Modern Camo Fabric

[RustyBarrels]

I bought some Kryptek on sale last year and thought it would be perfect for those hot, humid days. It is certainly breezy, but these new fangled tech fabrics really have a sheen to them. In fact, every time I called a bird into range I ended up getting busted. That's a kick to my confidence that I can't overlook, even if there's a myriad of other reasons for getting busted. It's still enough for me to go with my old trusty, twill Predator coveralls this coming season. They've served me well,even if they are hot and heavy once May comes around.
  Does anyone else have this same concern with modern fabrics?  I would love to have something cooler, but still look "softer" for those wary turkey eyes.
I know the market really regurgitates "cotton kills" and that sentiment is reflected by what's on the shelves now. But it seems these fabrics look strange when you take them out in the sunlight. Seems the only stuff that looks right to my eye are the merino blends from First lite. Albeit, that comes with a price tag, and I may suck it up one day and buy some. But are there no economical alternatives anymore?

TLDR: I love modern camo patterns, but hate the fabrics
Where's a good ol cotton poly blend in Veil camo?

[Dtrkyman]

Merino wool.

I haven't had much issue getting busted but don't think I am wearing much shiny looking material either!

[10th Legionaire]

Rustybarrels, Try washing your stuff in detergent that doesn't contain UV brightening agents. It "may" tone the sheen down.

[GobbleNut]

I have had the same thought, RustyBarrels.  I have, in the recent past, purchased a shirt or two that really looked great...until I noticed that discernable sheen in the sunlight. I won't wear them hunting, although I do occasionally put them on when I want to be stylish around my more "sophisticated" hunting acquaintances. There ARE times when only the latest and greatest camo will do in order to make that desirable fashion statement...even if it is shiny!    

[Greg Massey]

I do think your better off hunting with camo that's not faded compared to camo that is badly faded.

Never really paid much attention to the sheen factory of camo... Hopefully if he figures out my style of camo, I will be hauling him back to the truck..

[tnanh]

I called in a turkey for my grown nephew a couple of years ago and the turkey boogered really bad. I couldn't figure out what happened. The next day he was about 50 yards away standing in the sun with the same shirt on and it was so shiny it may as well have been a neon sign. I gave him a new cotton shirt and the difference was unreal. I will not wear any of the "high tech" stuff any more. The new stuff from some companies has nothing to do with uv brighteners. It is the material.

[RustyBarrels]

Glad other ppl feel the same. I wish there were more merino options that weren't as expensive as First lite,  but alas.

[RustyBarrels]

Rustybarrels, Try washing your stuff in detergent that doesn't contain UV brightening agents. It "may" tone the sheen down.

I appreciate the advice. Fortunately I have been using Charlie's soap exclusively for probably 15 yrs. That stuff is amazing, gets things real clean but not all perfume-y

[RustyBarrels]

I called in a turkey for my grown nephew a couple of years ago and the turkey boogered really bad. I couldn't figure out what happened. The next day he was about 50 yards away standing in the sun with the same shirt on and it was so shiny it may as well have been a neon sign. I gave him a new cotton shirt and the difference was unreal. I will not wear any of the "high tech" stuff any more. The new stuff from some companies has nothing to do with uv brighteners. It is the material.

I really feel like that happened to me last season, a couple times. I'm going back to my old cotton this yr

[King Cobra]

I totally agree with you, some top brand names affiliated with turkey hunting put camo out there that has a definitive sheen. A lot of people don't realize it and end up learning the hard way, attention to detail in the spring woods is critical. Cotton and micro-denier are two fabrics that have worked well for me over the years.

[GAmountainman]

Cotton kills turkeys!

[Happy]

I agree that the "sheen" when sunlight hits some of the materials right is pretty bad. As many already know. Set-up is key

[aclawrence]

 A lot of the synthetic fabrics smell like crap after you wear them outside a little bit too.  I like a merino base when it's cold and some type of t shirt under my leafy jacket when it's warm.


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[Ihuntoldschool]

Camo is designed to catch hunters not help you catch more game.

They make what sells period,  whatever hunters will purchase.  It's made to catch your eye in a store.

[Tom007]

I bought some Kryptek on sale last year and thought it would be perfect for those hot, humid days. It is certainly breezy, but these new fangled tech fabrics really have a sheen to them. In fact, every time I called a bird into range I ended up getting busted. That's a kick to my confidence that I can't overlook, even if there's a myriad of other reasons for getting busted. It's still enough for me to go with my old trusty, twill Predator coveralls this coming season. They've served me well,even if they are hot and heavy once May comes around.
  Does anyone else have this same concern with modern fabrics?  I would love to have something cooler, but still look "softer" for those wary turkey eyes.
I know the market really regurgitates "cotton kills" and that sentiment is reflected by what's on the shelves now. But it seems these fabrics look strange when you take them out in the sunlight. Seems the only stuff that looks right to my eye are the merino blends from First lite. Albeit, that comes with a price tag, and I may suck it up one day and buy some. But are there no economical alternatives anymore?

TLDR: I love modern camo patterns, but hate the fabrics
Where's a good ol cotton poly blend in Veil camo?

If your looking for a cooler option, take a look at a leafy hoodie/jacket like the North Mountain Gear. I've been using one for years, you blend in like shrubbery, the fabric does not have any sheen. Just an option out there for you. You can wear a T-shirt under it, or layer for colder weather. Good luck