Morrow Industries Cold Weather survival Kit
Copyright 1997

By: Chris Van Deelen  chrisv@nucleus.com

1.  ECWCS Parka
2.  ECWCS Pants
3.  Bivy
4.  Extreme cold weather tent (ECWT)
5.  Field Pack (FPLIF)
6.  H45 Personal Space Heater
7.  Intermediate Cold Wet Boot
8.  Improved ECWCS Fiberpile Shirt
9.  Improved ECWCS Fiberpile Trousers
10  Individual Tactical Load Bearing Vest (ITLBV)
11. Light Weight Cold Weather Underwear Set (LWCWUS)
12. Mattax
13. Modular Sleeping Bag (MSB)
14. Stove - Survival, Multifuel
15. Heavy Gloves
16. Shooters Mitts
17. Heavy wool scarf
18. Beleclava
19. Wool Hat
20. Tinted Ski Goggles
21. Cold weather weapon cleaning kit
22. Tube of Chap stick
23. Extra Liners for boots
24. 4 1 liter propane canisters
25. Snowshoes

Total package weight:  52.30 kg

2d Generation Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS)

Primary function:  The 2nd Generation ECWCS will provide
protection from wind, rain and snow.
Weight:  .589 kg (parka); .453 kg. (trousers)
Color:  Woodland Camouflage

Features:  The outer garments of this system feature a parka and
trousers. The parka has two hand warming/cargo pockets, two side
access breast pockets, two upper sleeve pockets, and a roll and
stow hood that fits into the collar. It also features water
shedding slide fasteners and zippered armpit vents. The trousers
feature suspender attachments, belt loops, two side leg cargo
pockets, and knee high zippers for easy donning and doffing while
wearing boots. The material is a tri-laminate using a waterproof,
vapor permeable membrane laminated between two nylon knits. Both
garments come in woodland camouflage. These garments are
windproof, waterproof and breathable.

Background:  The current Extended Cold Weather Clothing System is
approximately 8 years old. The parka lacks design features that
would make the garments more functional and waterproof. The 2d
Generation ECWCS does not have these shortcomings.

Bivy Cover

Primary function:  Provides a waterproof, breathable covering for
the Modular Sleeping Bag (MSB) to keep out wind, snow, and rain.
The Bivy Cover fits around the Modular Sleeping Bag.
Weight:  1 kg

Features:  The Bivy Cover is a waterproof, windproof bag designed
to be used with the modular sleeping bag or by itself. It
incorporates the same material that is used in the extended cold
weather clothing system. It weighs less than two pounds and comes
with a breakaway zipper that can completely enclose the occupant
and be egressed quickly.

Background:  Designed to finally address the deficiencies in
keeping Marines dry when sleeping or resting. One-time low cost
opportunity has been taken advantage of to field the entire FMF
with this bag.

Extreme Cold Weather Tent (ECWT)
 
Primary function:  This tent serves as self-standing shelter for
four Marines to sleep, dry wet clothing and for meal preparation.
               Erected        Stored
Length:        259 cm.        72.4 cm.
Width:         279.4 cm.      36.8 cm.
Height:        139.4 cm.      33 cm.
Storage Cube:  .945 cu meters
Weight:  9.07 kg

Features:  The ECWT is a dome structure with a waterproof,
opaque, fly sheet. It is designed to be stable in high winds and
durable in poor environmental conditions. The shelter has a
vestibule entrance area with enough space for 2 men to shed their
packs and cold weather clothing before entering the tent body. It
can be assembled by one person.

Background:  The previous tent used in extreme cold weather
environments was constructed by putting five Norwegian tent
sheets together. These tent sheets would get wet and freeze,
becoming stiff and difficult to handle. When erected, the tent
sheets required digging out the snow inside and tying the
external liner to the tree. The new self-standing dome tent as
described above is much more efficient in cold climates.

Field Pack, Large, with Internal Frame

Primary function:  Provides Marines with a pack capable of
holding additional gear needed in a cold weather environment.
Length:  76.2 centimeters
Width:  53.34 cm.
Weight:  3.63 kilograms
Square:  1.34 cu meters
Cube:  .11 cu meters
Stowage:  .11 cu meters
Color:  Woodland camouflage

Features:  The FPLIF is an internal frame pack with 6,800 cubic
inches of storage space. It features a detachable 2,500 cubic
inch patrol pack and an internal compartment for sleeping bag
stowage. It is water resistant, adjustable and complements the
normal center of gravity aiding in comfortable and efficient
movement for the user.

Background:  The FPLIF was developed to address the deficiencies
of the large Alice Pack by increasing storage capacity, enhancing
comfort and mobility and keeping all gear protected from the
environment.

H-45 Portable Space Heater

Primary function:  Is a lightweight, portable space heater used
for heating general purpose military tentage.
Height:  62.23 centimeters
Diameter:  46.99 cm.
Weight:  27.24 kilograms
Shipping Weight:  31.78 kg
Heat Output:  20,000 to 45,000 BTU

Features:  The H-45 Heater, Type II is a non-electrical powered,
lightweight, portable space heater used fo heating general
purpose military tentage. It provides a heat output of 20,000 to
45,000 BTU/hr and can operate on all types of liquid fuel
(diesel, gasoline, JP).

Background:  The H-45 is a significant improvement over the
previous stove. It provides safer more efficient operation over
the old stove.

