Camo Fading?
 

What have you found to be the best way to reduce camo color fading?

This is not a problem with some, but is for others.

Thanks, LT

RE: Camo Fading?
 

Line dry it rather than using a dryer. Which is what you ought to be doing anyway. However, don't leave it out in a hard sunlight for too long. I find that the shade on a nice breezy day is just the ticket.

In the winter, I usually (if possible) hang dry mine by a wood fire..... your clothes end up with a smell of wood smoke, which is a 100% natural smell. Does it work.... heck I don't know.... but I like the smell of it....

Moreover, there are scent free detergents (that aren't designed for hunting and don't carry a designer hunting price tag either) that contain NO UV BRIGHTENERS, but also have color lock or some other type of BS... I like Purex (unscented of course)....

I actually want my clothes to fade a little bit.... I find that (especially for tree stand hunting) that a slight fade to grey helps them blend in MUCH MUCH better..... A slightly faded realtree HD green..... I can't see it.

RE: Camo Fading?
 

Thanks Swamp. I have also found the direct sunlight and dryer to be culprits. I try to always hang dry outside unless it is raining. I will use the dryer with a Dead Down Wind dryer sheet (unscented) in that case.

I also agree with a small amount of fade. I do not like the pattern to fade too quickly though.

I like to use Baking Soda for detergent unless I feel the clothes need something stronger. Seems that the Baking Soda increases the speed of fading though. Anyone else had this happen?

LT

RE: Camo Fading?
 

I used to use baking soda, but I also noticed accelerated fading. I bought a light jacket one year and by the end of our 5 month bow season it was almost light grey. I use sport wash or unsented detergent now.

RE: Camo Fading?
 

Thanks hillbilly. I had started using a little sport wash and Baking Soda mixed last season. Seemed to work a little better than straight Baking Soda.

LT

RE: Camo Fading?
 

Its good to know that I'm not the only one that didn't work for! :D

Arm and Hammer has a powder and now liquid detergent that is relatively scent free. I used it a lot in college on just my regular clothes, and I think it made things fade pretty fast. It did a great job with odors and all... but it was tough on stuff. Great way to wash a new pair of Carhardts though... nothing tougher than new canvas britches.... but they last for years.

A lot of the camo I have, I find that as it gets older... it looks better and better.

RE: Camo Fading?
 

Washing alone is eventually going to fade the camo, but by using certain detergents, the fading process will be slower. I use the scent/uv brightener free sport wash. This does slow down the fading process.Letting the clothing dry naturally probably will slow it down somewhat, but I still use the dryer. The main problem with drying them in a dryer is shrinkage. That just reminded me of the Seinfield episode involving George and shrinkage:D. That was hilarious. Back to the topic.Faded camo is not going to spook your game. Scent and movement are far more important, but you already know that.

RE: Camo Fading?
 

Well, my sarcasm is getting the better of me here.:D Just dont ever where it. LOL! I try to only wash my hunting stuf twice a year. I usually use a scent freebrightner free detergent. Or the hunting wash detergent. But try to keep from spraying coverscent on it. This seems to fade it for some reason. I usually hang dry and then throw a earth scent fabric sheet in the bag with my clothes. Try it out.

Justin

RE: Camo Fading?
 

There are some good suggestions, but over the years I have learned it is best to purchase hunting clothes made from material that is not prone to fading.

It has worked well for me;)

Dan

RE: Camo Fading?
 

And what type of material would that be Dan?

LT

RE: Camo Fading?
 

There are several good choices. Cotton being probably one of the worst. Different clothing manufactures call material different things, but I'll generalize for simplicity. My Choices are as follows:
1. Wolfskin, this stuff is nothing short of awesome. I have 2 outfits. Uninsulated and insulated, one is 6 plus years old and has been washed countless times but yet shows no signs of fading.
2. Saddle cloth
3. Fleece, only thing I hate about fleece are the stick tites, and burrs.
There are others, and mainly stay away from the cheapo cotton camo. It has always faded on me very quickly.

The Wolfskin has been the best I've used.;)

Dan

RE: Camo Fading?
 

I agree Dan, the all cotton garments lose their color a lot quicker.

I have the Predator Fall Gray/Brown in Saddle Cloth as well as Spring Green. No problems with it fading. Also have the Skyline Apparition in Saddlecloth, no fading.

I also purchased the Predator Bibs and Insulated coat for cooler temp's. I am not sure what it is made of. Maybe Poly/Cotton blend? It shows no signs of fading either.

The problem I am having is finding Predator in a durable early season material that will not fade. The Saddle cloth is ok, just a little warmer than I care for. Any ideas?

Thanks, LT

RE: Camo Fading?
 

In a word "Wolfskin" It's great for early season and not terribly expensive when you order it unlined, and uninsulated. It will last you for many seasons to come.

Dan

RE: Camo Fading?
 

Thanks Dan.

Anyone else here have experience with Wolfskin in early season temp's? (75 to 90 degrees)

Thanks, LT

RE: Camo Fading?
 

Turn your garments inside out when washing and air dry them in the shade. Then store them in air tight bags with a few leaves squeeze the air out and seal.

Wash only when needed. During the season hang your clothes outside as much as possible between trips. If bad weather store worn clothes in air tight bags with the baking soda use the ones which open and have a liner to keep the baking soda in the box. Always wear clean socks. Rotate your hunting boots and put a baking soda container in them between trips close off the tops with an old plastic bag.

Wear rubber gloves while handling anything that a deer can put his nose against tree steps, scent bombs, etc. Put your bow string up in the stand if hunting from a tree.

All this helps, but unfortunately it is not fool proof.

RE: Camo Fading?
 

Turn the clothing inside out,wash it in cold water,hang dry it instead of putting it in the dryer.Use Atsko sports wash. These are the things I do.
I completely agree about the fabrics you buy also.I think most of us will be faded and gone before Wolfskin is.

RE: Camo Fading?
 

There it is;)