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This section features Military clothing that are not uniforms/BDUs.

As a sizing reference: I'm 5'7", 155 lbs (yeah, I'm a little guy), medium build (BDU top medium/regular, BDU pant medium/short), waist 32", chest 43". Keep this in mind when you read my comments with respect to sizing, so you have an idea of how the garments featured below will fit on you. ALL garments in these pages are size Medium, unless stated otherwise.

TO VIEW FULL SIZE IMAGES: USERNAME and PASSWORD are both "mm"

APCU Level 1 Baselayer Top


10/5/08 - Adventure Tech, which is a custom design and R&D house for Military and Outdoors companies and brand names teamed up with Propper on the Adventure Tech Series; the Adventure Tech Series by Propper is an exclusive project for Propper. An interesting development is that Blackhawk Products Group recently acquired Adventure Tech giving them access to even more manufacturing and prototyping resources.

Adventure Tech's APCU (Advanced Protective Combat Uniform) mirrors the PCU (Protective Combat Uniform) system with the seven garment layers. The Adventure Tech APCU Level I - SS (Short-Sleeved) Lightweight Baselayer Top (available from USCAV) is a stretchy, Level I base layer shirt with breathable panels and X-Static silver fiber.

Material - The APCU Level 1 Light Weight shirt is made of a synthetic stretch fabric with 'activated Carbon-Tech with 5% X-Static silver lining'. The activated carbon embedded within the Carbon baselayer fiber is supposed to improve the perspiration process by pulling moisture away from the skin to bring it to the fabric surface for evaporation. The X-Static silver is anti-odour, anti-static and anti-microbial. The APCU L1 shirt also provides Ultraviolet Protection up to UPF 50+ and is designed to be the worn next-to-skin as the first layer in the system.

Rear view
under arm mesh panel

General Description - The APCU L1 shirt comes in Coyote, Alpha Green (shown here - it's actually grey) and Black. There are seamless, super-breathable panels woven into the center of the back and under the arms, extending down the sides. This is part of the 'body mapping' technology along with no seams on top of the shoulders to reduce hot spots. All seams are flat for comfort.

Observations - When I first got the APCU L1 shirt, the material didn't feel as soft as I had anticipated it would. It's not a silky soft fabric like the Zensah shirts, but textured a bit more like the Insport base layers I have. The plus side is that it's not as snaggy on hook velcro as the Zensah and feels more durable.
When I first put it on, it actually felt a bit scratchy - a bit like Merino wool. 'Merino wool scratchy? I'ts not scratchy..' you might say. As noted in other areas of this site, I have skin that is very sensitive to itch or scratchiness, which might not be shared by others. In fact, my friend Hawkeye who recommended I try this shirt (it has become his favourite hot-weather top) feels that it's the most comfortable he's tried. The breathable mesh panels are very soft - I had no probs with those. Another thing I noticed was that mini-bartacks are used at to finish off the flat seams at the junction of the mesh panel and the outer sleeve fabric; under the arms at the end of the sleeve cuffs. I also found those a bit irritating on the inside skin of my upper arm. I would have preferred if the mesh panels under the arms were wider, with the seams more to the outside instead of under the armpits. I decided to give the shirt a few washings to see what would happen, and sure enough, it got a bit softer and so did the mini-bartacks. It turned out to be pretty comfortable after all - it just needed some breaking in. I still think the seams could be relocated though.

The APCU L1 shirt is pretty long. Well, I have a short torso, actually. Even so, it extends almost all the way down to my hands - more like a 'medium long' fit than a 'medium'. I think the bottom hem can be shortened by about 2-3" with still plenty of length left to tuck it in. It doesn't need to extend to my crotch or below my buttocks. It stretches - it's not going to become untucked when you bend over. The fit on me is tight around the arms, more relaxed around the torso, and a bit loose at the collar. So, it's not really a compression shirt - only in the arms (and I don't have big arms). I'd rather it fit consistently over my whole body - either all tight or all relaxed. That's just all personal preference, though. The sleeves are also a bit longer than normal, which I like. If they're too short, they tend to ride up my arms and bunch up under the armpit. For me, the APCU shirt sleeves are the perfect length.

