Editor’s Note - This is another in a series of informational articles on the technical side of Rothco products by Rothco’s resident product specialist, Hans Blechschmidt. Suggestions, questions? Please e-mail Hans at Hans.Blechschmidt@Rothco.com



Military Scouts in the 1700's were the first users of irregularly shaped drab colors to aid in concealment. The British were forced to overdye their red tunics a less conspicuous khaki color to avoid the excessive casualties they experienced during their India campaign. Rag-camouflage was used by Scottish hunting guides or gamekeepers who were known as Ghillies, thus the orgin of the term now used for rag-based camouflage suits. The use of 3-Dimensional camouflage further deceives the eye by breaking up the surface of an object as well as the outline. Its superior effectiveness is proven by the world''s most elite miltary combatants, snipers.

Rothco’s 65128 Ultra-Lite Ghillie Suit, made of a synthetic string material attached to ¾” netting, weighs just 3 ½ lbs. It is significantly more comfortable and just as effective as a traditional one made of jute/ burlap. It is scentless, hand-washable, non-allergenic, fire, water and mildew resistant. They are available in either a jacket and pants combo, or a long jacket style.

Our Jute/Burlap Ghillies and accessories are made of a single ply which is tied into 3/4 inch netting. Additional material is included with the suits as well as two applications of fire retardant. We also carry kits, completed suits designed for an upright stalk or stand hunting and speciality items like face veils and rifle rags.




Hiding or disguising critical equipment in a time of war is as important as hiding your personnel. By WWI, large painted canvas was used by both sides. Netting with material, which more closely resembled the natural foliage was the next logical step. It was and still is used to great effect. Even to the extent that it can be radar-diffusing and infra-red non-reflective.

Given the scarcity of military surplus camouflage netting, Rothco has developed a new line of value-priced camouflage nets to help fill the demand of hunters, paintballers and outdoor enthusiasts. Rothco’s Ultra-Lite Camouflage Nets are reversible from a green leaf pattern to a brown leaf pattern. Lightweight polyester construction makes them easy to use and to carry. For more demanding applications, Rothco’s Military Type Camouflage Nets are reinforced with diamond-pattern mesh for added strength. Both net styles are UV treated, waterproof, rot and mold resistant, and feature 3-D foliage. They are quiet and lightweight, treated to eliminate shine and remain pliable in cold temperatures. These are versatile and useful for many applications such as building blinds for hunting, paintball, and wildlife observation.

This is the perfect time of year to stock up on these camouflage money-makers for hunting, paintball and even Halloween displays. If you have any further questions on how to make money with camouflage nets and ghillie suits, just e-mail me at Hans.Blechschmidt@Rothco.com