Craghoppers

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.[2]

Craghoppers
TypePrivately held company
IndustryOutdoor clothing
Founded1965
FounderBrian Gaskin and Roy Holmes
Headquarters
Manchester
,
United Kingdom
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Jim McNamara[1]
OwnerRegatta Group
ParentRegatta Group Ltd
Websitewww.craghoppers.com

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 (from Batley, West Yorkshire), were outdoor walking, climbing and pot-holing enthusiasts who saw a gap in the market. After successful design achievements (including the creation of the "Cagjack") 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.[1] 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.[3]

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 (Previously Nosquito) – clothing with insect repellent finish which lasts for up to 70 washes. These are now superseded by NosiLife products
  • Breathable fabrics.
  • Stretch fabric.
  • SolarDry fabrics which give UV protection, it is currently rated as having an up to 50+ UPF (Ultraviolet protection factor) index and blocks 98+% of UVR (Ultraviolet radiation) .
  • 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.[2]

Conservation projects

In 2013, Craghoppers joined the European Outdoor Conservation Association.[4] In February 2015, the firm introduced a fleece made from recycled plastic bottles. Craghoppers recycle approximately 10 million plastic bottles a year.

Charity projects

Craghoppers partnered with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, a charity that protects gorillas in Africa as well as their habitats. Craghoppers has been supplying kit to the Dian Fossey team who work in the Virunga rainforest in Rwanda and have also been selling a limited edition Dian Fossey T-shirt to raise awareness and money for the charity.

In April 2015 Craghoppers also premiered a documentary film called "Hope" detailing the work that the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund carry out.[5] The film was made by Craghoppers' ambassador, Peter McBride and narrated by Sir David Attenborough.[6][7]

Partners

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.[8]

References
  1. Greer, Stuart (3 April 2018). "The small company which tapped into Britain's growing love of the great outdoors - 40 years of the Regatta Group". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 26 June 2019.
  2. "Craghoppers". The Daily Telegraph. 11 May 2006. Retrieved 1 December 2018.
  3. "National Geographic Selects Craghoppers as Official Apparel Partner". National Geographic. 2 October 2014. Retrieved 1 December 2018.
  4. "European Outdoor Conservation Association". European Outdoor Conservation Association. Retrieved 1 September 2015.
  5. "Dian Fossey Hope Video". Walks & Walking. Retrieved 1 September 2015.
  6. "Craghoppers Team Up With David Attenborough". Outside Times. Retrieved 1 September 2015.
  7. Vaughan, Adam (8 April 2014). "David Attenborough voices mountain gorilla documentary". The Guardian. Retrieved 4 December 2018.
  8. "Craghoppers Partners". Craghoppers. Archived from the original on 17 September 2014. Retrieved 1 September 2015.
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