In the late 1980s, the U.S. military developed a groundbreaking cold-weather clothing system—the ECWCS (Extended Cold Weather Clothing System)—to replace the traditional M-65 series.

This item is the ECWCS Gen 1 Gore-Tex Parka, one of the very first models of that historic series.

A versatile jacket that is useful not only for cold weather but also during the rainy season.

It is known as a historic model that marked a departure from the cotton-based clothing systems used since the Vietnam War era, introducing the latest materials with waterproof, windproof, and breathable properties into military gear for the first time.

As can be seen from the tag, this is a 1987 contract item. It belongs to the very first production lot following the full-scale adoption of the ECWCS, making it an indispensable piece when discussing the history of U.S. military equipment prior to the Gulf War.

The camouflage pattern features the iconic U.S. Army Woodland Camouflage. This classic pattern was in use for a long period from the 1980s through the early 2000s, supporting numerous combat operations from the end of the Cold War through the Gulf War, Somalia, and the Balkans.

Its most notable feature is, of course, the use of the GORE-TEX® membrane, which was state-of-the-art at the time.

Its revolutionary construction—which blocks rain and wind from the outside while releasing internal moisture—delivered performance that set it apart from all previous military cold-weather gear. It can be considered the origin of modern outdoor wear and maintains a very high level of practicality even today.

Highlights include details that greatly influenced later military wear and outdoor jackets, such as the integrated hood design, underarm ventilation, drawcords throughout, and Velcro cuffs.

Above all, this particular piece is in remarkable condition.

There is almost no wear on the fabric from use, and the lining and seams are also in excellent condition. It shows extremely little signs of actual use and is a superb piece that can be considered unworn or in a condition very close to it.

It also comes in the popular SMALL-SHORT size.

Its proportions make it easy to incorporate into modern fashion, and it is highly valued for both practical use and as a collector’s item.

In recent years, early ECWCS items in good condition have been rapidly disappearing from the market. Pieces from the early batches of the 1980s contract that have maintained this level of condition are particularly rare.

This is a historic piece that symbolizes a turning point in modern U.S. military equipment.

Product Name: U.S. ARMY ECWCS Gen1 Gore-Tex Parka Country
of Manufacture: United States Contract
Year: 1987
Size: SMALL-SHORT
Material: Nylon (GORE-TEX laminate)

Condition

It is in such excellent condition that it can safely be described as unused. There are almost no signs of wear, and the fabric retains its stiffness while all components remain in good condition. Please note that there may be slight signs of aging due to long-term storage.

As this is a used item, returns are not accepted. Thank you for your understanding.

Size (Flat Measurements)

Shoulder width: 25 cm

Chest: 55 cm

Length: 65 cm

Sleeve length: 96 cm (raglan sleeves)