Asbell Wool, Light or Dark?

[Roger Norris]

Teresa Asbell and I talk pretty regularly, and this morning she called to tell me that my favorite pattern, Woodland Magic, was back in stock. This led to a pretty good discussion....Teresa asked the question: "Why do you tend to like the darker patterns, like Woodland Magic and Cedar Swamp? Do you not like the lighter patterns?"

It was an interesting talk. YES. I DO like the lighter patterns. In fact, Timber Ghost is actually one of my favorite patterns. BUT....I think it's 2 things:

1. I came up on WWII camo, Tiger Stripe and Woodland camo. In fact, if I am wearing a commercial pattern these days, it is usually Tiger Stripe. Dark. I guess I am guilty of choosing what appeals to my eye.

2. It is the way I hunt...I always seek out the cedars, pines, and dark corners of the swamp. Woodland Magic and Cedar Swamp plaid just fit. If given a choice of trees, I will ALWAYS hang my stand in a pine. I like the cover.

Yet late season, or out west (which is rare)....I will always grab a lighter pattern.

How about you guys? How do you choose your wool?

[ron w]

In the evergreens I like darker patterns, in the open hardwood I grab light stuff, browns and grays.

[PrimitivePete]

I feel the lighter patterns work real well to not blob you up, my favorite is Timber Ghost. I just got in a Pathfinder and I love it.

[Roger Norris]

I agree....if I were hunting in an area with long views, I would probably use Timber Ghost always. I'm certain my Woodland Magic and Cedar Swamp are a dark blob at a distance.

[Sam McMichael]

In the really thick stuff such as pine thickets, etc. I like the darker stuff. The more open areas seem to work well with lighter colors, including grey. Too dark a pattern just shows up as a big, black blob from a distance. My preference is to try to create the illusion of empty space, thus the grey, tan, and yellow splotches that makes it seem that an animal is not perceiving a solid object. I may be full of it, but it seems to work.

[Kelly]

Both in the same fabric. I want light and dark in the same fabric, what colors it is doesn't really matter as long as there is lots of contrast. By light I'm talking white or light gray.

[woodchucker]

A light colored plaid, for bright sunny days....

A dark colored plaid, for cloudy overcast days....

[Orion]

I,too, want a lot of contrast between light and dark, but if I had to choose one, it would be light. Whether on the ground or in a tree, dark shows up as a large blob.  Light is less likely to do so. 

[ESP]

I would like the river rock or northern ghost, I like the contrast .  But I have evening stand green.   Honestly by the time the leaves fall from the trees I usually have a vest over them.

[tzolk]

Well, I’ve had success with Evening stand Brown and I think a lot of guys have.  I do love the Montana Magic also and the Timber Ghost.  All 3 patterns are what I have but I think I might be more inclined to use Timber Ghost in the winter. Some shameless selfies with the ESB pic resulting in a 9yard kill from the ground

[Roger Norris]

Well, I’ve had success with Evening stand Brown and I think a lot of guys have.  I do love the Montana Magic also and the Timber Ghost.  All 3 patterns are what I have but I think I might be more inclined to use Timber Ghost in the winter. Some shameless selfies with the ESB pic resulting in a 9yard kill from the ground

How have you been Todd?! Good to "see" you ;0)

I LOVE ESB....great pattern.

[tzolk]

Pretty good Roger! Enjoying Michigan again but on the west-ish side.  That ESB is the Steve Yzerman of Plaid camo. Best all around! 😁

[DouglasCorrell]

 Why not both? I prefer large patterns with significant contrast between light and dark. River Rock Plaid might be my new favorite.

[BAK]

Totally depends on where and how you hunt.  I place my ladder stands against large old trees or in ceder thickets.  For me I want darker colors so I don't stand out like a surrender flag.   

[Howard]

I just ordered a olive/Buffalo plaid. I like several of the colors though. But with sizing and availability to consider I only got the one. Probably ordering another one after Christmas too and get a lighter shade.

[MnFn]

I have an asbell in dark colors and another brand in light.
There must be enough contrast as I got two shots at this guy.

[A Lex]

That's a real nice photo MnFn, says a lot.

I mainly use an Asbell Timber Ghost jacket. It is the ideal color combination for the bush where I hang out, but my 2nd choice would be the gray/black plaid like in MnFn's picture above.

Best
Lex

[Terry Lightle]

Have hunted in lots of different patterns both light and dark,they have all worked for me

[LookMomNoSights]

The darker patterns speak to me more so than the lighter patterns but truth is for the purpose of blending,  I don't think you can go wrong with any of them.
 Love Asbell Wool!

[MnFn]

I should add, my wife bought it for me as a Christmas present.  I originally picked out another pattern with some lighter plaids in it. It was out of stock so this was my second choice.

It works for me, I get ALOT of use out of it every year.