While attending a few sniper courses before a deployment to Afghanistan, we were told that the era of the ghillie suit had faded. Â Although we practiced traditional stalks and ghillie suit construction, most of us knew/thought that we would have no need for them while deployed, especially us being more of a direct action sniper.
Before we deployed, my sniper team (myself and spotter) decided to pack our suits just in case. Â A good call that was. Â Mid-way through the deployment, my team found ourselves using out ghillie suits on multiple occasions in Afghanistan. Â We owe our lives to them.
For those who are into “the sniper world”, or just hunting and don’t want to spend a lot of money on a pre-made ghillie suit, I thought I would share with you a few tips and tricks on construction, the same way I made my ghillie suit used overseas. Â It can also be a great addition to your “bug out kit”.
Materials
- Multi-cam/BDU/DCU top and bottom
- Canvas
- Burlap or Jute
- Shoe glue
- Netting (1 inch squares) and (1/2 inch)
- Sewing needle and thread (optional)
- Rubber bands or 55 cord
- Spray pant
- Boonie Hat
Construction Top
Most of the suits I use have some type of a breathable compartment on it, typically the back. Â Start by cutting out a section of the back of the top. Â Lay the 1/2 inch netting over the square piece you cut out. Â Depending on the materials you have available, you can either sew the netting on or use shoe glue to secure it. Â Make sure you use plenty of shoe glue to secure the netting.
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Once the 1/2 inch netting is secured, place the 1 inch netting over the entire back of the top, minus the sleeves. Â You may secure the netting by either sewing or applying shoe glue.
Next, place the canvas on the front portion of the BDU top. Â Be sure not to cover the buttons. Â To secure the canvas, its best to use both shoe glue and sewing thread. Â The canvas keeps you from getting caught on twigs, branches, etc., as well as keeps you from leaving a large amount of jute and burlap behind. Â The canvas may also be applied to the forearms and elbows.
Once everything is dried and secure, cut 4-6 inch strips of burlap or jute. Â Apply the burlap to the back of the top by tying them to the 1 inch netting. Â DO NOT OVERDUE IT. Â You will use a large amount of natural vegetation to complete the suit. Â Keep in mind 30% burlap and 70% natural vegetation. Â Use the rubber bands and or 550 cord and place erratically on the back netting. Â This will be used to apply natural vegetation.
Construction Bottom
The bottom is the easiest. Â Place the 1 inch netting along the backside of each leg. Â Secure by shoe glue or sewing thread. Â Take your 4-6 inch strips of burlap or jute and tie onto the netting. Â The legs do not need as much as the top. Â Be sure to also place the rubber bands or 550 within the netting as well. Â The canvas is applied along the front side of each leg a well, using the same technique used on the top.
Cover
I prefer the Boonie cover. Â Simply take the 1 inch netting and place the netting over the cover/hat. Â The back side of the cover should have a “tail”, typically about a foot long. Â This will be used to cover the scope of the rifle. Â Now tie on your burlap and jute.
Finishing
Once your all complete, utilize spray paint to darken or lighten the burlap and uniform to better blend into your natural surroundings. Â After the spray paint has dried, its time to “weather” your suit. Â There are a few ways to do this. Â My preferred method is the following.
On concrete, drag your suit across it until the loose burlap has fallen off and it appears “shaggy”. Â Now soak the suit in water and repeat 2 – 3 more times. Â Let dry outside and your ready to go.
