Don't know much about the performance of these, but they come in decent, muted colors and won't empty your savings account:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/xq/...qx/product.htm

http://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...8001&langId=-1

Wouldn't count on you, me, or him fitting into the only size (Small) that remains available at STP.

TR

FWIW, the conventional Army also has the Gen II Gore-Tex in the inventory, though both are still issued. Some non-divisional posts no doubt still have neither or only the 1st generation available at their CIF.

I managed to leave Korea with the new pants, but was unable to swap out my old coat (I have little love for that damn bucket they call a hood).

Aafes Military Clothing Sales stores still only sell the 1st generation stuff - I don't know about NEX.

2d Generation parkas are available commercially at U.S Cavalry - though you will pay out of your ass for it (though comparable to or even cheaper than high end civilian models of similar construction). I am pretty sure they have black, but not sure about OD green.

I've had my ECWCS Gen2 parka for a while now, and have worn it with a decent columbia fleece in very, very cold conditions doing 'active' work. It's still in great condition and kept me warm and dry. Loud as hell to move in, but that goes away as the parka gets broken in.

Solid

NDD,
Check out the "Red Ledge" series of rainshells sold by Campmor (www.campmor.com I think). They have a $50 non Gore-Tex, non-laminate, waterproof, breathable jacket, w/ hood, in OD (or sage, or loden, or whatever). A few years ago it was Backpacker Magazine editors' choice. It's very light; that, combined w/ a thin base layer will be excellent for moderate to heavy activity in 40 degree weather. A heavier insulating layer (SPEAR fleece, Patagonia R-3/R-4 fleece, etc) can be worn when you slow down (to eat, prepare camp/hide site, hunting blind, etc).

Patagonia makes excellent gear, and lots of it, enough that the choices can get confusing. The PCU mentioned above was $5 cheaper than the comparable Patagonia item would have been with the pro deal. Arcteryx also makes fantastic stuff, although very pricey (even with a ski patroller's pro deal).

Razor,
How's that for my first post? And something I'm actually qualified to talk about, too!

I don't know. That SAS parka was just right. If they made it in another color and didn't charge an extra $50 for having "SAS" in front of the name, I would get another one. Its about like Houston in the winter here.

AM, thanks for the offer, but I'm looking for a little more military and a little higher end.

Skibum, glad to see figured out the secret to the keyboard. ;)

Gen II Military Gore-Tex Jackets at US Cavalry.

They have black, woodland, and desert. Depending on your size, they may be out of stock at the moment.

290 bucks! I'm sure you have spent that much on Oakleys, though :cool: .

Or $100 or so at the surplus store or on Ebay.

TR

Don't go there! i'm going to the new oakley store here manana.

Thanks for the link.

If you can't find your size, you can call Sierra and see if they are expecting more in. I've done this before, since I'm usually looking for SM when the web-site shows only LG XLG.

I got my Mountain Hardware Gore-Tex XCR FTX parka through them at half price.

went to the STP storefront in Cheyenne..... not too shabby, but what a BORING town! :D

NDD,

Stay away from camo as its against the law, yes most folks in the business can get away with it, but all you have to have is one dick head gringo hater and they can confiscate it for their own use.

NDD, Are you looking for a jacket or an anoraks?

I don't care, just something to keep me from getting cold and wet.