I used this shirt for running/jogging, which is when I sweat the most. The way synthetic 'wicking' shirts work is to get soaked with sweat (which means it's drawing sweat off your body), then evaporating that sweat as it dries. While synthetic shirts may not get soaked as quickly as natural fibers (it takes a while for the capillary action to work), they dry much faster, and stay lighter and feeling drier while doing so. As far as performance, the APCU shirt did very well. I was sweating profusely and the APCU shirt was able to soak it up, and yet remain feeling relatively dry to the touch. To me, that means that sweat was being evaporated from it quickly. Once I stopped running, it got soaked with my sweat more, since I was no longer moving through the air, but still dried very quickly. If I was wearing a cotton T-shirt, I'd be soaked in my own sweat for a while.
I like those mesh panels, and can feel the difference when there's a breeze. I thought, "Why not make the whole shirt out of this mesh fabric?", but realized that it might suffer in durability and abrasion resistance. While the rest of the shirt is relatively snag resistant, the mesh panels will snag on hook velcro (which I found when putting it on under body armour), so keep that away from them.

In summary, the APCU shirt performs well and dries very quickly. While I would have preferred the APCU to fit more consistently overall, that's my personal preference and also dependant on body shape. It might fit someone else perfectly with a different physique. My issues with some scratchy bits (which got better after break-in) were not shared by Hawkeye, and this is probably because I'm particularly sensitive.

 

ORC Industries

8/26/07 - Note that ORC Industries has ended production of the MCU items seen below and ORC has ceased to offer them. The writeup below is left as a reference.

4/19/06 - Orc Industries (see PCU review below for more info) will be ending their production run of the PCU L4 and L5 items (another company is continuing the contract), and are introducing their alternative, dubbed the Modified Combat Uniform (MCU). Orc's MCU L4 and L5 evolved from their PCU line, with a few minor changes, and will be offered to both Military personnel and civilians. PCU was not available in ACU (Universal Pattern), but MCU will be available in both Alpha Green and Universal Pattern (as an alternative to the equivalent ECWCS Gen III items).

Since the MCU items are very similar in design to the previous PCU articles, I'll focus on the differences, rather than the similarities. Please refer to the ORC PCU review section following this one for more info.

MCU Level 4 Windshirt - The Windshirt is designed to be worn in combination with base layer garments when wind resistance is needed to limit further heat loss. The main change for the MCU L4 Windshirt is that it is now has a full zip instead of half-zip, and made from different fabric. PCU fabric was Epic Praetorian, and the new MCU is made from Ecology™ by Brookwood. Ecology is a rip-stop nylon fabric engineered to be water resistant, breathable, windproof and very packable. Taking a close look at the fabric reveals the rip-stop weave. It's very light weight and more packable than the PCU L4 Windshirt I have (compresses to the size of a softball), and from a brief stint out in the rain, and also some rudimentary water tests I did, has similar water-resistance characteristics. This is NOT rain gear - water WILL eventually soak through if left on the fabric long enough, or if pushed through with enough force (as in a heavy rain), just like the PCU L4 windshirt. Best used in mist or light drizzle.
The only gripe I have is that it has a bit of a satin-like sheen to it like some civvie rain gear. I'd prefer a more matte finish like the old Epic material, personally. I asked Orc about it and they informed me that it was Brookwood's first go at Alpha green fabric - future production articles will have less sheen. The Universal Pattern is more matte than the Alpha Green currently.
It's more packable than the PCU L4, and can scrunch down into a slightly smaller package. It's also lighter. Other than those differences, the overall fit and design is practically identical. The hood rolls up and stows with the same velcro tab at the base of the neck and the entire shirt packs in its own mesh chest pocket. The hood opening is not adjustable except for the 'height' in back. The zippers are heavier duty and are now green instead of black.


Level 4 Wind shirt, hood rolled up
Hood down, collar detail
Hood up
Rear view
Old and new fabric

4/28/06 - Shown below is the Universal Pattern L4 Windshirt. Same features as the Alpha green one, of course. The material is the same ripstop nylon. The ripstop L4 fabric is a close match for the L5 fabric, as seen below. It 's also more matte than the Alpha green. To illustrate how packable it is, I rolled it up and stuffed it into a coffee mug.


