Ghillie suit

The Ghillie Suit (English ghillie suit, yowie suit also ) is a camouflage suit, which is mostly used by snipers and hunters. He conceals the shape of the human body and allows it to " merge " with its environment. There is usually a ghillie suit of a mesh material, either in the form of an litter or as a two-piece design. In addition, existing camouflage clothing with the help of up to 80 cm long, colored jute strips are transformed into a ghillie suit. The strips are sewn or knotted and depending on the material in addition fiberized to obtain the desired camouflaging effect.

The word comes from the Scottish Ghillie and describes a type of game wardens. Its responsibilities included, among other things, the trapping of game, which was driven to the nobility entertainment purposes directly in front of the gun. To capture the deer, the Ghillie had to hide in the forest and remain motionless until the game had come so close that it could be caught with the bare hand. It is alleged that the Ghillies Camouflage from leaves, rags and the like set forth on this so as not to be discovered to be able to.

Another rarely documented history of Ghillies began between the late 17th and early 18th century. You actually covered only selected, Scottish gamekeepers, who not only controlled the game population, but also had for the most part catch poachers in the act, to show them the area gentlemen and to accuse of theft. Not to be executed many prisoners decided to work for their landlords by catching poachers themselves. Because they used their own stealth techniques to this led between the two groups to a competition for the best camouflage. For example, the garments were sewn with large linen rags, their surface smeared with wet clay, earth and fresh grasses, should play a Erdbodentarnung. The silhouette now appeared as a lying on the ground Erderhöhung and thus one with nature. Here began the real story of the " Ghillies " ( gamekeeper ) used " Suits " ( suit, suits ). There are no pictures or drawings of it, as it looked a primal Ghillie.

However, the ghillie suit also has its disadvantages. In warmer climates, such as in the jungle or desert, the temperature can rise within the suit to 50 ° C. For this reason, ghillie capes were developed from strong mesh material that are easy and convenient to carry. Also equip their snipers ghillie suits are often made ​​with various ventilation openings.

In addition, most suits are flammable. While there are flame retardant sprays, with those of the ghillie suit can be sprayed, but they are not always reliable. Meanwhile Ghillie Suits and materials have been developed, which melt rather than burn.

At the present time Ghillie suits are mainly used in military sniper. Similarly, the ghillie suit is used among hunters, wildlife photographers and airsoft and paintball players.