Level 7 System
What is the Level 7 System?
The "Level 7 system" is the common name for the U.S. Army's Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) Gen III, a layering system built to keep soldiers warm and dry from about 45°F down to -60°F. Its seven levels work together like building blocks, so the wearer adds or removes layers to fit the weather and how hard they're working, instead of relying on one bulky coat. The name comes from its heaviest piece, the Level 7 PrimaLoft parka, which goes on over everything else in extreme cold. Today the system is widely sold as military surplus and is a favorite with hunters, outdoor workers and cold-weather campers.
| Level | Item | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Lightweight top & bottoms | Base layer that pulls sweat off the skin |
| Level 2 | Midweight grid-fleece top & bottoms | Warmer base layer |
| Level 3 | High-loft fleece jacket | Insulation |
| Level 4 | Wind jacket | Blocks wind, light water resistance |
| Level 5 | Soft shell jacket & trousers | Blocks wind, breathes during activity |
| Level 6 | Gore-Tex jacket & trousers | Waterproof hard shell |
| Level 7 | PrimaLoft parka & trousers | Maximum warmth in extreme cold |
Army Issue L5 Soft Shell Pants - Gen III
Gen III Level 5 Soft Shell Pants are the versatile "heart" of the military’s layering system and are designed for high-activity movement in cold weather.
Layer For Optimal Warmth
