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Understanding the different camouflage patterns and where to use them

By Zoey Sky // Jul 12, 2018

TAGS: bug out, bug out bag, camo clothing, camouflage, disaster, Gear, off grid, outdoor gear, outdoor living, preparedness, prepper, prepping, SHTF, survival, survival skills

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Camouflage clothing technology has advanced to give rise to various patterns that can be used for different survival situations. It's important for a prepper to know which pattern to use if faced with a survival scenario, or even if you're simply hunting for some game. If you have the element of surprise, evading your enemies or stalking your prey is much easier. When you're wearing suitable camo clothing, you are almost as good as invisible, especially if you're stealthy. (h/t to MyFamilySurvivalPlan.com)

However, if you're unsure which camouflage pattern to use, your attempt to blend in might become useless. You might be discovered by potential attackers, or you could simply be spotted by your prey if you're hunting.

Check out this list of camouflage patterns and what kind of survival situation you can use them for:

• Concealment Open Country by OptiFade – While the Concealment Open Country camouflage pattern is manufactured by Optifade, it was invented by W. L. Gore. Gore invested a lot of money to develop a camo pattern based on scientific studies of the animal vision (e.g. deer). Based on data from the study, the pattern was designed so that even if an animal detects movement and notices your presence, they won't immediately register you as a direct threat. This will give you some time to react. This pattern is one of "the most efficient lines of clothing for hunters," especially for those who hunt in mountainous regions.
• Multicam – The MultiCam pattern is the least specialized camouflage pattern available. Designed as a "one size fits all" pattern, it can keep you hidden in most situations and environments. This pattern is identical to classic camouflage models, and it is suitable for various settings and scenarios. The Multicam pattern is also hard to detect even in night vision mode.
• Realtree MAX-5 – The Realtree MAX-5 camo gear is suitable for those who often hunt waterfowl or are trying to evade a search party in a "mash-like zone, mud flats, prairies or agricultural fields." The camo pattern works best in these kinds of surroundings, and it creates depth which "breaks the outline" and lets you blend into the scenery easily.
• Realtree XTRA – One of the most versatile camouflage patterns produced, Realtree XTRA combines the images of various natural elements such as tree trunks, tree branches, vines, and leaves to create a "very complex final result." The 3D effect of this camo pattern is perfect for all sorts of natural surroundings. It can fool the eyes of anyone searching for you, be it man or beast.
• Seclusion 3D – One of "the most intriguing, complex, and efficient patterns ever to be created," Cabela’s Seclusion 3D features various shapes, sizes, and degrees of contrast and focus. Because of the complex pattern, it provides preppers with a very realistic "illusion of depth" that can hide you from your prey or pursuer.
• Seclusion 3D Winter – The Seclusion 3D Winter camo pattern is recommended due to its uniqueness. The ordinary winter camo style, which features all white or white with various shades of grey, produces an image that is of a high photographic quality. The pattern successfully mimics trees and branches, and in winter conditions, it can break the outline and make you incredibly hard to see.
• Vertigo Grey – If you're hunting or trying to hide in elevated blinds, go with the Vertigo Grey camo pattern. This pattern will hide your whole silhouette when in natural surroundings, because it contains colors that "mimic the sky, branches, and leaves," making you harder to see.

Before purchasing camo gear, take into account the surrounding that you'll be hunting in and what pattern suits it best. Don't make the mistake of relying solely on camo gear when trying to evade either prey or captors. Your best tool is your stealth and vigilance. (Related: Thirteen skills to learn now for survival later.)

Benefits of camo clothing

While camo clothing can help you stay hidden in the wild, it also has the following benefits:

1. Jackets and garments for the lower body usually have many pockets that you can use to store all kinds of items. You can maximize these pockets "for load distribution purposes," and they can keep important gear within reach.
2. Gear and clothing surplus to the armed forces are usually of high quality since they are used in many taxing operations.
3. Camo clothing is tough and resistant to abrasions, scrapes, and other physical challenges, which makes them ideal for harsh environments that preppers may find themselves in.

You can learn more about the proper hunting and survival gear at Gear.news.

Sources include:

MyFamilySurvivalPlan.com

Prepper-Resources.com

bug out bug out bag camo clothing camouflage disaster Gear off grid outdoor gear outdoor living preparedness prepper prepping SHTF survival survival skills

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