When you're an outdoorsman or outdoorswoman, you know the importance of your clothing when it comes to protecting you from the elements and the terrain. In some cases, you may even need camo fabric if you're hunting, playing paintball, or something else that requires camouflage. In these cases you need protection from your opponents or the sharp eyes of your prey!

Choosing the right camo fabric will be crucial for your skin's protection, for your own comfort, and for ease of movement as well. Not all materials are created alike and not all camouflage patterns are identical either. Understanding this and understanding what to look for will help you to make better decisions about the camo fabric you choose, which in turn will mean being more comfortable and less visible when in the field. Consider the following important but simple tips when choosing camo fabric for your outdoor sport. This will help you to stay comfortable and even safe when outside!

Comfort and Ease

Your comfort when outside is often determined by your camo fabric. Something that is too heavy or too restrictive will mean not being able to move freely, which of course is not good for any outdoor activity. You want to choose camo fabric that has a loose enough weave that you can move freely especially around the joints. While heavier materials keep you warm, they cannot and should not be so heavy that you get weighed down by your own clothes.

Cotton is a breathable fabric so you feel more comfortable when wearing it; you don't feel so constricted with cotton. When shopping for a camo fabric be sure to look for cotton as this is a favorite choice for anyone that will be working up a sweat. Nylon can be good for maintaining body heat but it can also be restrictive and make you feel overly warm, so often a camo fabric that is a combination of nylon and cotton or other materials is most preferred.

Protection and Durability

For outdoor sports, your camo fabric does more than just hide you from your prey or opponents. It protects your skin from the elements and from abrasions and can even protect you from bruising due to contact. This means you need durable fabric that is thick enough to absorb impact, and that won't rip and tear with every little movement. Choosing camo fabric that seems durable is very important; don't choose ease of movement over something durable as the material may easily rip.

Spandex or Lycra helps a fabric to move easily and so to avoid tears; a camo fabric with a small amount of this material may help to make it more durable. This can also help you as you wear the materials since it moves and stretches, so you don't feel so constricted. Many clothes are made with a small blend of spandex and camo fabric is no exception; find materials with this blend for added comfort and convenience.