Level 4 Wind shirt, hood down
Hood up
Hood down
L4 and L5 material
L4 MCU in a coffee mug

MCU Level 5 Soft Shell Pant and Jacket - Instead of the Epic Nextec fabric, the MCU L5 Soft Shell Pant and Jacket are now made of Agility™ by Brookwood. It's actually difficult to distinguish between the two fabrics, even when looking pretty closely. The Agility is engineered with the same properties - breathability, water resistance and wind proof, but it is not an encapsulated fabric process like Epic. It also includes some Spandex to give it a bit of stretch, for greater movement and comfort. I didn't notice any difference in water resistance during some walks in the rain. Like the windshirt, the L5 garments are not meant as a substitute for rain gear, but to keep the user dry from drizzle or limited exposure to rain. When wet, they do dry more quickly than an insulated soft shell, or BDU's, though.
The black water-resistant zippers have been replaced by heavy duty coil zippers. They're not water resistant, but storm flaps have been added either in front or behind the zippers to address that. Feedback from the Military indicated that there were issues with the water-resistant zippers on the PCU getting jammed up with ice or sand, so they were changed.

(A short note on 'soft shells'. The term is used very loosely and usually describes a garment that is 'water and wind resistant, breathable, but not water-proof'. They range from lightweight single-layer fabrics (like the OrdInd MCU) to thicker, stretch fabric (like Tweave used in the Arc'teryx Bravo pants) to micro-fleece insulated garments (Bravo jacket, TADgear hoodie, SORD Hardface etc). An uninsulated shell allows you to layer it over a base or mid insulative garment and remove it or the mid layer if necessary during aerobic activity. An insulated shell combines the shell and an insulated layer, so if you get too warm on the move, you've less options. But I've found insulated soft shells to be very versatile, general use garments in cool weather. Bear this in mind when shopping for a 'soft shell' - there are many variations on the theme, and base your choices on your needs - the temperature you'll be using it in, and the level of activity.)

The MCU L5 pant retains the same pattern as the PCU L5 with the double-layer articulated knees. The waist tabs and cuffs tabs have been refined, and overall stitching/finishing has improved. The black cordura panels on the inside of the ankle (for protection when wearing crampons) have been eliminated, and so has the rear flap with suspender loops. I'm glad they got rid of it because I never used it and I ended up folding it out of the way. If I need crampons or suspenders, I'll switch back to the PCU pant. Just like the PCU pant, the fit is a bit long for me as I've shorter legs. My size medium has a 32" inseam. There are two side zippers - the upper ones for ventilation or pass-through to pockets underneath, and the lower ones for donning over boots. The black metal vents in the cargo pockets have been replaced by sewn holes. All other features are shared with the PCU L5 pant. Also shown on the right is the MCU L5 pant in Universal Pattern.


MCU L5 pant
Waist detail
Lower zipper

Pocket detail

L5 pant in UCP


I don't have a Gen 2 PCU L5 jacket, only a Gen 1 shown in the PCU review below, so the Orc MCU L5 Jacket might share some of the newer features that the PCU in my review below doesn't. The hood rolls up and stows in the collar neatly. The hood cinch cords are actually routed internally - located on each side of the main zipper - with the ends passing through a grommet into the side-access pockets. To adjust the hood opening size, you access the cord ends through the side pockets and pull. The elastic used is of a thinner variety than the 1/8" shock cord used on the PCU items. The issue of durability crossed my mind but they seem to work fine for now and time will tell with extended use. The bottom drawstring adjustment is also routed inside the side pockets. The shoulder/arm pockets are a little easier to access now, with no elastic in the opening. The pocket as well as the flap is covered in loop velcro. As in the pant, the water-resistant zippers have been replaced by coil zippers protected by flaps. They're easier to open and close and reportedly less likely to jam.
The bottom hem can be cinched tight by elastic shock cord, also located beside the main zipper instead of at the bottom sides as on the PCU. They're no longer exposed and won't snag. Overall cut and fit feel exactly the same as the PCU.


L5, hood stowed
Rear view, hood stowed
Hood out
Hood up
Arm pocket

Internal mesh pockets

ZIpper and flap detail

Shown below is the L5 Softshell jacket in Universal Camo Pattern. The correct foliage green velcro is used on the sleeves.


L5, hood stowed
Hood down
Hood up
Hood down
Hood up

Bottom drawstring

I think the most common issue people had with the PCU items that Orc manufactured was that the stitching and finishing left something to be desired. Stitching wasn't the tightest, with a loose threads hanging off here and there, which could lead to seam failure. In order to be competitive and appeal to both civilian and military users, Orc has made an effort to improve workmanship quality and it shows in the MCU garments. While still not as neatly finished as some of the top commercial manufacturer's garments on the inside, I did notice better overall quality than the PCU garments. Another good point, though, is the pricing. It's actually been lowered. MCU is priced below the equivalent PCU items, which further improves the performance to price ratio.

