INTERVIEW: Kryptek or the Art of Concealment

It looks damn cool, awesome, and sexy, and the first reaction is: Is that supposed to be a camouflage pattern? Kryptek is a new family of pretty excellent camouflage patterns that are just arriving from the USA to Europe. SPARTANAT has exclusively spoken with Butch Whiting (pictured), the CEO and co-founder of Kryptek, and wanted to know what makes Kryptek so special.

SPARTANAT: Kryptek is a new camouflage pattern. What sets it apart from others?
Butch Whiting: This question is often asked of me. While different technical answers can be given, ultimately it comes down to people and their practical experiences with Kryptek and the various camouflage patterns that fall under the name. Our Pro Staff, consisting of people whose lives are based on camouflage in daily use, has contributed to Kryptek and works with it as "End users." Our camouflage patterns are extremely effective.

SPARTANAT: The name sounds very cool. But what does "Kryptek" actually mean?

Butch Whiting: Kryptek was formed from the words "Kryptos" and "Technology." Kryptos is Ancient Greek for "hidden" or "secret." The term "Techno" comes from the Ancient Greek word "Techne," which means "art," "craft," or "skill." And so, as the founders imagine it, Kryptek means:

"The art of being hidden" - Hidden from the elements of Mother Nature. And therefore protected.
"Secret doing and empowerment" - Superior behavior in the field and those skills common to the elite.

SPARTANAT: We have a general trend towards digital camouflage patterns. Why does Kryptek work better? And why this reptilian look?

Butch Whiting: The family of Kryptek camouflages was inspired by classic military camouflage nets as a template ... Beyond the Ghillie Suits (which are not always pleasant and practical to wear), camouflage nets are one of the most effective passive measures on the battlefield. If you imagine how camouflage nets are used, how they are pulled and tensioned over a hiding place, a vehicle, a tent, you recognize those hexagons that arise from the distortion of the net. And the woven camouflage material also adds depth. Kryptek is inspired by this and takes this three-dimensional camouflage as a template and transfers it to a two-dimensional surface. Beyond this inspiration, a lot of science and secret stuff comes into play, things like "Macro Patterns" mixed with "Micro Patterns" and 3-D effect on a 2-D surface ...

Kryptek has some of the world's best snipers in its Pro Staff. One requirement and development focus was to reduce the possibility of being detected as a target from 400 meters and beyond. Therefore, our patterns are extremely effective at long distances. But they have outstanding camouflage results even from a distance of ten meters.

The reason digital patterns are so popular is because they are so easy to print. Ultimately, Kryptek has pushed the modern wet-on-wet printing process with very intricate screens beyond its limits. You can print everything with hot transfer paper, but without Infrared (IR) or shortwave Infrared (SWIR) protection. That comes from the ingredients, the different colors used - and can only be achieved through a wet printing process.

But to get back to the comment about the "reptilian" appearance … I have heard this analogy before. The attractiveness of the pattern itself has always been secondary to us compared to its real effectiveness. It's just that pulled camouflage nets create those hexagonal patterns. I have never seen Kryptek as "reptilian," but I know that if you don't know the effect of military camouflage nets or simply let yourself be "inspired" by Kryptek to associations, the pattern could also be interpreted that way. I believe that we offer a very attractive and striking pattern, both are good. But what matters is the result that our camouflage promises to the user. In the end, this means increased chances of survival and thus increased effect of the fighter.

SPARTANAT: What are the camouflage patterns that make up the Kryptek family called?

Butch Whiting: There are six different Kryptek variants: Nomad - for arid terrain; Highlander - for transitional terrain; Mandrake - wooded landscape; Yeti - snow/winter/arctic conditions; Raid - the urban pattern; Typhon - for night or twilight, also the "psychological" pattern.

SPARTANAT: Have the patterns already been accepted by manufacturers? Who produces gear in Kryptek?

Butch Whiting: Some well-reputed companies focused on the tactical sector now produce high-quality equipment in Kryptek camouflage patterns. These include Velocity Systems, Mayflower, Beez Combat Systems, London Bridge Trading, Vertx, Tyr, Platatac, Haley Strategic Partners, Viking Tactics, Invicuts, Slangvel, FHF Gear, Extreme Gear Labs, to name a few. There are now also wrapping foils from U.S. Night Vision and some high-end weapon builders camouflage weapons using dry transfer with our patterns.

At the same time and alongside our tactical products, Kryptek produces functional clothing for the hunting and outdoor industry. But also with many features that have proven themselves in military use and are also found in our civilian clothing. Much of this equipment will be available in Europe from next autumn/winter.

SPARTANAT: Kryptek also participated in the US Army Camouflage Improvement Effort, which is supposed to select the new camouflage for the US Army. Will Kryptek have a military future?

The U.S. Army Camo Improvement Effort is still ongoing. We are very pleased to have been chosen to be among the final four candidates. We have been extensively tested by the U.S. Department of Defense. The Camo Improvement Effort has become quite political as we approach the end, and so far no official "winner" or individual test results have been announced.

But to answer your question directly: Yes, Kryptek has a military future. We have programs running with U.S. Special Operation Forces, as well as coalition special forces. Our camouflage has been and is being used by select units and teams "down range." I may be mistaken, but I believe the other three finalists cannot say that about themselves.

BUTCH WHITING is one of the two co-founders of Kryptek Outdoor Group. He was born in the USA in 1974, has a degree in mechanical engineering, and was an officer in the U.S. Army and a combat helicopter pilot. As such, he has had several "combat deployments." Those who want to know more about Butch Whiting and the second co-founder of Kryptek, Josh Cleghorn, can read more HERE.

HERE is where you can find KRYPTEK on the Internet.

HERE is where you can find KRYPTEK on Facebook.

Here are all the camouflage patterns of the Kryptek family.