Tru-Spec Men's H20 Proof Gen2 ECWCS Parka

EDITED AFTER FIELD TEST: Increased rating by one star. Note, this is the outermost layer of a “system”, so civilians not familiar with the ECWCS might be disappointed. It has little, to no insulation value, but is wind and rainproof. You must layer it with base and/or insulation layers for warmth. As others have noted, the collar is quite large to accommodate the substantial hood. With the hood rolled into the collar, the collar is quite bulky and stiff. It is somewhat noisy. With Velcro closures and a plasticky (nylon) material, it’s a noisy garment. If extreme, close range stealth is a requirement, this may betray your location. However, in a field test last night in light rain - it was not as noisy as I'd feared. It is bulky. It was very warm last night - and I took this in my pack instead of my usual poncho. It took up most of my ruck space whereas my poncho consumes less than half the volume. However - it is a structured garment that will provide radically better protection than a poncho in cold weather. It is heavier than a poncho - 1035 grams vs 788g for a standard waterproof poncho. The inner layer is gray/blue which may be an issue for some. I’d prefer it be one of the marpat colours. It is not/cannot be true USMC MARPAT, no logo in pattern. But the pattern appears to be a near perfect copy. Mine is branded, in OD green thread, very sublty on the back, below the collar. This may or may not be a problem. It is very subtle and hardly noticeable. This may be an intentional tactic to distinguish the garment from issued Gen II ECWCS shells. It is nylon, so will be very vulnerable to sparks, embers, hot surfaces, barrels etc. Use with caution. Mine is XL-R, and is very roomy, I am 5’10 and 200 lbs, and fit. (VO2 max = 48). I can layer a lot under it. It works properly with rucks and tact vests. Not having yet tested in this in its intended environment, I can't say how well it will work in the cold - but I suspect I'll be appreciating it's bulk and substantial construction when the weather gets really nasty. Recommend if it fits your requirements.

2 years later and still working great! It's still pretty stiff and kind of loud when you move, but forgivable for the build quality and price point. The hood will cover a helmet no problem.

This is a reproduction of the U.S.G.I. Extended Cold Weather Clothing System Level 6 Parka. I also own the government issued version and I like it so much I bought this to have another one in a different colour. Generally I am quite pleased and the quality is good. I like that they have replaced the hook and loop (Velcro) from the chest pockets and used zippers instead. There are also zippers inside paralleling the main zipper to attach a liner and both of these are improvements over my other version of this parka. My complaint is with the liner, which is sold separately. First, it's sold separately and that is weak! Second, it has a metal snap is the back of the neck that does not line up with any attachment on the parka and metal on your neck in the winter is unpleasant. Third, it is lined with nylon and no winter coat should ever be lined with nylon. Fourth, it is very thin and not very warm. If this liner is Tru-Spec's version of the ECWCS Level 3 Fleece they totally failed. The government issued/surplus fleece is vastly superior and less expensive.

I loved the ECWS jackets so much, but the only one I had available was Army ACU which was inappropriate for use at our state park. I finally broke down and bought Tru-Spec's Gen 2 in Coyote/Brown. The jacket is lighter and despite my military size as a Large Regular, the Tru-Spec is a little tighter and smaller. It hangs just to my hip joint and the sleeves stop at my first thumb joint. My military cut is longer in the sleeve and cape, going to my knuckles in the sleeve and to my crotch/mid-thigh. The military ECWS is a little roomier (until you add the liner) and is designed to be worn with a base layer, level 1 shirt, liner and parka exterior. The Tru-Spec fits but over a shirt and maybe a sweater. I debated whether to return for a larger size or keep the "sportier" size for day-to-day wear. If you want the military size/cut order one size up. BTW: I decided to keep the jacket as I may spend all day long outside in the rain, but I go in at night. In the military, we would be out in the field for days or weeks at a time. The extra room is necessary.

For the money I have to say I am truly impressed. Very water resistant. Comfortable, minor exception being the collar when the hood is stowed. Durable. A bit bulky, but well worth it. This is as good an outer shell as anything I had in 23 years in the military. But keep in mind that it is part of a system. This will keep you warm and dry in wet weather but for snow, you will need to layer it with fleece etc under it according to conditions. Also, this is not for hunting. Might work in a tree stand but it’s noisy going through brush and whips. Don’t stray from wool while on the track. Zippers are stout. Velcro is robust. Closures and pockets are what you would expect although I might want a couple interior pockets. Just a great jacket for moderate weather. Or couple it with smart wool or fleece for extreme weather. Keep it away from embers!!!