ECWCS Gore-Tex Pants

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ECWCS pants (trousers)
Click to buy online
from Brigade Quartermasters

ECWCS Gore-Tex Pants
Reviewed by: Bill Ames
Where to buy: Brigade Quartermasters, Army/Navy Stores
Cost: $175

These are great, and I haven't found another pair of waterproof-breathable outer shells out there for anywhere near the price.

If you plan on being out in the cold, then you'll need to use multiple layers--a wicking layer against your skin (like polypropylene or capilene) a layer in between, and a breathable outer shell. The outer shell keeps rain, snow and sleet out, but lets sweat escape, and this makes a big difference when it's at or below freezing.

The ECWCS system is all-encompassing, and I do recommend several of the other components as well. These work well by themselves, though, and I often use them year round since they're cool in the spring and fall, but warm in the winter with my polypropylene long johns underneath. This is all I wear down to about 20 degrees, but your mileage may vary.

Some of the nice features of the ECWCS pants are:
Zippered calves for quickly getting over boots
Velcro keeps at the ankles to keep snow out
Windproof/Waterproof with sealed seams
Pass-through pockets
Made in the USA!

Accessories you'll want:

ARMY POLYPROPYLENE THICK THERMAL PANTS	ARMY POLYPROPYLENE THICK THERMAL ZIP TOP

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