My team and I are preparing to build some snow ghillies. Hate to re-invent the wheel. I'm looking for ideas regarding the coat & pants used for the build. May need to lay for several hours in the snow in temps from 30's to single digits. Also - I greatly prefer jute to the synthetic material in my regular suit but am considering synthetic for this project as it won't absorb H2O. Any shared experiences are welcome.
Snow ghillie build ideas
- Thread starter Sierra II
- Start date
Re: Snow ghillie build ideas
Saw a thread on here a while back where a guy put a layer of waterproof nylon on the front to help keep dry. Anything that keeps snow from building up on the suit will help.
Saw a thread on here a while back where a guy put a layer of waterproof nylon on the front to help keep dry. Anything that keeps snow from building up on the suit will help.
Re: Snow ghillie build ideas
Have you considered just using overwhites? They are incredibly effective. Or getting a cheap pair of overwhites to base your ghillie on? Snow generally has a smooth texture to it and 1 pretty consistent color. When the snow cover is marginal and freezing or melting anything white will end up brown or grey if it contacts the ground. My snow "ghillie" for predator hunting is shredded white synthetic fleece, snow does stick to it, and I have to wear waterproof gear underneath, but it is quiet and it adds insulation. I generally go with ECWCS polypros and fleece with a synthetic outer layer and goretex under it, with a fleece hat, polypro face mask, and proper footwear its good for 2-3hrs stationary at -20F.
Have you considered just using overwhites? They are incredibly effective. Or getting a cheap pair of overwhites to base your ghillie on? Snow generally has a smooth texture to it and 1 pretty consistent color. When the snow cover is marginal and freezing or melting anything white will end up brown or grey if it contacts the ground. My snow "ghillie" for predator hunting is shredded white synthetic fleece, snow does stick to it, and I have to wear waterproof gear underneath, but it is quiet and it adds insulation. I generally go with ECWCS polypros and fleece with a synthetic outer layer and goretex under it, with a fleece hat, polypro face mask, and proper footwear its good for 2-3hrs stationary at -20F.
Re: Snow ghillie build ideas
Thanks for the info. Are you sewing netting onto the overwhites to attach the fleece? Is the snow just sticking to the fleece or actually soaking in and taking on weight? Also- there is a high probability that we'll have to do a crawl through briers into a final firing position. Have you had to deal with briers and if so how is your materials holding up?
Thanks for the info. Are you sewing netting onto the overwhites to attach the fleece? Is the snow just sticking to the fleece or actually soaking in and taking on weight? Also- there is a high probability that we'll have to do a crawl through briers into a final firing position. Have you had to deal with briers and if so how is your materials holding up?
Re: Snow ghillie build ideas
I'd suggest getting a set of white coveralls, and first, spraying them down a couple times with silicon water repelant. Then, sparcely, just to break up the outline, adding on your choice of materials.
I'd suggest getting a set of white coveralls, and first, spraying them down a couple times with silicon water repelant. Then, sparcely, just to break up the outline, adding on your choice of materials.
Re: Snow ghillie build ideas
I generally only use the fleece when its below 10 degrees, its cloak style not attached, no good for movement, as I use it for hunting and its virtually impossible to move thru deep snow quietly I don't worry much about concealment until in position. It does absorb melt and get an ice crust when its between your body and the ground doesn't seem to gain much weight, probably would if it was warmer. Snags on everything, excellent question, I forgot as our undergrowth gets buried early in winter. Aside from insulation I don't recommend fleece for your conditions. Sorry I'm not nearly the help I thought I might be.
I generally only use the fleece when its below 10 degrees, its cloak style not attached, no good for movement, as I use it for hunting and its virtually impossible to move thru deep snow quietly I don't worry much about concealment until in position. It does absorb melt and get an ice crust when its between your body and the ground doesn't seem to gain much weight, probably would if it was warmer. Snags on everything, excellent question, I forgot as our undergrowth gets buried early in winter. Aside from insulation I don't recommend fleece for your conditions. Sorry I'm not nearly the help I thought I might be.
Re: Snow ghillie build ideas
We bought Canadian surplus overwhites. Cheap and very effective. Packs down into very little space.
Here is the suit:
Stay warm... it's -9 here and dropping.
Cheers,
Sirhr
Here's a link to the guy we bought them from: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Canadian-Forces-...=item23175c61ec
We bought Canadian surplus overwhites. Cheap and very effective. Packs down into very little space.
Here is the suit:
Stay warm... it's -9 here and dropping.
