I've read quite a bit about wearing camo clothing and everyone's pros and cons regarding it. I enthusiastically wear 'cammies' and wonder what all the fuss is about so I feel the need to explain my views versus the 'cons' out there........

Cons say " wearing cammies puts a militant/violent message to others....."

I just don't understand this. First off; its just practical clothing for several reasons.

1. Cammies are loose fitting quite rugged comfortable clothing with reinforced elbows, knees, butt that dries pretty quickly, cleans easily and is pretty cheap when bought used.
2. Cammies are worn by people everyday as regular clothes.....when u see someone wearing cammie pants or shirt at mall do u run for cover thinking he/she is violent?
3. I see where cammies has a military look but so what? Do you not buy a 'humvee' cause its military? A restored old willies jeep? Are combat boots/look alike not fashionable these days?

Cons say "Camo clothing doesn't work that good in woods anyway......"

Please. Spare me. Do they actually believe this? Or have they infrared vision like "predator"?

1. First off camo clothing dates back to the caveman. Cavemen hunted wearing skins of animals they hunted much like indians and other native tribes. Or was it cause they wanted to look like the prey and have conversations?
2. Camos do work which is why military and hunters and other outdoor's men wear them. Cammies aren't designed to make you invisible just to blend in better.
3. Sure darker shaded clothing works good also. But as I pointed out above, are they comfortable, reinforced, easily dried and such? Yes and no. I prefer to have clothing that is best suited for me.
4. Yes there are companies making paintball clothing with the qualities of camos. If I'm gonna spend $65 for a jersey I'll wear it anywhere but in the woods!!! I am not wasting $65 to crawl through bushes, swamps, mud, thorns and other clothing hazards and ruin my expensive jersey.
5. Cammies do help a bit in woods by blending in. Once u move the the human eye picks up the movement and then identifies you. Cammies do help though if you are still and slightly better than regular clothing. If only for a foot or 2 its an advantage isn't it? If a slight advantage isn't helpful why all the paintball products.....motorized hopper, expansion chambers, sights, barrels, venturi bolts, pressure regulators and such? Why is it most of the complainers I see/hear have a Cocker, Shocker, Spyder or some other marker that's all done up........yet they don't believe in cammies? They want all the advantages they can get but don't use 1 more or want you too?

Cons say " Camo wearing isn't what paintballers are about; Paintballers should wear non-camo clothing and present a better user friendly image to non-paintballers"

I shrug, look confused, and ask myself 'huh'?

I don't understand why I should look user friendly towards others while paintballing. I am friendly and try to help others while playing but if you find me intimidating with what i wear i say good for me. Maybe you'll give up when you see me!!!! My wife (leaning over my shoulder) says, "I remember the day you brought me paintballing. It was kinda exciting getting dressed up in cammies in preparation to going paintballing. I got pumped just putting on cammies and felt a little surer to playing and a little less fearful. Once I arrived at field I felt like I fit in and was treated as one of the guys. I feel after that experience I wont wear anything but cammies when we go again." (course she wont go to west point april 15th with me DOH!)

Cons say "camos present a negative message to our sport"

I say no, it's drive by  shooters, players in unauthorized playing areas, paintball vandals, cheaters ,unsafe players and other such moronic behavior. Get enough negatives that I don't see how cammies play into this.

Paintball is a sport played in many environments. Dress accordingly. If you're a tourney player playing speedball well then wear bright flashy uniforms displaying team logo's and such. In speedball clothing color/camo doesn't matter so wear bright flamboyant colors. Helps to see you on TV!
When playing indoors same thing. Cammies aren't helpful other than comfortable so wear what you want...maybe a bit padded though! Outside in woods though..cammies are your best bet. Whether for disguise, comfort, durability, price, etc. I say if it gives you even the slightest advantage then take it. It am not cheating so go for it. Personally I bring sweats paintballing for the ride home. Don't want mud, grime, and other crap in my car and me old worn out body wants to relax and get home in a clean shower......followed by relaxing hot tub and a beer!
Its not what you wear that gives paintball negative message. Its how you present yourself. Stop at a coffee shop early during weekend and you might see a soldier on his way to reserve weekend, a police officer going to work, a truck driver taking a break, some old couple having coffee and a paper, and me going paintballing. Quick hello with a smile, coffee doughnut and we are on our way. Ya think I just gave a negative message. Think not. Just another person about to enjoy his day with friends playing a game I love.

Joe Allen
MPN Columnist