As the warm temperatures of early archery’s season tapered off to midseason cool weather, I moved from the Tora series in the Kryptek Altitude line of performance clothing to the Bora Series. More info here.
Kryptek Bora Series
The Bora uses the same excellent alpine-inspired Altitude camo pattern. The foundation of the Bora is Schoeller’s premium “C-Change” Softshell fabric. C-Change is like other breathable fabrics in that it allows perspiration to escape through pores in the fabric. It differs from the competition, however, in that the pores actually expand and retract depending on the exertion level of the wearer. The effect is increased breathability during high exertion and increased protection during low exertion.
Kryptek Bora Jacket
I was skeptical to begin with, but after using the Bora jacket both on long horseback rides and 20-ish mile hikes (with some snowshoeing thrown in for good measure), I was amazed at how well it held in heat while I was on the horse, and how well it let the swamp escape when charging up canyon walls. The jacket has pit zips if things get really sweaty in there, but I never used them. The C-Change softshell fabric does a great job of keeping the climate stable inside the jacket.
The fabric also has four-way stretch and Schoeller’s Nanosphere DWR, which is just as impressive in beading up the elements with the Bora as it did with the Tora. The jacket comes with a smooth finish that softened considerably with use and washings in Sport Wash detergent. While Kryptek doesn’t advertise the Bora as “Waterproof,” I never had it wet completely through, even in a sustained rain. I feel like this jacket would function as rain protection for many western climates.
There is a bicep pocket, two big chest pockets, and two hand warmer slash pockets with good waterproof zippers. The hood is fully adjustable and has a short visor. I loved the hood and even in cold conditions provided enough warmth and protection that I could avoid an insulated cap in all but the coldest conditions.
Kryptek Bore Pant
The Bora pants also use C-Change technology, and it works great for the lower body too. Two big cargo pockets held my phone on one side, and my headlamp on the other. Slash pockets at the beltline are zippered shut to securely hold critical items like a lighter. There are no back pockets on the bora, but I found the cargo and slash pockets to provide sufficient storage.
Kryptek Bora Durability
I had zero durability issues with the Bora pieces. Other than breaking in and getting a softer, better feel, the Altitude camo printing finished the season looking like it was absolutely new. The fabric face isn’t quite silent, but it is tough as nails and didn’t catch, snag, or tear at any time.
I did have the zipper on a front pants pocket lock up, but a quick pull with a multitool plier got everything moving again. As with all of the Altitude pieces I tried, I only washed the Bora pieces in Atsko Brand Sport Wash detergent for performance clothing. I managed to get all three outwear lines completely soaked with blood, and they all came out of the wash good as new with Sport Wash.
Kryptek Bore Overmit
Bora series accessories included the Uninsulated Overmit. For most of the season, I didn’t really click with them. The overmits utilize the same C Change fabric and have the same durable build as the rest of the Bora series, but they didn’t really work with the system as well as the other pieces.
Kryptek says the overmits are designed to go over the Tora gloves for extra protection in cooler conditions. I found that an all-in-one insulated/ protective glove worked better for me in those situations. However, I came to appreciate the Bora Overmits late in the season when used with a pair of fleece gloves I already had. The combination of the fleece insulation around each finger combined with the shell effect of the Overmit led to warm fingers in some pretty frigid conditions. Dropping a handwarmer in between the layers really helped when temps ventured below zero.
Kryptek Arma Hoodie
The full-zip Arma Hoodie was a great match for the Bora Outerwear system. The Arma grid fleece fabric has an outstanding warmth-to-weight ratio, and the whole system breathed so well together that I wasn’t constantly adjusting the zippers for venting. When layered over the Arma Tech 1/2 zip base layer, and under the Bora jacket, I was comfortable to well below freezing.
The adjustable hood is a nice touch and replaces a dedicated cap. Two hand pockets and a bicep pocket provide storage. The pit areas are a thinner poly panel and dump heat. The Arma Fleece pieces have a smooth exterior finish for layering and really breath like a champ. The wool component and “Silvadur” antimicrobial treatment must work, because the stink resistance is outstanding with Arma Fleece. I also found the Arma Fleece Hoodie a good grab-and-go option for chores and around town.
The Bora series also offers a softshell Vest, but I didn’t try it.
Kryptek Arma Neck Gaiter
Another good match for the Bora series was the Arma Fleece neck gaiter. This piece uses the same Arma Fleece fabric as the other pieces and provides warmth and weather protection. When paired with the Tora Ballcap or Arma Fleece beanie, it makes for a cozy balaclava in nasty conditions. I used this one frequently with the Bora system to seal out elements, and it came in extra handy for a long horseback ride out of the mountains in a complete white-out blizzard while elk hunting. It’s pretty dang good looking too.
Bore Pricing
Like the Tora series, the Bora series’ only real drawback is they require some real investment. Luckily (also like the Tora series) the Bora pieces can be had for a significant discount at the time of this writing:
Conclusion
I found the Bora Series to be the most versatile series in the Altitude Line. The Schoeller C-Change Softshell fabric was effectively waterproof, durable, breathable, and retained heat in cold conditions. The cut is athletic, but still maintains room for some insulation. While the Tora series is ideal for earlier season hunting, hunters that need protection for a wide range of weather conditions will find the Bora series hits the right spot. Order yours here.
You can comment on this review or ask Matt questions here.
Did you miss part one? Kryptek Tora Series Review
In part three, we will move on to the hardshell option in the Altitude Line: The Takur Series.
