ECWCS Fleece jackets

[Sgt. Mac]

Got one and love it

[SkogKniv]

I am using one zipped into my ecwcs parka. Working like a charm, and its below 0 tonight.

[Mattexian]

I've got one of the Gen1 "brown bear" liner jackets that as was mentioned earlier, ain't worth crap if the wind's blowing and you don't have the parka shell over it. Instead of the Gen2, I've got a Condor Alpha fleece jacket, that I love for the handy pockets and sleeve Velcro patches for showing off my morale patches (since I'm not in anymore).

Matt in Tx

[Howie]

have about 10 or so. one of my favorite clothing items for the mountains to school. durable, light, dries quick.

[Farmboy]

So they do need a "hard shell" over them to keep the wind out, or am I just being cold-blooded?

-Farm.

[wizard]

I never go out to the bush without a good shell and yes, the standard Polartec fleece is not windproof. The objective is to have it breathe, which it does alright, though not as well as a wool sweater.

The main thing for me is usefulness for the money and at around $25 it is hard to get anything that warm and well made in any material. Sure, I have better jackets and sweaters and shirts but they all cost quite a lot more. As I said in the first post, I am more of a wool person and prefer natural fabrics mostly. The fleece does have a place and it works well as a mid-layer item or as an outer jacket on many occasions. Still, the motivator for me was the price vs. some alternatives. They are starting to thin out at places like ebay, since they are no longer issued or made, there is a supply out there and it is selling out pretty quickly.

A good time to pick one up is now, if you are interested.

[ThomasA]

If you think the ECWCS fleece is equal to a north face, more power to ya. I hate the ECWCS. It doesnt cut wind for sh*t and it's bulky and too stretchy. It doesn't pack small either. I love that it's the ONLY option I have for a jacket other than the goretex shell, which is the complete opposite. Cuts wind, but sweats you to death.

[ThomasA]

OH just to contribute though. The condor fleece is AWESOME for the price tag. Check it out. I have the Sierra hoody and it's the bomb. Plenty of reviews on youtube for your viewing pleasure.

http://www.uscav.com/productinfo.asp...9320&tabid=548

http://www.uscav.com/productinfo.asp...0726&tabid=548

[captainamer]

ECWCS fleece is not designed to stop wind or be worn as an outter layer. Nor was the brown gen 1 Buffalo. These are designed as a insulating layer is what they told me in the marines during cold weather training and have proven this to myself repeatedly whike taking the dogs outside and i through one on no matter who made it, they are not a wind stopping jacket. :thumbup:

If you want a wind proof jacket then just get one.

Just my 2 cents

:beer:

[POGEYBAIT]

The ECWS fleece is a great jacket, but the north face jackets are finished better. I've owned several of each and wear them all the time. You can't beat the ECWS for the money.