Best camouflage tops for roe deer stalking in 2025

You can’t find the perfect camouflage

Camouflage has long been part of hunting. Julius Caesar even painted spy ships to blend into the sea. In modern deerstalking, the right camo can mean the difference between success and going home empty-handed.

During the roe rut, concealment often makes or breaks a stalk. A buck may charge in recklessly or circle with caution. In both cases, blending into woodland helps you stay undetected long enough for a shot.

Read more on expert tips, gear and advice.

Stoney Creek Fast Hunt Ascent Shirt

RRP: £129.99

Buy: Stoney Creek UK

This lightweight technical shirt is made from dobby woven polyester with stretch. It is cool, quick-drying, and wicks moisture effectively. UPF 50+ sun protection keeps you comfortable on hot summer stalks.

Rear vents and front zips boost airflow, while two large chest pockets easily hold roe callers. Internal camo sleeves help conceal your hands when calling from cover. The Tuatara Alpine pattern mimics dappled sunlight through broadleaf woodland.

Sitka Gear Core Lightweight Hoodie

RRP: £138

Buy: Fine Shooting Accessories

Designed as a next-to-skin shirt, the Sitka Core hoodie is featherlight at 6.6oz. Made from breathable polyester, it excels in hot, humid conditions but also layers well in cooler weather.

The clever integral face veil adds extra concealment. This is invaluable when dealing with cautious bucks that approach slowly. The Gore Optifade Subalpine camouflage is tailored for woodland hunting. On test, it proved so effective that one roebuck passed within touching distance, completely unaware.

Deerhunter Excape Softshell Jacket

RRP: £169.99

Buy: Hollands Country Clothing

The Excape softshell is a heavier option, suited to cooler or wet days. Made from polyester with a fleece lining, it is warm, water-resistant, and silent in use.

It features a two-way zip, two chest pockets, and underarm vents for cooling. The Realtree pattern blends seamlessly into mossy woodland.

Verney-Carron Lynx Waterproof Smock

RRP: £104

Buy: New Forest Clothing

The Lynx smock is lightweight, waterproof, and silent. Taped seams and a breathable mesh lining keep you dry without overheating.

It has a deep chest pocket and two zipped side pockets. Placing a Buttolo call in the pocket gives a muffled tone, often more effective during the rut.

The Ghost Camo Snake Forest pattern has a darker, military-inspired look. It blended well in Galloway’s commercial pine forests.

Performance in the Field

Over three weeks of daily outings, all four tops proved effective. On warm evenings, the Sitka hoodie and Stoney Creek shirt kept me cool and hidden. On wetter, cooler days, the Deerhunter and Verney-Carron jackets offered reliable protection while staying breathable and quiet.

Each camouflage pattern blended naturally with summer vegetation. Most importantly, I successfully called roe bucks to within feet without being detected. That is proof enough of their effectiveness.

For more on kit: best stalking riflescopes of 2025.