I'm specifically asking about opinions on Gore-tex shells such as the Surplus ECWCS gen 2 or gen 1 parkas and the Try-Spec brand version of the surplus parkas. I'm mainly going to use them for the outdoor range on wet cold days and maybe for traveling. I know that they won't have insulation but I will use a Down or fleece jacket underneath. I want them daily for robust qualities. How well do they really perform?
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Waterproof Shell question
- Thread starter Braindoc
- Start date
Older Gore technology, generally with a 2-layer construction. There are far superior commercial, and military, products available on the market these days. How much are you willing to spend vs. how much performance and use do you want out of the jacket? I don't own any older surplus and I don't know the material used, but these days most everything is using a ripstop type face fabric for enhanced durability while keeping weight down.
The surplus parkas are pretty tough and can with stand fairly serious abuse. As you mentioned, they are not warm as a stand alone garment, but layered they are a pretty decent outer layer. They are not good in the rain. They will shed water for a little while but eventually start seeping through slowly, especially if its more than a light drizzle. They are more designed for snow and general cold dampness, but not as a serious rain coat. This is why the military is issued a separate rain jacket shell.
As a travel garment, they do not pack very well and will take up a lot of space.
Honestly, if you want a garment that can withstand snow, rain, and general wet-ness, I'd spring for a good quality tough outdoor rain jacket shell (and maybe some pants too) and just layer up or down underneath for the different seasons. When it comes to outdoor attire, the civilian market is way better than the military stuff. The military stuff works, but there is definitely better stuff out there. The outer shell style will pack a lot better and not take as much space/weight.
Just my two cents after having used both military and civilian stuff in both tactical and civilian outdoor environments in a variety of different climates.
As a travel garment, they do not pack very well and will take up a lot of space.
Honestly, if you want a garment that can withstand snow, rain, and general wet-ness, I'd spring for a good quality tough outdoor rain jacket shell (and maybe some pants too) and just layer up or down underneath for the different seasons. When it comes to outdoor attire, the civilian market is way better than the military stuff. The military stuff works, but there is definitely better stuff out there. The outer shell style will pack a lot better and not take as much space/weight.
Just my two cents after having used both military and civilian stuff in both tactical and civilian outdoor environments in a variety of different climates.
The older ecws is actually my go to top and bottom for snowboarding. With the right layers underneath I stay warm and dry not matter how many times I get covered in snow. I keep a set in the trunk during the winter in case the car breaks down in the middle of nowhere as well.
I tried a gen I goretex ecws shell awhile back and found it to be ok. Layered it under a fleece. Zippers were ok but the sleeves were cut a bit short. Definitely was waterproof.
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