In true Blue Force Gear fashion, we’re highlighting another classic camouflage pattern with a nod to the past. Camouflage plays a pivotal role in military tactics and the beloved Desert Tiger Stripe pattern is no different.

A derivative of the original Tiger Stripe pattern used during the Vietnam War to mirror jungle patterns, the Desert variation is a mix of tans, browns, and pale khakis that mimic shadows on a desert terrain. The “stripes” help to break up the human silhouette in the midst of arid environments for an effective camouflage. When viewed at a distance, these irregular stripes blend together in a way that mimics the rippling patterns of wind-blown sand and the mottled appearance of sun-bleached rocks. This makes it particularly effective during the golden hours of dawn and dusk, when shadows are long, and the desert landscape is at its most striped and textured.

Desert Tiger Stripe was introduced in 1991 before Operation Desert Storm and was employed by various 3 letter agencies and OGAs. Beyond military applications, it is an appreciated pattern by collectors and enthusiasts who see it as tactically appropriate but also attractive. This duality – being both highly functional and visually striking – has helped cement its place in the pantheon of legendary camouflage patterns.