Ghillie suits have been around for ages, literally. Ever since the dawn of time hunters have tried to blend in with their surroundings to be able to get as close as possible to their prey. This has translated into modern-age hunting well enough and our idea of camouflage hasn’t changed much. The people that need the best ghillie suits the most are bow hunters since they operate at much smaller distances than normal hunters equipped with long-range rifles.
However, nowadays almost all hunters and airsoft or paintball players benefit from having a ghillie suit on. Most modern suits are made out of tough materials, have different coloring, and are meant for different kinds of terrains. That is why I decided to create this small guide showing you some of my favorite models for this year! We will go through all of their features, pros, and cons, and then discuss what you need to look for in a ghillie suit when buying one. So, let’s get started!
Best Ghillie Suit Comparison
Best Overall – Red Rock Outdoor Gear Ghillie Suit
Jack’s Rating:
My favorite model for this year has to be the Red Rock Outdoor Gear Suit. Not only is it extremely well-made, but it also has a gun wrap. Furthermore, the textures and the materials used here are just one of the best I’ve seen in a while, especially at this price class.
This company is actually one of the oldest when it comes to ghillie suits manufacturing and it shows in their products. Their suits are often a good fit and there is an abundance of colors and size variations. This particular one over here is the woodland one. As the name suggests, it is perfect for deep wood hunting but you can use it in all sorts of other terrains.
There are small cuts in the suit which give easy access to your pockets. This means that you can layer it with the rest of your clothes with no loss in practicality or maneuverability. In fact, it is really easy to put on thanks to the polyester materials used all around. There are drawstrings on both your waist and the hat as well as snap closures at the ankles. The ghillie material is dense but lightweight and the whole thing comes with a carrying bag that is super practical to have. The drawstrings on the rifle wrap are also a small little touch that adds to the overall great experience of this product.
Color-wise, you can choose between snow, woodland, ACU, and desert. The suit is true to its size but if you plan on putting thicker base layers, I suggest opting for one size above yours. One drawback is that there are no kids’ sizes or M/S ones, making it also impractical for women. All in all, if you’re out looking for a durable all-rounder, this is it!
Pros
- Lightweight
- Very durable
- Comes with a rifle wrap and a stuff bag
- Good price-to-value ratio
- Has different sizes and colors
- Breathable materials
- Ideal for wood hunting
- Has 4 different camo options
Cons
- There are cheaper suits that offer similar features
- No smaller sizes making it impractical for kids and women
Best For Grass Fields – Arcturus Ghost Ghillie Suit
Jack’s Rating:
Hunting in dry grass fields is common in the warmer states and many people prefer it as it provides a good blending environment. That is, of course, if you have the right camouflage.
This is where this Arcturus Ghost camo ghillie suit comes into play. It is my favorite model for grass fields since it packs so much thread on it (5 pounds). What is even better about the threads is that they are double-stitched and there is hardly any shedding, as it usually happens with cheaper worse-quality models. Its threads are synthetic making them water-resistant and very silent when you are moving.
The suit is a snug fit and comes in four sizes: Extra Large, Large, Young Adults, and Kids. If you are about 6 feet tall I suggest getting the extra-large size. The package you are getting here consists of a jacket and pants. The jacket also has a detachable hood which comes in handy if you have additional camo for your head. All the parts have drawstrings which is a nice touch. On top of all of that, you get a wrap for your rifle with the same color and thread pattern.
The coloring pattern features a green base with lighter olive colors on top of the thread to fully mimic a grassland. Each model comes with a carrying bag made out of mesh materials which makes the suit easy to carry around. Still, this is one of the heavier suits I’ve reviewed here, so you might want to avoid it if you know there will be a lot of walking or moving around. Another disadvantage to consider here is that this is also one of the most expensive suits on my list. Still, I think it is well worth your money!
Pros
- Tons of threads that create great camouflage
- All parts have drawstrings for a better fit
- Comes with a wrap for your rifle
- Very silent
- Completely Water Resistant
- Comes with a mesh bag
Cons
- Can feel a little heavy because of the amount of thread on it
- Not ideal for woodlands
- A bit bulky
Best For Bowhunting – VIVO Woodland Ghillie Suit
Jack’s Rating:
I find that the VIVO woodland ghillie suit is one of the best bargains out on the market right now for people who want a well-made camouflage that will keep them cool and concealed.