Visit my Hike Photo Essay page for more pics of the MCU Level 5 jacket and PCU pants.

 

4/19/06 - Note that the PCU items seen below are now made by another manufacturer and ORC has ceased to offer them. The writeup below is left as a reference and comparison for the ORC MCU items reviewed above.

Orc Industries is a non-profit company committed to giving "employment opportunities to persons with disabilities and to provide quality products, delivered on time, at competitive prices. " Besides manufacturing, they offer a variety of other services. ORC Ind. manufactures SOF-PCU Levels 4, 5 and 6 for the U.S. Military. Or contact Adele Gasparro at abagasparro@comcast.net (609) 335-2028.

PCU Level 4 Windshirt - The Level 4 Wind Shirt is made in a hooded half-zip pullover style, made of Epic Praetorian (2.8oz weight fabric) by Nextec®, (the same material as the Level 7 suit from SEKRI), which is 100% nylon using Nextec's encapsulation technology to render it water resistant and wind proof, yet breathable. The inherent water resistance/repellance of the Praetorian fabric is good enough to repel light to moderate rain, but can eventually damp through after prolonged exposure under wetter conditions. It's very light weight (10.3 oz for my medium) and a slightly darker shade of grey than the Level 5 garments. The Shirt fits loosely, for wearing over next-to-skin insulative layers (levels 1-3), but is light and thin enough to wear under BDU's without adding noticeable bulk. The shoulder and elbow design also ensures freedom of movement without binding.
The back of the shirt is longer than the front, so it remains tucked in when bending over. The 18" front zipper is of the 2-way type, so it can be opened from the top and bottom. At the top of the collar is a soft fabric chin guard that covers the top of the zipper. The roomy mesh pocket on the left chest has an almost-vertical zippered opening. The pocket zipper has two pull tabs - one on each side, as the pocket can be turned inside out and the wind shirt stuffed inside. All zippers have fabric pull tabs. The bottom of the shirt has a shock cord adjustment for tightening it around the waist. The sleeve cuffs are elasticized and have velcro tab adjustments.
The attached hood is adjusted via a cord lock at the back of the head, and will comfortably fit over a hat (it's not large enough to fit over a helmet, but it can be worn under one). The hood moves with your head as it turns and won't obscure your vision. A velcro tab at the nape of the neck passes through the hanger loop and secures the hood when it's rolled up.
The Wind Shirt is so lightweight, it's barely noticeable. But when worn over any of the Level 1-3 garments, it instantly increases their ability to keep you warm by keeping in the body's heat and preventing any cold air from passing through the insulating garments. For example, when worn alone, I can feel the air passing through the fabric of my Level 3 pullovers when I walk. Throwing the Wind Shirt on completely eliminates that, and the warmed air circulates under it. I'd definitely recommend carrying one anywhere you go (throw it in the car or pack) - never know when it'll come in handy and it compresses into the size of a grapefruit.


Level 4 Wind shirt
Rear view, hood up
18" Front zipper open
Details of hood up, and rolled up
Collar and chest pocket detail

PCU Level 5 Soft Shell jacket (this was written on 1/23/04 and all information was correct at that time. The Soft Shell jacket has been updated since, with the addition of double layers of fabric on the elbows, a fold-up hood, and straps at the back to connect to the Level 5 pants)
The PCU Level 5 Soft Shell Jacket made by Orc Industries is a wind proof, water resistant (not water proof) and extremely comfortable jacket made of EPIC fabric (in this case, 100% nylon) by Nextec. EPIC fabrics "provide high water resistance and breathability, while remaining lightweight, quick drying and compressible for maneuverability in the field. EPIC by Nextec fabrics are finished using Nextec-patented encapsulation technology that surrounds individual fibers with a thin polymer layer. This creates a tough, durable barrier against the elements that withstands the test of time. Encapsulation technology differs greatly from traditional laminates and coatings, which are added to only one side of a garment. Laminates and coatings can make garments feel coarse, bulky and hot, and also allow for water absorption and degradation over time. (PR Newswire article)".


