The US military's gear went through a radical transformation during the early War on Terror period to adapt to the counterinsurgency conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Many innovations from the commercial outdoors and camping market were introduced to military clothing, including technical fabrics like softshell material.  This resulted in many interesting prototypes like the Desert MARPAT mountain softshells you see here, where the already cutting-edge digital MARPAT pattern was printed onto water-resistant softshell fabric.  The suit is cut like the standard MCCU uniform, but adding a zipper opening for the jacket, ECWCS-style zippers at the ankles, and elastic material at the elbows, knees, and crotch for enhanced mobility.  The breathable softshell material is intended to be coated with DWR so water droplets bead up instead of soaking in and helps the material dry faster using body heat.  Unfortunately, although the Mountain MCCU was an innovative concept, it was ultimately not accepted for service because it was not durable enough.  The USMC adopted the heavier Combat Desert Jacket instead for its softshell needs.  However, despite its faults, it is still an interesting, rare artifact of the US military research and development process.

You will receive a jacket similar to the one shown in the picture.  All jackets appear to be unissued and unused, so much that some of the buttons may have never been buttoned in.  The tags for all items in this listing show they were manufactured by American Power Source in 2006, like all known mountain MARPAT prototype items.  The tags were also originally intended for the standard issue Desert MARPAT MCCU so the material displayed is incorrect (there should be more spandex since it is a softshell).  This would be an awesome addition to a modern militaria collection.  Prototype items are inherently rare since so few are manufactured for trials, and most are destroyed for one reason or another instead of escaping the lab like these.

Please see my other listings for more awesome militaria items from all eras.  if you buy or win multiple items from me, please message me about combined shipping.