An intro to Multicam

In the ever-evolving landscape of military and outdoor gear, one term frequently emerges as a point of interest: Multicam.

But what is it, and why has it become a staple in military and tactical equipment?

In this post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about Multicam, including its history, development, and its connection with the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP).

What is Multicam?

Multicam is a camouflage pattern developed for use in a variety of environments. It can provide optimal concealment in multiple terrains, including forests, deserts, and urban areas.

The pattern is made up of different colors and shapes that mimic the natural surroundings in these diverse settings.

It is particularly popular among military forces, law enforcement, and tactical enthusiasts because of its versatility and effectiveness in blending in.

Why is it called MultiCam?

The name “Multicam” comes from the pattern’s ability to adapt to a range of environments. “Multi” signifies its versatility across various terrains, and “Cam” refers to its function as camouflage.

The idea behind Multicam is that it provides an effective level of concealment in almost any situation by using a combination of colors that break up the wearer’s outline, making them harder to spot.

A Brief History of Multicam

The development of Multicam started in the early 2000s by Crye Precision, a company known for creating high-performance tactical gear.

Their goal was to design a pattern that could offer effective camouflage in multiple environments without the need for different uniforms for different terrains.

Crye Precision released the pattern in 2002, and it quickly gained attention from military and law enforcement agencies for its innovative approach to camouflage.

In 2009, the U.S. Army selected Multicam as an interim solution for soldiers deployed in Afghanistan, while they worked on developing a more permanent standard camouflage pattern.

The Army chose Multicam after realizing that their old camouflage patterns, like the UCP (Universal Camouflage Pattern), didn’t work well in the tough conditions of Afghanistan.

The Development of Multicam

Multicam was created using advanced digital imaging technology to analyze how different natural environments looked from a distance and up close.

This allowed Crye Precision to craft a pattern that could adapt to different terrains, from deserts to forests to snow-covered landscapes.

The colors in the Multicam pattern range from browns, greens, and tans to grays and blacks, ensuring a good match for most environments.

What sets Multicam apart from other camouflage patterns is its use of shading and varying shapes.

The pattern uses smaller shapes instead of big blocks of color, which helps it look complex and realistic look when viewed from a distance. This helps the wearer blend into their surroundings more effectively.

Multicam and OCP

One common question people have is how Multicam differs from the OCP (Operational Camouflage Pattern), another popular camouflage design used by the U.S. Army.

OCP is often confused with Multicam because it looks similar at first glance. However, there are some differences.

1. History and Adoption

Multicam was developed and used by the U.S. Army as an interim solution starting in 2009 before OCP (also known as Scorpion W2) became the standard pattern in 2015.

The U.S. Army officially adopted OCP as its camouflage pattern to replace UCP (Universal Camouflage Pattern) in 2015, mainly for its superior performance in the field.

OCP is essentially a modified version of Multicam, with some adjustments made for standardization across the military.

2. Color Differences

The OCP pattern is slightly more subdued compared to Multicam. Although both patterns feature similar color schemes, OCP uses more green tones and darker browns, which are better suited for temperate and wooded areas.

Multicam, on the other hand, includes a wider range of colors that are more adaptable to various environments.

3. Usage

While OCP has become the standard camouflage for the U.S. Army, the Multicam pattern is still used in some specialized military and tactical situations.

The U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army now wear OCP uniforms, but Multicam is commonly used by law enforcement, private contractors, and in tactical sports.

Multicam Variants

Over time, several variants of the original Multicam pattern have been developed to enhance its effectiveness in specific environments.

Here are a few of the most well-known variants:

Multicam Arid: This version is intended for desert or arid environments. It has lighter, more tan, and brown tones to help soldiers blend in with sandy and rocky landscapes.

Multicam Tropic: Suited for dense, tropical environments, this version is optimized for lush jungles and rainforests. It features a deeper green color to help blend into the dense foliage.

Multicam Alpine: Designed for snow-covered terrains, this version of the pattern has a lighter, snow-like color palette. It’s mainly used by military forces operating in cold, snowy regions.

Multicam Black: Used by law enforcement and SWAT teams, Multicam Black is a darker, more tactical version of the original pattern. It’s for urban settings, where darkness and shadows are more common.

Applications of Multicam

Multicam’s utility extends beyond the military. It’s widely used in:

Tactical Gear and Law Enforcement: Multicam is also a favorite choice for tactical gear, such as backpacks, plate carriers, and tactical vests. Law enforcement agencies and special units also use Multicam for their uniforms and tactical operations.

Hunting and Outdoor Sports: Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts often choose Multicam for its effectiveness in a range of environments. Whether they are hunting in forests, deserts, or open fields, Multicam helps them stay hidden from their prey.

Airsoft and Paintball: Multicam is a popular choice in the airsoft and paintball communities due to its tactical look and versatility in different playing environments.

Conclusion

Multicam is a symbol of how technology and design can come together to create something highly effective and adaptable.

From its development by Crye Precision to its widespread adoption by military and tactical forces, Multicam continues to stand out as a top choice for those needing reliable concealment in a variety of environments.

If you’re looking to create high-quality tactical gear with versatile and effective camouflage patterns, we can help. At LQ ARMY, we provide custom solutions for your tactical gear needs, from backpacks to plate carriers and more.

Reach out to us today to learn how we can bring your ideas to life.

FAQs

Is MultiCam actually effective?

Yes, MultiCam works very well. It was made to help people blend into different environments like forests, deserts, and cities. The mix of colors and shapes makes it hard for others to see the person wearing it. It has been tested and proven in real-life military and outdoor use.

Can civilians wear MultiCam?

Yes, civilians can wear MultiCam. You can buy it for hunting, airsoft, paintball, or outdoor activities. Just make sure not to use official military uniforms with badges, as those may have restrictions in some areas.

Why is MultiCam so expensive?

MultiCam costs more because:

It is a trademarked pattern owned by Crye Precision. Manufacturers must pay for the right to use it.
Gear with MultiCam is made with strong, high-quality materials.
Making the pattern takes special tools and care, which adds to the price.

Is MultiCam Black actually used?

Yes, MultiCam Black is used, but not for the military. It is mostly for police, SWAT teams, and security in cities. It’s also popular with civilians because it looks modern and tactical.

Does the US Army wear MultiCam?

The US Army used MultiCam in 2009 for missions in Afghanistan. In 2015, they replaced it with OCP (Operational Camouflage Pattern). OCP is based on MultiCam, so it looks very similar.

Do Navy SEALs use MultiCam?

Yes, Navy SEALs use MultiCam. It works well in many environments, making it a good choice for special missions. They also use other patterns depending on where they are operating.