Cold Weather Layering: Part 2 - What Is The Wind Layer?

At the end of this series I’d really like to see an episode on camp coverings. Overwhites, pack covers, etc. Layers specifically to camouflage you

Thanks for the shout out, homies. We appreciate you! #americanMade

Thank you for being so to the point and matter-of-fact of what you need and the options out there. I bought a jacket from a reputable company that is all outdoorsy and into hunting in the west and could not believe the fabric cut and sizing and fragility of the zipper and such. I felt like it was a hunting speedo.😅

Really finding this series educational! Can’t wait for the next segment, thanks guys!

Wool is such a amazing material that can be worn and made so many different ways. Just big bucks if you want it to feel good on your skin. But past the skin layer it don't really matter.

Something to consider as a cheap surplus option is the level 4 jacket from the ECWCS system, which is designed as a wind layer. It is a constant companion of mine from Alaska to the Mojave desert it is very useful for all the reasons listed in the video. Large chest pockets that vent heat, full front zip, and two shoulder pockets. No pit zips or hood though. But for sun $30 at a surplus store, a decent jacket to go out in and see what features/weight you need for your area.

My wind layer is an old mountain hardware rain coat with the waterproof liner washed out of it. Works great. Cuts wind just enough but lets sweat evap

Great video! I am looking forward to the remainder of the series. I always thought I was set up with jackets until I picked up a Wind Cheater. Started with the First Spear version. I even sewed a zipper on the hood and added a fur ruff. Then, I tried the HPG model and decided it worked better for my backcountry outings. I have dozens and dozens of jackets, but the WC continues to be my daily pick. Add a puffy over when stagnant or temps dip.

Keem em coming! I'm throughly enjoying these videos.

Coming back to this series at the temperatures start dropping. Wore my Windcheater last night while out trick or treating with the kiddos. Stayed nice and warm. Definitely my favorite jacket.

Kevin, Great simplification of what for PCU/ECWCS Gen III became a moderately complex, seven-plus-level system. I watched this several months ago, but I recently revisited it with winter on its way. It’s interesting that you’ve labeled the “Shell" of Mark Twight’s “action suit” as Wind Layer. He didn’t really label the layer, but it became known as “Soft Shell” and Level 5, the central pivot and most versatile item in his systems. Unfortunately, commercial designers co-opted that label, and not understanding Twight’s requirements, or physics, apparently, started making the layer too thick or even insulating it. This has led to misunderstanding about what a soft shell is supposed to do and be. I had started thinking of this layer as an "Action Shell” or “Active Shell", but Wind Layer works too. As long as it is not confused with a wind shirt, or Level 4. As proposed by Twight, the wind shirt was supposed to be thin, windproof, and not breathe as well to reduce to normal levels evaporative cooling caused by winds. If winds were expected it was to go under the Shell. If wind came unexpectedly, it could go over the Shell. I don’t think most users of the systems understood this well. I thought the HPG Wind Cheater was a durable, hooded wind shirt or jacket, but its breathability was always emphasized. There was some discussion that it wasn’t windproof, only wind resistant. You [Kevin] posted a very nice article on the HPG forum about layering during a backpack hunt, and I noticed you used it like a Shell. Then, I stopped by the HPG store in Junction last year and was able feel and try on the Wind Cheater, and it clicked that it really seems to be the Shell of an “action suit." The Shell of the "action suit" could be conveniently wind resistant and water resistant, but its primary job was to breathe, so moisture in the lower layers would wick out. First Spear and HPG used a different fabric 330D brushed-face nylon rather than the Epic favored by military contractors, but the 330D seems to be perform its functions just as well. Thanks for posting this video.

Your statement at 3:00 is so right. Great content.

This seriously brings out my inner gear nerd. Everyone worries about PC, helmet and stuff like that but ignores the important life saving stuff

I appreciate these videos. Great information that helps me deal with Colorado mountain weather.

Re-watching the series. Thanks for answering my question from the base layer video about the recommend fabric of a field shirt. Just need to add a hood to it. Nate

This dude is spot on when he talks about most outdoor outerwear being undersized-I used to wonder if it was just me that noticed that... straight up the best videos/series on layering I've found

Great presentation, clear, concise information. Thank you Sir

Thanks for the information, very useful for myself as a newer backpacker

The baggy/fitted issue can be really easily fixed by having multiple size adjustment loops. In fact you can even diy this, either through sewing some on yourself or by tying stuff over it (belt, pieces of cord or some sort of stretchy ribbon over shoulders and chest, arms, and forearms, then just wave arms around so enough fabric slides out to give you full rom) and you're good to go :) I personally really enjoyed this feature in helikon's products from bushcraft line and I wish more service-oriented gear had so much adjustments you can easily set up on the go.

I absolutely adore the Wind Cheater. Not quite the same since it's insulated, but for the last year my other go to has been the Defense Mechanisms Helion jacket. It's a wonderfully made garment that's very versatile. As a bonus it suits my humor, Defense Mechanisms is Enlightened Equipment.