Mountaineering Equipment

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A third layer can be added depending upon the climatic conditions.
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In severe wet conditions, a waterproof type sock can be added to reduce the amount of water
that would saturate the foot. This layer would be worn over the first two layers if conditions
were extremely wet.
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In extremely cold conditions a vapor barrier sock can be worn either over both of the original
pairs of socks or between the hydrophobic layer and the insulating layer. If the user is
wearing VB boots, the vapor barrier sock is not recommended.

UNDERWEAR
3-5. Underwear should also be made of materials that move moisture from the body. Many civilian
companies manufacture this type of underwear. The primary material in this product is polyester, which
moves moisture from the body to the outer layers keeping the user drier and more comfortable in all
climatic conditions. In colder environments, several pairs of long underwear of different thickness should
be made available. A lightweight set coupled with a heavyweight set will provide a multitude of layering
combinations.

INSULATING LAYERS
3-6. Insulating layers are those layers that are worn over the underwear and under the outer layers of
clothing. Insulating layers provide additional warmth when the weather turns bad. For the most part,
today’s insulating layers will provide for easy moisture movement as well as trap air to increase the
insulating factor. The insulating layers that are presently available are referred to as pile or fleece. The
ECWCS (Figure 3-2) also incorporates the field jacket and field pants liner as additional insulating layers.
However, these two components do not move moisture as effectively as the pile or fleece.

OUTER LAYERS
3-7. The ECWCS provides a jacket and pants made of a durable waterproof fabric. Both are constructed
with a nylon shell with a laminated breathable membrane attached. This membrane allows the garment to
release moisture to the environment while the nylon shell provides a degree of water resistance during rain
and snow. The nylon also acts as a barrier to wind, which helps the garment retain the warm air trapped by
the insulating layers. Leaders at all levels must understand the importance of wearing the
ECWCS correctly.
Note: Cotton layers must not be included in any layer during operations in a cold environment.

26 July 2012

TC 3-97.61

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