DIY Snow Camo

By simulating branches and vegetation, you can make your snow camo blend seamlessly into the environment.

Whether you are hunting or battling in an epic snowball fight, snow camo will help you blend into your wintery surroundings. Unfortunately, buying it from the store can be expensive and, depending on where you live, it may be hard to find. Making your own with white clothing and spray paint is inexpensive and moderately easy. It may be best to start with a water proof jacket and ski pants (or coveralls); that way, your finished outfit is ready for winter weather. However, you can achieve the same effect by painting a long sleeved T-shirt or sweatpants and layering.

Things You'll Need

• Newspaper or rags
• White clothing
• White gloves, hat, polar fleece mask (optional)
• Branches and leaves
• Pen
• Gray spray paint

Instructions

1. 

   Match patterns as closely as possible to trick another's eye into ignoring your movement.

   Study your environment. Since you will be making your own camo, you have the added advantage of customizing your gear for the specific location in which you will use it. Note the direction and density of hanging branches and vegetation. This is also a good time to pick up some fallen branches and leaves to use as a pattern later.

2. In an open, ventilated area, spread out newspapers or rags to protect the floor from paint. Spread out your clothing. If you want to use a cap, gloves, or fleece mask, these should also be white in color. You won't need to do as much paint work; your head and hands will move more, and are less likely to blend with stable branches or brush. Solid white will probably be most effective.

3. Using a pen, lightly outline some of the branches and leaves into a pattern on your fabric. You may want to consult images of commercial snow camo for ideas. Begin with only a few branches--it is easier to add than subtract. Also keep your environment in mind. A heavily wooded area requires different camo than an open field.

4. Fill in your branch and leaf outlines with gray spray paint. Use varying coats to imitate shading and shadows. Bear in mind that the texture is almost as important as the color, so try not to make the paint too thick or clumpy. Cracked, dark paint sticks out more than a blended pattern.

5. Allow your fabric to dry, then repeat on the back. Once your gear is completely dried, your DIY snow camo is ready to be tested.

Tips & Warnings

• By keeping the sun at your back, you will be lost in the glare against the snow.

• Snow camo does not necessarily protect you from winter conditions. Wear cold- and damp-proof boots and plenty of layers for prolonged outdoor time in freezing temperatures.

References

• now Camouflage & Ghillie Suit Construction

Resources

• Insulated Parka