Cabela's ECWCS baselayers

[davescarp]

Just saw these in the store a few days ago and really liked them but thought it was pretty spendy. Now i see they are on sale (online at least). Anyone have used the polar weight micro grid ones? I guess they are the Polartec power dry, which should be pretty good. I'm curious about their warmth and durability mostly (do they pill a lot after prolonged use and washings?). They look like they'd be pretty warm and breath well. Any opinions from in the field users?

 

[Moose Drool]

I have had a set for years and it has really held up well. Look at ebay for the usmc polartec coyote brown grid fleece may be able to get it cheaper and its coyote instead of black.

 

[davescarp]

wow, nice tip there. thanks i'll check that out...

 

[Hunt'nFish]

Yep, I have some of the older non-grid green ones and they're super warm for winter use.
Polartec fleece is by far much warmer than other brands I have.
Those newer grid pattern versions look even better.
But man has the price went up!! I think I paid $30 for my top & bottom set.
I also have some of the lighter weight stuff and I think I paid $20 for a set on sale.
Hunt'nFish

 

[schmalzy]

I have multiple sets of the black ones. Lightweight and medium weight. Very pleased with the performance for a synthetic. i have used for hunting, fishing, and working offshore and in construction when it is cold out. The sets I have are about 3-4 years old. Bought on sale this time of year. This year i made the switch to merino, but i still use the ECWCS stuff fairly frequently. I am pretty rough on stuff and they have held up. I ripped a shirt on a piece of angle iron and it only ripped a little bit and hasn't ripped anymore, kind of like ripstop? I prefer the long/tall versions so they never come untucked.

 

[5MilesBack]

The polar weight are best used for stationary activities, they don't breathe that well. The medium weight stuff works fine, but like most synthetic base layers they do hold onto the funk if you try to wear them more than a day or two in a row.

 

[trapperjay]

I have the same green set that HuntnFish has and they are durable AND warm- had em for years and dont remember how long.

 

[ChadS]

I have a pair of the green and brown area colored ones that look like shag carpet and they are the warmest ive ever worn. Cant evem walk in them hardly