Collection: Croatian camo

Croatian Camo and CROPAT Patterns

From wartime tigerstripes to digital CROPAT, Croatia's camouflage history is a patchwork of experimentation and regional influences.

During the early 1990s, as Croatia fought for independence, a number of different camo types were used by various units, including the Croatian tigerstripe. It was a local variant inspired by the classic US tigerstripe but had its own coloring and cut, often depending on availability and unit preference. It wasn't standardized and could differ quite a bit from piece to piece.

Balkan Tigerstripe Variants

Interestingly, this pattern had a few close relatives—Serbian, Slovenian, and Bosnian tigerstripes—developed around the same time and under similar circumstances. Each had slight differences in color, cut, and fabric. The Slovenian and Bosnian versions are particularly rare today and hard to come by even among collectors. The Serbian tigerstripe, on the other hand, saw more widespread use and was eventually adapted into blue and grey variations for Serbian paramilitary units and later for modern police uniforms. You can see more of these variants in our Balkans Surplus collection.

Yugoslav Surplus Camo

Before that, Croatian forces also made use of surplus Yugoslav patterns, especially early on when logistics were tough. One notable example is the Yugoslav M89 "sniper suit", a mountain camo used by reconnaissance and special units. Its blotchy, earth-tone pattern worked well in the dense forests and rocky terrain of the Dinaric Alps. You'll also find the classic M68 "JNA leaf" pattern, a kind of woodlands camo originally used by Yugoslav ground forces that continued to see service in the region well into the '90s.

Modern Croatian Digital Camo

Over time, as the Croatian Armed Forces became more organized, they phased out these improvised and inherited styles in favor of standardized issue—culminating in today's modern digital patterns. But these older designs still have a strong following among collectors, re-enactors, and people looking for something with a bit of history behind it.

CROPAT is the official camouflage of the Croatian Armed Forces and one of the most recognizable digital patterns in Europe. It was introduced in the mid-2000s and made to give good concealment while also showing national identity. If you look closely, you can spot small details like the letters "OSRH" (for Oružane snage Republike Hrvatske) and even the shape of Croatia hidden in the design. Since then, different versions have been created for various environments and military units.

CROPAT Woodland pattern

This is the standard version used by the Croatian Army and remains the most common variant. It features a mix of green, brown, tan, and black pixels, designed for use in woodland and mixed terrain typical of Croatia and the surrounding region. It's been worn in both domestic service and NATO missions abroad and has become the defining camo for Croatian ground troops. Most issued gear—jackets, trousers, hats, and vests—is in this pattern.

CROPAT Desert uniform

The desert version was developed for international deployments, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. It swaps the woodland greens for a palette of tan, beige, and light brown, maintaining the same pixel structure as the standard version. This version has seen use in missions in the Middle East and North Africa. It's not hard to find in surplus markets and is popular with collectors as well as for practical use in dry environments.

CROPAT Navy version

A navy-specific version was created for use by Croatian maritime units. It follows the same digital layout but with a color scheme adapted to sea-based and coastal operations, using tones like blue, grey, and slate. It was produced in smaller numbers than the woodland and desert versions and is much harder to find today, especially in good condition. Items like jackets and helmet covers in this pattern are particularly sought after.

CROPAT Urban (Trial)

During the development of the CROPAT system, an urban version was also tested. This trial pattern featured a high-contrast mix of greys, black, and muted white, intended for urban operations or peacekeeping missions in built-up areas. However, it was never adopted beyond initial trials, and only a few test pieces were ever made. This makes it one of the rarest modern European camo variants, nearly impossible to find outside of private collections.

CROPAT is definitely one of the most interesting camouflage patterns in Europe. It looks good and works well in different environments like forests, rocky areas, and dry terrain. In my collection, you can find various original items for sale, including shirts in both woodland and desert versions, a desert jacket, a hardshell, and more. Most are in good condition and available in different sizes, so grab your set quickly!