REVIEW: PCU Level 2 - Warmest underwear

Whoever has to go on a mission in winter doesn't want to freeze. Long underwear is a good start, but one that can be improved: PCU Level 2 Gridded Fleece Long Sleeve Shirt and Pant is part of Level 2 of the Protective Combat Uniform (PCU) worn by American Special Operation Forces. And for those who really want to stay warm in winter, this will make them very happy. SPARTANAT has taken a look at Level 2 for you. In the image above, Military Moron is seen wearing this fleece underwear. Level 2 can be worn underneath the PCU L5 to L7 if you want to stay warmer, and at first glance, it doesn't look that different from Level 1, which is a standard set of long underwear. The magic lies in the details, in the material it's made from. Level 2 Long Sleeve Shirt and Pant are made of Polartec® Power Dry Fleece and have breathable stretch material in the armpits and crotch.

Here's a detailed view of the top (click the image to enlarge): The outside of L2 is smooth, but if you look inside the collar, you can see the gridded fleece structure. As always with the PCU, there are different manufacturers for the underwear: Insport and SEKRI differ in small details such as collar height and the use of fabrics that wick sweat in crucial areas. The color here is Coyote Brown. The collar on SEKRI is larger, and it is longer at the back bottom to keep the lower back warm even when bending.

The bottoms in detail: These are also relatively baggy and comfortable to wear. There is a ventilating insert in the crotch. Here you can see a comparison: the almost white, slightly beige model of long underwear is an L2 from the ECWCS Gen III set - the Army's "copy" of the PCU System.

CONCLUSION: Level 2 leaves no doubt - if you want to stay warm, you will stay warm even in winter. Fleece as underwear is really overkill for the coldest days.

You can find PCU Level 2 relatively frequently on Ebay.com. The price ranges from $50 for the set to $50 per piece. Note: There are sellers who sell ECWCS Gen III as PCU.