Unlike the previous two suits, this one comes with a mask that fits tightly around your head and even has a chin strap to make things even more secure. Only a small part of your face will be visible when wearing it, providing the ultimate camouflage.
The whole suit weighs around 4 pounds making it good for people that track and move a lot in the forests. The pants have buttons on them which you can open up to let air cool you down. Overall, this is one of the cooler suits on this list, mainly due to the lack of a thick thread layer. The string threads themselves are made out of pure polypropylene making the suit waterproof and very resistant. One issue that I have is that those strings can easily fall apart when you bump into a tree, for example. One final detail that has to be mentioned is that there are slits all over the suit for your pockets underneath it.
Sizing-wise, people often get a smaller size than the one they wanted, so make sure you choose a size above for a better fit. If you are wearing M-sized clothes, get an M or L suit. Additionally, all the parts have drawstrings, except the hood, so rest assured that you will be able to move freely without the suit falling off of you.
This suit does come with a rifle wrap and with a little modification you can make that work for your bow as well. Lastly, apart from the Camo Leaves pattern, you can also choose dry grass or woodland. Both of these have more thread on them, making them bulkier and also hotter, so keep that in mind.
Pros
- Excellent for bowhunters
- Lightweight & Weather Resistant
- Comes with a hood
- Has slits for your pockets
- Trousers can be unbuttoned for better ventilation
- Has drawstrings on the jacket and pants
- comes in three camo patterns
Cons
- Strings can fall apart when damaged
- Sizes aren’t always a good fit
- The thread can be too much for some people to move around freely
Best for Birdwatching – Auscamotek Ghillie Suit Poncho
Jack’s Rating:
Unlike the other suits on this list, this one doesn’t include pants. It can be put on top of your hunting clothes and allows for great amounts of dexterity. Also, when you’re sitting down, you’re typically far more exposed from below, allowing air to cool you down better compared to a traditional ghillie suit. That is one of the reasons I’ve been noticing more and more poncho-styled ghillie suits as of late. They are also generally cheaper to manufacture, allowing the company that makes them focus on other important factors like threads, mesh quality, durability, and more.
In terms of camo patterns, you get a woodland green and desert only but the company has stated that they’re working on more patterns. As I already mentioned, there are no sizes here but the suit is fairly large so it won’t be suitable for children. All in all, whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or a hunter that values mobility, this suit is going to be a valuable addition to your gear set!
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Great for birdwatching and hunting
- 5 different thread colors
- Very easy to put on and take off
- Breathable mesh fabric
- Doesn’t hinder mobility
Cons
- Can be a bit noisy
- Too large for some kids
- A bit expensive compared to full suits
Most Lightweight – MOPHOTO 3D Leafy Camo Ghillie Suit
Jack’s Rating:
The camo jacket and pants are both made out of polyester. The benefits of polyester are better breathability, less weight on you, and decent resistance against tears. There aren’t any threads like on some other ghillie suits. Instead, you get a leafy design that sticks out of various parts of the suit. In my opinion, threaded suits are slightly better but this does work well in woodlands. There are elastic bands around your ankles and waist which can be adjusted to your taste. The suit runs slightly small, so consider picking a size up from your regular one.
One department where you start to feel the cheaper price tag is the noise. The suit is rather noisy, so I would advise you to use it in more static scenarios like hunting from a treestand or a fixed position. Other than that, the suit is also great for airsoft, paintball, wildlife photography, and other occasions! You get a 1-year manufacturer warranty as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee.
That means you can try it out and see for yourself if you like it. To sum things up, this is a perfect suit for people on a budget that want something fairly decent and durable! If you can afford to get something more expensive, however, I’d opt for a suit from a brand like North Mountain Gear or Arcturus.
