Camouflage Patterns: A Tactical Gear Manufacturer’s Guide

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Daniel Qiu
7 lutego 2025 r.

For professionals in the tactical gear industry, choosing a camouflage pattern is a practical choice that affects how well equipment performs in different settings.

As a manufacturer and supplier of tactical, military, and outdoor gear with over 15 years of experience since 2009, we partner with businesses serving military, law enforcement, and security teams around the world. Knowing the details of camouflage helps ensure the gear fits the right environment and meets contract needs.

This guide covers the main types of camouflage patterns, their history, and tips for selection from a business-to-business viewpoint.

The Evolution of Modern Military Camouflage

The development of camouflage is a story of adapting to new threats and technologies.

I wojna światowa: The concept of organized military camouflage was first widely adopted in WWI. The French established a “camouflage” unit, employing artists to create disruptive patterns for equipment and installations. The term itself comes from the French verb camoufler, meaning “to disguise.”
World War II & Beyond: This era saw the first major use of camouflage uniforms. Patterns like the U.S. “Frog Skin” were developed for specific environments. The post-war period led to research-based patterns, such as the U.S. ERDL, a green-dominant pattern that later evolved into the iconic M81 Woodland.
The Digital Revolution: In the 1990s, Canada introduced CADPAT, the first pixelated camouflage. The U.S. Marine Corps soon adopted MARPAT, inspired by CADPAT. The pixelated design was intended to create a more effective disruptive effect at a distance by mimicking the digital blur of a low-resolution image. For more on CADPAT, see the Canadian Armed Forces overview.
The Modern Era of Adaptability: The 2000s introduced a shift towards patterns designed for a wider range of environments. MultiCam, developed by Crye Precision, set a standard for this adaptable, multi-terrain approach. Today, many patterns include features to reduce visibility in near-infrared (NIR) light, helping counter night-vision devices.

Flecktarn

Uniwersalny wzór kamuflażu

Marpat-desert-pattern-variant

Marpat-woodland-pattern-variant

A Functional Classification of Camouflage Patterns

For a tactical gear manufacturer, categorizing patterns by their intended environment is the most practical approach.

Wzory leśne: Designed for temperate forests and lush environments. Examples include U.S. M81 Woodland, German Flecktarn, and Russian Digital Flora (EMR). These patterns use various shades of green, brown, and black to break up the human form against vegetation.

Wzorce jałowe/pustynne: Optimized for dry, rocky, and sandy terrain. Examples are the U.S. Desert MARPAT and MultiCam Arid variants. These patterns rely on tans, light browns, and beiges, with minimal green elements.

Transitional/Multi-Environment Patterns: Designed to provide adequate concealment across a variety of terrains, simplifying logistics. Examples include MultiCam and the U.S. OCP (Operational Camouflage Pattern). These patterns blend greens, tans, and browns in a way that works moderately well in both woodland and arid settings.

Wzorce miejskie: Intended for built-up areas and man-made structures.
Examples are Urban Digital patterns, grey-scale designs. These use shades of grey, black, and white to mimic concrete, asphalt, and shadow.

Specialized Patterns: This includes snow camouflage (e.g., all-white overwhites or patterns with subtle grey accents) and other unique designs for highly specific environments.

Global Pattern Standards: A Reference for Suppliers

When working on international projects, suppliers need to know local standards to meet requirements. The table below lists some key patterns by country. It is not complete but provides a starting point.

Country/Region

Pattern Example

Środowisko podstawowe

Notes for Manufacturers & Suppliers

Stany Zjednoczone

OCP / MultiCam

Multi-Terrain

Standard for the U.S. Army; MultiCam is common among NATO allies and professional teams.

Niemcy

Flecktarn

Woodland/Temperate

A spotted pattern that works well in central European woods.

Rosja

Digital Flora (EMR)

Woodland/Temperate

A green-focused digital design; current standard for Russian forces.

Kanada

CADPAT

Woodland/Temperate

The first digital pattern, with TW (Temperate Woodland) and AR (Arid) versions.

Wielka Brytania

MTP (Multi-Terrain Pattern)

Multi-Terrain

Similar to MultiCam; it is the standard for UK forces.

Francja

CCE (Europejskie Centrum Kamuflażu)

Woodland/Temperate

A disruptive pattern used before the shift to a multi-terrain design like BME.

Australia

AMCU (australijski mundur w kamuflażu Multicam)

Zróżnicowane tereny

Zlokalizowana wersja MultiCam dla środowisk australijskich.

The Science Behind Camouflage: Core Principles

Effective camouflage works through several key principles:

Disruption: Using high-contrast shapes and colors to break up the recognizable silhouette of the human body and equipment.
Blending: Matching the general color and lightness of the surrounding environment to become a seamless part of the background.
Infrared (IR) Management: A critical, non-negotiable feature for professional gear. NIR-compliant fabrics and dyes are specially engineered to reflect light in the same way as natural foliage, preventing the wearer from appearing as a dark blob under night vision devices. For a camouflage gear manufacturer, this is a fundamental material specification, not an optional feature.

Selecting the Right Pattern: A Guide for Business Decisions

When specifying camouflage for your product line or a custom order, we recommend focusing on these factors:

End-User’s Operational Environment: The geographic location and typical terrain are the primary drivers. A pattern effective in the jungles of Southeast Asia will not perform well in a Middle Eastern desert.
Contractual Compliance: Many government tenders and contracts explicitly require gear in a specific, standardized pattern. Supplying the correct pattern is essential for contract fulfillment.
Materiał i trwałość: The pattern must be printed or dyed onto high-performance fabrics (e.g., Cordura nylon) that can withstand abrasion, UV exposure, and repeated cleaning without significant fading.
Technical Performance: Ensure the chosen fabric is NIR-compliant for professional military and law enforcement applications.

Conclusion: Expertise in Camouflage Manufacturing

For businesses that supply tactical equipment, understanding camouflage supports better product development and client service. The right pattern ensures the gear is functional, compliant, and tailored to the end-user’s needs.

Jako doświadczony Producent i dostawca sprzętu taktycznego, we provide more than just production. We offer expertise in material selection, pattern application, and the technical knowledge required to deliver gear that meets both environmental and contractual demands.

We are equipped to guide our partners in selecting and sourcing the most effective camouflage solutions for their market. Skontaktuj się z nami to discuss your next project.