Ghillie suit for bug out bag?

[praharin]

Thanks everyone, My gas mask works by the way

Works? Works for what?

[sgttk]

Something else to remember is that a ghillie suit is like walking around in a full quilt. Once you get out of cold weather environments you will sweat your nads off.

[GMScooter]

I'd dump the gillie and throw in some real tree clothes to change into. Less space. Would meet your cammie needs. Can work with clothing layers. Gives you a change if clothing too.

[moab]

Something else to remember is that a ghillie suit is like walking around in a full quilt. Once you get out of cold weather environments you will sweat your nads off.

It depends on the suit. Traditional bdu based yes. Very hot. But I have an aftermarket one based on real tree 3d type camo (not sure of that name but it's got all the camo cut outs hanging off it and sewn onto the suit) that is made out of really tough plastic screen material. That is very cool and breathable. The air literally goes right thru it. I wore it in the deep south in mid summer and had no problems with heat. I don't think they make this model anymore though. It's coveralls, a head cover that is like a stocking mask but made out of the screen material, gloves of the same and I think booties. The cool thing is that it is huge and goes on in seconds. Over whatever your wearing. And because it's coveralls nothing rides up and shows your under clothes. I'll have to post a pic of it up here one day. I just dug it out yesterday. It's the coolest ghillie suit I've ever seen for an off the shelf civilian pos. Very packable too. Smashing down into a small stuff sack.

[HuntingBow96]

Something else to remember is that a ghillie suit is like walking around in a full quilt. Once you get out of cold weather environments you will sweat your nads off.

It depends on the suit. Traditional bdu based yes. Very hot. But I have an aftermarket one based on real tree 3d type camo (not sure of that name but it's got all the camo cut outs hanging off it and sewn onto the suit) that is made out of really tough plastic screen material. That is very cool and breathable. The air literally goes right thru it. I wore it in the deep south in mid summer and had no problems with heat. I don't think they make this model anymore though. It's coveralls, a head cover that is like a stocking mask but made out of the screen material, gloves of the same and I think booties. The cool thing is that it is huge and goes on in seconds. Over whatever your wearing. And because it's coveralls nothing rides up and shows your under clothes. I'll have to post a pic of it up here one day. I just dug it out yesterday. It's the coolest ghillie suit I've ever seen for an off the shelf civilian pos. Very packable too. Smashing down into a small stuff sack.

Think we have pretty much the same one, I have worn mine in pretty much every weather and find it breathable and able to stay cool, And can pack it well.

[moab]

Something else to remember is that a ghillie suit is like walking around in a full quilt. Once you get out of cold weather environments you will sweat your nads off.

It depends on the suit. Traditional bdu based yes. Very hot. But I have an aftermarket one based on real tree 3d type camo (not sure of that name but it's got all the camo cut outs hanging off it and sewn onto the suit) that is made out of really tough plastic screen material. That is very cool and breathable. The air literally goes right thru it. I wore it in the deep south in mid summer and had no problems with heat. I don't think they make this model anymore though. It's coveralls, a head cover that is like a stocking mask but made out of the screen material, gloves of the same and I think booties. The cool thing is that it is huge and goes on in seconds. Over whatever your wearing. And because it's coveralls nothing rides up and shows your under clothes. I'll have to post a pic of it up here one day. I just dug it out yesterday. It's the coolest ghillie suit I've ever seen for an off the shelf civilian pos. Very packable too. Smashing down into a small stuff sack.

Think we have pretty much the same one, I have worn mine in pretty much every weather and find it breathable and able to stay cool, And can pack it well.

I wore that thing on a rural surveillance once and had car after car driving right past me. Within a few feet. Very light ground cover. And no one even noticed me. I had some test video of it once. Showing one of my operatives wearing it in the bush and then walking out of the bush so you could see him. It was like a disappearing act.

It didn't save me from the chiggers though. Arrgghhh! Took me days to get over those little buggers.

I was in a Marine Corps (STA) platoon. So I have a fair amount of knowledge with camo. The thing I really like about this suit (beyond the fact that it's coveralls and really covers everything) is that it's deployable in minutes. It packs light and is ready whenever you need it. And you don't have to spend a bunch of time putting face paint on or anything else. Between the suit, the hat and the gloves your covered head to toe. I still don't remember if there are booties. But it's very comfortable too. You can really move around in it. It's just to bad you can't really add vegetation to it. But the leafy camo itself is a good mix of colors for most green ground cover and brush. It's a huge advantage over just bdu's. And you'd never pack a real ghillie suit. Just to heavy.

