Camo

[JGH]

This forum is always so "nice" ... I thought I'd try to get some debate and controversy going!

Is camouflage important?

Like many, I spend more money that I should on clothes that are meant for only a few weeks a year. Therefore, I often buy the "solid" style, rather than camo patterns ... so that I can extend the "season" of my clothes to cc-skiing, camping, etc., without looking like I'm ready to shoot a turkey every time I go in a gas station.

Nonetheless, I am tempted by the marketing of various camo patterns. Some look downright cool, and others look like they might actually help. I find myself breaking down, over the years, and amassing a greater arsenal of camo. I even found myself looking at one of those "leafy" guille suits at Cabelas last time I was there.

So, again ... Is camouflage important, and if so, how important is it?

[cnelk]

John
Im sure many will have their opinions

I think its important, but it also depends on your style of hunting.
If your running around chasing bugles, I dont see much need for camo. A drab solid color will do just fine
But if youre set up in a ground blind, tree stand or use stealth on-ground mode, then it plays more of a role.

I also think there is a better quality in gear with camo patterns than there is in solid colors.
Its all about marketing...

[Toby]

I hardly ever buy camo any more. I did get an ASAT leafy suit that I use at times, but I really have a hard time justifying the cost of most camo clothes, and IMO most patterns are too small to have the affect the manufacturers claim.

[Swede]

I agree almost entirely with cnelk. Brad and I hunt tree stands a little differently is why I say "almost". I usually go higher than what I have seen in his pictures. Also I try the find a tree in cover when I can. For me soft clothes, including shirts that do not have baggy sleeves, is most important. The idea of having soft clothes is that they are quiet. Baggy sleeves can easily catch your bow string. A good plaid pattern will break up your outline as well as any camo. I buy camo as I know what is dedicated to hunting, but I supplement it with some other shirts, vests/jackets, and jeans.

[UtPreacher]

I agree with Swede and CN. I buy and use camo to break up my outline but most of all just to save for hunting. I keep it as scent free as possible and only use it while hunting. I worry more about material, quality, and budget than I do pattern.

[Freebird134]

I think camo is a total gimmick (well, not as much of a gimmick as a HECS suit).

[ctdad]

Freebird, what color or patterns do you hunt in?

[Freebird134]

ctdad: all of them I have so much random camo lying around that even if I never bought another piece of camo I'd still be wearing camo for years.

I've been using optifade for a couple years. It's a nice pattern, but I don't think it's better than a tan or grey shirt and pants. Sitka is nice gear, which is why I have it. I've tried to find something in plain neutral colors at REI, but it's always too loud. I have some heavy realtree ap bibs that I whitetail hunt in. Again, they look nice, but I"m unconvinced that they are better than a neutral grey or carhart tan.

Science backs me up on this, too. Prey species like ungulates are not adapted to discern subtle differences in color. They have little to no depth perception because their eyes are on the sides of their heads. As most know ungulates are not truly color blind, but do not see much color at all. More specifically, they have lots of "rods" and relatively few "cones" (which are 2 types of photoreceptor cells). Cones are good at seeing color; rods are good at detecting motion.

Just like Grandpa used to say, "sit still!" It's all that really matters.

[Csrbowhunter]

Asat is a great camo for out west but I don't use it to much when in a tree deer hunting,then I use realtree ap. I tried some natural gear for deer hunting and turkey and got spotted a lot.

[Solitude]

Personally I like to simply miss match tops and bottoms to break up my outline. Neutral solids in one half and camo in the other is ok too IMO.

[Indian Summer]

What's wrong with wearing camo camping or skiing? lol Heck they make formal wear... sportjackets and even tuxedos in camo. I saw people have entire wedding parties in camo.

I don't think it's that big of a deal for hunting. The thing that makes a difference is movement. That's what animals spot. But if you are up close having a staring contest I'd say it can make a difference.

One thing I do like is snow camo. It beats being a dark blob against a white background. I agree with Solitude too.... mixing is a good thing. I like darker pants and lighter stuff up top.

[JGH]

Indian Summer wrote:

But if you are up close having a staring contest I'd say it can make a difference.

Well, my experience is that elk hunting involves a lot of these!

[>>>---WW---->]

I totally agree that most animals will detect movement much quicker than they will color our patterns. However, even the animals are smart enough to wear camo. Zebras and tigers have stripes. You'll step on a rattlesnake before you even know he is there unless he rattles and many of them don't. A whole herd of elk can lay in the sagebrush even in the snow and you may never see them.

So, if the animals wear camo why shouldn't we? I don't know where you guys live but around here camo hats and jackets are normal every day apparel. No one is trying to make a fashion statement with it, that's just the way it is in much of rural America.

A lot of times when I'm hunting, I may just where longsleeve camo T-shirt and blue jeans or camo jeans. As far as camo patterns is concerned, I suppose my favorite would be Max 1. I just think it blends in as well or better than any other pattern. But, that's just me, others may think differently.