Camoflage?

[bristolview]

Here in the US, there are lots of illegal places to camp too. Often, trails limit camping to designated sites only. Usually those are fine, but not always. Sometimes, you just can't make it to one and feel like stopping for the day. I like to disappear in those situations, not so much to disregard regulations mind you, I just have some mobility issues and can't make the distances that most hikers can. If I run out of energy, that's where I stay. Best to disappear from view, the less obvious the better.

[wolf track]

It's probably more a matter of aesthetics than anything. My NX150 is standard green and it blends in pretty well. I considered the camo as well but its like what was mentioned earlier best way to stealth camp is get of the trail and use natural surroundings like setting up with a backdrop. Hillside, thick brush or trees to avoid being silhouetted then use deadfall in front. I've had people walk up pretty close and not notice my setup until I said hello when I wasn't even really trying to be stealthy. But yeah the camo looks cool.

[wildcrafter]

i dont view camo as millitary i view it from a hunters perspective. The less i am noticed the better chance to see wildlife.

[Skookum]

I follow a leave no trace, low-viz impact, blend with nature rule. I go outdoors seeking solitude and feel it's good woodsmanship to blend into my surroundings for my and the benefit of others as well. If I need to see bright colors I will go to the mall.

This sums it up pretty well for me....

The right gear and clothing color choices can help you blend into your outdoor environment
It is important to choose hiking, backpacking, and camping gear and clothing that are natural earth tone colors like green, brown, tan, or black. There are many fashionable earthy shades to choose from. Bright colors like yellow, red, white, purple and blue do not blend in with the environment, can often be seen from miles away and contribute to a crowded feeling. Remember that your presence can negatively affect the enjoyment of others who seek solitude. Out of sight out of mind. It is a simple way that you can be considerate of other outdoor users and Leave No Trace. - www.backcountryattitude.com/low_impact_colors.html

-Skookum

[Fishpig]

I like camo because of my MILITARY back ground. I also like to blend in. However, when canoeing in the Bdub or in the Q, it's nice to be able see your Hammock. The green blends in well, it's not obtrusive. It Ain't Pink.
IMHO the Camo CJH is the nicest looking Hammock in production today, if cost is no object. I have a CCS 10x12 (RAIN FLY) in the exact same color GREEN, as the Clark. My price for a NX 150..334.00$( Flyless). Camo 426.00$
I'm GOING GREEN. 34$ more than I paid for my(Now my Wife's) DJ zip!

[Bomber]

Where i camp, stealth is the name of the game - site selection is the most important factor but camo helps "blurring" your camp profile. And in general, i like to blend in when out in the woods. Probably more of a psychological factor as most animals sense you via movement, smell and noise, but then again humans are quite curious animals and easily attracted to "stand out" colors...... YMMV

[Bunk]

I own my fair share of camo gear but I am beginning to steer more away from it. Reason being is I do a large part of my tripping during hunting season in Quebec. I'm not a local where I paddle and the locals there tend to be VERY watchful as to who is on their "turf". I've been told by my outfitter there that the hunters have no problem with canoeists paddling the river but they may not be as nice to actual hunters entering their traditional hunting grounds...since camo is often associated with hunting I am now steering more away from it although I do love the way it looks.

When I do canoe in the fall I tend to avoid the peak hunting days and go more towards the end of the hunt or in between say deer and moose. I do this out of respect for the hunters and because I don't like the idea of too many bullets whizzing by my tent...lol...never had this happen but I've heard of others who have.

Something to think about anyway...good thread!

Notice in my avatar my camo rainjacket...lol...worn during hunting season in Quebec cause I never even thought about it till I was on my trip...I will opt for a more brightly colored jacket next time.

[SwampFoot]

Camo , other than its milspec app. is good for stealth camping as well as observing nature , I personally could take or leave it ,there are a million good reasons to have it than to not have it...when I ordered my superfly I got camo because it was in stock otherwise the standard would have been fine , upon receiving the camo tarp I was glad I got it . One instance you would be glad you had camo , you hang your rig low to the ground for low visual impact and your tarp would blend in with the natural vegetation..Clarks camo is pretty dag gone good..he doesnt use a repeated pattern so its real camo...anyway , sorry I wrote a book...but I only wore camo for 15 years and still do when I teach...SEMPER FI! Carry on!

[lab72]

Because you can blend into the woodlands and its cool (got a bit of a fetish for camo)