Pros
- Very cheap
- Decent durability
- Comes in two wood camo patterns
- Good for beginners
- Adjustable ankle and waistbands
- Easy to put on
- Breathable
Cons
- A bit noisy
- The quality isn’t premium
- Doesn’t include a carrying bag or a gun wrap
- Only has two sizes
Best For Airsoft – Pinty 3D 4-Piece Camo Ghillie Suit
Jack’s Rating:
This Pinty 3D suit is one of the best deals out there thanks to its low price and good overall quality. It is a rather different model as it has a pull-over top and a hood making it way easier to put on. That’s crucial for airsoft or paintball games where convenience and flexibility are key.
The threads achieve a sort of 3D effect by being sewn layer on top of layer a few inches apart. This creates the perfect cover for airsoft snipers that prefer holding a certain position. Additionally, those long green strings are very durable and can also take a beating no matter where you take this suit – woods, shooting range, paintball field.
This camo suit is fairly lightweight but isn’t water-resistant so make you pack some waterproof clothes underneath if you are up for a wet hunting day. Overall, it weighs around 4.5 lbs all things included which isn’t that bad for a full-on suit. One thing that I don’t like is the fact that there are no camo pattern options other than the forest woodland you’re getting.
As with most of the previous models on my list, this one comes with a rifle wrap for your gun and a nice camouflage-colored carry bag to keep your suit in. Thanks to its low price, I have no trouble recommending this both to hunters and to younger people that want to test it out on the paintball field!
Pros
- All parts have draw-strings for adjustments
- The Hood has a nice fit to it and covers the whole head
- The 3D effect creates a good cover while keeping the suit lightweight
- Has a decent wrap for your rifle
- Very good price-to-value ratio
- Comes with a camouflage bag
Cons
- Not water resistant
- Only works well for airsoft snipers and other static positions
Best Budget Ghillie Suit – LOOGU Hunting Ghillie Suit
Jack’s Rating:
The base of the suit is made out of polyester which is normal across the whole segment. Inside the polyester shell, you have soft netting fiber that is meant to be breathable and cool. The whole suit is geared more towards a warmer climate, as it isn’t very insulating at all. Keep that in mind the next time you take it out on a chilly October morning. On the outside, you have a leaf pattern that is both printed on the suit and with 3D inserts all over it. The inserts are made out of polyester as well and are surprisingly durable. However, they aren’t as many as I’d wish them to be.
Mobility inside the poncho is quite generous. Unlike other poncho-styled suits, this one has plenty of space around the shoulders, allowing you to move your hands more freely. There are elastic bands around your wrists and a band around the hood to make the suit fit better and stay in place.
There are two camo pattern options for the poncho and two more for the traditional suits from the brand. They are all budget-oriented, so you won’t have to spend a fortune to get one. All in all, for that price, this is one of the better ghillie poncho suits out there. And thanks to its practicality, it is ideal for anything ranging from airsoft to hunting and birdwatching!
Pros
- Very cheap
- Easy to put on and take off
- 3D leaf camo patterns
- Comes in multiple sizes
- Fairly durable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Doesn’t insulate well for colder days
- Can take a while to get used to
- The 3D leaves aren’t that many
Most Breathable – ANYDKE Outdoor Ghillie Suit
Jack’s Rating:
The suit itself is made out of two parts – a top hoodie and pants. Both of them come with drawstrings and cuffs to make for a better fit. Speaking of fit, that’s one of the downsides of this particular model. It only comes in two sizes – one for people between 4.9 and 5.9 feet and one for people over that. Basically, securing a proper fit will be hard unless you’re right around the middle of those heights and that’s not guaranteeing it will fit in terms of width.
Another thing that I don’t particularly enjoy here is the fact that there aren’t any camo options besides the main one. Everything comes in a camo bag that lets you store and transport this suit easily. You also get a pair of camo gloves that finish off your disguise. Everything you get with this suit is machine washable and dries very quickly. In short, for this particular price, there aren’t a lot of other suits that are that lightweight and breathable. If you’re new to hunting, airsoft, or wildlife photography, put this on your shortlist!
