Questions about military ECWS parkas and pants

[edenver]

How quite are these items? i.e. Can they be used for hunting? How do they compare to comparable civilian GoreTex raingear?

Thanks,
Erik

 

[bruce]

My experience with wearing them on active duty is the new ones are noisier than the worn ones. And they are slightly more noisy than the rain poncho that is also still in the system. It isn't the quietest rain-proof suit but didn't need to be for the majority of soldiers.

Bruce Woodbury

 

[Cesar]

I must agree with Bruce. I have been issued both the tops and bottoms and although they are great when combined with polypro (fleece) underneath in cold weather conditions, they are not very quiet and rarely used when doing a patrol. The only time I ever wear them in the field is when I'm in the rear and just lounging around. I also have civilian goretex (LL Bean) and it's the same in terms of noise. It's a big investment so choose wisely. You can get used ones or older styles in US Cavalry and Cheaper than Dirt.

 

[CAman]

One way to reduce noise is to have wear the parka without the pants. The pants make that chafing noise whis is the loudest. Also, wearing that parka for a while until it is no longer so "crispy" will quiet it down some.

 

[edenver]

Thanks guys! Much appreciated. The great thing about places like BF is the information others have.

Erik