Overview

Developed by Crye Precision in 2002 with the U.S. Army, MultiCam is a multi-environment pattern designed to minimize both visual and near-infrared signatures. Though initially passed over in favor of UCP in 2004, it was officially re-adopted in 2010 for Afghanistan and remained standard until 2019. It has earned its reputation as a reliable, combat-proven camouflage used across diverse environments.

Origins

Crye Precision and the U.S. Army collaborated on MultiCam’s design starting in 2002. While UCP initially won the competition to replace legacy patterns, it fell short in field trials, especially in Afghanistan. This led to the Army’s return to MultiCam in 2010, under its deployment as the Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern (OCP), proving its effectiveness in real-world operations.

Field Use

MultiCam’s effectiveness stems from its ability to blend into varying environments—woodland, desert, urban, and transitional terrains—through smart gradation of colors and pattern geometry. It leverages how the human eye perceives shape and depth to disrupt detection across distance. By design and testing, it became known as the '80‑percent solution,' adaptable in most scenarios.

Variants

Over time, a family of MultiCam variants emerged to meet specific environmental needs. Each maintains the core visual structure while optimizing color palettes for arid, jungle, snowy, or high-authority law enforcement environments.

Original Multicam

The original Multicam pattern came out in 2002 and was designed for the multi-environment use in the War in Afghanistan. It is battle tested and an all-around great performer. It uses seven different colors - cream, dark brown, brown, pale green, olive, tan, and dark green - to achieve effective camouflage in wildly variable environments.

Multicam Arid

Multicam Arid was released in 2013. It was specifically designed to flourish in dry, desert environments that are typically made up of open sand and rock. The us military saw extensive conflicts in desert heavy zones and Multicam Arid is the response to their need for specialized camouflage. Multicam Arid utilizes the colors olive, highland, light tan, urban tan, and light coyote to blend seamlessly into arid environments.

Multicam Tropic

Multicam Tropic was released in 2013 and provides exceptional camouflage in dense jungle foliage and lush vegetation where seasonal changes are less pronounced and the environment remains stable throughout the year. The pattern utilizes the colors olive, bright green, green, dark brown, and dark green to mimic the saturated hues of a tropical environment.

Multicam Black

Multicam Black was released in 2013 and is designed to meet the needs of law enforcement officers in high-risk environments. It offers a tactical advantage and a professional look for top tier law enforcement units. Its color consists of grey, olive, and black for use in urban environments.

Multicam Alpine

Multicam Alpine was released in 2013 and is especially attuned for use in snow-covered environments. It utilizes the limited colors medium grey, light gray, and white to best reflect snowy environments with a distinct lack of foliage or other defining landscape.

Cultural Significance

MultiCam’s legacy extends beyond military uniforms. Its effectiveness inspired continued adoption across tactical gear, airsoft, and civilian outdoor apparel. As a symbol of pragmatic design, its influence reflects a blend of function, authenticity, and aesthetic that resonates in both practical applications and cultural fashion.

SOTURI Perspective

At SOTURI, MultiCam embodies the ethos we value: the interplay of heritage, innovation, and subtle performance. Like this iconic pattern, our straps are crafted to perform seamlessly in varied contexts—durable, versatile, and quietly refined.

Closing Takeaway

MultiCam is more than a pattern. It’s testament to camouflage as both science and design—adaptable, evocative, unforgettable.

— End of Briefing —
SOTURI

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