REVIEW: King Of The Mountain (KOM) Bowman Jacket

Use clothing made of wool? Wool of all things: Isn't that scratchy material we learned to hate in our childhood in the form of tights and sweaters? The good news is: We have evolved, but so has wool. The strengths of a natural product that has proven itself for centuries remain - as long as we are talking about sheep's wool, that is, an "animal" product and not the "plant-based" cotton obtained from plantations. We took a look at the Bowman Jacket from "King Of The Mountain (KOM)":

Wool is non-flammable, only chars, but does not burn. Wool absorbs odors very little compared to synthetic fibers, is also very resistant to dirt, and can neutralize sweat over a longer period of time. It saves us and our surroundings from a lot of "stink", even if we inhabit woolen clothing for several days and nights. Wool is also quiet, it does not "rustle" during movements - another reason why hunters in their local habitats highly value loden, or the "boiled" wool.

And - last but not least - wool is a master of "thermoregulation": Because as soon as movement and physical exertion come into play, we sweat. And the moisture that is now in play needs to be "managed." Wool can absorb almost a third of its weight without feeling wet and still provides warmth in this state. This is crucial in "stop-and-go" situations, as experienced by bow hunters or special forces: Long distances on foot, often with heavy equipment, sprints in between, and then hours of waiting and observing. So after intense physical exertion at low temperatures, when calm sets in again - wool, due to its special fiber structure, can better retain moisture created by sweat compared to synthetic fiber, thus keeping the body warm.

"King Of The Mountain" is an American traditional brand that offers a comprehensive range of woolen clothing specifically for hunters and military and police forces. They use "KarbonXtreme," a proprietary development by KOM, in which the wool fibers are reinforced with about two percent Kevlar. This must be coated with carbon before it can be dyed. Because as a natural fiber, wool is whitish, and KOM's products only achieve the intentionally faded camo pattern, which creates a slightly three-dimensional effect, through targeted dyeing and subsequent weaving of the yarns. It is available in "autumn brown" (see pictures) and "blowdown" (for winter). In both color variations, the pattern is not printed but created from the use of yarns with different pre-dyed colors, and it blends in impressively well.

The "Bowman Jacket" shown is the centerpiece of a complete clothing line from the (wool) gaiters to the boonie hat - all very proven parts developed by users for harsh practical use. The cuts - the universally usable "Bowman Jacket" as well as the really thick "Bushman" shirt or the almost indestructible "Bunwarmer Pants" - are all generously cut and are intended to be bought that way: Depending on the area of use, intentionally several additional layers should be able to be accommodated.

Very useful in the Bowman jacket is the integrated black liner, which is not only robust and makes putting on the jacket easier due to its smooth surface, but also makes it windproof and therefore warmer. An optional hood can be buttoned onto the collar.

The wool woven in a very tight shingle form by KOM is never waterproof, but very water repellent - which is usually completely sufficient. And the effect is even enhanced after several washes in the machine (which are hardly necessary under normal use - airing out is the better alternative). Even after a solid downpour, you do not feel soaked in the jacket, but it noticeably absorbs weight, and the drying times are correspondingly long. The good old poncho is not out of date yet.

Clothing made of wool of this kind is undoubtedly ideal for the dry cold of the North American winter, or for the mountain ranges and steppe areas deep in the continent of Asia: In terms of insulation and robustness, even the Navy SEALs, who privately procured KOM clothing, had very positive operational experiences with it in Afghanistan.

CONCLUSION: This is not surprising: The pieces may feel like medium-weight "body armor" at first fitting, but this quality is something you quickly don't want to miss in the mountains or wooded areas: These are pieces of clothing that you will soon "blend into". This is also due to the superb workmanship: Nothing tears, and no thorns poke through when navigating through thickets. Due to the heavy wool quality, you hardly feel small branches, and the double-layered elbow and knee areas pass almost as protectors on rough terrain. The heavy zippers and solidly finished pockets (with loops for shotgun shells on the chest) are designed for unconditional durability. The American manufacturer is confident enough to offer a lifetime guarantee against material defects in their products!

KOM always sells its products directly, either online themselves or through a partner network, but not through traditional hunting or army stores. $603 (excluding shipping) is the price for the special quality along with the thoughtful, practical detail solutions of the Bowman Jacket. Information & Orders: www.kingofthemountain.com