buying me one for Christmas can get one at Joint Base M.D.L. in Jersey.Son and son in law can get one at uniform supply.They are still in Army..We had NOTHING like this when I served in Army,NOTHING! Put that parka under a water proof shell. All you need.
I have these pants. They are super warm. Luke is going to hate me for saying that I got them from sportsmansguide. They still have them new issue, $45. Well worth the cash, even if you hate the SG. I use mine to shovel in crazy cold Northern Michigan weather and will use them this winter as part of a sleep system to winter camp. Awesome. I wish I had the coat, too, but I have a lot of other down Patagonia, Northface jackets that are equal.....and I am getting a boss full wool suit from Russia!!
Canadian army arctic parka and bib pants are much more warmer. -60°c rated with all the layers. We have a pretty good fleece (comfy af) layer as well. This is equivalent to our ICE parka and pants Good to -30°c.
Hi, Without the fleece jacket, how does the ECWCS parka compare to the M65 field jacket with the M65 liner??. Without "proper layering". I live in the Foothills of the Great Smokey Mountains. I think the coldest I have seen it here during an artic blast here is in the single digits. I am just trying to compare my M65 jacket to what is out there. After 40 degrees "F". my field jacket starts to lose its comfort, after 30 degrees "F" my M65 makes me wish I had something better. My M65 will keep me alive here, but not comfortable.
Im not completely sure about the sleeping bag replacement. I tried to sleep in Snugpak Softie pants and Sasquatch jacket in -5°C inside 3 season mode of Litefighter tent. +I covered myself with two woobies and after 2 hours of sleep i woke up freezing and had to jump inside the bag eventualy. The issue is even when you have extra cold clothing you still loosing the body warmth. Fact is That i used the mentioned winter sleeping bag (base camp ops lite version) as an pad replacement cause I could not afford one ať the time. Planning to try Modular sleeping system in the winter.
Very good ! Size wise ,do they assume your fully layered up ,ie a medium size parka will assume a medium size man layered up ? And are the pants similar with waist and length ? Thanks , great videos , your the only one that discusses the improved version of the sleeping bag system in such depth . Nice one ☝🏻
Luke!!!! How big are you and what size coat do you wear. I have the pants already and just found a great deal on the coat but I dont know what size. I have the pants in Large, and they are a tad too big, I am 5' 10" 162lbs. I want the coat but need your input, brother! and, NO the coat is NOT from the SG!!! haha! Cheers!
Luke i noticed the o pants are medium..is the parka medium too?also whats your height-weight?..im trying to figure out what size i should order...in level 1 us army issue i fit both in medium regular and large regular..im somewhere between these 2..not too small not too big..i think i will go for a medium one ...
IMO, the newer fleece is inferior to the older black fleece (which replaced the itchy bear suit). It's just thicker, allows better ventilation, etc. I have the newer pants and jacket of the Level 7 Gen III but for outdoor use, I still like the N3B parka. I keep my set, and decent snow boots and Air Force arctic mittens in my Jeep.
I have a question for anyone that can answer I just picked up this parka at Goodwill for 12 bucks fits perfect but I washed it and I'm wondering if I should spray Scotchgard or waterproofing or something like that on its I live here Minnesota and would like to have it Some what water resistant or do you think it will be just fine...... also did you take off the velcro? Mine has it on I'm wondering if I should take it off.
Does anyone by chance have the weight of the parka and pants? I personally love the idea of using it as a sleep system especially for something like a bail out bag. It allows you to stay warm and move quickly without being confined
TOGR Patches are available now;
www.theoutdoorgearreview.com/p/support-us.html
They are going fast folks.
Thank you all for the support.
- Luke
How does this jacket hold up in heavy rain or wet snow?
I have a friend who is a retired Navy Seal. He was a survival instructor in Alaska. Their winter sleep system was the MSS Bivy and Patrol (green) Bag combined with this set of parka and pants.
I can vouch for this parka. I wore it during a -40 degree windchill on top of some other warm layering and was absolutely comfortable walking around. I'm going to wear it in Northern Michigan for our deer hunt and I'm confident it will keep me warm all day.
It was around -30 F (-60 windchill) last week in St. Paul, Minnesota. I went for a walk with what I had and decided it was time to look for something new.
This is good at -70 in Fairbanks ak
I keep a set in my car during the winter in case I get stuck. Even here in buffalo it's too warm to use as active wear. But if your static in 0 deg around ish weather this system rocks.
Keeping this gear in the car is a smart idea. - Luke
I'm planning on using this for when I'm working on towers in Buffalo.
