Great Responses, Another Camo??

[jr8fish]

Thanks to all you guys you have responded to my previous posts about different camo patterns. The optifade question really received lots of comments.

Anyway, I have decided that, although very nice outerwear, the sitka line is too expensive for my blood. I have found that Core4element has similar products (the mountaineering style hunting clothes) at lower prices.

I wanted to ask the question about patterns offered by Core4element. They offer max1 or mountain mimicry. Which pattern do you prefer for overall use? Or do you like a particular pattern for a particular season?

Here is my two cents...

I think I prefer the Max1 pattern because it is overall lighter in color and has more green to it. But I want to hear other opinions.

I am a bowhunter in Salt lake and will be hunting early bow season as well as the extended archery hunt through november.

I am considering mixing and matching my camo. I have already purchased their lightweight stuff (switchback and pivot) in Max1. I think Max1 is probably better for early season. I am going to buy the element pants and the torrent waterproof gear and I am considering getting that in Mountain mimicry to ad variety to my camo. Also, I think mountain mimicry might be a better camo match for the later seasons of the extended hunt. MM being darker is probably better in latter fall.

So the question is, would you go with the entire system in the same pattern (max1 or mountain mimicry) or would you mix and match (use max1 for lightweight clothes, and mm for colder weight clothes)?

Also someone previously posted that wearing two different patterns at the same time is also effective....

Just looking for more opinions... thanks...

 

[Tank]

Maybe I am being too simple minded, but I use Max 1 year round. The idea is to break up your outline. If you are moving, nothing is going to work. We have all run into a hunter while out hunting, and most often we see them because they moved. An elk does not have camo, but hides effectively in shaded areas. In open areas they stick out like a sore thumb. The thought that you are going to disappear to animals just isn't reasonable. Hunt within the shadows, hug tight to solid objects (trees, rocks ect.), move slowly, and don't skyline yourself when crossing over ridges. Just my .02...

 

[Cahunter805]

Get your core4 from camofire on sale. I like the max 1 camo.

 

[mmwb]

As stated in the other post. Lighter colors will probably be better overall and a different color/pattern between top and bottom may have an advantage. I buy what I can afford, that fits, and pay little attention to pattern, though I do look for lighter colors.

 

[Broadside_Shot]

I use and love the ASAT Leafy Suit. It is mesh and I can wear it over anything. It does not matter if it is warm or cold clothing. It is so light and packable and does not add any warmth. It is basically an over suit to your clothing. I have also found it to be the most effective camo out there so I buy my camo on other functions than pattern.

 

[Zeke]

I bought all sorts of different camo patterns and the deer still won't let me walk up on them!
Zeke

 

[jr8fish]

So... Am I making this too complicated buying different camo patterns to match the different seasons and clothing weights? I am an engineer so I tend to get technical and (maybe sometimes) make thing more complicated than they need to be. I guess I figure if I am already going to buy cold weather camo might as well choose a pattern that is going to match the colder seasons. So would that be max1 or mountain mimicry...? that is the question.

Thanks guys for your responses.

 

[Zeke]

Well.....yes and no but If you're going to pick a new camo, by all means, get one on the lighter side. IMO most camo is too dark (and designed to sell to hunters). The FIRST thing I spot in the field is a guy with camo which is too dark.

Camo, while cool and semi-important, is about 3rd or 4th on the list of important items when stalking. If you're sitting on the ground or in a tree you could get by about 90% of the time with a white shirt and tie......... if you're not moving.

With that said, if you're buying clothes anyway then get a camo pattern that you like and one that you think will give you some kind of advantage.... but don't do too dark.

Zeke

 

[Broadside_Shot]

Buy Mountain Mimicry for you winter clothes. It is more black and white than Max 1. and the winter colors are more black and white

 

[chasewild]

>So... Am I making this too
>complicated buying different camo patterns
>to match the different seasons
>and clothing weights? I
>am an engineer so I
>tend to get technical and
>(maybe sometimes) make thing more
>complicated than they need to
>be. I guess I figure
>if I am already going
>to buy cold weather camo
>might as well choose a
>pattern that is going to
>match the colder seasons. So
>would that be max1 or
>mountain mimicry...? that is the
>question.
>
>Thanks guys for your responses.

Clothing weight can be dealt with by layering.

The color doesn't matter, it's the contrast and shade. So "green" isn't relevant but the shade of green is. For example, light green on the shoulders and outline of the garment attempts to dissolve the shape while a darker color will highlight the shape.

 

[Zeke]

>
>The color doesn't matter, it's the
>contrast and shade. So
>"green" isn't relevant but the
>shade of green is.
>For example, light green on
>the shoulders and outline of
>the garment attempts to dissolve
>the shape while a darker
>color will highlight the shape.
>

Maybe that's why the guys are so easy to spot if they're using camo which is too dark.
I always lean toward lighter stuff but I usually hunt a bit more open country also.

Zeke

 

[littlebighorn]

I personally have both, but I like the Mountain Mimicry best.
The Core Element Max 1 is really green and I prefer the muted brown, grey colors overall.
I just like the look of the MM pattern, and if I am going to be sneaking around, I want to be stylish in doing it! ha.