I wonder if they make a pack cover and/or rifle cover out of this stuff. That would be a nice addition.

[omega_man]

Something else to remember is that a ghillie suit is like walking around in a full quilt. Once you get out of cold weather environments you will sweat your nads off.

It depends on the suit. Traditional bdu based yes. Very hot. But I have an aftermarket one based on real tree 3d type camo (not sure of that name but it's got all the camo cut outs hanging off it and sewn onto the suit) that is made out of really tough plastic screen material. That is very cool and breathable. The air literally goes right thru it. I wore it in the deep south in mid summer and had no problems with heat. I don't think they make this model anymore though. It's coveralls, a head cover that is like a stocking mask but made out of the screen material, gloves of the same and I think booties. The cool thing is that it is huge and goes on in seconds. Over whatever your wearing. And because it's coveralls nothing rides up and shows your under clothes. I'll have to post a pic of it up here one day. I just dug it out yesterday. It's the coolest ghillie suit I've ever seen for an off the shelf civilian pos. Very packable too. Smashing down into a small stuff sack.

Think we have pretty much the same one, I have worn mine in pretty much every weather and find it breathable and able to stay cool, And can pack it well.

I wore that thing on a rural surveillance once and had car after car driving right past me. Within a few feet. Very light ground cover. And no one even noticed me. I had some test video of it once. Showing one of my operatives wearing it in the bush and then walking out of the bush so you could see him. It was like a disappearing act.

It didn't save me from the chiggers though. Arrgghhh! Took me days to get over those little buggers.

I was in a Marine Corps sniper platoon. So I have a fair amount of knowledge with camo. The thing I really like about this suit (beyond the fact that it's coveralls and really covers everything) is that it's deployable in minutes. It packs light and is ready whenever you need it. And you don't have to spend a bunch of time putting face paint on or anything else. Between the suit, the hat and the gloves your covered head to toe. I still don't remember if there are booties. But it's very comfortable too. You can really move around in it. It's just to bad you can't really add vegetation to it. But the leafy camo itself is a good mix of colors for most green ground cover and brush. It's a huge advantage over just bdu's. And you'd never pack a real ghillie suit. Just to heavy.

I wonder if they make a pack cover and/or rifle cover out of this stuff. That would be a nice addition.

link or pics? I think I know the model you're talking about, in which case, probably wouldn't hold up to much abuse; but, would suffice for static purposes or moving through sparse understory veg. Hey, sometimes you got to all Predator and shit

[Velociryan]

I'd leave the ghillie suit in your locker at the mall security office if I were you.

[moab]

I'd leave the ghillie suit in your locker at the mall security office if I were you.

LMAO!! But keep the black duty boots. Those will blend right in.

We have soooooo hijacked this poor guys thread!

[moab]

I have not seen another "coverall" like this since buying it 10 years ago? And I don't know why. As coveralls is the best approach to a camo suit IMHO. (Except for taking a crap - maybe that's why they didn't sell?) But I have not looked recently. I think this would hold up very well. Can't explain the material but it is like HEAVY window screen material. Like the cords it is woven out of are almost like 40lb monofilament? And the fabric that is sewn to it is like really rough and thick nylon/poly cotton. Almost like the camo military nets materail. It probably wouldn't hold up for day after day stalks over rocky terrain. But the camo isn't made for that type of terrain anyway. Normal grassy brushy undergrowth I think it would hold up for a long time. I think I bought it at Cabelas. But again this was like 10 years ago. And I have not seen a coverall since.

[huntingohio]

Since everyone else is fixated on your ghillie
The gas mask would be a good adition but is really useless without and NBC suit. If a chem spill or bomb is bad enough that you need a mask youll need a suit too.

As for the ghile, ive used the 3d camo kind and they wirk very well for hunting, but humans can see much better color than deer can, theyd be nearly useless

[Jeriah]

Thanks everyone, My gas mask works by the way

Sweet! How did you test it? The only way I've ever heard of is to put it on, then open a vial of "banana oil," and if you can smell bananas, it doesn't work. I have no idea why it has to be this banana stuff...subtle odor, maybe? Strong odor? I don't know.