Of all the RUclips channels & experts . I honestly believe that you are the only channel giving advice on a multitude of products that myself and the public can know we're not getting taken for a ride and sold on something that isn't worth while. Your honest shows that you can be totally trusted on your reviews. Basically your word is Gospel Truth 100%. Thank you for you absolute honesty on your reviews.
Just picked up the parka to complete my set. I also found the booties too. The parka and pants will serve me well. I plow snow during the winter and I'm all set. Thanks for another great review. I have to watch your vids on the downlow cause my wife is going to kill me if I buy one more thing...oh well who wants to live forever
I wear the set for ice fishing. Keeps my core so warm that my hands don't get cold. Great stuff, just remember that the jackets run very large.
Excellent review Luke... Being prior USSF, I can say you did and outstanding job...have used top and bottom in -15 with a chill factor of -31 and did not get cold whatsoever...but keep in mind that was with L1 thru L7...Have a Blessed Day, my friend
I just got the parka and took it for a test here in Maine. It was 15 degrees and feels like 12 to 9 degrees with windchill. I went for a mile walk and just in a synthetic t-shirt I was sweating. Interesting enough my sweat did not make me cold in this! Warmest jacket I have ever owned hands down.
For me it has worked great for times I was not moving, such as hunting in a tree-stand. Walking in this set up, burns me up unless I am only wearing my underwear.
I have a set and bought it brand new at Quinn's in Saskatoon for 200.00. Don't regret paying the price. Durable,super warm and made well.
Am going to try using it instead of a sleeping bag during a winter camping trip. Will post notes upon return.
Strength and honour!
Soooo. Any notes?
@ spent night outside at -17 Celsius. Long underwear, ecwcs parka and pants and sleeping mat inside bivy sack. Toasty night.
Wasn’t a fan of the hood,but made do.
The level 7 pants and part in coat is like wearing a sleeping bag I don't know I compare them to like God it's you cannot live without these pants in the cold they are really really truly amazing
I have used it as a sleep system and it does a fine job. Add wool socks and the booties, and you have it made. I still used a light wool blanket, just because I like a cover over me, and I wanted to make sure that no sparks landed on me and ruined the system. The temperature I used them at was 19f and windy.
Bro,
Love your vid, as I had to see what you say about these. Your spot on and this I know. I used these and felt like I lost my dog, after turning in prior to retirement. Forget those with negative comments, this is not for the rich, and its not over priced. Thanks for representing the military with spot on assessment's. You truly have a knack for the doing good vids, "goodluck."
Own this, love this. It's my go-to for all winter outdoor activities where I live (northeast Asia). Excellent review BTW. 👍
I have the whole extreme cold weather system ... but I live in Northern Minnesota. It’s extremely awesome. A great option especially when one cannot afford the high end expensive brands like North Face, etc...
I got the whole system too and, having done that, came up against its limitations. I now view ECWCS as a entry point into technical clothing. I've filled in the gaps with a few specialized vests from the premium brands. Arcteryx garments are quite sophisticated in what they can each accomplish when paired intelligently. A superlight insulated vest like the Atom SL would be well-received by tactical users, I think.
@reallyhappenings5597 I understand using a puffer jacket instead of a fleece jacket but I don't understand vests. I live in northwest Alberta, and never had a use for a vest
Really glad you made a review on this. I have been considering the trousers and jacket for a while now.
The fleece is absolutely uselss. The level 7 has saved me many times
Does it wear large or average for its size?
I was looking at this piece of Equipment last week... Your video confirmed my initial research.....Thanks brother I'll be ordering this tomorrow after I figure out what size I am haha
Thanks bro 😎! Keep them coming.
Have some super light weight gear but very warm.Yeah baby😊
slept in it,parka,pants and the U.S.M.C.issue boots.Supper warm,stuck in a van at a rest stop on Rt.81 North, south of Syracuse NY. Waiting out the white out.Got to -12, I was over warm,unzipped parka, good to go.
Looking forward to seeing you review the Helikon L7 jacket in comparison to this jacket!
Primaloft being a synthetic is best for when you’re moving. Natural down is better for bag. I know u know this, so no insult. I love the channel and passion for surplus!
Everything we found on eBay is $150 to $200 ! Wow
Then times that by 12 for each piece
@@69newportking Something wrong with you bro?
You can get these all day long for 60 bucks on Ebay.
I like it when you call a fleece zip up and a puffa jacket a 'system'. That's cool. No wonder the army uses it.
Ok i got my level 7 pants and top for $45. I may Never need it here in Alabama but for that price i couldnt turn it down. Your review did it for me. Thks
Good quality gear and it is warm.
Great Vid Man, Keep up the quality content
Thanks for this video Luke. I have been hoping to see this for a while. I would like to see the whole system eventualy.
