Next up of the four reviews will be the Cadog line. This is the next step up for warmth in the Kryptek line. Of the four kits, I have used this one the most since its introduction in 2012. It remains a preferred kit especially in the late season, but it does have its limitations. Let’s take a look.
Kryptek Cadog Kit
My first impression of the Cadog kit impressed me. It felt soft and quiet with the inside of each piece being a soft, plush fleece making it very comfortable to wear. The articulated fit and stretch fabric make it very versatile as well. The Cadog line is made of 100% polyester with a windproof liner and the exterior is treated with DWR (Durable Water Repellent) but it is not waterproof. 
My Experience In The Field
I first tested these in the mountains on an elk hunt with temperatures in the low 20’s in the morning and later warming up into the 50’s. I quickly found out that these were too warm for those conditions especially when on the move and hiking in rough country. When not moving nearly as much, such as when still hunting, I was comfortable.
Cadog Jacket
The Cadog 2 Jacket has a lower hem with a pull cord to cut the wind out which helps keep your warmth from escaping. Each sleeve also has a wrist cuff to keep the same from happening. The fabric is quiet and fit well allowing me plenty of freedom of movement. The pit zips on the jacket are an added bonus that did help a great deal.
Cadog Vest
I am really fond of vests too and this kit offers that. The Cadog 2 Vest was very comfortable and remains one of my favorite pieces to date allowing you to use it as a base layer as well as just a vest paired up with something like a merino top for when it warms up. Plus when the temps drop, a vest really helps keep your core warm which is very beneficial as well. Options to use just the jacket along with other pieces has been a favorite for me also.
Temps and Hunt Types
To this day I reserve this kit for temperatures that do not go above 20 degrees for the simple fact that they are meant for this colder type of weather unless you are sitting still and not on an active style of hunt. That’s my opinion, my wife, on the other hand, wears them to temperatures up to 40 degrees and beyond with no issues. Each person can be a bit different in that sense. I wouldn’t rate this kit as 100% windproof however, as in late season hunts with bone-chilling howling winds and temps below 0, I could definitely feel wind getting through. Also keep in mind that being DWR resistant doesn’t make them waterproof but they do a good job of keeping light rain from soaking in. I find myself using the jacket more than the pants and resort to using the pants when the temps drop. The jacket is a great piece to use nearly all times of year as needed. There is also an option of buying the jacket and vest in Typhon as well to accommodate your lifestyle.
The newer gen II (Cadog 2) pieces are a bit improved with changes in pockets and locations but the same general idea of each piece hasn’t changed much. I still have a couple of pieces that I use that came out in 2012 that still do a great job for me. To prove just how reliable this kit can be, my wife still uses the original Cadog jacket and pants that came out in 2012. With six years of use, they are still holding up great. They are showing wear as they should but no major issues. I am confident however that the DWR finish is completely gone as it only lasts for a certain time and also depends on how much the pieces are used and washed. But even so, they still hold water out well enough to withstand those short burst of rain.
Cadog Gloves
They have since added the Cadog glove/mitt style gloves to the collection as well and they have proven very effective. Having a glomitt type glove for those cold days that allows you to expose your fingers when needed is a huge benefit.
Terrain
I have used this in all types of terrain imaginable. From the open plains of the Dakotas to the high mountain peaks of Wyoming, these have done a great job. Layering underneath this kit is as important as it is with any kit in my arsenal. Merino base layers go everywhere with me! Adjust layering as needed for successful use at all times. To be noted, the pants have become worn quite a bit faster over time. When going through the sharp briars and underbrush in certain areas this has caused the pants to obviously wear a bit faster. These do a pretty good job with brush and plants that stick tear at your clothing, and they have remained durable. I have found that getting cactus out of the material can be a challenge as it remains in the layers and can be hard to find. When you think you have it all out, you put the clothes back on only to find you missed some of those pesky pricks! Barbwire has always been something that will ruin clothing in a hurry but these do a good job of not ripping easily if snagged when crossing a fence or other sharp objects.
The fit for me has been spot on with the large tops and medium pants running as they should for the sizing of this style of garments. The original run of these garments had a seam issue with the pants that has since been addressed long ago. A good buddy of mine says they are a bit tight in the thigh area for him but he is still able to wear them. I tell him he shouldn’t have tree trunks for legs but I don’t complain as he has helped me pack out numerous animals! He too is still using Cadog pieces from 2012. They withstand abuse!
Overall this is a kit that has withstood the test of time and will remain in my arsenal as one of my go-to kits. I have certain conditions where these are best used and they have definitely proven themselves justly.
You can comment on this article or ask Jared questions here.
You can also read Jared’s Kryptek Dalibor Review here.