Intermediate Cold Wet Boot

Primary function:  This boot will protect Marines from the
extremes of cold and wet weather while providing greater traction
and mobility than boots currently in use by the Marine Corps.<BR>
Length:  varies
Width:  varies
Height:  25.4 cm.
Weight:  2.49 kg

Features:  The ICW boot is a leather boot that features a
waterproof liner, comfort liner and 200 grams of insulation. It
has a repairable Vibram lug sole for increased traction in snow
and rough terrain.

Background:  The Marine Corps needed a boot that was able to
protect Marines from cold and wet in environments that were too
severe for the infantry combat boot but not so cold to warrant
issuing the extreme cold weather boots. The extreme cold weather
boots are not conducive to extended wear for long periods of
time.  Rated to -30.

Improved ECWCS Fiberpile Shirt and Trousers

Primary function:  Provides Marines with a flexible means of
staying warm in temperatures ranging from +40  to -25 .
Weight:  1.32 kg

Features:  The shirt is a front opening shirt with long sleeves,
hand warming packets, 2 breast pockets, and a zip-up collar. The
trousers are a bib type with built-in suspenders that feature
quick release fasteners and full length side zip for easy donning
and doffing. The material is 100% polyester fleece and comes in
several weights, depending on the thickness of insulation
required.

Background:  The current polyester insulating garments retain
moisture, are bulky, improperly sized and uncomfortable to wear.
Fleece is a commercially available fabric that is lightweight,
water resistant, quick drying, and famous for its comfort.

Individual Tactical Load Bearing Vest (ITLBV)

Primary function:  The Load Bearing Vest is designed to function
with the cartridge belt. The shoulder pads have two attachment
points for the cover of the field pack. The vest is also designed
to be used with two squad automatic weapon ammunition pouches.
Length:  40.64 centimeters
Width:  20.32 cm.
Height:  8.89 cm.
Weight:  .82 kilograms
Color:   Woodland camouflage

Features:  The Load Bearing Vest is made of an 8-ounce nylon
fabric and weighs 1.8 pounds (.82 kg.) empty. The ammunition and
grenade pockets are permanently attached and designed to carry
six 30-round magazines and two grenades. The system is designed
to improve the distribution of weight for the fighting load.

Light Weight Cold Weather Underwear Set (LWCWUS)

Primary function: Provide a moisture wicking, heat retentive,
lightweight garment that keeps Marines dry and comfortable in a
variety of environments.

Color:  Olive Drab
Weight: 

Features:  The LWCWUS is a thin, quick drying, hydrophobic,
moisture wicking synthetic garment set composed of long
underdrawers and zippered neck long undershirt. It is launderable
using standard commercial equipment.

Background:  The current cold weather underwear provides
excellent insulation in extreme cold weather, but is too warm in
moderate cold conditions. Marines conducting strenuous activity
would perspire heavily causing the underwear to lose its
insulative qualities. The result was Marines suffering from
hypothermia, dehydration and other cold weather injuries. The
LWCWUS does not have the deficiencies of its predecessor.

Mattax

Primary function:  The Mattax is a dual-purpose tool combining
the functions of a mattock and an ax and is intended for hand
excavation which is difficult to perform with the entrenching
tool.

Length:  55.88 cm.
Width:  30.48 cm.
Height:  5.72 cm.
Weight:  2.04 kg

Features:  The Mattax has a two-sided metal head between 22.86
cm-27.94 cm long: one side is a mattock and the other side is an
ax. It comes with a carrying case which can be affixed to the
equipment belt or pack. It has a 60.96-cm handle constructed of
wood. The handle is replaceable and separable from the head.
Normally one man in the fireteam will have this tool.

Background:  This tool is for use with the entrenching tool. It
will assist in loosening hard ground and chopping through roots.

Modular Sleeping Bag (MSB)

Primary function:  Provides Marines with a lighter, more compact
sleeping system.
Storage Cube:  50.57 cu. cm.
Weight:  2.04 kg .

Features:  The Modular Sleeping Bag (MSB) System is a two-bag
system consisting of a lightweight outer patrol bag (temperature
rated to 30  F) and an intermediate inner bag (temperature rated
to -10  F). The bags can be used independently or mated together
to form the extreme cold weather bag rated to -30  F. The MSB
incorporates the latest sleeping bag technology using lightweight
polyester fibers for insulation. It is hydrophobic (water hating)
and light, weighing 2.04 kg. It comes with a compression stuff
sack for easy stowage.

Background:  The bag will replace the heavier water absorbing
intermediate cold weather and extreme cold weather bags while
reducing weight to 2.04 kg. The MSB will give commanders the
flexibility to deploy to a wide range of climates knowing their
Marines will rest in warmth and comfort.

Stove - Survival, Multifuel

Primary function:  To serve as a small lightweight stove to heat
rations and water for fire teams and squad-sized groups.
Length:  12.7 cm.
Width:  11.42 cm.
Height:  13.97 cm.
Weight:  1.1 kg.

Features:  This stove is a lightweight, portable commercial item
that burns white gas, kerosene, unleaded and diesel fuel at
altitudes up to 12,000 feet. It requires little maintenance, is
durable and easy to use. It has a 8,500 BTU output and can be
used to heat water, food, and in an emergency, the ECW tent.

Background:  A lightweight portable stove burning only diesel
fuel was not successful. The Marine Corps satisfied the
requirement by using a commercial item that can burn diesel in
emergency situations.

1 Liter Propane Canister

Primary function:  This small heavy duty plastic container was
designed to be used by both the HP-45 PSH, and the Multi fuel
stove.  The containers hold enough propane for 4 hours continuos
use.

Height:  12 cm
Width:  4 cm
Weight:  .5 Kg