Pros
- Fairly cheap
- Machine washable
- Has flex cuffs and drawstrings
- Comes with a bag and a pair of gloves
- Very breathable
- Lightweight
- High-endurance polyester
Cons
- Only comes in one camo color
- Doesn’t have traditional sizes
- A bit more transparent than other suits
- The zipper is a known failing point
Best For Deer Hunting – North Mountain Gear Ghillie Hunting Suit
Jack’s Rating:
The North Mountain Gear Suit is one of the most advanced ghillie suits on this list. It is made out of the best quality materials and is far more durable and complex than the previous models I reviewed. However, that also puts a very heavy price tag on it, making it also one of the most expensive suits on the market right now.
It owes most of its success to its 3D leaves pattern, which unlike other suits is thick and really well executed. Making a suit with leaves instead of threads or strings is challenging and cutting them individually is a very hard process. These here are whole-cut leaves and are stitched individually to the polyester camo suit.
The North Mountain Gear ghillie suit comes in two parts – a top hoodie and pants. The pants have knee-length zippers which makes it easy to put them on. They also have an elastic band around the waist and drawstrings to secure a better fit. There are two big pockets on both sides of the pants. Having pockets in your camo suit is something rare and eliminates the need of having to dig in there to find your clothes’ pockets while laying down somewhere or standing on a treestand.
The jacket has a detachable hood and two big pockets on each side. The cuffs are elastic as well as the waist adds to the perfect fit feeling of the suit. Camo-wise, the whole suit comes in brown and green/yellowish combinations making it ideal for every season. The breathability of the suit as well as the durable fabric makes it a good all-weather suit as well. The whole thing also weighs around 2 pounds which ranks it among the lightest on my list.
Unfortunately, it only comes in L, XL, and XXL sizes, making it less-than-ideal for kids and smaller adults. The other obvious downside is that it is extremely expensive compared to a normal ghillie suit. Still, for your money, this is one of the absolutely best suits you can get right now.
Pros
- Huge amount of whole-cut leaves sewn to the suit
- One of the lightest camo suits on the market
- The pants and jacket have two pockets each
- Elastic waistbands
- Great for wood hunting
- Comes in two colors
- Extremely durable
Cons
- Doesn’t come in sizes smaller than Large
- Not entirely waterproof
- Very expensive
Best For Woodlands – Zicac Outdoor Camo Ghillie Suit
Jack’s Rating:
Just like almost all other cheap suits out there, this one uses a polyester shell. It’s fairly breathable and keeps the overall weight of the suit down. However, you will need at least one base layer of clothes if you’re taking this suit out to hunt in the Fall or Spring seasons. For sports like paintball or airsoft, this model is superb since it’s lightweight and quite flexible. It can be machine washed as well, giving it an edge over some competitors that must be hand-washed.
The suit comes in two colors – leafy green and woodland green where the woodland green has more brown accents typical for the Fall hunting season. There are, however, only two sizes to choose from – one smaller one for people ranging from 4.9 – 5.9 ft and a large one for people between 5.9 and 6.9 ft tall.
Unfortunately, all of the upsides of this suit are somewhat negated by the fact that it isn’t built very well. There are some durability issues that have made it drop a lot of positions on my list. For starters, the 3D leaf design isn’t as dense as I would’ve wanted it. Moreover, the polyester shell is prone to ripping if you catch it on a branch. That being said, for this price, it is still a good purchase no matter its slight downsides!
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Budget-friendly
- Elastic waist on the trousers
- Easy to put on
- Good for woodland hunting
- Fairly flexible
- Easy to wash
Cons
- Not very durable
- Doesn’t insulate at all
- The 3D leafy camo isn’t very dense
- Not ideal for large people
Best All-in-One Package – MOPHOTO 5 in 1 Ghillie Suit
Jack’s Rating:
The MOPHOTO suit comes in 3 different sizes – Youth, M/L, and Xl/XXL. The Youth sizing works great for women as well. That’s a great addition since most other suits don’t have an XS/small size, making them suitable only for bigger people.
Unlike the Red Rock suit, however, you can only get this one in two camo patterns – dry grass and forest green. These are the two most typical options anyway but I would’ve loved it if there is a 3D leaf cover pattern for hunting in the Fall season. All in all, for this price there are hardly any better options out there that will offer as much bang for your buck. Even better, there is a 30-day return policy, so you can test it out hassle-free. In short, if you’re on a tighter budget you should go right ahead and buy this one!
