M81 Urban Woodland Camouflage

M81 Urban

The M81 Urban Camouflage Pattern is a commercial recoloration of the original M81 Woodland pattern. While it has never been officially adopted, it gained recognition for its use by the US Marine Corps during an urban operation training event. This pattern was part of a set of experimental urban camouflage BDUs evaluated in May 1994 at the MOUT training site at Fort Benning. The study assessed the effectiveness of various camouflage patterns, including two 2-color experimental disruptive urban camouflage uniforms, a 3-color experimental disruptive urban camouflage uniform, a monotone grey urban camouflage uniform, an experimental monotone black Nomex™ flight suit, a standard three-color desert camouflage uniform, and a standard woodland camouflage uniform. Notably, the woodland and 3-color urban camouflage uniforms did not perform well in urban night conditions. The M81 Urban pattern, characterized by high contrast between white and black, may not be the most effective for urban environments due to its high contrast and pattern size, which was optimized for long-distance engagements (approximately 300 meters) rather than the shorter distances typical in urban settings.

Despite its limitations in concealment at close range, the M81 Urban Camouflage Pattern has continued to be used in various commercial and private sectors due to its distinctive aesthetic. The stark contrast between black, white, and grey makes it visually striking, appealing for streetwear, airsoft, and tactical gear where traditional camouflage effectiveness is less of a priority than appearance.

The pattern’s origins as an experimental design highlight the challenges of developing effective urban camouflage. Unlike environments such as forests or deserts, where organic shapes and blended tones provide natural concealment, urban settings are highly variable, with shifting light conditions, artificial structures, and mixed materials. The M81 Urban pattern, with its large, high-contrast patches, was designed for longer engagement ranges rather than close-quarters movement, making it more suited for reconnaissance applications where visibility was controlled rather than dynamic operations in dense cityscapes.

While never officially issued, M81 Urban remains one of the most recognizable commercial urban camouflage patterns, influencing later urban camo designs that prioritize lower contrast, smaller pattern scaling, and better adaptation to artificial lighting conditions. Its enduring popularity in fashion, airsoft, and private security apparel demonstrates its lasting appeal beyond its initial field tests.