TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama announced the addition of official camouflage patterns to its Crimson Tide Outdoors program. Hal Shaffer, noted outdoor personality and Alabama native, worked with the University’s Trademark Licensing Department and multiple Crimson Tide student-athletes, through Yea Alabama, to finalize the “Tree Tide” and “Tusk” patterns.

“One of the greatest honors in my life was being asked to design camo patterns for the University and now seeing that coming to fruition has certainly been a staple point in my life of things that I will always remember,” said Shaffer, host of Drop Zone and Renovation Hunters. “The camo patterns were designed to be effective, yet lifestyle friendly, and capture the spirit of the Crimson Tide.

“We utilized several Alabama male and female student-athletes from different sports to help us develop the ultimate patterns for the outdoors – especially for the physically active lifestyle of these elite athletes. To see these patterns now be worn by the student-athletes and Crimson Tide fans across this great country is truly a special moment in my life.”

The “Tree Tide” is the deer stand pattern that incorporates trees, the sky and leaves, and the “Tusk” pattern incorporates the look of elephant skin along with colors that are most desirable when blending anywhere in the outdoors.

Through Yea Alabama, football’s Ty Simpson and Bray Hubbard, softball’s Marlie Giles and women’s basketball’s Karly Weathers were chosen as the first Crimson Tide Outdoors Ambassadors and have played a crucial role in the launch of the first patterns. Additional student-athletes will be involved with the creation of future patterns and marketing content around the initiative.

“Being one of the first ambassadors of the Crimson Tide Outdoors Program is a true honor,” said Simpson. “As somebody who spends lots of time hunting and fishing, I love that the Script A is now included in camo patterns I can wear while I’m doing those activities. I think Alabama fans who also appreciate the outdoors will love representing the Tide, while also supporting their favorite players.”

The camo patterns will be licensed to multiple partners, creating a broad selection of apparel and merchandise including, but not limited to T-shirts, hoodies, jackets, hats, bags, blankets, pillows and other goods. While some of the products are generic in nature, others feature player-specific NIL designs for numerous Crimson Tide student-athletes. Regardless, all items that feature the patterns will benefit student-athletes, while also helping fans show their affinity for the Tide, no matter their fashion preferences.

“What I love most about these patterns is that they can be worn both in the field, as well as every day to class or around town,” said Weathers. “Some of the items in the collection have the camo patterns all over, and some are more subtle. Whether you’re younger or older, male or female, outdoors enthusiast or not, there is something available for every type of Alabama fan.”

Not all products in the collection are standard fan merchandise. Many of the items are also authentic hunting gear that can be worn in the field with the full functionality of other high-level outdoor apparel. This will allow Crimson Tide faithful to rep their favorite team while they take part in some of their favorite outdoor activities.

“I’m very excited not only about the looks of these patterns, but also the functionality of them in the field,” said Giles. “As somebody who’s spent much of my life outdoors, I know what looks are effective to blend in with your surroundings and the quality of apparel needed to stay warm, dry and comfortable in whatever weather presents itself. All the authentic outdoor items available in this line are top notch.”

Because of the student-athlete involvement, a portion of royalties will go directly to benefit Crimson Tide student-athletes. This is yet another example of how Alabama is leading the way in NIL initiatives and educating its student-athletes about licensing and branding.

“I appreciate the fact that besides just getting to wear Alabama camo apparel, fans are also supporting student-athletes when they purchase items that feature the camo patterns we helped influence,” added Hubbard. “The University of Alabama, Yea Alabama, Hal and everybody else behind the scenes of making this possible, truly care about us and want to include us in this promotion to make it beneficial for all parties involved.”

Fans can find the first officially licensed “Tusk” and “Tree Tide” camo items available in the collection through a couple of providers. Athlete’s Thread is offering camo patterns on lifestyle and NIL apparel and merchandise on their website and to retail partners. Shaffer’s “Hide The Tide” website will feature many of the authentic apparel options that can be worn in the field, among other selections.

Future plans for additional patterns and products are already in progress, with a fishing pattern next in line to launch later this spring. Discussions with additional licensee and retail partners who want to participate in the Crimson Tide Outdoors program are also underway. Fans can follow UA Athletics social media accounts, Tidemails and other official outlets to stay on top of the latest updates.