Cheers,
Sirhr
Here's a link to the guy we bought them from: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Canadian-Forces-...=item23175c61ec
Re: Snow ghillie build ideas
U.S. overwhites or the Canadian set up will certainly work. I would not worry about adding anything to it as far as jute. In snow the use of terrain to include drifts, treelines, shadows etc. will afford you plenty of concealment without building up a bunch of snow on a jute covered suit. I recommend a good waterproof ground tarp to put under you. I used to have one that was solid white on one side and the other was broken up with brown spray paint (looked similar to the new ATAC camo pattern). The tarp was large enough to put two people on it or lay on one side then throw the other half over you. Just some other options and boils down to where, and how long you will be in position. The tarp also marks for a pretty handy shelter if need be.
Overwhites and or the tarp I have found work best as it affords you the opportunity to take them off quickly when transitioning between snow fields and wooded areas.
What usually gets you busted in the snow is gear that is not camo, ie. rifle tripod etc.
Good luck and let us know what you end up with and how it works out.
Danel
U.S. overwhites or the Canadian set up will certainly work. I would not worry about adding anything to it as far as jute. In snow the use of terrain to include drifts, treelines, shadows etc. will afford you plenty of concealment without building up a bunch of snow on a jute covered suit. I recommend a good waterproof ground tarp to put under you. I used to have one that was solid white on one side and the other was broken up with brown spray paint (looked similar to the new ATAC camo pattern). The tarp was large enough to put two people on it or lay on one side then throw the other half over you. Just some other options and boils down to where, and how long you will be in position. The tarp also marks for a pretty handy shelter if need be.
Overwhites and or the tarp I have found work best as it affords you the opportunity to take them off quickly when transitioning between snow fields and wooded areas.
What usually gets you busted in the snow is gear that is not camo, ie. rifle tripod etc.
Good luck and let us know what you end up with and how it works out.
Danel
Re: Snow ghillie build ideas
Danel,
Thanks for the advice. Staying warm, dry and hidden in the snow presents a whole new set of challenges. Wasn't sure if a ghillie would afford me the luxury of getting away with a little more movement or not. I really like the 2 sided tarp idea. I also thought about creating a snow ghillie blanket that I could throw over at the last minute. may serve the double purpose of breaking up an outline from above and providing an extra layer of warmth. What do you think?
Danel,
Thanks for the advice. Staying warm, dry and hidden in the snow presents a whole new set of challenges. Wasn't sure if a ghillie would afford me the luxury of getting away with a little more movement or not. I really like the 2 sided tarp idea. I also thought about creating a snow ghillie blanket that I could throw over at the last minute. may serve the double purpose of breaking up an outline from above and providing an extra layer of warmth. What do you think?
Re: Snow ghillie build ideas
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sirhrmechanic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">We bought Canadian surplus overwhites. Cheap and very effective. Packs down into very little space.
Here is the suit:
Stay warm... it's -9 here and dropping.
Cheers,
Sirhr
Here's a link to the guy we bought them from: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Canadian-Forces-...=item23175c61ec </div></div>
They work ok, You will notice though they are very, very white. to the point they can some times contrast with snow. Another problem is if your in any type of brush you get a serious silloute of a white blob blocking out the brush behind. I have seen some peoople use those, but spray a light pattern on one the inside of them. It helps with both problems.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sirhrmechanic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">We bought Canadian surplus overwhites. Cheap and very effective. Packs down into very little space.
Here is the suit:
Stay warm... it's -9 here and dropping.
Cheers,
Sirhr
Here's a link to the guy we bought them from: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Canadian-Forces-...=item23175c61ec </div></div>
They work ok, You will notice though they are very, very white. to the point they can some times contrast with snow. Another problem is if your in any type of brush you get a serious silloute of a white blob blocking out the brush behind. I have seen some peoople use those, but spray a light pattern on one the inside of them. It helps with both problems.
Re: Snow ghillie build ideas
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: softcock</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><span style="font-size: 14pt"><span style="font-weight: bold">an Olde but still a good one.....</span></span>
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LOL.....that is so wrong on every level
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: softcock</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><span style="font-size: 14pt"><span style="font-weight: bold">an Olde but still a good one.....</span></span>
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. </div></div>
LOL.....that is so wrong on every level
Re: Snow ghillie build ideas
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sierra II</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My team and I are preparing to build some snow ghillies. Hate to re-invent the wheel. I'm looking for ideas regarding the coat & pants used for the build. May need to lay for several hours in the snow in temps from 30's to single digits. Also - I greatly prefer jute to the synthetic material in my regular suit but am considering synthetic for this project as it won't absorb H2O. Any shared experiences are welcome. </div></div>
Just curious what team you are a part of?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sierra II</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My team and I are preparing to build some snow ghillies. Hate to re-invent the wheel. I'm looking for ideas regarding the coat & pants used for the build. May need to lay for several hours in the snow in temps from 30's to single digits. Also - I greatly prefer jute to the synthetic material in my regular suit but am considering synthetic for this project as it won't absorb H2O. Any shared experiences are welcome. </div></div>
Just curious what team you are a part of?
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