Craghoppers is a British outdoor clothing manufacturer and supplier that was founded in Batley, West Yorkshire in 1965. It is best known for its walking gear Kiwi range.
History
In 1965 one of the first UK weather wear companies to use nylon in their garments was formed called G & H Products. Its founders, Brian Gaskin and Roy Holmes, were outdoor walking, climbing and pot-holing enthusiasts who saw a gap in the market. After successful design achievements they were approached by the mountaineering expedition team of Chris Bonington to design their weather wear for the successful 1975 Everest Expedition. Gaskin designed the Everest garments himself. This propelled G & H Products to new heights and, with fresh capital, they discovered the Clarke Brothers in Hebden Bridge who made walking trousers and breeches. The brothers were selling their business, called Craghoppers, because they wanted to retire. G&H Products bought Craghoppers and took the name as it befitted the aim of the company. The company was in financial difficulties and was later sold and taken over by the Regatta Group in 1995. In 2008 Craghoppers partnered up with TV's survival expert Bear Grylls, they worked with him in producing a range of clothes designed especially for him to wear in extreme conditions. In October 2014 Craghoppers became an exclusive National Geographic's licensed apparel partner for North America.
Catalogues
Craghoppers produce two catalogues a year – Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter. Each catalogue has a certain theme and the photo-shoots are done in specific places. Each catalogue takes the form of a mini-travel guide as well as a clothing catalogue.
Clothing
They have designed and promote the following Technologies
NosiLife – Clothing with a non-toxic permanent insect repellent finish which has been tested to still retain over 98% of its initial effectiveness after 100 washes.
Nosi – clothing with insect repellent finish which lasts for up to 70 washes. These are now superseded by NosiLife products
SolarDry fabrics which give UV protection, it is currently rated as having an up to 50+ UPF index and blocks 98+% of UVR .
Wash & wear fabrics – used for travel clothing where clothes dry overnight and need no or minimal ironing.
AquaDry & AquaDry Stretch – Clothing which incorporates waterproof and breathable fabrics, also available in stretch fabrics.
Lightweight clothing.
Craghoppers are one of a number of companies that meet Gore-Tex standards and are authorised to use and sell with Gore-Tex waterproof technologies. Many items of Craghoppers clothing have a hidden zippable security pocket. Popular ranges include their fleeces, micro-fleeces, Kiwi shirts, Kiwi shorts and T-shirts. Their NosiLife range of clothing products are popular among travellers entering countries which have cases of Malaria or just high mosquito levels. They also produce luggage, soft shell jackets, synthetic insulated jackets and accessories such as caps and scarves. Their Kiwi walking trousers, with 8 million pairs sold, are popular with ramblers.
Conservation projects
In 2013, Craghoppers joined the European Outdoor Conservation Association. In February 2015, the firm introduced a fleece made from recycled plastic bottles. Craghoppers recycle approximately 10 million plastic bottles a year.
Craghoppers has partnered with English Heritage, sponsoring its Stonehenge Cycle Challenge and Hadrian's Wall Hike. English Heritage cares for places of historic significance in England such as Roman forts and medieval castles.
