In the 2000s, any time the weather got chilly, a LOT of Foliage green 504 or Tan 499 fleece jackets would emerge both on and off the army base. There's a good reason why - these things rock.
This jacket is the primary insulation layer for the Generation III extended cold weather clothing system (ECWCS), a tried-and-true set of equipment that is extremely functional and comfortable in any kind of weather. Constructed with Polartec® thermal fleece, it's light, quick to dry, breathable, and of course, warm as hell in the winter. In short, this isn't your mom's fleece. Think all function, no form. This is US Army issued gear after all.
It's simple features consist of two hoodie-styled front pockets, side panels constructed with a stretchy Power Dry grid fleece (also from Polartec®), nylon reinforcements, and areas on the chest for name tapes and rank.
ECWCS/PCU
The protective combat uniform or PCU is a prominent, versatile, and fantastic bang-for-buck US surplus goldmine of incredibly useful clothing. You can read more about the rest of the system in an article here, and see an excellent use guide here.
Specs
- Made in the USA
- Double-needle bar raschel warp knit, high pile, double velour 100% virgin filament polyester (typically Polartec® Thermal Pro style 4060)
- Nylon reinforced shoulders, collar, and elbows
- Full zippered front opening with wind protection flap
- Two internal mesh chest pockets
- Two hoodie-style pockets
- Polartec® Power Dry grid fleece side panels for added stretch
Sizing:
The sizing follows the US army's standardized sizing system, which will stay the same across all other uniform pieces you purchase. If you know your US shirt size, that will typically work for the main size. For the length portion, this is mostly determined by your height.
'Short' — 5'5" - 5'8"
'Regular' — 5'8" - 5'11"
'Long' — 5'11" - 6'2"
'Extra Long' — 6'3" - 6'5"+
A vast majority of people will choose the "regular" length, which changes slightly across garments to keep desired proportions. Taller folks with shorter torsos may wish to stick with "regular" length as well.
Condition:
Fleece Jackets are in excellent condition with all hardware intact, and with no stains, blemishes, cuts, or tears on the jacket.