The Pattern Problem

One of the questions I see a lot is: what camo pattern should I get for hunting elk? Let’s take a step back and look at the problem. What are you trying to accomplish with camouflage? Well, you’re trying to hide or blend in with the environment so that the elk don’t see you. So what camo manufacturers or designers have done these days, they’ve designed in elements of the environment into the pattern that you see on the clothing. And that’s a great idea.  The problem is, elk environment is very diverse. I mean you could have pines, grassy meadows, sage flats, dark timber of fir and spruce, rocky ground, pinion and juniper, aspens, oak.  You can have just about anything when it comes to the elk environment.  So you can’t design in all of the elements to include in a pattern.

The Purpose of Camo

So, what do you do? Well, really the intent of camouflage is to break up your silhouette, if you will, so that you’ll blend in and you won’t be able to see a human there. So really the best camouflage is staying out of sight, being careful in your hunting techniques to stay in the shadows, to use trees, the terrain, whatever, to stay hidden. But camouflage clothing is a good thing.

The Best Pattern

So, what pattern, back to the question: What pattern is best for elk hunting? Well, in my opinion, the only thing that’s really important is not the details of the pattern, but the contrast. Because that’s gonna be what’s going to help break you up. If the pattern is all dark or all light, then you’re still going to stand out in most environments and the outline of your body’s going to be able to be seen. They say elk and deer don’t see colors. So, color really doesn’t even matter, but shades matter and dark and light and the contrast are really what matter. So what is my favorite pattern? Well, I like All Purpose Realtree. You see it’s got lots of contrast. And, and I like that, although I do wear other things. Here’s here is a pattern called Seclusion 3D that I bought from Cabela’s many years ago. In my opinion, it’s overall just a little too dark. It’s okay I get by with it, but I prefer something that has a lot more contrast like this. So you know, even the old woodland camo, that’s fine because there’s lots of contrast there. Many other designs these days don’t really even have the details of the environment and that’s fine. So what camo pattern should you get? It doesn’t really matter. Just ensure it’s not all very dark, or all very light, and that way you’ll be able to blend in with most environments.

What Do You Think?

There you have it. What do you think? Do you agree with me? Do you disagree with me? Do you have a favorite camo pattern? Whatever it is, share in the comments below. I really appreciate the feedback. Until next time, shoot straight!