Outerwear manufacturer Gore-Tex will submit an improved insulation jacket as part of the Soldier Enhanced Program.
Gore-Tex plans to offer its all-weather active insulation jacket early next year to replace the army’s current two-layer system, the Level III high-loft fleece and Level IV wind jacket, according to a report by Military Times.
The new single-layer design weighs just under 17 ounces (482 grams) and takes up about 40 percent less pack space.
The jacket uses a fleece inner layer paired with a laminated WINDSTOPPER® membrane. Earlier generations of similar gear relied on durable water repellent coatings, but due to newer chemical regulations, these treatments no longer perform at their previous levels.
The insulation jacket is part of Gore-Tex’s All-Weather Integrated Clothing System, designed for temperatures from –40 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit (–40 to about –1 degree Celsius).
Field trials are underway with units including the Army Mountain Warfare School in Vermont and the 11th Airborne/Arctic Regions Test Center in Alaska.
Advancing Soldier Apparel
The army’s evaluation of Gore-Tex’s jacket comes amid a broader push to modernize soldier clothing systems for better mobility, protection, and environmental adaptability.
The current Extended Cold Weather Clothing System has proven bulky over time, leading the service to look for lighter alternatives.
Beyond cold weather gear, efforts are underway across uniform layers.
The US Marine Corps has explored heat-regulating undershirts, the air force is tapping flame-resistant clothing with integrated sensors, and the army is advancing its Soldier Plate Carrier System and Modular Body Armor Vest to reduce weight while maintaining ballistic protection.
Next-generation programs such as Soldier 2025 and initiatives within the Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center focus on fabrics with embedded sensors, adaptive camouflage, and integrated power systems.
