In the ever-evolving world of outdoor adventure, staying ahead of the game requires innovation and cutting-edge technology. When you’re out exploring the world and pushing nature’s boundaries, you have to ensure you’re being protected from what the elements can offer, and that includes the sunrays.
Craghoppers' SolarShield Technology does exactly that. SolarShield not only redefines the way we experience the great outdoors but also sets a new standard for sun protection in outdoor clothing.
Understanding SolarShield Technology
SolarShield is not just a name; it's a commitment to safeguarding outdoor enthusiasts from the harmful effects of the sun. Our SolarShield technology involves the integration of UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) into the fabric of their garments. UPF measures the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that penetrates fabric and reaches the skin. With SolarShield, we are raising the bar for sun protection in outdoor apparel.
Key Features
UPF 40+ Protection: The cornerstone of SolarShield technology is its exceptional UPF 50+ rating, providing maximum protection against harmful UV rays. This means that the fabric blocks over 98% of the sun's UV radiation, keeping your skin safe even in the most intense sunlight.
Permanent UV protection
Unlike some other sun-protective treatments that may wash or wear off over time, SolarShield's UPF is embedded into the fabric. This ensures a durable and long-lasting defence against the sun's harmful effects, making Craghoppers apparel a reliable choice for any outdoor adventure.
Cooling comfort
SolarShield doesn't just shield you from the sun; it also incorporates features to enhance your overall comfort. The fabric is designed to be breathable, allowing for proper air circulation, which helps in regulating body temperature during warm weather conditions.
Moisture control
Keeping dry is crucial in the outdoors, and SolarShield technology excels in moisture control. The fabric wicks away sweat, keeping you comfortable and dry even during high-intensity activities.
Benefits For Outdoor Enthusiasts
Adventure-ready apparel
Whether you're hiking, camping, or exploring new trails, SolarShield technology ensures that you can focus on your adventure without worrying about sun exposure. The apparel is designed to withstand the rigours of outdoor activities while providing optimal sun protection.
Travel-friendly
For travellers, SolarShield technology offers the convenience of packing light. With reliable sun protection integrated into the fabric, there's no need to carry additional sunblock or worry about reapplying it throughout the day.
Fashion meets function
SolarShield technology is incorporated into a wide range of apparel, from shirts and pants to hats and jackets, allowing you to express your outdoor style while staying protected.
Our SolarShield technology is a game-changer in the world of outdoor apparel. As we embrace the future of outdoor adventure, SolarShield stands as a beacon of innovation, providing a reliable shield against the sun's rays for those who seek to explore the great outdoors with confidence and style. So go out and discover your world without worrying about sun protection anymore.
PHOTOGRAPHING PUMAS: Winter Adventures to Wild Patagonia
Flying over the Andes Mountain Range from Santiago to Punta Arenas at sunrise is a sight - and a feeling - I will never forget. The majestic snow-covered landscape filled me with awe. It’s a never-ending wilderness - from the glaciers and frozen rivers to the towers of Torres del Paine, it is truly spectacular from start to finish.
This was the start of the Tusk Photo Patagonia Pumas tour that promised a week of puma tracking and a few days of landscape photography in and around Torres Del Paine National Park, Chile. Adventure travel at its finest.
After a few days in Punta Arenas, we headed to Torres Del Paine via Porto Natales. It was a public holiday, and everything was closed in Porto Natales, but I’d love to get back there to explore this quaint little town. We eventually ended up in Cerro Castillo, the town where we would stay over while chasing pumas.
Tip: If you get to the town, make sure you head over to the coffee shop—a lovely curio and coffee shop full of wonderful goodies to take back home with you.
In winter, the owner’s dogs cuddle up on the chairs at the fireplace and must be photographed even more than the pumas. Chilean food and wine are really tasty, as are the beers and the Pisco Sours, a local drink made from grapes. We were spoilt with delicious breakfasts and dinners and received packed lunches in the field.
Tracking Pumas
The puma tracking experience takes place on a property next to the National Park, Estancia Laguna Amarga. Here, you are allowed to alight from your vehicle with a guide.
After years of puma/people/livestock conflict, the owners of Amarga realized the importance of conservation. That’s when they converted the farm to an ecotourism operation, protecting these beautiful wild cats and welcoming visitors from across the world.
The national park has pumas. However, you must stay in your car at all times except at designated viewing points. But everyone is allured by tracking the cats on foot.