I'm from Minnesota. 3 decades now. Done a lot of research on cold weather systems. This is level 7 for a reason. There's a wheel of weather showing what layers lv 1 thru 7 to wear in different temperatures and while active or idle. the seven level system was designed to know exactly the attire needed in every situation in inhospitable environments. Neglecting the other layers completely eliminates the true comfort a complete set that's recommended for your activity and temperatures. We do get negative 50 here on occasion. Negative 30 is expected. These items are not for most, simply because of environment, but for the adventurous ones Minnesota and North, these items ARE freedom. Freedom that tundra tries her damnedest to us from.
I bought the "non"-USGI vest made by Brooklyn Armed Forces which is derived from the ECWCS/PCU systems. I think vests are really overlooked in a modular clothing system because they add that extra warmth without restricting movement. A vest is usually all I need to bring for extra flexibility. And I have multiple vests in multiple sizes to pair with whatever my existing layering setup may be.
Put on the silk base layer, waffles, fleece top, and level 7 layer and you'd probably overheat at the south pole in winter.
Thank you for sharing this with us. This could be a good fit with my gear.
Since the shitters are always so far away, I climb into this naked to go pee at night
Absolute Veteran hooah!
I hate you for showing me this cause now I want it.
Alaska winters really exposed these if they are on their own. If you follow the layering ECWCS guide, they will work.
Yes from Wisconsin - I bet that would be a great icefishing coat - not so nice that you worry about getting some nice fish guts on you !!
And since it's just nylon (?) and polyfill, you just throw it in the washer and it comes out clean. Nice simple solution and *cheap* for its warmth.
Looks good for Canadian winters
Fantastic, thank you
Come to Minnesota bro in January to February for testing. you don't have to camp out at all.
It looks good on you brother that system is awesome for Alaska
I live in Tennessee I have this in my inventory for winter bug out. It sure beats what i was issued for team sprited in Korea in the 1985. I believe it will work great with a lite sleeping bag in the winter in Tennessee. With or without a fire.
I grew up in NY in winter it gets col I could have used that parka then in winter I always freeze no matter the temp I am cold God Bless you
Here in Britain we get given the softie jacket and trousers they are like a sleeping bag
👍 I could use it. I would add a fur ruff to the hood, just like the Inuit did to their hoods. Keep ya nice & warm
I would like to see an over nighter in that gear! Great price!
Hey bro. I live in west quebec near Ottawa.
We get temps at night of around -30 and colder sometimes.
I use army surplus cold weather bag, snowshoes, and the works.
Love your vids, but I notice most of them are angled towards people with a bit of money. Some of us don't even have the 50 to spend on a pair of army pants.
Maybe you could do a "poor mans" gearset like I have.
Canadian tire axe..
Sweaters and a farm coat and mechanics overalls.
Snowmobile boots... That kind of thing.
Farmer gearset. Know what I mean?
Parkas now are over 100 and trousers 40-50 at least.
Winter van life? Most people just aren't going to need this much insulation. When it's this cold, most people just look out the window and say, "Yeah, nah, eff going outside."
Total awesome I have the jacket but I like the pants enough to buy them thanks for sharing Luke and agreed it could replace a sleeping bag for ultra light hiking.
That parka is excellent. Trying talk my kids into buying me one for Christmas can get one at Joint Base M.D.L. in Jersey.Son and son in law can get one at uniform supply.They are still in Army..We had NOTHING like this when I served in Army,NOTHING! Put that parka under a water proof shell. All you need.
Miss the fur around the hood .
I have these pants. They are super warm. Luke is going to hate me for saying that I got them from sportsmansguide. They still have them new issue, $45. Well worth the cash, even if you hate the SG. I use mine to shovel in crazy cold Northern Michigan weather and will use them this winter as part of a sleep system to winter camp. Awesome. I wish I had the coat, too, but I have a lot of other down Patagonia, Northface jackets that are equal.....and I am getting a boss full wool suit from Russia!!
you guys need to make them for -60 too -80 below in alaska
We like to call those our "marshmallow suits" :)
Thanks nice 👍 demanstration.
Great video I have the usmc one it's called the happy suit it's in brown super warm I'm happy with mines
just bought the pants un issued for 89 canadian dollars tags still on it. sadly my surplus store was out of jackets.
Oh, I see you got a medium, but how big are you? Did you say that in the vid??
Canadian army arctic parka and bib pants are much more warmer. -60°c rated with all the layers. We have a pretty good fleece (comfy af) layer as well. This is equivalent to our ICE parka and pants Good to -30°c.
I have the pants. The best. Where did you get the outer jacket without the velcro on the chest? All seem to have it.
