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Apparel
Mossy Oak Bottomland Camo: Original vs. New
The short answer: Mossy Oak makes two Bottomland patterns. Original Bottomland is the 1986 pattern that launched the company: darker, with deep blacks and fractured bark. The newer Bottomland, released in 2003, was built from the same dirt, sticks and leaves with a slightly muddier, more earth-toned look. Chêne builds gear in both.
Where Bottomland came from
Bottomland was Mossy Oak's first pattern. In 1986, founder Toxey Haas took a handful of Mississippi dirt, sticks and leaves and turned it into a repeating camouflage pattern. It was made to get closer to turkeys, but it quickly became the standard for anyone who hunts with their back against a tree, and above all for flooded timber duck hunters.
The pattern is built from natural elements: dirt, leaves, old moss, and elliptical shapes of Mississippi red oak bark. It's an official camouflage of Ducks Unlimited and the National Wild Turkey Federation.
How the two patterns differ
| Original Bottomland | Bottomland | |
|---|---|---|
| Introduced | 1986 | 2003 |
| Look | Muted browns, deep blacks and fractured bark | Earth tones with a slightly muddier look |
| Reads best in | Dark, flooded timber | Flooded fields and timber alike |
The Hydro-Lok Shell Jacket in Mossy Oak Original Bottomland (left) and Mossy Oak Bottomland (right).
To tell them apart, look at the contrast. Original Bottomland has darker, deeper shadows and more defined bark. Bottomland reads lighter and more uniform, closer to the color of mud and dead leaves.
Which one should you choose?
Both patterns work in the timber. Choose by where you hunt and by what you want to wear it on.
- Choose Original Bottomland if you hunt dark, flooded hardwoods, or you want the pattern hunters have worn since 1986.
- Choose Bottomland if you move between flooded fields and timber, or you want to match youth gear, bibs or wading pants. Those currently come only in Bottomland.
Chêne gear in Original Bottomland
The Original Bottomland collection includes:
- Waders: the Mossy Oak Original Bottomland 2S Wader
- Jackets: Hydro-Lok Shell and Insulated, Over/Under, Flyweigh, Waxed Canvas Goose Down and the Hydro-Lok Velo Rain Jacket
- Vests and mid layers: Waxed Canvas Goose Down Vest, Scout Vest, Flyweigh Vest, Sixty Series fleece and Sherpa Fleece Quarter Zip
- Boots: Scout Deck Boot, Floodline Slough Boot and Floodline Velo
- Headwear and tees: camo caps, the Sherpa Fleece Neck Gaiter, and the Washed Out Camo Logo tees and hoodie
Chêne gear in Bottomland
The Bottomland collection includes:
- Waders: the Mossy Oak Bottomland 2S Wader and the 2S Wading Pant
- Jackets: Hydro-Lok Shell and Insulated, Over/Under, Flyweigh, Camp Jacket, Scout Windproof Jacket and the Waxed Canvas Jacket
- Bibs: the Hydro-Lok Field Bib
- Boots: Scout Deck Boot, Floodline Slough Boot and Floodline Cornerstone Boot
- Youth: the Youth 2S Wader, plus youth Hydro-Lok and Over/Under jackets
Frequently asked questions
Is Original Bottomland the same as Bottomland?
No. They're two Mossy Oak patterns with the same name and roots. Original Bottomland is the 1986 pattern. Bottomland is the 2003 version, with a slightly muddier look.
When did Mossy Oak Bottomland come out?
Original Bottomland launched in 1986 as Mossy Oak's first pattern. The second version of Bottomland came out in 2003.
What is Bottomland camo used for?
It was built for hunters with their back against a tree. Today it's most closely tied to flooded timber duck hunting, and it's also used for turkey and deer.
Can I mix Original Bottomland and Bottomland?
Yes. The two share the same natural elements, so they work together in the field. If you want an exact match, buy every piece from one collection.