Pros
- Very good bang for your buck
- Comes with everything you need
- Has a stuff sack
- Deep forest green camo pattern
- Easy to put on
- Fairly breathable
Cons
- Can be a bit noisy
- Not very durable
- Doesn’t come in more than two camo patterns
Honorable Mention – HaoFst Jungle Ghillie Suit
Jack’s Rating:
The lining of the suit is made out of polyester while the threads are polypropylene. That allows it to remain fairly lightweight while retaining most of its durability. It is still heavier than most other leafy ghillie suits, though. Due to the thickness of the threads, it also isn’t the most breathable suit out there. Make sure you keep that in mind if you’re wearing it on a warmer day.
One major disadvantage to this suit is its size limitation. It only comes in an M size which is for people who are either M or L. There are cuffs on the ankles and wrists as well as elasticized straps on the hood and trousers. Even then though, it isn’t suitable for kids or smaller adults. On top of that, it also doesn’t come in multiple camo combinations. It only has one version – the dark green one. To be fair, that camo pattern is ideal for woodlands and different airsoft/paintball playing fields but it still would’ve been nice to see other colors.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Ideal for multiple purposes
- Thick threading
- Comes with a gun wrap
- Has a waterproof and dustproof carry bag
- Easy to put on
Cons
- The long-term durability is questionable
- Can be a bit heavy compared to other leafy suits
- Catches branches very easily
Ghillie Suits Buyer’s Guide
The history of the modern-day ghillie suit began over a century ago in Scotland as a way for shepherds to guard their herds against poachers and wolves. Later on, richer people started using them again to defend their properties from poachers that kill the game in their territories.
The first battle-tested ghillie suit made its appearance in the early 20th century. Ever since then, it has become vastly popular among snipers, hunters, and upon modern times – airsoft and paintball players. Nowadays the ghillie suit is one of the most important parts of any hunter’s tactical gear setup.
There are many kinds of suits, mainly differentiating between each other by their coloring, thread pattern, and clothing materials. Let’s take a look at the features that you will have to keep an eye out for when buying your first suit.
What To Look For In A Ghillie Suit
A good hunting suit is defined by a couple of factors. One of the most important ones is whether or not it blends in with the environment. That isn’t always up to the suit, though. Taking a grass field model to the woodlands will make you stick out as a Christmas decoration in June so the first thing you have to figure out is where you will be primarily using the suit. There are some models that try to have a multi-environmental thread pattern but that doesn’t always work out in the customer’s favor. Either way, let’s check out which are the top features you will have to pay attention to:
- Material Quality
- What is included in the ghillie suit set
- Coloring and Patterns
- Threads
- Sizing & Weight
- The Price
Let’s have a look at each of those features one by one now and see why they are important…
Material Quality
The material quality of the ghillie suit is one of the most important aspects of it. You will be going through grass fields and forests where rough stones and branches will be in contact with the suit. Trust me, nothing will ruin your day better than a torn apart suit dangling from your arms. The good suits have a polyester core which can be meshed (or double-meshed) for added breathability.
The quality of the threads is important too but with them, I have found that it isn’t much to the quality but to the way they are stitched that plays a major role. Look for a ghillie suit with double-stitched elements on it.
What is Included
Most packages include a top and a bottom part. Still, if you are paying more it is natural to demand a little further of the company. Look for models that have a carry bag included, as well as an additional hood/hat and a gun wrap.
If your gun isn’t colored similarly to the environment in which you are hunting, the wrap will fix that issue. Speaking of colors…
Coloring And Patterns
Most people overlook this aspect and focus on the other details when it comes to choosing their tactical gear. Coloring is of utmost importance if you want to properly blend in with your surroundings. Here are some tips on that matter:
- For a woodland forest pick darker-toned suits which can be either threaded or with leaves. If they have leaves choose a costume appropriate to the season in which you are hunting.
- For grass fields choose either light green or yellowing suits that are threaded as that will make you blend right in.
