I've always liked the look of the 1st gen PCU's and started searching for a set.
For those not familiar with PCU's (Protective Combat Uniform), they were designed for our Special Forces as an lighter
and hi-tec alternative to the then current ECWCS being issued at the time. Since then the following generations of
ECWCS are similar to PCU's. The PCU system contains 7 layers of varying degrees of intensity as the weather
requires, starting with under garments up to parkas. The mainly used piece of the system is level 5 which is
a water resistant hard-shell jacket and pants. These can be worn alone or over BDU's or Polypro's.
Originally made by ORC these have since been contracted out to other companies and are mostly
produced in UCP instead of foliage green and have changed in design and features.
Here's some pics of them in action.
With ACU's.
I wanted a set as these as an alternative to the typical BDU's because IMHO I think they look
pretty Tacti-cool. After browsing EBay for a while I discovered that a good ORC built jacket in
good condition is around $200 plus and about the same for the trousers, thought they are still available
through though ORC for about a $100. However this is way more than I wanted to spent for one
uniform. The alternative was a set of replica PCU from Ebairsoft. They were around $70 with shipping
for the set. After reading a couple of pretty good reviews I purchased a set with my only concerns being
quality and sizing. After waiting for them in the mail for about 2 weeks they finally arrived and after
opening the package I was pretty pleased. I ordered them in XL being 6'2" and 215lbs and while
the jacket is snug it works perfect under a vest and the sleeves are just the right length. The trousers
fit even better being nice and roomy. The quality is very good for a Chinese replica and the stitching and
tailoring is very impressive concidering the source of manufacturing.
The materials thought not being the expensive authentic brand are decent and do the job they're designed for.
My pic's
The jacket features pockets with a loop area for patches and drain holes.
It has two vertical zippers on the chest area that zip down for acces and are mesh
on the interior.
It also has cinch cords at the bottom as well as at the neck area. The sleeves
as well as the top have hook and loop adjustments. The main zipper is double,
zipping either up or down. There is also a huge hood that fits over any head gear
that folds into the collar.
The pants main zipper is also double and the waist is stretchable but has
belt loops as well. The legs have zippers similar to track pants and the waist
has side zippers to facilitate removing easily if worn over BDU's or such.
They also have huge cargo pocket and generous upper pockets. The cargo's
having hook and loop flaps and drain grommets at the bottom.
Color wise they are almost spot on for the real deals and fit and finish is pretty good
I had a chance to use the jacket camping this weekend and it worked very well
as a wind breaker and worn over micro fleece it kept me warm when it reached
down into the 40's. Now not a true warm jacket by itself it will work pretty good
for our mild winters here in AZ.
All and all I'm pretty pleased with my purchase and would recomend it for anyone
looking for an neat alternative uniform or a light jacket you can wear daily.
