Stealth camping is one of the oldest forms of camping, and dates all the way back to the days when most humans were roaming the landscape in tribes, and to draw attention to themselves would have been a death sentence. They kept six key things in mind when they were setting up camp; the same six that can be found below.
Ok, so the first thing we need to consider is why we might be seen – SHAPE, SHINE, SILHOUTTE, SOUND, MOVEMENT and COLOR, one or more of these will be what give us away. The more of these we combine the more likely we will be seen.
SHAPE – as mentioned there is very little in nature that is angular, most camouflage materials are designed to break up or soften such obvious things. So where possible we should avoid erecting shelters that look like little boxes ……….. Shape also includes our gear and ourselves so keep that in mind.
SHINE – It doesn't take much imagination to realize that a reflective surface will catch the eye. So with this in mind muted and natural colors are always wisely used. But shine can also mean light – it is odd to me how little light discipline civilians have in the woods. If we have everything packed away except our sleeping gear before last light then we will A: know where everything is, B: not lose anything and not need to use our torch to find things. Also using a torch ruins our natural night vision so try to not use a torch and use your night vision instead – if you need to try and see an object better at night try looking slightly off to one side of it; you will be amazed how well that works.
SILHOUTTE – If you pitch camp on the top of a hill or even in an open field anyone looking up hill will see you against the sky line – this can also be true of the individual going about tasks such as gathering fire wood. A game keeper or the neighbor of a land owner who sees someone where they shouldn't be may report it or investigate it.
SOUND – I remember hearing a story about Jed Smith (a famous mountain man) who reportedly would only fire a single shot when hunting, the reason supposedly was that the Indians could track down a man if he fired a second shot! Another thing people seldom realize is how far sound carries at night – like light sound discipline is a good habit to get into.
MOVEMENT – Consider the fact that we are predators by nature and our eyes are forward facing as such we often rely on our peripheral vision to alert us to things we can’t see – this means that someone not even looking for or at you will be attracted to you or your camp if they detect movement; especially sharp, fast or unnatural movements.
COLOR -Colors can aid us in rescue but on the flip side they will give us away if we are trying to avoid being seen. Most animals don't see color but we humans do and in stealth camping muted colors are best. Also consider the fact that a green tarp will look out of place if erected on a sandy beach. Field grey is the best color for the hunter and certainly this was deemed so by several armies. One thing to consider also when we consider color is camouflage; dressing like a soldier or a hunter when hiking in the local woods might just catch the eye of someone too.
There are a lot of things to consider when stealth camping but the overall goal is not to appear out of the ordinary. If you're in an area where camping is common, wouldn't it appear more bizarre to camp in a stick and leaf shelter rather than an ordinary tent?
Keep in mind that your overall goal is not to ‘not be seen,' it's to ‘not attract attention.' You don't want to be memorable and you don't want curious people to poke around. Do your best to learn these six areas as best as you can and keep them in mind if you ever need to stay hidden when SHTF.
For more on this topic, check out the main article at Survival.
I can see it.
Guido Filippone
S.E.R.E. School 101
I hitch hiked for a year and never made a fire because that attracts attention. I lived behind a bush while attending college and it took 8 months before anyone found out. Fun
Seeing is Not being seen. Thus being able to move without is what it is
You can actually stealth camp and still have a fire. Dig out a hole for the fire (to decrease visibility) and make sure you are under plenty of tree cover (to dissipate the smoke).
I would cover up the tent there a little more
Do I dare click on this for what I’m sure is a stupid suggestion?
Ok, here goes, it’s good for a laugh I guess
I guess a$#%&!@*xity boy moght not know some of this but they didn’t let me down in the useless dept.
When you do decide to bug out, find the most secluded area available and always remember that your biggest threat will be that of another human.
That’s how I camp no blue tents here
Daniel Faith
TY, i have always wanted to try that fire method. A couple months into the hitch hiking I found an Army field manual for Survival, Evasion, and escape. It was from Vietnam era and only 25cents at a library yard sell. That book was very helpful.
Most of the times when I got found it was because of dogs.
Thomas RayGuiles. Those army manuals are excellent tools. They will teach you a lot if you apply the techniques. And in a$#%&!@*Hits the Fan scenario…Most dogs will be eaten for dinner ? Lmao….just keep training .
Sleep in a box, don’t bathe, act a little crazy… Everyone will make it a point to not see you.
Hay Kendall they wood$#%&!@*if they camp the way did back in the day
Didn’t Monti Python do a video ?
Only thing u can’t hide is the smell of the meat u r cooking…
Still good to carry something (cheap plastic pocket poncho) in bright yellow or blaze orange. Wanting to stay hidden can change instantly to needing to be seen.
I often pack my construction safety vest (and hard hat in truck), it can also give an appearance of authority when needed.
If it gets that bad, there will be no place that is not inhabited, especially where there is water and food.
I stealth camp every time I fall asleep while turkey hunting.
Man thats no kidding, some of my best snooze time is just before sunup in my blind. It’d be great if snoring attracted turkeys.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTQYEkIvN2M
Pretty good basic stuff, and they forgot that people can “see” you with their noses.
I’m glad I read this before I went out and set up my blaze orange tent, had my tighty whiteys blowing on a clothes line, sitting by a bonfire with the boom box blasting and ringing the dinner bell!
I would recommend you go into the country or woods to see how you enjoy the creepy crawlies and other live natural animals like those big black and brown things with big teeth and claws , can walk upright and usually always hungry , or those overgrown puddy cats , or those little bitty cats with the white stripe running down their back >
I’m not going to bag on this posting it’s stealth CAMPING not E&E two different worlds but then if it’s in a survival site posted I’d expect a better picture and artical line.
If I need to be seen I must be a flat lander and failed at being a human……
Dave Debogus yeah, falling ill or having an accident is being a failing at being a human.
Or it could be a loved one that needs help because they aren’t as superior as you are!
1). Rule – never set up living quarters on or near a game trail. Humans are not the only hunters.
While attending college huh!?
Impressive and i hope you acquire all you worked for.