Western Camouflage Popularity Leave Store Shelves Empty

Over the last few years I have resorted to patching and repairing my old camouflage because it was difficult to purchase. Most of the nationwide retailers carry the popular east coast varieties of camouflage but often fail to stock enough plus sizes for guys that are beyond x-large. Not to mention they fail to consider the new western camouflage patterns that outdoorsmen desire.

Recently, I have been looking for a way to replace my worn out camouflage. I was fortunate enough to find several archery shops around Arizona that carry some of the new western camouflage patters (i.e., Desert Sage, Predator, Natural Gear, Prairie Ghost, etc). I was excited to see many of the stores carried plus size and had several items in stock. In most cases if the retailer was out of an item they provided information to order these items online or offered to place a custom order.

This Elk season I retired my old camouflage brought out my new western patterns; I was pleased with the camouflaging and the new technology in outerwear. I was warm and comfortable while totally blending in with my surrounding. My buddy Terry also purchased some of the new camouflage patterns and I often found it difficult to locate him even with my quality optics. Needless to say, I was successful harvesting my elk this season and further down the road I harvested my Javelina. I am looking forward to trying out my new camouflage on predators during the spring.

Over the years camouflage has been mass-produced by many large outdoor retailers and innovation has created outerwear that keeps improving. The large population of hunters on the east coast led to the popularity of woodland patterns that surround the metropolitan areas. Sportsmen around the country specializing in primitive hunting and archery in the Western United States have concerned an interest in camouflage that mimics the terrains and flora that we often encounter. This led to the western camouflage boom. There are new companies that specialize in designing and creating outerwear that specialize in western camouflage. You will appreciate that the new clothing patterns were designed and tested by hunters and sportsmen from all over the United States and they have their testimonials posted on websites that are amazing. Since these companies are not as large as other popular camouflage companies they provide a quality handcraft product. I have found that the prices are a little hefty but the clothing is more durable and you don’t have to replace it as often.

I am not asking everyone to throw away their old camouflage and I am not saying that the popular mass produced camouflage patterns have no use in Arizona. I am suggesting that you talk with your local archery and hunting retailers. Research other types of camouflage patterns. Ask advice from other hunters that frequent areas that you are hunting. There are several new types of camouflage out on the market and I would bet that new patterns are going to come out every year. If you are like me and hunt different game animals and the variety of terrains associated with our wonderful state, you might want to have a few different types of camouflage available for selection.

Take time to support your local outdoor and hunting retailer and let me know you opinion on the camouflage subject. Happy Hunting

Chris Bonn

Team AZOD