Craghoppers

Craghoppers is a British outdoor clothing manufacturer and supplier. It was founded in Batley, West Riding of Yorkshire in 1965 and is now based in Manchester, United Kingdom.[1]

Craghoppers
TypePrivately held company
IndustryOutdoor and travel clothing, footwear, and accessories
Founded1965
FounderBrian Gaskin and Roy Holmes
Headquarters
Manchester
,
United Kingdom
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Joanne Black (Director) James McNamara (Brand Director)
OwnerRegatta Group
ParentRegatta Group
Websitewww.craghoppers.com

History

In 1965, British outdoor clothing brand G & H Products became one of the pioneers of using nylon in its garments. The brand's founders, Brian Gaskin and Roy Holmes (from Batley, West Yorkshire), were outdoor walking, climbing, and pot-holing enthusiasts. 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. Craghoppers was sold when the brothers retired. G&H Products bought Craghoppers, keeping the name. The company was in financial difficulties and was later sold and taken over by the Regatta Group in 1995.[2][1] In 2008, Craghoppers partnered with survival expert Bear Grylls.[3] The company produced many of his extreme condition clothes.[4]

In October 2014, Craghoppers became an exclusive National Geographic's licensed apparel partner for North America.[5]

Ranges

Craghoppers produce two ranges a year – spring/summer (available to consumers from February) and Autumn/Winter (available to consumers from September). Each range features products specifically for that season such as insulated jackets for winter and shorts, tees, and sandals in summer. The range includes clothing and accessories for men, women, and children as well as footwear, rucksacks, and luggage.

Clothing

Technologies

They have designed and promoted the following technologies:

  • NosiLife – Clothing with a non-toxic anti insect finish that lasts the lifetime of the garment
  • Breathable fabrics
  • Stretch fabric
  • SolarShield fabrics which give UV protection, it is currently rated as having an up to 40+ UPF (Ultraviolet protection factor) index and block 97.5+% 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 several 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.

They also produce luggage, softshell jackets, synthetic insulated jackets, and accessories such as caps and scarves. Their Kiwi walking trousers, with over 10 million pairs sold, are popular with ramblers.[6]

Conservation projects

In 2013, Craghoppers joined the European Outdoor Conservation Association.[7] In February 2015, the firm introduced a fleece made from recycled plastic bottles.

Partners

English Heritage 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]

Dian Fossey Craghoppers partnered with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, a charity that protects gorillas and their habitats in Africa. Craghoppers has been supplying kits to the Dian Fossey team who work in the Virunga rainforest in Rwanda. Dian Fossey T-shirts were also sold 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.[9] The film was made by Craghoppers' ambassador, Peter McBride and narrated by Sir David Attenborough.[10][11]

References
  1. Fish, Isabella (9 July 2020). "Craghoppers' leap of faith". Drapers. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
  2. 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.
  3. "Profile of Craghoppers: a leading supplier of world travel and adventure clothing". www.innovationintextiles.com. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
  4. "History | Craghoppers UK". www.craghoppers.com. Retrieved 19 November 2022.
  5. "National Geographic Selects Craghoppers as Official Apparel Partner". National Geographic. 2 October 2014. Retrieved 1 December 2018.
  6. "Craghoppers". The Daily Telegraph. 11 May 2006. Retrieved 1 December 2018.
  7. "European Outdoor Conservation Association". European Outdoor Conservation Association. Retrieved 1 September 2015.
  8. "Craghoppers Partners". Craghoppers. Archived from the original on 17 September 2014. Retrieved 1 September 2015.
  9. "Dian Fossey Hope Video". Walks & Walking. 26 April 2014. Retrieved 1 September 2015.
  10. "Craghoppers Team Up With David Attenborough". Outside Times. Retrieved 1 September 2015.
  11. Vaughan, Adam (8 April 2014). "David Attenborough voices mountain gorilla documentary". The Guardian. Retrieved 4 December 2018.
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