When it comes to patterns there aren’t many rules. Some people prefer scattered camouflage across their costumes while others prefer modern 3D designs or layered leaves or strings.
Threads
The threads of a ghillie suit for hunting are essentially what makes it a ghillie suit. They can be multi-colored or have the same tone. They can be scattered or in order. Most modern threads are made of polypropylene which makes an excellent material for a couple of reasons:
- It is very quiet when you move around
- It is water-resistant
- It is cheap to manufacture
- Very lightweight
There are, of course, some downsides to it. Polypropylene is highly flammable if not treated specially for that. Still, it is a strong material and if stitched properly won’t give you a lot of troubles out in the field.
Sizing & Weight
Sizing is important for a couple of reasons – most of the time the ghillie suit won’t correspond to its advertised size. This is why you should look at the measures the company provides. They are most likely circumferences of your arms, legs, waist, chest, etc. Take your measures and then see which size fits you the best. Still, if there is a slightly bigger model opt for it as you will always have at least one layer of clothes beneath your ghillie suit.
What is harder to find nowadays are models for kids, although there are some. Still, as you might guess companies are geared towards their main audience – male hunters, who predominantly have L, XL, and XXL clothing sizes.
The weight of the ghillie suit is also very important. Having 6-10 lbs on your back probably doesn’t seem like much but carrying it around all day is really tiring.
Price
Last but not least is the price, which is another feature often overlooked by people. For modern suits, the prices range between fifty and a hundred bucks and rarely exceed this range. Suits cheaper than that are most often not worth it unless they are tried, tested, and approved by hunters, as some of my top picks are.
Other Uses Of The Ghillie Suit
The ghillie suit might have been created around the idea of hunting concealed but nowadays people have found a variety of other applications for them, such as:
- Wildlife Photography
- Bird Watching
- Some Cases Of Herding
- Sports like paintball and airsoft
Many times the photographer or bird watcher will have to get into places that would expose them unless they are blending in with their surroundings. This is where the ghillie suit comes into play and saves the day. Furthermore, the gun wraps that usually come with the suits can be used as an excellent camouflage for the cameras.
Paintball and airsoft players love them for the opportunity to have from your enemy in clear sight. Often, the ghillie suit players are assigned as snipers thanks to their stealth.
Are Ghillie Suits Effective?
I’ve seen this question being thrown around a lot, especially by people who are new to hunting. The short answer is – yes. Just think about it – would we use something that isn’t effective while we are hunting?
Now, whether they are appropriate for all kinds of hunting and all seasons and weather conditions, that is a whole different subject. I personally appreciate my ghillie suit in times when I am stalking an animal or am closely behind its tracks. I also have a bright yellowish one for when I am out coyote hunting in the grass fields. Still, when I am involved in a more dynamic hunt I generally avoid bringing my suit, or in the worst case – I just pack it and put it in a truck in case I need it.
If you want to learn how to make a great ghillie suit on your own, click here!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ghillie suits good for hunting?
Ghillie suits aren’t ideal for every occasion but they are certainly perfect if you’re hunting from a static position and you don’t want the game to discover you visually. A good way to further conceive yourself would be to use a scent killer on top of the suit.
Are ghillie suits legal?
Although some people argue their usefulness, hunting with a ghillie suit is 100% legal in all states for all types of game that can be hunted.
How long does it take to make a ghillie suit?
If you’re set on making a ghillie suit of your own, consider putting aside as little as 30 hours of work. If you want to learn more about the process, visit my detailed article on the topic!
What ghillie suits do they use in the military?
The ghillie suits the army uses are known as FRGS (or Flame Resistant Ghillie Systems). However, the newer ones that are in development, are called IGSs (or Improved Ghillie Systems). These all differ depending on the terrain they are meant to be used on.
Final Words
When looking for some of the best ghillie suits, you should always take into account the features that we just went through. In short, the most bulletproof method of seeing whether a suit will last more than just one season is to see its reviews. More often than not, these suits handle perfectly for around a year and then drastically deteriorate in quality. Don’t forget to take into account the overall colors of your typical hunting area and always double-check the sizing before making a purchase!
