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.