There are two types of string materials used for the camouflage effect of a Ghillie suit: natural ghillie jute string and synthetic strands. Jute is a natural material and the synthetic thread is man-made. Both types of Ghillie suits have their advantages and disadvantages but the synthetic strands have gained popularity over the Natural Jute. Lets do a natural jute vs synthetic jute comparison.
Natural Ghillie Jute
This is made with natural jute strand material. It is a natural product and not synthetic. Its heavier weight helps keeps you warmer in cold climates. This is the original traditional Ghillie suit material and has been proven as effective camouflage. As a downside it must be coated with flame retardant, and if it gets wet or you wash the suit, the flame-retardant must be reapplied.
Once the Jute gets wet, it absorbs twice it’s weight in water, so it can get very heavy
Synthetic Jute Strands
Synthetic Jute Strands or Thread is Lightweight, Water-resistant, Rot-proof, Mildew resistant
Fire-retardant, Washable, Odor-less, Non-allergenic & contain No UV- Brighteners.
The weight between the two types of strands is significant. A 1/2 pound bundle of the Synthetic thread is equal to 1.39 Pounds of the Jute thread. A full Ghillie synthetic Poncho weighs about 3.5 pounds, a Jute version weighs just over 9 lbs.
If you examine the final suit up close you might see minor differences between the two types of materials but Synthetic and jute Ghillie suits are equally effective at blending in with the natural environment. Some prefer synthetic Ghillie suits because of their light weight and their ability to keep the body cool in hot, humid and sticky climates. Others prefer the traditional choice of jute material. The choice between the two types of material is primarily a personal preference and not because one provides better camouflage than the other.
Conclusion
Natural Jute – It is heavy and can provide extra warmth in cold climates. You must apply and keep applied fire retardant as it is flammable. Absorbs water and can become twice as heavy. Can appear more natural upon close inspection.
Synthetic Jute – It is man-made material that is Lightweight, Water-resistant, Rot-proof, Mildew resistant
Fire-retardant, Washable, Odor-less, Non-allergenic & contain No UV- Brighteners. You do not need to apply fire retardant. Tests have shown both materials to provide the same camouflage effect.
