MTP (Multi-Terrain Pattern) is the British Army's current camouflage, a multi-environment pattern that uses MultiCam colours in shapes derived from DPM. DPM (Disrupted Pattern Material) is the older woodland pattern the Army wore from the late 1960s until MTP replaced it around 2011 to 2012. In short: MTP is current issue, DPM is the classic predecessor.
- MTP is the current British Army pattern. DPM is the previous standard pattern.
- MTP was introduced for operations in Afghanistan from around 2010 and became standard issue from roughly 2011 to 2012.
- MTP combines colours based on Crye Precision's MultiCam with DPM-style shapes.
- DPM was used from the late 1960s onwards in woodland form, with a separate desert DPM version.
- MTP is designed to work across many environments. Woodland DPM works best in green, temperate terrain.
What is the difference between MTP and DPM?
The biggest difference is the job each pattern was designed to do. DPM is a woodland pattern: high-contrast blotches of dark green, brown and black on a lighter khaki base, well suited to northern European hedgerows and forests. MTP is a multi-terrain pattern: softer, blended browns, tans and greens meant to perform reasonably well in desert, scrub, farmland and woodland rather than excelling in just one.
In practice, DPM looks darker and bolder, while MTP looks lighter, warmer and more muted.
MTP vs DPM comparison table
| MTP | DPM (woodland) | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Multi-Terrain Pattern | Disrupted Pattern Material |
| Status | Current British Army pattern | Previous standard pattern, now replaced |
| In use | From around 2010 (Afghanistan), standard from roughly 2011 to 2012 | From the late 1960s to the MTP era |
| Colours | MultiCam-based browns, tans and greens | Dark green, brown and black on a khaki base |
| Shapes | Derived from DPM, with softer blending | Bold, hard-edged blotches |
| Best environment | Mixed and changing terrain | Green, temperate woodland |
| Variants | Standard MTP across the issue range | Woodland DPM and desert DPM |
| Typical kit | PCS uniform, current waterproofs, MTP webbing and bergens | Soldier 95 uniform, PLCE webbing, older bergens and smocks |
Why did the British Army replace DPM with MTP?
Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan exposed the weakness of single-environment patterns. Troops in Helmand moved between desert, green irrigated fields and built-up areas, sometimes in a single patrol, and neither woodland DPM nor desert DPM suited all of them. The Army wanted one pattern that worked acceptably everywhere, reducing the need to issue separate woodland and desert kit.
MTP was developed to meet that need, taking the colour palette of MultiCam and applying it to shapes derived from the familiar British DPM. It was first issued for Afghanistan around 2010 and then adopted as the standard pattern for the whole Army.
What is DPM camouflage?
DPM stands for Disrupted Pattern Material. It was introduced in the late 1960s and served through the Cold War, the Falklands, Northern Ireland, the Balkans and the early years of Iraq and Afghanistan. Its bold shapes break up the outline of the wearer against foliage.
A desert version, known as desert DPM, used sand and brown tones and was issued for operations in arid regions. Woodland DPM remains widely recognised and is still popular with collectors, bushcraft enthusiasts and anyone who likes the classic British look. Browse our DPM camouflage collection.
What is MTP camouflage?
MTP stands for Multi-Terrain Pattern. It is the pattern on current British Army uniforms, waterproofs, load carriage and rucksacks, including the Personal Clothing System (PCS) uniform. Because it is still in service, MTP kit is the choice for anyone wanting current-issue equipment. Browse the MTP camouflage collection, including the MTP PCS combat trousers and the MTP lightweight waterproof jacket.
Is MTP the same as MultiCam?
No, although they are closely related. MTP uses colours based on Crye Precision's MultiCam, but the shapes are derived from British DPM. Side by side, MultiCam looks more like soft, blurred vertical shapes, while MTP has a more angular, broken pattern. From a distance the two can look similar and are often worn together.
Can you mix MTP and DPM kit?
You can, and plenty of people do for practical use, but the colours do not match. Woodland DPM is noticeably darker and greener than MTP. Many civilians mix DPM webbing or bergens with MTP clothing simply because older kit is hard-wearing and good value.
If you want a matching set, stay within one pattern. For DPM load carriage, look at the PLCE DPM webbing rig and the DPM bergen. For MTP, there is the MTP PLCE webbing set and the MTP 90L bergen. Our PLCE webbing guide and bergen guide cover the differences in detail.
Should I buy MTP or DPM?
- Choose MTP if you want current-issue British Army kit, a pattern that suits mixed terrain, or equipment that matches modern military clothing.
- Choose DPM if you want a classic look, woodland use in the UK, a collector's piece, or strong value on proven older kit.
Both are available across several grades. If you are unsure what the grades mean, see our guide to British Army surplus grades, and use the NATO sizes guide to get the fit right.
Frequently asked questions
Does the British Army still use DPM?
DPM is no longer the standard pattern. MTP replaced it as the main British Army camouflage from around 2011 to 2012. Some older DPM items may remain in stores or limited use, but new-issue uniforms and equipment are produced in MTP.
What does MTP stand for?
MTP stands for Multi-Terrain Pattern. It is the current British Army camouflage, designed to work across desert, scrub, farmland and woodland. It uses colours based on MultiCam combined with shapes derived from the older British DPM pattern.
What does DPM stand for?
DPM stands for Disrupted Pattern Material. It is the woodland camouflage the British Army used from the late 1960s until MTP replaced it. A desert DPM version, in sand and brown tones, was also issued for operations in arid regions.
Is MTP better than DPM?
MTP is more versatile because it was designed for mixed terrain, which is why the Army adopted it. Woodland DPM can still blend in well in dark, green UK woodland. Which is better for you depends on where you will use it and the look you want.
When did the British Army switch to MTP?
MTP was first issued to troops deploying to Afghanistan around 2010. It was then adopted as the standard pattern across the British Army, replacing DPM from roughly 2011 to 2012 onwards as new uniforms and equipment were issued.
Is MTP the same as MultiCam?
No. MTP uses a colour palette based on Crye Precision's MultiCam, but its shapes are derived from British DPM. The two look similar at a distance and are broadly compatible, but they are different patterns.
Written by the Raid Supply team, who grade every item by hand in Buckinghamshire.