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

This video details a competition loadout for the Finnish Brutality Winter War event, emphasizing a comprehensive layering system for extreme cold. The presenter, Ivan, from Kit Badger, highlights the importance of moisture management and insulation, showcasing specific gear choices from brands like Sitka, Beyond Clothing, and Spiritus Systems. The loadout focuses on maintaining core body temperature and operational readiness in sub-freezing conditions, including specialized over-whites and hand-warming solutions.

The Lems Insulated Breck boot offers a wide toe box, zero drop, and flexibility, making it suitable for cold weather. While generally waterproof and insulated with 4mm of 3M Thinsulate, its side zipper can be a point of water ingress in deep standing water. The boot is praised for its ease of on/off and comfortable fit for extended wear, though it lacks a heel lip for secure snowshoe binding attachment.

This guide, drawing on the expertise of Adam from Spiritus Systems, a former member of the 10th Mountain Division, details essential gear and techniques for arctic warfare. It covers adapting firearms like the M4 Carbine with camouflage and modifications for cold weather, implementing layered hand protection, utilizing specialized clothing systems such as ECWCS, and optimizing sleep, hydration, and nutrition for extreme cold environments. The advice emphasizes self-sustainment and practical field modifications learned through extensive military and mountaineering experience.

This video provides a detailed breakdown of a cold-weather gear setup focused on layering and heat management for outdoor activities like hunting. The instructor emphasizes the importance of specialized outdoor brands over tactical-only brands, highlighting specific items like waterproof shells, insulated puffy jackets, merino wool base layers, and durable leather boots. The setup prioritizes mobility and the ability to dump heat through features like side zips, making it suitable for both static observation and active movement in adverse conditions.

This guide outlines a layered headwear system for cold weather, emphasizing moisture management and adaptability to different activity levels. It recommends starting with a thin Merino beanie for base layer warmth and moisture wicking, progressing to hoods from outer layers for increased protection. The system also covers options for static situations and extreme conditions, advising against overly thick or restrictive headwear that can hinder performance and awareness.

This video provides a detailed breakdown of the U.S. military's Protective Combat Uniform (PCU) system, explaining its nine-level layering approach for cold and wet weather operations. The presenters, former Navy SEALs, discuss the evolution of the PCU, from early iterations to modern multicam versions, highlighting the function and benefits of each layer, from base thermals to outer shells and extreme cold insulation. They emphasize the importance of microclimate management and the PCU's role in preventing hypothermia during strenuous activity and static conditions.

This guide, presented by Adam from Spiritus Systems, details essential techniques and gear for sleeping in a non-permissive environment (NPE). It covers site selection, shelter construction using tools like E-tools and ALICE packs, thermal protection with specialized garments and sleep pads, and tactical considerations for maintaining security and readiness. The instruction emphasizes practical application derived from extensive field experience, including references to Ranger School and operations in Afghanistan.

This video, featuring Fred from Spiritus Systems, delves into the philosophy behind Everyday Carry (EDC) items. It emphasizes understanding the purpose of each tool, prioritizing reliability, and considering de-escalation tactics before resorting to force. The discussion covers lighters for diffusing tension, flashlights as defensive tools, the legal implications of drawing a firearm, and a strong preference for fixed-blade knives over mechanical folders.

A Force Recon Marine details the setup of his M27 IAR rifle for VBSS missions. Key components include a Knights Armament suppressor for hearing protection in confined spaces, an AN/PEQ-16 laser/light module, and an Aimpoint T-2 red dot sight. He specifically advises hard-pointing a Magpul sling for security during high-risk ship-to-ship or ship-to-helicopter transitions.

This guide details the setup of a Spiritus Systems LV119 plate carrier as demonstrated by Garand Thumb, a recognized expert with extensive military experience. It covers plate carrier selection, placard configuration, comms and navigation integration, and primary weapon system details, emphasizing practical application for general purpose and urban environments. The setup prioritizes modularity and mission-specific needs.