[huntingohio]

You test the seal by covering the air inlet with you hand and sucking to see if its sealed to your face [you cant breathe]

In date filters should be good to go

[KnightoftheRoc]

You test the seal by covering the air inlet with you hand and sucking to see if its sealed to your face [you cant breathe]

In date filters should be good to go

NO
You FORM the seal this way- it in no way TESTS it. The date on filters just means you can tell how old they are- it tells you nothing about the ability of them to actually still do their job.
Banana oil is cheap, life is not. Don't dick around with safety equipment- either do it right, or not at all.

@Jeriah- Bananna oil is used because it's odor is so distinct, and hard to mistake as anything else. It's also not something you'd normally catch a whiff of, but once smelled, easily identified. Plus, it's safe to breathe if the mask DOES leak.

[Collie of Doom]

You test the seal by covering the air inlet with you hand and sucking to see if its sealed to your face [you cant breathe]

In date filters should be good to go

NO
You FORM the seal this way- it in no way TESTS it. The date on filters just means you can tell how old they are- it tells you nothing about the ability of them to actually still do their job.
Banana oil is cheap, life is not. Don't dick around with safety equipment- either do it right, or not at all.

@Jeriah- Bananna oil is used because it's odor is so distinct, and hard to mistake as anything else. It's also not something you'd normally catch a whiff of, but once smelled, easily identified. Plus, it's safe to breathe if the mask DOES leak.

Seriously. Gas masks take training and maintenance and aren't terribly useful for long without an entire chem suit, which is also a temporary fix before you get yourself out of danger and decontaminated. Which takes more equipment and training. They're also added weight. I'd skip it, personally. Just get some basic medical masks to filter out dust and germs.

As far as the ghillie suit. Um, no. I've stood still in street clothes and had people walk by within 10-20 feet of me without noticing me, in wooded areas. Multiple times. It's obviously a little harder if people are actively looking for you and maybe are good at what they're doing. But even then, get off the likely path, get low, and use terrain and brush for concealment. That said, if the ghillie suit is light weight and is not displacing anything essential, and you want it, take it. There's always the low probability/high impact event where it could make the difference.

[HuntingBow96]

Thanks everyone, My gas mask works by the way

Sweet! How did you test it? The only way I've ever heard of is to put it on, then open a vial of "banana oil," and if you can smell bananas, it doesn't work. I have no idea why it has to be this banana stuff...subtle odor, maybe? Strong odor? I don't know.

I tested mine with banana oil. I have no idea why it has to be that either but its the only way iv heard of testing them.

[sgttk]

We used banana oil in the service. subtle odor, but not easily confused with anything else. However, the real proof in training for the effectiveness of the P mask is when you wear it into the gas chamber, walk around no problem, then take it off and suck in a snoot full of CS agent... Ahhh, good times...

[KnightoftheRoc]

We used banana oil in the service. subtle odor, but not easily confused with anything else. However, the real proof in training for the effectiveness of the P mask is when you wear it into the gas chamber, walk around no problem, then take it off and suck in a snoot full of CS agent... Ahhh, good times...

At Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, the EXIT of the gas chamber had a HUGE old tree just outside the door, and directly in front of it. They had to station a man in front of it to deflect soldiers away from it as they blindly ran out of the chamber. This tree was old enough to easily pre-date the chamber being built- why in the world they set the chamber up that way, or in that place, or decided to leave the tree there, no one was ever able to explain. The silliest part was, the opposite side had nothing in the way, and could have easily been the exit side, instead of the entrance. That was my one and only exposure to actual tear gas- they used CS for all our other training, which personally, I find the easier of the two to deal with. It sucks, but not as bad as tear gas does.

[GMScooter]

We used banana oil in the service. subtle odor, but not easily confused with anything else. However, the real proof in training for the effectiveness of the P mask is when you wear it into the gas chamber, walk around no problem, then take it off and suck in a snoot full of CS agent... Ahhh, good times...

At Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, the EXIT of the gas chamber had a HUGE old tree just outside the door, and directly in front of it. They had to station a man in front of it to deflect soldiers away from it as they blindly ran out of the chamber. This tree was old enough to easily pre-date the chamber being built- why in the world they set the chamber up that way, or in that place, or decided to leave the tree there, no one was ever able to explain. The silliest part was, the opposite side had nothing in the way, and could have easily been the exit side, instead of the entrance. That was my one and only exposure to actual tear gas- they used CS for all our other training, which personally, I find the easier of the two to deal with. It sucks, but not as bad as tear gas does.

Knight, at some point in the distant past, there was a DI who thought it would be funny......

