Fieldcraft Poncho-type Ghillie (pic heavy)

[War_Squirrel]

Finally tested my poncho ghillie today.
Even after a light coat of tan spraypaint, I still feel that the suit is too dark and unnatural, and the fibers are still too twisted. (I messed up and used twisted jute) Will a nice mudbath fix that?

Anyway, here's the pics.
First, with no veg. (See how unnatural it looks?)

Vegged up.

At 10 yards, prone.

Standing, ten yards.

Anyway, what I learned from all of this is that a ghillie wash is in order, and veg really is the edge. The poncho design really helps to keep it in shape when standing up, although to save weight and bulk, making it into a simple cape with sleeves might be a better idea, and would make it more wieldy on a stalk. Anyone have any suggestions to improve it?

 

[_Shay_]

Re: Poncho-type Ghillie (pic heavy)

Maybe less jute, but see how it is after a mud bath, that will be the judge, and the mud will tone down the colors

 

[War_Squirrel]

Re: Poncho-type Ghillie (pic heavy)

Thanks Shay, I'll do that soon. By the way, I've seen some of your work on here, you've got a real talent for this stuff! Are you self taught, or did you learn from the 'net or someone?

 

[_Shay_]

Re: Poncho-type Ghillie (pic heavy)

Some online sources got me started, then some improvising came along, and now I'm at where I am today. Sierra Whiskey, Ghillie Zen and Brutus were good guys that helped me a bunch as well.

But I'm only a kid, so hopefully my skills get better over time.

 

[War_Squirrel]

Re: Poncho-type Ghillie (pic heavy)

I'll keep an eye out for them then. Maybe they can teach me a thing or two as well.
Oh, quick question:
How much of a detriment will the jute material on the front of my suit be while crawling or in prone? I didn't have much time to try it out today. Would it be better to cut it down to a cape?

 

[UNCIVILIZED]

Re: Poncho-type Ghillie (pic heavy)

This is a guess, but if you're serious about washing it, you might try out some hair conditioner to make it easier to comb out some of the "dreads" in the jute (that, or just tow it behind a water ski boat for half an hour). Followed by a fresh coat or three of fire retardant.

Here's a link to a semi-recent discussion [with pics] on capes =>

 

[War_Squirrel]

Re: Poncho-type Ghillie (pic heavy)

That's actually a really smart idea. Hair conditioner, huh? If I can find some scentless stuff, I'll try it. I don't have access to a jet ski, but I do have a truck and some dirt roads. Think that'd tear it up too much?

 

[_Shay_]

Re: Poncho-type Ghillie (pic heavy)

The dreading up of the jute is good, once it gets muddy, it'll look more natural, not as stringy. Get it all muddy and dreaded, and use a wire brush, or pavement, and grind it against the pavement to get it more matted and natural.

 

[Doeboy]

Re: Poncho-type Ghillie (pic heavy)

I like that!! wanting to make a suit/cape style ghillie my self you blend in good, i couldn't see you at 10 yard.

 

[War_Squirrel]

Re: Poncho-type Ghillie (pic heavy)

Thanks, give it a shot! This one was made with just plain fishnet and dyed jute. Nothing else to it.
I cut a hole in the center and made a hood out of extra fishnet.
Good ventilation.