It isn’t often we do a complete Christmas guide for one brand of equipment, but this year we felt like we had to. For two reasons: first, if you have seen me in any of my winter reviews over the last 5 years, you probably noticed that I was wearing Kryptek outerwear in all of them. The same set, in fact. This was meant to be a long-term durability test that we never got around to reviewing. But, the point was made. I am out in the weather 3 to 4 days a week, which is significantly more than most hunting clothes will ever see, unless you are a guide. And not only did my Kryptek materials hold up through rain, mud, and snow, they did so while maintaining a level of water resistance better than what I was issued in a Special Operations unit. The equipment these guys put together is tough as nails.
The second reason for our go ahead with this year’s guide is the fact that we got the inside scoop on the Black Friday sale going on now. And it is stunning. Top-quality technical clothing is never going to be cheap, a fact not lost on me when it comes to choosing our review items for this time of year. Like me, most of you don’t have a trust fund, and 2020 has been rough. But this sale is putting things in reach that normally may not be for many of us. Let’s also not leave out that if 2020 gets any spicier, some top notch winter gear is one of the best investments you can make. I’m personally making a concerted effort right now to buy the best of whatever I can because we still don’t know the destructive capabilities of another COVID lockdown.
Sitewide right now, Kryptek has 30% off of everything, and 35% off of Obskura, the newest pattern. In addition to that, there are Black Friday specials on selected items that will blow your socks off. Not only big-ticket items, but things appropriate for your hunting buddies that they will actually use. We snagged up some gear from across the lineup to highlight for you, but I recommend some browsing yourself. And quick. Given the price reductions on some of the most popular stuff, there is no way the inventory will last.
First up is the Argo Jacket, which I would call the Door Buster of this sale. One of the best selling jackets of all time for Kryptek, this thing is feature-loaded. Wait a minute, isn’t Kryptek known for camouflage? Yes, they are. That is the core business they are in. But they have always made lots of clothing in solid colors, with all the same technical specs as the dedicated hunting gear. Turns out that not all of us want to go to the office on Monday in camo, but we do want to stay warm and dry. Kryptek has embraced that from the start, with offerings like the Argo. It has a soft outer shell and is fleece-lined, making it highly water-resistant and warm for the weight. This is perfect for fall into early winter, complete with waterproof zippers. Amazingly versatile, the Argo has already replaced 3 jackets from my line up. Regularly $279, the Argo is on sale right now for $99.
Second, we took a gander into the Altitude line. The Altitude pattern is one that Kryptek reserved exclusively for their own product development, and is home to their ultra-premium fabrics. You can easily find the other patterns licensed to other companies, from Huk Fishing apparel to SKANDA seat covers for your truck. But Altitude is exclusive to Kryptek branded items. For good reason. The materials here are borderline science fiction. For test items, we received the Bora jacket and pants, which feature Schoeller’s revolutionary c-change fabric. Schoeller Textil AG is a Swiss textile manufacturer that might as well make magic. I can’t explain it any better than they do, so here is a screen cap describing how it works.
And while I was a bit skeptical, it really does deliver. Water beads off the Bora jacket like a duck’s back, and no matter how long I submersed it no effect was seen. Having run around in various environments and conditions, the c-change temperature regulation really does live up to the hype. It is also indescribably comfy. I mean, if they made pajamas out of this, I would buy a set in a heartbeat. The closest I can come is saying it feels like wearing a silk sweater, which is very weird for a fabric also known for abrasion resistance and durability.
Last but not least, we tested some items from the new Obskura line. Obskura is brand new for 2020, and proof that Kryptek is not resting on their laurels. Perfect for a wide variety of environments, this one is going to be a crowd-pleaser. In deference to our audience from perhaps a less harsh environment, we tested out the Valhalla pant. This pant breathes and stretches, and is perfect for high exertion or hot environments. It is very quick-drying and moisture-wicking, perfect for year-round use in the South East.
Not to be overlooked are beanies and gloves, which we also reviewed in Obskura. The Krypton Glove is on sale right now for $19.99, which features Velcro closures and touch screen compatibility. The Kiska beanie is also a surefire winner, with a Tricot lining, on sale this week for $15.99.
This sale only comes once a year, and there is no way it is going to last. If you are in need of outdoor clothing, I would make this stop number one on the list.
I simply saw the heading and had to read this review after recently (starting ~2yrs ago) picking up a few new clothing items I needed to upgrade (or, just get something new…wind/water resistance doesn’t do well on any material that looks like swiss cheese!). I do not work for Kryptek, nor have I had ANY of their clothing given to me which may prompt a somewhat bias review (it would for me…my favorite price is FREE!!!!!!!!! lol) but, I absolutely love it and do not regret a single purchase! I really liked reading that I wasn’t the only one who thought that Kryptek clothing used “science…or, something very close to it.” and I did use a very similar statement that made me the butt of all jokes for about 2mo worth of outings. Ok, so I tried sounding smart and ended up using a made up word… “This stuff’s awesome. Not sure how it works since it’s so light? It’s some ‘sciencetistic’ materials or something like that.” YUP, I said sciencetistic! I have a couple pairs of pants now, and their Dalibor Jacket, along with some 1/4 zips (light and Medium Weight), and for those hotter months some of their very light LS pullover shirts.
I know camouflage and the different camo patterns have and always will be disputed between people as to how well they work or not. For me, I do feel the Kryptek Highlander does blend in very well with 97% of environments I’m in and I’m sure would do just find in those other 3% I may head to once a year or, once every couple years.
Pattern aside which I do like, it’s simply amazing how lightweight the gear is, even if it’s meant for very cold and/or wet conditions. My go to pant here in Central CA for most of the milder to cooler months is the Alaios Pant. When they first came in, my first thought was “Dang…I thought they said these would do well in….” the temps I was getting ready to head out in. They just seemed way to light to be any good in anything under maybe 65 degrees. Well, with nothing more than a pair of UA Heatgear leggings (I always wear them as an extra barrier between my pants and fles), I wore those pants for 3 days straight in morning temps of mid 30s to afternoons of mid 60s, low 70s and I was more than comfortable, plenty warm in the mornings, and can’t say I ever got too hot either. We did have a brief but, pretty good shower come through and although not water proof, the water resistance kept me plenty dry even after tumbling down a nice big wet hill with a dead hog to get it to our truck. Jumped in the truck and within 10min I forgot they were ever wet.
I will say I get a lot of flack for my “fancy matching 3D camo set” but, I’ll take it all. I may get the flack but, I’m also the one person on every hunt that is never “that guy.” You all know “that guy.” He’s the one we invite on every hunt, give them the most detailed instructions on what they’ll need to bring (clothing being a big one…better it is, more time you can spend in the field!). No matter how much I stress “bring warm, at least water resistant if not waterproof pants, base layers, jacket…” and what happens? Day one by about noon “I’m so wet and cold, God D—-it this sucks!” That’s, “that guy” and none of us ever want to be him.
So, with that said, I’m glad I did read this review as I wasn’t aware of their sale…and anyone else who’s been wondering if this stuff is worth the price, take advantage of the sale on a couple items and I can bet you will be back (no sale needed!) to upgrade or, update all your clothing! When I wear hunting clothing like Kryptek, all I can think is how we got along so long without this type of technology. You put on a light pair of pants and jacket and still probably warmer and more comfortable than we all were when we had to dress/layer up like the little brother from “A Christmas Story” to get the same amount of warmth!
It’s nice to be able to put your arms down in the field:)