[KnightoftheRoc]

We used banana oil in the service. subtle odor, but not easily confused with anything else. However, the real proof in training for the effectiveness of the P mask is when you wear it into the gas chamber, walk around no problem, then take it off and suck in a snoot full of CS agent... Ahhh, good times...

At Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, the EXIT of the gas chamber had a HUGE old tree just outside the door, and directly in front of it. They had to station a man in front of it to deflect soldiers away from it as they blindly ran out of the chamber. This tree was old enough to easily pre-date the chamber being built- why in the world they set the chamber up that way, or in that place, or decided to leave the tree there, no one was ever able to explain. The silliest part was, the opposite side had nothing in the way, and could have easily been the exit side, instead of the entrance. That was my one and only exposure to actual tear gas- they used CS for all our other training, which personally, I find the easier of the two to deal with. It sucks, but not as bad as tear gas does.

Knight, at some point in the distant past, there was a DI who thought it would be funny......

Of this, I have no doubt- I know the ones I had were laughing their asses off.

[KnightoftheRoc]

Not to try to shoot holes in the ghillie suit idea, beyond my initial "I wouldn't" response, on the camo aspect, I've gone with woodland camo BDUs for Autumn deer season in NY state. My first use of them for this, I was laying on a rock "hump" with a view overlooking a field I knew the deer of the area to feed in. Another hunter "stalked" past me, and came within inches of stepping on my hand. Not wanting an accidental discharge, I waited till he got past me, and coughed once, so he'd know there was another hunter near. He stopped, turned, and looked for me- and still didn't see me. Now, I don't consider myself the Camo King or anything, but I have to admit, I did feel a bit cocky about it- once I managed to fight off the urge to laugh out loud!
But, my point here, is that properly utilized, even basic camo is quite effective. I could have gone with a much more involved form of concealment, but felt the pattern and lack of motion would be enough to fool deer. I've had people who knew I was there, and looking for me, "lose" me, one reason I'm so fond of WC for my area. So, I'd go with some basic camouflage "normal" clothing over a specialized item like the ghillie suit. I can wear full camo, minus face paint, and walk into the local grocery store, and not really raise an eyebrow- with a ghillie suit, I don't think so. Having the ability to wear the limited wardrobe I'd be bugging out with in public if necessary is another vote in the favor of camos over ghillie suit.

[moab]

Not to try to shoot holes in the ghillie suit idea, beyond my initial "I wouldn't" response, on the camo aspect, I've gone with woodland camo BDUs for Autumn deer season in NY state. My first use of them for this, I was laying on a rock "hump" with a view overlooking a field I knew the deer of the area to feed in. Another hunter "stalked" past me, and came within inches of stepping on my hand. Not wanting an accidental discharge, I waited till he got past me, and coughed once, so he'd know there was another hunter near. He stopped, turned, and looked for me- and still didn't see me. Now, I don't consider myself the Camo King or anything, but I have to admit, I did feel a bit cocky about it- once I managed to fight off the urge to laugh out loud!
But, my point here, is that properly utilized, even basic camo is quite effective. I could have gone with a much more involved form of concealment, but felt the pattern and lack of motion would be enough to fool deer. I've had people who knew I was there, and looking for me, "lose" me, one reason I'm so fond of WC for my area. So, I'd go with some basic camouflage "normal" clothing over a specialized item like the ghillie suit. I can wear full camo, minus face paint, and walk into the local grocery store, and not really raise an eyebrow- with a ghillie suit, I don't think so. Having the ability to wear the limited wardrobe I'd be bugging out with in public if necessary is another vote in the favor of camos over ghillie suit.

I agree with you here Knight. It can't replace camo clothing. And it has to be expedient. Something you can throw on and off over your camies and gear. So that if you want to travel with just the camies you can. But if you need to wear the extra camo it's there to throw on in a minute or two. I've been looking more at this. And thinking more about it. A lightweight coverall and pack cover isn't a bad idea. Or better yet a ghillie cape or stalker suit. IF it's lightweight and packs small. GhillieArnhem on youtube has some nice videos on different types of ghillie & stalker suits, head covers, pack covers, capes etc. etc. I think some sort of lightweight (nylon or poly blend) ghillie cape or poncho would not be a bad idea. If your trying to hide from bad guys. Especially if it's synthetic and not made out of heavy canvas. It will pack small and light. Think camo netting that drapes over your head, shoulders and down part of your body. Covering your pack.

