Is Tiger Stripe Camo Still a Useful Pattern?

Have you ever seen tiger stripe camo before? It’s not as well known as other common patterns like MutiCam or US Woodland, or even Realtree or Mossy Oak patterns - but it is a classic, and a good one.

All the same, does it still constitute an effective pattern, and if so, when and where can you wear it?

What Is Tiger Stripe Camo?

Tiger stripe camo is a camouflage pattern that was developed by either the United States or the South Vietnamese Armed Forces for use in dense jungle environments during the Vietnam War. There is a theory, however, that it may have developed from improvements and adjustments made to the French Lizard Pattern, also known as Leopard Pattern, that was used by the French Armed Forces from the 1940s to the 1980s. This would make sense considering the involvement of the French in Vietnam as a former colony.

Tiger Stripe Camo consists mainly of broad, horizontal macros and thinner, smaller micros. In most classic patterns, the macros are green, brown and black, and the micros are khaki. One other way of describing the pattern would be that the green, brown and black macros are overlaid over a tan or khaki backdrop.

The strokes of the macros typically interlock rather than overlap each other, and this gives the camouflage an appearance roughly reminiscent of a tiger’s stripes, hence the common name.

This type of camouflage was originally effective in dense, jungle environments because the broad macros were somewhat similar to the large, broad leaves of plants in the lower levels of the jungle. With appropriate coloration, this camo pattern effectively concealed a wearer in such environments.

Interestingly, though this pattern is associated with the Vietnam War, it was never an official US pattern, although some personnel did wear it. Towards the end of the war, a new pattern, ERDL, also known as “Leaf Pattern,” became more common among American servicemen in Vietnam.

Today, tiger stripe camo gear and clothing is still available in the original green, brown and black configuration as well as in modern adaptations, including those that are made with black, gray, blue and pink macros.

Where Is Tiger Stripe Camo Still an Effective Pattern

                   

Depending on your intended use, as well as the environment in which you will be operating, respective of the time of year, tiger stripe camo can still absolutely be an effective pattern.

Let’s take a look at it from an outdoorsman’s angle. If you hunt in the northeast during the spring or early fall (or even in the summer) in the woods where there is a lot of foliage, tiger stripe can be a very effective pattern. In the far north in the winter, and in the high, dry country of the west, however, there are definitely better patterns. At the same time, tiger stripe would probably perform the best in bright, deciduous forest, and not so much in primarily coniferous forest, such as in boreal forest areas.

Also, tiger stripe camo patterns are likely not the most effective for any areas in which the backdrop is predominantly brown or white, or anywhere else that there isn’t a lot of broadleaf cover. Their utility is mostly restricted to heavily forested areas. Other modern patterns from Kryptek, Mossy Oak and Realtree might be better but tiger stripe is effective nonetheless.

But tiger stripe camo is not necessarily just effective for sportsmen. It can also potentially be effective for concealment among other practitioners of outdoor sports. For instance, airsoft and paintball players, or anyone engaged in MilSim, under similar environmental conditions, might also be well-served by tiger stripe camo.

There is another situation in which tiger stripe camo might be effective, although the purposes would not be solely for concealment, and that is reenactment. If you are involved in a guild that is responsible for Vietnam-era reenactments, tiger stripe might not only be effective, but necessary.

Of course, not everything associated with a camouflage pattern has to do with concealment, despite the fact that this is the patent purpose of camouflage. It can also be worn for fashion, or simply for the aesthetic - something that is clearly evident in many modern and recent trends. This is especially the case in patterns that are not faithful to the original green, black and brown.

Whatever the reason, you can still wear tiger stripe camo, and it does remain, in some circumstances, a practical pattern.

Where to Get Tiger Stripe Camo Gear

Interested in tiger stripe camo clothing and other field gear? You’re in the right place. Take a look at our full collection via the previous link and don’t miss a chance to see our full MultiCam collection as well.

If you have any questions about camouflage patterns, or about any of the products we sell, make sure to get in touch with us directly and we will be more than happy to answer any questions you have.