Soft Shell Jacket over SPEAR fleece jacket
Soft Shell Jacket over SPEAR fleece jacket
Rear view showing hood and unique back/shoulder design
Hood up
Close-up of upper arm pockets

Drops of water beading on the fabric

FEATURES

  • Made of EPIC fabric by Nextec - wind proof, highly water resistant, breathable and machine washable.
  • A very attractive 'Alpha Green' - which is more on the light grey/grey side.
  • Two large front pockets accessed by vertical zippers
  • Attached hood (fully adjustable with shock cord - front opening and back tension)
  • Water resistant, self sealing zippers eliminate the need for overlapping zipper flaps
  • Upper arm pockets with velcro patches
  • Velcro/elastic cuff closures
  • Articulated elbows and unique shoulder/back design for full range of motion
  • Adjustable waist with shock cord closures
  • Lightweight, compressible and extremely comfortable (1 lb 2 oz for my medium size jacket)

I bought this jacket after seeing GG's and also because it's not as bulky as my Goretex jackets and I wanted something water resistant without the bulk and stiffness. It's not for use in a downpour since it's not waterproof and doesn't have taped seams, but should perform well in light rain or drizzle. Water droplets just bead on the fabric and run off. I can layer it over my SPEAR fleece jacket for added wind and moisture resistance (it's snug, but not really restrictive. I didn't want to buy a loose jacket as I'd wear it more on its own than layering over the fleece. I would, however, recommend layering over a tighter insulative garment like the level 3 pullover). The EPIC fabric is very comfy (did I say that already?), and it makes a great warm weather, casual windbreaker/jacket when worn by itself. It can also be used in place of a BDU top. It's fast becoming one of my favourite articles of clothing.

Update (2/22/04): As advertised, this shell is not waterproof, but water-resistant. I wore it for about an hour in medium rain, and after that a small patch (about 1.5"x1.5") of the hood on the top of my head 'wetted out'. The rest of the jacket was dry on the inside. For what it's worth, I've had goretex parkas 'wet out' in some places after prolonged exposure in rain as well.

Another update (3/1/04): I went out in heavy rain this time. I was wearing the soft shell over my SPEAR jacket, my Brit goretex pants, Danner Blackhawk boots and Seirus All-weather gloves. I bought the Seirus All-weather gloves from REI as they were advertised as wind and water proof. THEY ARE NOT!!! After just a few minutes in the rain, they got soaked and my hands were freezing. They not only do NOT repel water, they seem to soak it up!!! Very disappointing. I'll try out the Sealskinz next. Everything else worked fine. The soft shell kept me pretty dry - its weakness is the seams, as they're not taped/sealed. I noticed a couple of slightly damp spots along the seams on the shoulder and back. But, admittedly, it was pouring rain. I stood in 4" deep puddles and the Danners kept me feet bone dry. Always happy with Danner boots. Brit goretex pants kept me dry, too. Just don't ever buy those friggin' Seirus gloves. I'd like to see double layered elbows on the PCU shell, though, as a single layer's kinda thin (Update: this has been added to the Gen II jacket).

Update 11/24/04 - After writing the above update, I returned the Seirus gloves and got another pair to give them a chance. Did a test under the faucet and my hands got soaked again. I returned them to REI and bought the Sealskinz. Did my wet test and my hands remained dry. My personal experience: Seirus All Weather gloves -my hands got wet from two pairs. Sealskinz - hands remained dry. I got an email today from someone who had a different experience with the Seirus gloves. His hands remained dry under cold and wet conditions and they worked well for him. All I can speak from is my own personal experience, so your mileage may vary.

 

3/20/05 - PCU Level 5 Soft Shell Trouser- Orc Industries' Soft Shell Trouser is the matching bottom for the Level 5 Soft Shell jacket. When I received it, I noticed that the material was slightly different from the Soft Shell jacket that I have. The weave was very slightly more noticeable, and the material felt a bit sturdier. I understand that all Orc Level 5 garments are now made of this material - 100% Epic Glacier (5.8oz fabric), by Nextec®. The properties remain the same as the Jacket - water resistant, wind proof, and lightweight.
I'd say that the overall fit and sizing of the Trousers are similar to BDU pants - they'll fit over my Level 2 Pants comfortably. I've short legs (usually a medium-short pant BDU), so they look a bit long on me in the photos. Starting at the top, the waist is elasticized and has a snap front. The 2-way zipper fly can be opened from the top or bottom. There are 7 2"-wide belt loops. On the inside are suspender-ready loops. At the rear is a flap that folds out - I've been told this is the rear attachment for suspenders, but a friend also mentioned that his newer (Gen 2) Level 5 Soft Shell jacket has some straps with bar sliders on the ends at the back that he couldn't figure out what they were for. From his description, it seems that they connect to this flap at the rear of the Trouser. I don't know for sure, as I don't have the Gen 2 jacket, but it's just an educated guess. On the sides are velcro tab waist adjusters. If I were to add anything, it'd be a double seat, just for increased wear resistance.
Moving on down, are two deep front slash pockets, with mesh bottoms. At the sides, on each hip, are 10" water-resistant sealed zippers, which separate and open at the top. Opening them fully makes the trousers easier to don and doff, or they enable pass-through access to BDU pockets if worn over BDU pants. They could also be used for ventilation. Right below the upper side zipper is a BDU-style, pleated cargo pocket on each side, with velcro-secured flap. 3 grommets at the bottom of the pockets allow for drainage.
The double-layered knee is articulated - pre-bent and shaped to allow the knee to bend freely. 18" lower side zippers allow the pant leg to be opened from the bottom of the cargo pocket down, and will slip over combat boots. The bottom of the Trouser has a velcro tab adjustment and is elasticized. On the inside are two stirrup loops. A black 1000D cordura panel on the inside bottom of each leg protects them from abrasion (boot heels or sharp crampons).
These Trousers are very comfortable to wear, similar to lightweight nylon workout pants or lightweight BDU pants.

