Woodland M81 camo

Yes, M81 Woodland is highly effective in forested, jungle, and other green environments. Its design, featuring large irregular patterns and a strategic color blend, disrupts the human silhouette and blends with natural vegetation, making it ideal for concealment in a variety of landscapes.

Woodland camouflage, specifically the M81 pattern, consists of four main colors: a light green and a darker green, a dark brown, and black. These colors are arranged in large, irregular blotches to mimic the textures and shadows of woodland and forested environments.

M81 Woodland’s popularity stems from its effectiveness, iconic design, and versatility across many environments. Introduced by the U.S. military and used extensively across the globe, it has a proven track record in both military and civilian applications, contributing to its enduring appeal.

Woodland camo, particularly the M81 pattern, was officially adopted by the U.S. military in 1981 and used through the 2000s, seeing action in various conflicts and operations, including the Gulf War, the invasion of Panama, and peacekeeping missions worldwide.

No, M81 Woodland camo was not used in Vietnam. The U.S. military primarily used the ERDL pattern, which is considered a precursor to the Woodland pattern, during the Vietnam War.

Yes, while officially phased out by the U.S. military in favor of newer patterns, M81 Woodland is still used by various military and law enforcement units worldwide. It also remains popular among civilians for outdoor activities.

The Polish military uses a variant of the Woodland pattern known as the “Wz. 93 Pantera,” featuring a similar color scheme but with a distinct pattern layout, adapted for the specific environmental conditions of Poland.

Russia has developed its own variants of woodland patterns, such as the “Flora” pattern, which resembles traditional Woodland but with a distinct Russian design approach, tailored for the diverse Russian environments. 

Members of the United States Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) have been seen wearing M81 Woodland gear, particularly in training environments and special operations where the pattern’s effectiveness is valued.

ERDL camo, used during the Vietnam War, is considered a precursor to the M81 Woodland pattern. Both feature similar color schemes, but the ERDL has smaller, more densely packed pattern elements, while Woodland’s blotches are larger and more spread out.

France has its own version of woodland camouflage known as the “CCE” (Camouflage Centre Europe), designed for varying European terrains, incorporating a pattern and color scheme adapted from the traditional Woodland design.