I hope you like acronyms, because you're about to learn a bunch of them. It wouldn't be true USGI surplus without enough acronyms to make the military industrial complex's head spin, would it?
Many surplus stores mistake this one as another member of the US gen 3 Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS), but it's a little different and a little less known. It's part of the Fire resistant environmental ensemble (FREE), meant to be used as a liner for it's companion extreme weather outer layer (EWOL) parkas, which can be found in various places around the internet for a little cheaper than ECWCS due to them being a little less popular. But honestly, we think it's slept on quite a bit. It's main advantage is that it's flame resistant, where many garments deployed in the military still fall short.
The liner is constructed out of Polartec® thermal FR fleece, a permanently flame resistant material known for it's light weight, quick-drying properties, breathability, and of course it's warmth. It's hoodless design makes it perfect for layering under nearly anything and It also serves as a fantastic cold weather layer for welding & construction work due to it's FR properties.
ECWCS/PCU
If you want to go further down the US surplus rabbit hole, the PCU and ECWCS are a fantastic place to start with great quality gear for nearly any climate. You can read more about the rest of the system in an article here, and see an excellent use guide here.
Specs
- 79% Nomex 21% FR polyester
- Made with genuine Polartec®
- Pairs with EWOL parkas (snaps around neck and wrist cuffs secure to parka to allow less heat to escape)
- ECWCS level III equivalent
- Full-zippered closure
- Interior mesh pocket
- Made in the USA
- Hook and loop nametape + rank fields
- Reinforced elbows
Sizing
The sizing follows the standard US army's sizing system, which will stay the same across all other uniform pieces you purchase. If you know your US shirt size, that will 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"
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 Parka Liners are in excellent condition with all hardware intact, and with no stains, blemishes, cuts, or tears on the liner.
