How to Make a Ghillie Suit for Airsoft

Airsoft is a game that simulates combat conditions using weapons that fire plastic rounds. Many participants go to great lengths to make the experience as realistic as possible. Players often wear full military camouflage. One type of camouflage is the "ghillie suit," which involves attachment of elements of the natural environment so that the wearer blends with the surrounding landscape. Ghillie suits are available for purchase, but they are not difficult to construct from scratch.

Things You'll Need

• Twigs
• Leaves
• Grass
• Small stones
• Dark green cargo pants
• Dark green top
• Dark green hat (optional)
• Netting
• Burlap
• Twine (jute if possible)
• Fabric glue

Instructions

1. Attach the netting to the cargo pants, top and hat using the fabric glue. Leave enough slack in the netting to allow the addition of the items that will constitute the camouflage.

2. Weave strips of burlap in between squares of netting. Tie one end of the strip to the netting and lead it through the net. Vary the length and width of the burlap strip. The idea is to create background that looks like natural soil.

3. Weave twine into the netting. Tie one end to the netting, then lead it through the net. The twine is intended to create the appearance of small plants. With that in mind, vary the lengths of twine and the concentration of twine in a single area.

4. Attach twigs, grass, leaves and small stones to the suit. Try to minimize the total weight of the camouflage while making it blend with the surrounding landscape.

5. Place the camouflaged clothing on the ground and walk backwards. At roughly 50 feet, it should start to blend in with the environment. If it doesn't, add or subtract suit components as necessary until the desired effect is achieved.

Tips & Warnings

• Airsoft can be dangerous and should be played only under proper adult supervision.

• Wear proper eye protection at all times.

References

• Ghillie Suit Construction
• Video Tutorial