The shell is the primary component of any foul weather system. Get it wrong and you'll suffer. Use a good one, and you'll go far. 

In the environment of deep cold, our Cotton Canvas tops and bottoms form the perfect boundary between frigid air and the critical microclimate of warm air trapped inside. This tightly woven textile is nearly impervious to the bitter winds that rob you of body heat. Unlike laminated synthetics, natural plant fibers allow even slight amounts of perspiration to escape, so you stay drier and more comfortable. The Arctic Anorak,  Permafrost Parka and Permafrost Pants are built from rugged 10 ounce cotton duck to survive years of abusive travel through the brush.

Our Field Coat is made from rugged Ventile Cotton. It isn't subject to delaminating, vulnerable to dirt or body oils, or at risk of melting when you brush the cook pot in camp. It works for years on end because the tightly woven fibers never lose their ability to block the wind and stop moisture from getting through.

In a perfect world, your shell layer would last for decades. In reality, modern outdoor clothing begins to fail within 5 years because the plastic fabrics come unglued. With an occasional cleaning and a patch here or there, your ECW shell could last a lifetime. Some parts are bound to fail with extended use. To reduce that risk, every snap and grommet is set into a webbing reinforcement, all of our draw cords can be swapped out, and our hook and loop tabs are stitched through adjacent layers to aid in their removal when they age. We include a small repair kit with most purchases so you can replace cord locks, repair zipper sliders, and replenish worn Velcro in the field.