Check out the first minute of this video. You'll see what I mean.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noQ-lFDK ... el&list=UL

[Korlon Brood]

I feel like I should throw my 2Cents into this mix about the ghillie suit. You don't need to be a Scout Sniper to be able to use a Ghillie suit well. I was rejected from the military for medical purposes. I'm 19 and in my spare time I make ghillie suits for multiple terrains and different weather conditions. My friend actually just earned the title "Bravo-4" (Graduating US Army sniper school in Georgia). I out Stalked him AND Out shot him along with spotting and Range estimation at set distances and random distances. You don't need to be a sniper to have a ghillie suit much less a hunter. In all seriousness, go find a place to play airsoft and run around for a few hours in it. Do some stalking, skull drag for a few hundred meters, go prone and sit for a few hours in the same position without moving. If you like it, then pursue it. You will never master the art of camouflage or the Ghillie suit. It is a constant learning process. But I warn you now, it is a gruesome process to actually custom make one much less maintenance one. But, as I say, To each his/her own. Now, The idea to buy real tree camo as normal clothing to put into your bag is a good idea. If you are in an environment that is predominately urban, I would advise not keeping it on your person. Get an ALICE pack (preferable OD green) and stuff it in that along with all your other gear you would need for your Ghillie suit. Toss that bad boy into your closet, trunk, cabin, you name it. It is not going any where. Word of advice before you store it away though. Scout out your area in all directions for AT LEAST a good 50 miles. You don't want to dawn your suit and walk over then next hill and go FML because the terrain changed, the colors changed. This is not Call of Duty, It is not that easy. You want to make sure you can cover your pack, your weapon system that you are using, your side arm, and battle belt/ pistol belt. All these things take into affect when using a Ghillie suit. I'm not saying your some one who has watched the Sniper serious a bunch and Youtube and watched all of ghilliearnhems videos. That is NOT the way to go about learning. Its a self taught, self paced process of creation and learning. But not all the time do you need to put it in your bag or keep it on hand, like I said, keep it in another pack that you can throw on your back. Yet again, it is all about personal preference.
This is the bag I am using for my B.O.B (I give it a 10/10 for anyone wondering.)

http://www.opsgear.com/index/page/product/product_id/95/product_name/GI+Spec+3-Day+Assault+Backpack

I have everything I need to carry in it and then some. I just turn my ghillie suit inside out so the burlap/jute is on the inside and I roll it together and tie it down with some black bungie cord and hang it in the loops on the bottom of my pack with my shooting mat rolled and on the top of it. I keep my Remington 700's ghillie wrap in its case at all times. Do I need it a lot? No. People look at me when I open my drag bag and see the burlap rifle wrap next to it and almost always ask me what it is. I tell them that its a rifle wrap for a ghillie suit. No shame in it what so ever.

Now as for weight, walk around in it, get a feel for it. Go out into your neighborhood or in the woods at dusk WITHOUT your ghillie hat or hood on. You don't want to instill fear or panic into anyone. Walk a couple miles with it. That is what I do once a week on the weekends. Eventually people stop staring and just see it as a normal thing. Yes, you are going to get some questions. Be polite, mention NOTHING in ANY reference to military use. Say it is for hunting, tell them you have a passion for making them, tell them you play Paint Ball or Air Soft with it and you are just breaking it in and getting a feel for it. Also, you want that sucker to breath. In the winter you will feel amazing and comfortable (At least in my experiences), but when the summer comes, you are going to sweat like no tomorrow. The weight of it is important, BUT! If you are able to carry it comfortably along with all your preps and then some in your B.O.B then by all means take it with you. I am how ever 6"10 and 270lbs, and mine weighs in at about 15lbs. After a while of carrying it around on your back with all your other gear (Assuming you have a self defense load out since you are keeping a ghillie suit with you) it will feel natural and like nothing is there. Not trying to shoot you down with all this. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. I will gladly help any one that needs answers or second/third opinions. (This goes for everyone else on ZS that has questions. I AM NOT BY ANY STRETCH AN EXPERT. Just a pursuer )

As for the gas mask, sorry, I don't really dwell into that.

[Korlon Brood]

This is pretty late, But I actually just got back from a self pace training experiment out at a hilly area. This is all I took. Its my woodland Ghillie Suit before I left on foot. All my gear is on my person and ghillie'd correctly to match. a few spots a little open, mainly because its my name tape. Don't mind my dog, shes the curios type.