Which Camo Pattern Should You Choose?

by
posted on April 7, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
qa_ah2015_fs.jpg (22)

undefinedQ: There are so many camo patterns to choose from today that I'm not sure which one to buy. Can you help?

A: Despite what you may see in ads, no single pattern is optimal in all environments. The most important thing to think about is matching a pattern to your hunting location and its landscape.

If you are planning your hunt in the American West or Africa, choose an open pattern like Realtree Max-1 or Cabela's Zonz Western. Striped patterns such as Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades and Predator 3D Deception work well in reedy and brushy terrain. On the other hand, blotched patterns like Cabela's Seclusion 3D and Realtree Xtra Green blend with leafy, deciduous terrain. If snow covers the landscape, go with something that has a good bit of white in it.

You may want to consider mixing patterns. Turkey hunters sometimes choose one type of camo for their trousers and another for their jacket or shirt. Wearing this combination, their bottom half blends with the ground while their torso matches a tree trunk when they set up to call. For the utmost concealment, don't forget to camouflage your face and your equipment, as both can reflect sunlight.

Latest

25 RPM
25 RPM

New for 2026: Weatherby .25 RPM

For 2026, Weatherby has extended its cartridge line with the addition of the .25 Rebated Precision Magnum, the third in the series.

Waterfowl Hunting on a Shoestring Budget

Want to get into waterfowl hunting, but on a tight budget? Try these tips to get into the action this year and have something to show for your efforts!

Sierra Bullets 2026 Lineup

Last month, Sierra Bullets announced its 2026 new product lineup. Beginning in early 2026, all new products will be available at stocking dealers, major retail sporting goods stores, their websites and SierraBullets.com.

Franklin Armory Introduces Total Round Control Prevail Bolt Action

Franklin Armory's TRC action is designed to control each round through the entire feeding-chambering-firing-extraction-ejection cycle, so nothing is left to chance, eliminating the Push Feed (PF) versus Controlled Round Feed (CRF) dilemma.

Top 10 Rimfire Loads for Hunters

Phil Massaro loves rimfire rifles of all shapes and sizes, and enjoys the majority of rimfire cartridges available. Here is his top ten of the latter, in no particular order.

Tips for Waterfowl Hunters to Safeguard Against Bird Flu

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued a reminder for waterfowl hunters that applies throughout the nation. Following a few simple step can protect yourself and domestic animals from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which is commonly known as bird flu.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.