ecotat and socks

THE ECOTAT MULTIPURPOSE SHELTER

The ECOTAT All Grown Up.

Back in the late '80s, while serving in the Army and stationed in West Germany, I purchased what was then called an ECOTAT shelter.
The versatility was amazing, and much better than the issued poncho, and definitely better than a shelter half.
As a poncho (long coat), it provided coverage down to my calves. No more wet pant legs. In the 577 FDC track, I could string it up as a hammock and sleep in comfort.
Wearing it as an anorak, I used the shock cord to seal around the TC (track commander) hatch, thus keeping the heat inside while diverting its escape out the driver's hatch. We were a very warm and happy squad.
Following the maxim that it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission, I'd often pitch it as a tent. I heard a lot of comments, but only once was I ordered to use the shelter half instead. (The ECOTAT was being tested at that time. I implied that I was part of the test group. If you can't dazzle them with brilliance....)
No matter the weather, I stayed warm and dry, sometimes too warm.
If there were any drawbacks at all, it was that ventilation was not that good when not using the mosquito netting. Also, the poles were anodized aluminum, and too shiny for a tactical environment. Olive drab or camouflage duct tape solved that easily enough.
Overall, this design is one of the most versatile pieces of field equipment I've ever used, and I highly recommend that you invest in one. You won’t regret it.

Raymond “Ray” MaGee

Ray many thanks for this testimonial to a great product.

I had nothing to do with the invention of the FREDOM SHELTER. Ron Asher was the inventor and he never served in the military. When I saw the product I told him it was without question the best shelter ever offered to the military. They did buy 3000 of them for the Marines with a specially made sleeping bag for Force Recon but that was were it ended. As for the army I know they bought a number for testing but I was not in volved so I don’t know why it was ended.

When Ecotat Company lost their factory in the mid 90’s so Wiggy’s started making the shelter for them and since they closed, we have continued to make them as a Wiggy’s product.

SOCKS

Yesterday two army guys came in to pick up some bags and I asked them about their socks. They told me they wear merino wool socks with vapor barriers and still have cold feet. They are training in the mountains of Utah. They each bought a pair of the tall Lamilite socks and as a result I do expect the guys they are working with will also buy them.

I have personally given up offering products to the military that perform for the soldier.

One last testimonial.'

Hi,

I've received my 30 DEGREE BACKPACKER and this is the best bag that I've ever owned. The quality is outstanding.

Thanks,

--

Richard P. Burgunder III