Re: comprehensive guide to constructing a ghillie suit
This past winter, I made my first suit to take to an LEO M/O class.
Considered "pre-made" suits, but felt making the suit was a rite of passage. I did every stitch on mine and my fingers are almost healed.
My primary resource was Plaster's book, which gives a good guideline. Plus there are some web sites out there that show tricks and hints.
But mainly just winged it. I used elastic strap (1/4" from Michaels) instead of netting. Used BDU's as base. Lots of Burlap strip. Suit came out great, but I need to add some more fiber and drag it behind my tractor for 6 - 8 hours this summer. It's still too new.
Ultimately, I don't think there is a best way or a wrong answer to building your suit. Some of the kits probably simplify things and are a convenient way to get materials. But however you proceed, but build for rugged use and allow it to adapt by leaving space for natural veg and adding strips.
And IMHO, build one yourself... don't buy one pre-made. The first time you use it and it works as you hoped, it justifies all the evenings and stuck fingers.
Cheers,
sirhr