3/23/05 - Wore the Level 5 pant on a short hike in the evening. Temperature was 62° and went down to the mid-50's, with a strong breeze. Pants were very comfortable, and didn't feel too cold (kept the wind out completely) and not too hot when I had worked up a sweat.
3/11/06 - Wore the Level 5 pant over my Zensah tactical tights in 35°F weather and they kept me very comfortable. I've been very impressed with their performance in snow and damp weather.


Level 5 Soft Shell trouser
Side and bottom zippers, side cargo pockets
Cordura panels and articulated knee
Detail of trouser waist
Level 5 Suit
Level 5 pants with TAD soft shell

PCU Level 6 Wet Weather Jacket and Trouser - The PCU Level 6 Wet Weather suit is completely waterproof (and windproof, of course). The 'hard shell' jacket and trouser are made of coated nylon, called 'Travco', which is a non-breathable material. Hard shells serve a purpose for static duty in pouring rain like guardposts, checkpoints, or laying in an OP overnight. The Alpha-green colour is darker in shade than the L4 or L5 garments. The jacket is slightly oversized to fit over garments, as it's intended to be used as outerwear only, and in conjunction with BDUs etc. It shares the same shaped shoulders and elbows for freedom of movement and range of motion without binding. All seams are taped and waterproof. The full length front zipper has a chin guard at the top for comfort, and all zippers are of the sealed, water-resistant type. On each side of the chest is a vertical, 14" zippered opening for access to the undergarments or for venting. The hood has shock cord adjustment with two cord-locks at the front. Orc describes the hood as being oversized, and it fits perfectly over a hat or cap, but it'd be too tight to fit over a helmet, in my experience. The sleeves have elasticized cuffs with velcro tab adjustments, just like the L4 and L5 jackets. The bottom of the jacket can be tightened with the dual cord locks and shock cord


Level 6 Jacket

Hood up
Rear view
Details of collar and hood
Details of taped seams in the inside

The Level 6 Wet Weather Trouser is of a simple, straightforward design. The elasticized waistband with snap closure has 7 belt loops on the outside and the same rear flap and front suspender loops as the Level 5 trouser shown above. The fly has a two-way zipper which can be opened from the top or bottom. The knees are articulated (pre-shaped) for freedom of movement. The legs can be opened via the 30" water-resistant side zippers, for ease of donning over combat boots. The leg bottoms are elasticized and have velcro tab adjusters.


Level 6 Trouser
Side zipper


As mentioned above, the Level 6 material is 100% water proof and non-breathable; no moisture is getting through this fabric - in nor out. This puts an upper limit on the temperature that this suit can be used in, as perspiration will not be able to escape unless vented out. Personally, I'd estimate the comfort level to be 65° and below, else it can get hot. I'd also recommend wearing a wicking layer like Level 1 next to the skin, when wearing the Wet Weather suit. I don't think I'd recommend it for strenuous activities where you sweat a lot. If you're not running around and really want to keep dry in the heaviest rain which will wet through soft shells or wet out your Goretex, that's what this suit is for.

3/22/05 - Wore the Level 6 suit out in medium rain for about half an hour and as expected, I was bone dry when I got back in. Temp was 61° I wasn't exerting myself so I didn't work up a sweat. I only wore a Level 1 pant and long sleeved T underneath and felt slightly chilly, so I was dry inside as well.

 


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