Camouflage has always had a cool factor. Not only is it functional and deeply scientific in its development, but it’s been popular for decades and never goes out of style. Kryptek has long led the effort to push the boundaries of functional camouflage for the Military and outdoor enthusiast.
In the last few years, Kryptek has unearthed a new era of camouflage to its portfolio: Obskura. Obskura was born out of the vast experience and insight Kryptek gained through the U.S. Army Camo Improvement Effort and development efforts with other Foreign Militaries. In summary, the macro-pattern of Kryptek’s original family of patterns became the micro-pattern for Obskura, and elements inspired by the extensively proven Tiger Stripe Camo became the macro-pattern. For decades, Tiger Stripe has been used extensively in various theaters of operations and is a proven winner in military tests focused specifically on effectiveness. Tiger Stripe improves concealment when facing opponents equipped with enhanced visual acquisition devices in the IR (infrared) and SWIR spectrums.
With well-defined edges that cause abrupt transitions between colors and a multi-directional flow, Kryptek Obskura does six things extremely well:
- Dynamic break-up of the user’s outline for a lower probability of detection from naked eye acquisition.
- Improved effectiveness of concealment at longer ranges with a bolder and well-defined macro-pattern.
- Enhanced concealment in IR and SWIR.
- Worldwide effectiveness with multi-environment flexibility.
- Striking shelf appeal with intensified uniqueness.
- Extremely functional.
One of the specific patterns of Kryptek Obskura is ‘Skyfall.’ Skyfall provides the ultimate silhouette distortion for the dedicated whitetail hunter. When the leaves turn and the temperature drops, Skyfall’s advanced blend of highlights and shadows delivers unprecedented concealment high in a stand, in a blind, or on the stalk.
We liked it so much that we wrapped our eyewear in it. Introducing the Oakley SI Kryptek Skyfall Collection of Holbrook™ XL, Split Shot, and Gascan®. Each Oakley style is carefully put through our in-house hydrographic machine, revealing a smooth pattern – no two are the same. Then, the frame is given a clear matte coating to seal in the graphic. Each style is outfitted with Oakley PRIZM™ Black Polarized lenses.
“We are on the cusp of what I call ‘Kryptek 3.0′” – Butch Whiting
We sat down with Kryptek Founder, CEO, and Army Veteran, Butch Whiting to hear a little more about the patterns, products, and what to expect from Kryptek in 2025.
Has Kryptek’s mission remained the same over the years, or has it evolved?
It has morphed over the past decade. Initially Kryptek was extremely focused on Military and Law Enforcement, and specifically camo development for the DoD. Learning from that initial period, Kryptek has since become extremely focused on providing best in class apparel and gear for the civilian market that allows end users to stay in the field longer and do it comfortably, regardless of the environmental conditions. Camo is still a major and important part of the Kryptek brand, and what we are probably most well-known for, but is now the complimentary factor in terms of the level of functionality within our gear, which is primarily performance and purpose driven
What has been the most rewarding or challenging aspect of growth?
Establishing a global brand has not been easy, but has been extremely rewarding, especially considering that the brand has been “Boot Strapped”, versus taking on Private Equity or a Wall Street public injection as all of our near-peer competitors have. The major challenge has been catching up with the global popularity of the brand and establishing the corresponding sales and distribution channels.
What are you most excited about for the future of Kryptek?
We are on the cusp of what I call “Kryptek 3.0”. I envision Kryptek becoming a content creating machine that educates, entertains, engages and constantly drops badass content – and we just “happen” to have the best camo patterns on the planet, as well as providing year-round outstanding gear. I see expanding into new markets, with new and innovative collections, specifically in accessories, in addition to adventure related hard goods such as gun cases, range bags and other adventure related lifestyle apparel.
Are there any exciting partnerships or ventures in 2025?
Several! We are excited about our new international distributors, specifically in the U.K. and Africa. We have a new global business development resource who is tremendous and immensely helping Kryptek’s presence in Europe. We also have some powerhouse co-labs with juggernaut brands that will launch in Q4 and early 2025.
To ACCESS the full Oakley SI Kryptek Skyfall Collection, go HERE.