The GEN III ECWCS Soft Shell Cold Weather Jacket and Trousers are designed for use in cold weather conditions as a soft shell layer combined with other base and insulation layers. The Generation III Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (GENIII ECWCS) was designed to be functional in multiple cold weather climates and activities. It consists of a multi-layered insulating system that allows the Soldier to adapt to varying mission requirements and environmental conditions. New materials offer a greater range of breathability and environmental protection providing greater versatility in meeting Soldiers’ needs. The GEN III ECWCS design is more compatible with body armour than previous cold weather clothing.
During extensive field testing in the state of Alaska around 600 elite troops made up of US Rangers and Navy SEALS were asked to test a number of garments made from the latest modern technical fabrics, they choose EPIC.
EPIC was then extensively tested in the United States Army Soldier Systems Center (Natick) to assess its performance attributes. The field test programme was then rolled out to the US army.
The result was that in August 2007 when the Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) was fielded by the US Army, and EPIC was chosen in two of the seven layers for a wind/cold weather jacket, soft shell jacket and trousers. The 12 components of the GEN III ECWCS include a lightweight undershirt and drawers, mid-weight shirt and drawers, fleece cold weather jacket, wind cold weather jacket, soft shell jacket and trousers, extreme cold/wet weather jacket and trousers, extreme cold weather parka and trousers.
EPIC by Nextec® is a unique encapsulation technology that delivers all weather performance to woven textiles. EPIC technology recognises the challenge of providing ultimate solutions for climate protection and wearer comfort, without compromising the use of modern natural and synthetic fabrics. EPIC fabric have been chosen for military clothing, tents & sleeping bags.