So I've heard that dull gray or darker blue colors are the best for climbing cranes and not being seen, but would it not be advisable to wear a construction uniform? Wouldn't that turn less heads even if you were seen?

If youre caught in that, youre not lying your way out.

Posted by Steed If youre caught in that, youre not lying your way out.

Fair point, didn't consider that. How could you lie your way out of climbing a crane though?

Posted by sparta213 So I've heard that dull gray or darker blue colors are the best for climbing cranes and not being seen, but would it not be advisable to wear a construction uniform? Wouldn't that turn less heads even if you were seen?

You are climbing a crane. Most likely if they see you there won't be much you can say. But I'm not 100%.

Posted by sparta213 Fair point, didn't consider that. How could you lie your way out of climbing a crane though?

Tell them you're trying to commit suicide.
Expect results*.




*standard blackhawk disclaimer: not responsible if you are involuntary committed or placed on jail cell suicide watch.

Posted by UberDan You are climbing a crane. Most likely if they see you there won't be much you can say. But I'm not 100%.

"I was looking looking for the bathroom"?

Posted by sparta213 Fair point, didn't consider that. How could you lie your way out of climbing a crane though?

Have a portable GPS with you. That way you can tell them, "I was just following the GPS directions. You know how they always give wrong directions...". I'm sure that will get you off.

Abby Normal

In all seriousness, dark blues or greys are best for climbing. Black makes you stand out against the sky, and any other color is too noticeable.

The number one rule for talking your way out of getting caught on a crane is "don't get caught."

Posted by sparta213 So I've heard that dull gray or darker blue colors are the best for climbing cranes and not being seen, but would it not be advisable to wear a construction uniform? Wouldn't that turn less heads even if you were seen?

Make sure to read through the common thread topics on the rookie forum too, you would be surprised by all the questions that have been asked before.

Posted by sparta213 Fair point, didn't consider that. How could you lie your way out of climbing a crane though?

You could lie your way into lesser charges or more lenient punishment. Wearing a uniform shows intent to deceive, whereas just being dressed in all grey, you could feasibly have had a beer at the bar, then saw a crane and decided to challenge yourself. A stupid person will get more pity than a sneaky person.

I'm just looking for my cat... he has a crane climbing addiction.

Posted by Aran In all seriousness, dark blues or greys are best for climbing. Black makes you stand out against the sky, and any other color is too noticeable. The number one rule for talking your way out of getting caught on a crane is "don't get caught."

Blue is lousy camo color unless the crane is blue...

Since you cant possibly look like a steel cable or part of the crane tower itself, any color that doesn't stand out would be Ok.

Don't rely on camouflage rely on stealth.


e.g. patrol officer 1 to patrol officer 2: hey Mike, is that a kid way up there on that crane?

officer 2: uhh I cant ell hes wearing the latest black digital urban camouflage maybe its just a large crow, well, its probably nothing lets get some donuts..

I've found the best outfit to be the "Bird of Paradise Camo Outerwear Active Suit"

If detected begin the mating ritual dance of the male bird of paradise and you will escape all repercussions of being spotted.

Warning though, you might attract the attention of a female bird of paradise, if this happens do not engage. They have been known to eat their mates after the deed is done.

click to view

Posted by blackhawk Blue is lousy camo color unless the crane is blue...

You just have to match the sky colour. A sky blue shirt during a daytime climb would probably be okay. I usually just go with grey because people tend to not pay attention to someone dressed in dull colours.

Posted by Steed You just have to match the sky colour. A sky blue shirt during a daytime climb would probably be okay. I usually just go with grey because people tend to not pay attention to someone dressed in dull colours.

I was thinking that too. In practice blue doesn't work well in daylight... better to look like a worker.
At night a medium to dark grey is generally best I think.
Blue is a stick out color to the human eye especially in nature. I never wear blue jeans when exploring and mostly wear all camo anyway; drab colored tiger or blotch stripped is a fav.

Keeping close to the structure can help. Being outlined against the sky is a big no-no...

Risk vs reward. But if ya gonna do it I suggest a work union suit, full harness and gear, strap on hard hat, white Ford Ranger, and a fake work order that is from a welding company or service company. Also be in your late twenties to early thirties.

Posted by sparta213 So I've heard that dull gray or darker blue colors are the best for climbing cranes and not being seen, but would it not be advisable to wear a construction uniform? Wouldn't that turn less heads even if you were seen?

I'm a dark matter camo kind of guy myself XD

Posted by ChvsingxGhxsts I'm a dark matter camo kind of guy myself XD

This joke mighhhhtt be a little too millennial for most

Posted by ChvsingxGhxsts This joke mighhhhtt be a little too millennial for most

I forgot, us old folks don't play Call of Duty. Carry on whipper snapper, and stay off my lawn!