REVIEW: PCU Level 1 - Underwear for SOFs

Usually, people don't do what we're doing now. Showing our own underwear on the internet. In this case, we make an exception because we believe that these pieces are of particular interest in our context: The Protective Combat Uniform (PCU) is a clothing system for the Special Operations Forces (SOFs) of USSOCOM, divided into seven clothing levels. Today SPARTANAT presents Level 1 to you. In plain language: We show you our underpants and explain what L1 can do in short and long.

In brief: PCU L1 comes in two lengths, once in a set as a normal T-shirt and as boxers, then also a second set, which is also under L1, but is long. The short-sleeved T-shirt is made of a comfortable material. Polartec® Power Dry® fabric feels almost silky, but is of course nothing but plastic designed to wick moisture away from the body. Essentially, Level 1 is nothing more than functional underwear that one can wear during sports. The function is to keep the body dry, even when sweating, and to prevent rapid cooling. The underpants here are made of a similar, but different material, the same material from which the long set was made.

PCU Level 1 Long has the charm of long underwear bottoms, which are usually worn in winter for activities like skiing. But the charm is not the point. The long set is made of Polartec® Power Dry® fabric with X-STATIC®. When you look at the fabric, you can see many small holes that help the sweat evaporate, so this underwear does not become soaked. X-STATIC® also prevents odor-causing bacteria from settling into the fabric. The top of L1 Long has a standing collar that effectively warms the neck when closed.

CONCLUSION: PCU Level 1 is functional underwear for outdoor adventures. And it works really well. The underwear is comfortable to wear, it quickly wicks away sweat without saturating itself. We tested it on mountain hikes in the middle of winter. Perfect, no complaints. Especially when worn with L5, it creates a lightweight outfit that can be worn comfortably around freezing temperatures. Whether the boxers are to everyone's taste is debatable. But this ensures that everything has its space...

PCU Level 1 can often be found on Ebay.com. Prices usually do not vary greatly from what L1 costs at the manufacturers, where you (as a civilian and American) can also buy directly. Level 1 is mainly from the company SEKRI, but also from the outdoor manufacturer Insport. Prices can be seen on the linked pages.