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

W H2026 07 Gear BRF25 039036226 02
W H2026 07 Gear BRF25 039036226 02

250th Anniversary Gear Roundup

Looking for some commemorative gear from America's semiquincentennial, that you'll continue to use for seasons to come? Look no further than out lineup of hunting gear celebrating America's 250th anniversary.

New for 2026: Kent Cartridge Ultimate Pheasant Load

Kent Cartridge has introduced Ultimate Pheasant, a load designed for dedicated pheasant and upland hunters. Built with Kent's proprietary Diamond Shot technology and a layered 4x6 shot payload, Ultimate Pheasant is engineered to deliver a balance of pattern density and retained energy.

#SundayGunday: Dark Mountain Arms Stowaway Rifle

On this episode of #SundayGunday we’re focusing on survival, a survival rifle, that is. It’s called the Stowaway rifle, and it’s built by a company here in the USA called Dark Mountain Arms.

First Look: Friends of NRA Reach New Record in 2026

Friends of NRA has reached a historic milestone, welcoming more than 5 million attendees to its volunteer-led fundraising events since the program's founding in 1992.

Celebrating 75 Years: The History and Enduring Importance of CCI Ammunition

In 2026, CCI Ammunition—formally Cascade Cartridge Inc.—marks its 75th anniversary with a fitting tribute to innovation and American ingenuity.

MDT Adds Tikka T3X Short Action Left Hand to CRBN Stock Lineup

MDT is adding a Tikka T3X Short Action Left Hand inlet to the CRBN rifle stock lineup, expanding access to the platform for left-handed Tikka shooters.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.