Clima Gear Spotlight: The Cold Weather Glove System

The Cold Weather Glove System (CWGS) is a specialized set of gloves developed for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), a combat support agency in the US Department of Defense (DoD). This highly engineered system of interchangeable components was designed to protect service members from exposure to cold temperatures, wind and humidity. Adaptable to a wide range of environments and easily modifiable on the go, the CWGS provides protection from 40 degrees Fahrenheit down to -70 degrees Fahrenheit.

The CWGS includes gloves, mittens, and liners. Breathable and insulated, each component of the system can be used independently or layered together for increased protection. Incorporating insights from field testing and user feedback, the system is designed for quick donning and doffing, ensuring maximum dexterity and operational efficiency. 

The system is composed of four stackable layers: 

• ECW Mitten Set that includes outer shells, removable insulation, and a suspension harness
• ECW Trigger Finger (TF) Mitten Shell for temperatures too cold for five-finger gloves  
• ECW TF Liner for better dexterity, pairable with both shells  
• Intermediate Cold Weather Glove for moderately low temperatures

The materials used for the manufacturing of the CWGS are wind and water-resistant, as well as highly moisture-wicking. Engineered and manufactured in the USA, the CWGS components were manufactured by Heartland Manufacturing and HWI Gear in conjunction with ADS and Northwest Woolen Mills.

Every component of the CWGS is insulated with Climashield® APEX™, a high-performance continuous filament synthetic insulation. Composed of ultra-fine, interlocking fibers, APEX™ eliminates the need for quilting to keep the insulation from migrating. It is the lightest weight and most thermally efficient continuous filament insulation on the market, and it provides thermal protection even in wet conditions, enhancing both comfort and safety of the wearer.

Designed for deployment in technical garments, sleeping bags and gloves, Climashield® APEX™ is robust and durable, able to withstand prolonged use, multiple wash cycles, as well as compression. As a core element of the DLA’s Cold Weather Glove System, Climashield® APEX™ ensures service men and women stay warm and focused during cold-weather missions, even in the most adverse conditions.