Hi, Without the fleece jacket, how does the ECWCS parka compare to the M65 field jacket with the M65 liner??. Without "proper layering". I live in the Foothills of the Great Smokey Mountains. I think the coldest I have seen it here during an artic blast here is in the single digits. I am just trying to compare my M65 jacket to what is out there. After 40 degrees "F". my field jacket starts to lose its comfort, after 30 degrees "F" my M65 makes me wish I had something better. My M65 will keep me alive here, but not comfortable.
If you use it as a sleeping system don’t forget to add the matching booties
I know from experience that the inside pockets will hold a total of 4 subway foot longs
Im not completely sure about the sleeping bag replacement. I tried to sleep in Snugpak Softie pants and Sasquatch jacket in -5°C inside 3 season mode of Litefighter tent. +I covered myself with two woobies and after 2 hours of sleep i woke up freezing and had to jump inside the bag eventualy. The issue is even when you have extra cold clothing you still loosing the body warmth. Fact is That i used the mentioned winter sleeping bag (base camp ops lite version) as an pad replacement cause I could not afford one ať the time. Planning to try Modular sleeping system in the winter.
Not $30-$70 .. but it is well worth it for cold safety.
I ordered the wrong oil skin slicker is didn't come with a inner lining so now I gotta buy 1 to wear under my slicker
lol did these really use to go for 30 dollars? I bought one for 120 euros and it's already a good price
Have u had the time to test it as a sleep system ??
I like the candian army winter outer layer better. Its goretex. Wind proof. Nore durable.
I'm up in Cleveland,Oh and that would work great for here.
Parka is great, other than the zipper. 2 for 2 on failures, and common problem with ones on ebay.
Good honest review, looking at your back catalogue do you have a review on TD Down Range Hooded Jacket 2.1
Thanks
And do you have a link to a seller?
I have that jacket and love it
Very good ! Size wise ,do they assume your fully layered up ,ie a medium size parka will assume a medium size man layered up ? And are the pants similar with waist and length ? Thanks , great videos , your the only one that discusses the improved version of the sleeping bag system in such depth . Nice one ☝🏻
Luke!!!! How big are you and what size coat do you wear. I have the pants already and just found a great deal on the coat but I dont know what size. I have the pants in Large, and they are a tad too big, I am 5' 10" 162lbs. I want the coat but need your input, brother! and, NO the coat is NOT from the SG!!! haha! Cheers!
What size of the jacket and pants did you get and what do they each weigh?
What are pants that he’s wearing (not the military ones) but the brown ones. Thanks
Ahhh the marshmallow man suit! I still have mine.
Hi have you an webstie to buy the jacket + the pant in size S ? please
I dislike the elastic cuffs on the pants. You need to be able to pull your pants over your large winter boots in order to keep deep snow out
Hey Luke, do you know the weight of these things?
If '"Medium/ Regular" fits me with the (beforementioned) fleece jacket, "Medium / Regular" should be good with the parka as well, right?
limodrivermike yes !
How tall r u and weight, please? I am looking to get this as well. Thank u.
scored the jacket today at a thrift store in like new condition for $8. yay
We call it Big Puff in the Guard
Would you say you should buy a size down in the pants too? I'm 5'9", so maybe a medium?
Any chance you’ll review the Swedish Military Surplus M90 pants?
Luke i noticed the o
pants are medium..is the parka medium too?also whats your height-weight?..im trying to figure out what size i should order...in level 1 us army issue i fit both in medium regular and large regular..im somewhere between these 2..not too small not too big..i think i will go for a medium one ...
I never see it at that price or I would have it ..
The pants are great for putting on while wearing boots and rooy enough for what you are wearing side are and all
IMO, the newer fleece is inferior to the older black fleece (which replaced the itchy bear suit). It's just thicker, allows better ventilation, etc. I have the newer pants and jacket of the Level 7 Gen III but for outdoor use, I still like the N3B parka. I keep my set, and decent snow boots and Air Force arctic mittens in my Jeep.
Are there armpit zippers for ventilation?
Does the level 7 jacket wear large.
I have a question for anyone that can answer I just picked up this parka at Goodwill for 12 bucks fits perfect but I washed it and I'm wondering if I should spray Scotchgard or waterproofing or something like that on its I live here Minnesota and would like to have it Some what water resistant or do you think it will be just fine...... also did you take off the velcro? Mine has it on I'm wondering if I should take it off.
What size are you wearing there?
Does anyone by chance have the weight of the parka and pants?
I personally love the idea of using it as a sleep system especially for something like a bail out bag. It allows you to stay warm and move quickly without being confined
Any idea the gram rating of insulation?