Polartec E.C.W.C.S Military Thermalwear

[Barberman]

I was at Basspro yesterday and ran accross there RedHead Polartec thermal gear. It was cheap and looked like it may be fairly warm. What I'm wondering is if anyone has used it under a drysuit and how warm it is. I'm new to drysuit diving and can't afford to buy the undergarments right now that are made to go under drysuits due to just spending a good chunk on my drysuit. I have a Northern Diver CNX 25 compressed neoprene drysuit and will be diving in lakes in the midwest. Water temps get in the low to mid 40's during the winter months. I'm trying to get something that will keep me at least at a bearable temp for this winter diving and hopefully next year sometime I can get a real good undergarment. Anyone have any experience with this product???

Thanks!

[skdvr]

I have used them when I first got my DS and they worked pretty well. For colder dives (once I hit the 50's) I would have to wear 2 layers of them. I did not want to spend the money for a "Real" undergarment either, but then I came across a thread on scubaboard about undergarments on Ebay so I bought one of those. They are awesome... You can check out Ron's store here. I personally own the 4 way Antartica that I like to wear for cold dives from the low 50's on down. I also have a Whites MK2 that I wear for warmer dives that I also got on ebay from Whites closeout section, but when one of my buddies needed to get undergarments he bought the Antartica (for colder) and the regular 4way flex (for warmer). I also bought some polartech booties from Ron (which I do not see in his store right now, but if you ask him I am sure he can get you some) which have really helped me with cold feet. I was wearing 1 or 2 pair of cold weather hunting socks and they were just not good enough for me. I would make it through the dive, but my feet would be COLD. Not any more though.

The only thing that I did not like about using the PolyPro underwear from Bass Pro is since it is in two pieces when I would put my DS on sometimes it would bunch up the top piece and then it would be a pain in the A$$ to get it back to where it is supposed to be...

Phil

[Barberman]

Thanks skdvr for the info. I have checked out Ron's stuff before and actually even looked online this weekend for some of his stuff to check it out again, but there wasn't any. I may email him to see if he has anything available right now. The only thing I'm worried about it getting something that is to bulky to fit comfortably under my drysuit.

[timc]

You might want to check out sportsmansguide.com as they sell this type of thermal undergarment for a good price.

[skdvr]

Originally Posted by Barberman

Thanks skdvr for the info. I have checked out Ron's stuff before and actually even looked online this weekend for some of his stuff to check it out again, but there wasn't any. I may email him to see if he has anything available right now. The only thing I'm worried about it getting something that is to bulky to fit comfortably under my drysuit.

Yeah from time to time his store goes empty... I think that usually happens if he is out of town at the time... There is stuff in there right now though... He is very good about returns too. If you get something and do not like it or it does not fit, he will not give you a hard time about returning something...

The Antartica is pretty thick and bulky, but it is nice for the cold water. I wear mine under my Whites Fusion with no problems. The first time or two that I put it on I had some trouble with the extra material, but now I get my DS on over it just like anything else....

Phil

[Barberman]

I just went back on ebay and seen he has some items posted now. I sent him an email with some questions. I may end up getting one of his thinner suits, 4 way flex or POLYPROLENE DRY SUIT UNDERGARMENT, and wear it with the polartec if needed. I'm worried the Antartica would be to bulky under my DS.

[fire diver]

I am confused by the title of the thread. The title is about using U.S. issue ECWS fleece, but the OP is about a commercial brand.

I was wondering if anyhas used the current issues ECWS stuff, since I happen to have some sitting here. New, in bag. And I don't really need it in IRAQ! Wondering if it has a good scuba use when I get home.

[skdvr]

What I used was military issued... I also bought some comercial stuff to use as a second layer and it is just as nice...

Phil

[Barberman]

The product I'm referencing is made by RedHead but it says it Military Thermalwear E.C.W.C.S on the front of the package.

[Barberman]

NEW RedHead® E.C.W.C.S. Extreme Cold Weather Thermal Pants

Thermal underwear designed to meet the specifications demanded by the U. S. Military in its Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System (E.C.W.C.S.). Moisture is transferred to the outside so you will always stay warm and dry. The smooth outer surface is made of polyester fabric while the lofty fleece inside provides soothing warmth. Color: Brown. Machine wash. Imported.
RedHead® E.C.W.C.S. Extreme Cold Weather Thermal Crew Tops sold separately and can be found through item search at item number 38-787-780-02