ECWCS makes some good gear. Level 2 aka “waffles” or the cold weather gloves.
Wasn’t trying to say they’re a brand. They use polartec technology from what I recall though.
I love the ECWCS, but it’s not a brand. It’s a layering system developed by the US military.
Personally, the waffle top is one of my favorite tops ever. It’s hard to beat. The bottoms are pretty great, too.
@Benn
Yea I kept a pair from when I got out.
Merlin said:
@Benn
Yea I kept a pair from when I got out.
Tactically acquired* 
EWCS isn’t a brand, they don’t make gear. It’s a system designed do do a thing.
Where does one buy military surplus these days? All the surplus stores around here closed down, one by one. Is there a website that killed them off? I mean a surplus website, not just Amazon in general.
@August
You can find a lot on eBay, and there are a few other surplus websites floating around.
@August
You’ll find the best prices if you go to the nearest military base and check out the army surplus stores there
@August
Out behind the barracks, or at the PX
@August
Not sure tbh
@August
I just ordered an IMSS from McGuire Army Navy. Not the best selection of stuff I’ve seen but the IMSS I ordered was in decent shape
Milsurp is always half decent at least
Hadi said:
Milsurp is always half decent at least
[deleted]
Hadi said:
Milsurp is always half decent at least
[deleted]
All good points but to counter: all Military Gear of the modern era is based on the best outdoors or Military gear recently used. Bdus came from cargos and hiking pants. Combat boots are made for long distance marches and hikes, etc. All in all you won’t get the BEST out of Military Gear but unless you go and get something really not meant for what you’re using it for you won’t get the worst. I got a lot of Flecktarn (yes I’m a Flecktarn enjoyer.) Gear and supplement it with 80’s and 90’s US woodland gear or Modern US equipment. Does it look aesthetic? NO! But does it do the job of keeping me warm and comfy on a hike in late autumn? And holding all the equipment I need? Yes.
The really Gucci military surplus is stuff like Arcteryx LEAF, Patagonia MARS, Patagonia Lost Arrow, Patagonia Forgeline Solutions, Outdoor Research Military, Kelty Military, and Sitka Arrowhead.
I have a lot of this stuff, and it’s better than what they have at REI. For instance, Arcteryx LEAF is made in small batches. For example, I have a multicam jacket called a LEAF Atom SV, and Arcteryx only made 300. Better materials and construction. It’s much better than the mass produced military gear.
Patagonia PCU is ok but not as good as Patagonia Mars. It’s a step up from General Issue, though, and it’s super cheap now. I’m not sure how it compares to the later ECWCS. This website has good info about how to use one of these layering systems. They all work like the original PCU:
The only piece that I found that was better, cheaper than commercial gear was the shortie legs, overall fleece ~pants because they mitigate gaps
The Massif fire resistant series of jackets and trousers were some of the best gear I was ever issued by the Army. I think I first got it in 2012 on my way to Afghanistan and it was a regular staple after that.
@Rory
I had some aviation jacket named under IWOL I think. But I gave it to someone I knew who didn’t have it.
You really want the Outdoor Research stuff with the PolarTec Alpha insulation.