 

[Zeke]

LBH,
You're always stylish.....as long as we're hunting or talking about it!!!!
Zeke

 

[lip_curl]

"I am considering mixing and matching my camo."

wanna know how i know you're gay?

 

[jims]

LAST EDITED ON Apr-06-13 AT 08:13AM (MST)[p]I always bring an assortment of camo on each trip. Obvioiusly colors and patterns can change in the same location at different times of year. I often set out my options in the vegetation/country I'll be hunting and the patterns that blend in the best are the ones I wear.

I ALWAYS mix patterns and wear different tops than bottoms. If you think about it, this is about the only way to break up the human outline! Colors that tend to stand out for me the most are darker colors against a light background. Unless you are hunting deep timber dark colors in most Western settings tend to stand out considerably...I generally look for lighter camo colors for most prairie, sage, and open country situations.

Obviously if you are hunting in snow just about all camo patterns with the exception of white camo tend to stand out. It's almost like black and against white! I definitely wear white camo or white when hunting in snow.

I wouldn't get caught up with purchasing particular camo patterns! The best scenerio is to have multiple patterns and colors available that you can adapt to each hunt.

 

[npaden]

LAST EDITED ON Apr-09-13 AT 08:17AM (MST)[p]I don't think the mountain mimicry is too dark.

When I shot this elk a couple years back I was actually sitting in front of one of the pinon trees in the background. Ranged the shot at 60 yards after the shot. If anything I was worried about the pattern being too light. That pattern sure blends in with the sage though!

A cow elk was in front of him and stopped and stared me down from 60 yards away for about a minute before moving on.

I wore the same top and bottom pattern too. I guess I just got lucky.

 

[jr8fish]

wow... that mountain mimicry looks good in the sage! I think you are right it is not too dark...
I will probably buy a mix of different items in max1 and mountain mimicry... I love that Core4element has both of these patterns. Core4element is based out of salt lake (where I live) and I was in their showroom trying on their stuff and comparing it to the Sitka line (they have the entire sitka line out there as well)... To be honest the core4 stuff was practically as good as the stika stuff in every aspect. I really like that their light weight pants, the switchbacks, have knee pads where as the sitka ascents do not. The material used in both pants is very breathable and stretchy. The pants are truly very similar. The element pant from core4 compares perfectly with the 90% pant from sitka. I liked that the element pant came with nice suspenders. Also, all of the core4 stuff has this cool elastic no slip material in the waist band that really helps the pants stay up on your waist.

There is one core4 item that I liked way more than the comparable item from sitka... And that is the rain gear. The sitka rain gear is NOISY! as you move with it on, it krinkles and makes noise. The core4 stuff is silent! a little louder than the element pant but WAY quieter than the sitka rain gear.

Overall, the fit is similar in each line. I cannot speak to durability because I have not extensively used each.

I am a very analytical person... So, I went in to the showroom to compare things out.

I have decided that I am going to go with the Core4 stuff cuz it seems just as good as sitka's and it is considerably less spendy, especially if you catch it on camofire.

I appreciate everyone's replies that helped me make a decision.

While I was there, I was talking to one of the guys and Core4 has some sweet new items coming out this summer that I am excited to try on as well.

 

[stillwaitin]

I bought Core4 last year and used it last fall. I love mine. I am with you, I had always wanted Sitka but could never spend the money, so I checked out the Core4 and I am glad I did. I have the Element Jacket, switchback pants, and some of the pull-over stuff. Works great, I think you'll really like it.

 

[dreaminbouthuntin]

Do you and your body a favor and get the Vias Camo with Kuiu. the whole purpose of camo is to look like NOTHING. Dont want to be a tree, sage, rock, ect.. just want to be nothingness. The bold pattern and colors break up the human outline better than anything I've ever seen.. or not seen for that matter.

 

[Gator]

That does a nice job, you blended into that tree and background great.

"I have found if you go the extra mile it's Never crowded".
>[Font][Font color = "green"]Life member of
>the MM green signature club.[font/]

 

[elkmtngear]

I agree, the bold, high contrast patterns are most effective (Predator, ASAT, etc.)

Having designed my own camo patterns, I've found the patterns with these characteristics to be most effective, especially at long range.

Otherwise, you are just a camo colored human silouhette.

Breaking up the top and bottom half as others have suggested is also effective. Anything to break up the HUMAN outline.

Best of Luck,
Jeff
http://www.elkmtngear.com

 

[Gunnie3035]

>Do you and your body a
>favor and get the Vias
>Camo with Kuiu. the whole
>purpose of camo is to
>look like NOTHING. Dont want
>to be a tree, sage,
>rock, ect.. just want to
>be nothingness. The bold pattern
>and colors break up the
>human outline better than anything
>I've ever seen.. or not
>seen for that matter.
>
>
What he said... Kuiu is best right now. Availability is always a problem, but it is a superior product compared to the rest. Something you want to keep in mind with rain gear is waterproof and water resistant. If something is less noisy than the leading brands then chances are it is not waterproof and merely treated with a water proof coating.