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OK I figured I would take a bunch of discussions I am involved in both online and at work, and roll them into one for the purpose of sparking conversation here on XC. So here we go!
Let's discuss our opinions on different camo schemes for general purpose use. I do not mean specialized things like snow or desert camo (unless you live in the desert and that is your usual AO), but wondering what you folks think of various camo schemes in general.
I'll start off. I am sure I will forget many points and may come back and edit this, or just see what all of you can jog in my memory.
I am not going to re-post the zillions of camo comparison test photos you can see online. I want real-world ideas from people like us, not just studies and observations from people whose concerns may not be the same as ours.
First of all it seems pretty much consensus across the board that camo is only effective to the naked eye for about the first 100m or so; beyond that a monochrome scheme like OD green or coyote would be all you would need to conceal from an adversary who is not using optics. I understand that, but all things considered, let's discuss camouflage colored setups. Mainly focusing on the uniform (hat/jacket/pants) itself, but of course gear color can play a role. Though personally I vary my gear colors among my MOLLE pouches, to help furthur break up my silhouette.
Woodland - It''s what I used for 99.9% of my military service, and it's what a great deal of my "accumulation" of gear is. It has served me well in all kinds of environments, even where we probably should have been issued a different color of uniform. I believe it still is worth keeping in my inventory so I do. It has its time and place among woodlands here in New England, especially in thickly-forested areas.
UCP (aka Army ACU pattern) - I never received my full issue of UCP colored gear before I left the Guard, however my observations are that it seems like mainly an urban pattern until you get the fabric quite dirty. Then you are left with a somewhat monochromatic scheme, perhaps good for desert, rocky terrain, or light underbrush. I do not purchase or keep any UCP items in my survival gear, however I have some of my old Army items kicking around in case I feel I need them.
Tiger Stripe - I have never owned any gear with this pattern, although I have seen it used effectively in paintball games in New England. I just feel that there are better choices out there for the terrain in my AO, rather than something that incorporates a lot of horizontal, linear-based coloring.
Multicam - It took a while and some demonstrations to convince me of the effectiveness of this pattern and its place in my heart, but now I love it. I work in law enforcement and I was issued MC gear sporadically throughout 2009, and now have a full loadout. I have only used it in training however MC seems to be an excellent pattern for all but the thickest brush or greenest field here in New England. I can envision the tan-based color scheme being effective in a wide variety of environments all over the country, however for me the jury is still out on just how versatile MC will end up being. I have acquired MC gear to be part of my survival setup and will continue to do so.
Mirage (by Bulldog Tactical) - This is a new pattern that we are testing at work. I do not believe it is possible for civilians to purchase it, as the only place I know of to purchase it is the manufacturer's website, and even I had to jump through hoops to get an account there. Mirage is heavy on the greens and rust-brown, for lack of a better term. Almost reminds me of a digital German Flecktarn pattern. Most areas around here are snow-covered so there has not been much testing of Mirage so far, however it looks very promising for a pattern for moderate to dense forest and pines, as we have around here. I can ask for permission to post photos if anyone is interested in seeing what Mirage looks like. I do not believe their comparison photos are accessible to the public.
Let's discuss our opinions on different camo schemes for general purpose use. I do not mean specialized things like snow or desert camo (unless you live in the desert and that is your usual AO), but wondering what you folks think of various camo schemes in general.
I'll start off. I am sure I will forget many points and may come back and edit this, or just see what all of you can jog in my memory.
I am not going to re-post the zillions of camo comparison test photos you can see online. I want real-world ideas from people like us, not just studies and observations from people whose concerns may not be the same as ours.
First of all it seems pretty much consensus across the board that camo is only effective to the naked eye for about the first 100m or so; beyond that a monochrome scheme like OD green or coyote would be all you would need to conceal from an adversary who is not using optics. I understand that, but all things considered, let's discuss camouflage colored setups. Mainly focusing on the uniform (hat/jacket/pants) itself, but of course gear color can play a role. Though personally I vary my gear colors among my MOLLE pouches, to help furthur break up my silhouette.
Woodland - It''s what I used for 99.9% of my military service, and it's what a great deal of my "accumulation" of gear is. It has served me well in all kinds of environments, even where we probably should have been issued a different color of uniform. I believe it still is worth keeping in my inventory so I do. It has its time and place among woodlands here in New England, especially in thickly-forested areas.
UCP (aka Army ACU pattern) - I never received my full issue of UCP colored gear before I left the Guard, however my observations are that it seems like mainly an urban pattern until you get the fabric quite dirty. Then you are left with a somewhat monochromatic scheme, perhaps good for desert, rocky terrain, or light underbrush. I do not purchase or keep any UCP items in my survival gear, however I have some of my old Army items kicking around in case I feel I need them.
Tiger Stripe - I have never owned any gear with this pattern, although I have seen it used effectively in paintball games in New England. I just feel that there are better choices out there for the terrain in my AO, rather than something that incorporates a lot of horizontal, linear-based coloring.
Multicam - It took a while and some demonstrations to convince me of the effectiveness of this pattern and its place in my heart, but now I love it. I work in law enforcement and I was issued MC gear sporadically throughout 2009, and now have a full loadout. I have only used it in training however MC seems to be an excellent pattern for all but the thickest brush or greenest field here in New England. I can envision the tan-based color scheme being effective in a wide variety of environments all over the country, however for me the jury is still out on just how versatile MC will end up being. I have acquired MC gear to be part of my survival setup and will continue to do so.
Mirage (by Bulldog Tactical) - This is a new pattern that we are testing at work. I do not believe it is possible for civilians to purchase it, as the only place I know of to purchase it is the manufacturer's website, and even I had to jump through hoops to get an account there. Mirage is heavy on the greens and rust-brown, for lack of a better term. Almost reminds me of a digital German Flecktarn pattern. Most areas around here are snow-covered so there has not been much testing of Mirage so far, however it looks very promising for a pattern for moderate to dense forest and pines, as we have around here. I can ask for permission to post photos if anyone is interested in seeing what Mirage looks like. I do not believe their comparison photos are accessible to the public.
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