What to expect
Our daily routine would be to have breakfast around 6-7 a.m. and then head out to the farm. It only gets light around 9 a.m., so days are short, and you need to be in the zone at first light. Pumas are located primarily by sight, so our tracker would leave ahead of us and drive to the highest points in the park, scanning for pumas in the valleys.
Once he located them, he called the driver guide, and we quickly headed to the area. Once we stopped, you took everything you thought you would need for the sighting. In our case, we took all our cameras and lenses as the sightings are dynamic and could change at any minute.
Wildlife
Our days were filled with searching for pumas, which was not always easy, and spending time with these beautiful cats. At times, we’d be lucky enough to have them pass right by us, and other times, a bit further away. Other species we enjoyed viewing were the herds of guanacos (the pumas' main prey), massive condors, and other birds.
Landscape
Then there were the landscapes—in Torres del Paine, it doesn’t matter which way you look; there’s a mind-blowing view in any direction. We spent a few days concentrating on landscape photography, and the untouched beauty of the park did not disappoint. Snow-covered peaks, light blue glacier water, and the most magical light at dusk and dawn are a recipe for good shots. Well, there, you get it all the time.
Tip: We were lucky to have little wind, but remember that the wind can become strong—stronger than you can imagine—so take care to anchor your tripod in windy conditions (and watch your car door when opening it).
What to Pack
Your daily carry
Ensure you have a comfortable backpack to carry your extras. For our first sighting, we hiked a couple of km over a few hills, following a female puma and her two playful cubs against the backdrop of a snowy landscape.
As with most things in life, it’s good to be as strong and fit as possible so that you’re ready for whatever may come your way. Most of the time, sightings are easy, and you don’t move too much, but there are times when you need to trek a bit—and the more snow, the tougher it can be to move through the snow.
Photographic equipment
In terms of camera equipment, I took lenses from 16-35, 70-200, 400 and 800mm and carried and used all of them (next time, the 24-70 goes along). Animal-in-environment shots are first prize, and getting the Torres Towers in the background is on everyone’s agenda. As I mentioned, the scenes are dynamic. One minute, you’re sitting around photographing with your 400mm, and the cat gets up and walks right past you – so having your gear ready and with you is paramount to your photographic success.
Clothing
We were expecting cold weather, and over the two weeks, we experienced temperatures between -9 degrees Celsius and +11 degrees Celsius.
As with most colder weather destinations, the key is layering, as the temperatures can rise quite a bit at midday, allowing one to get rid of one layer. I ended up always wearing my warm jacket but, at times, removed the second layer. As one stays out all day it is good to head out each morning being prepared for whatever may come your way. Your most important barrier in protecting yourself is against the wind. If you can keep the wind off your body, you have won 90% of the battle!
If you want to visit this fantastic location, this is what I suggest in terms of clothing for a winter Patagonian trip:
Head
Warm Beanie or trapper-style hat with fleece lining
This will be your waterproof/windproof jacket. You can choose from two options:
This can be only a lightweight waterproof shell, and then you wear a very warm puffer under it or
You take a thicker, insulated waterproof jacket.
2. THIRD LAYER – FLEECES
Take a variety of fleece tops full zip or half zip to wear under the jacket.
3.LONG SLEEVE SHIRTS/TSHIRTS
Wear these under your fleece.
4.BASELAYER
Preferably Merino, as it helps with moisture & odour - this traps the warmth near your skin.
Hands
A thin-liner glove with a heavier insulated outer wind- and waterproof glove will do the trick. Since gloves will be on and off all the time, try getting a glove clip or carabiner to clip your gloves to your belt loop so that you don’t lose them.
Also, get hand warmer pads if possible (only for the middle of winter when colder).
Legs
Depending on how cold affects you, you have various options:
Wear a standard stretchy hiking pant with a Merino base layer tight under. Take a waterproof/windproof overtrouser along that can be used when necessary, as the wind can be extreme. These fold up small and can be popped in your bag.
Winter lined pants – I used these and was so impressed. They never became too hot, and I never got cold, highly recommended.
Feet
Invest in proper waterproof hiking boots. If you’re going in mid-winter and there is a lot of snow, you will need insulated boots. Check the boot temperature rating to make the right decision.
Pack warm wool socks and foot heating pads.
Adventure like no other
Patagonia is wild and has an untouched beauty that must be seen and experienced to fully appreciate it. I personally love photographic trips where one can actively pursue the target species on foot, and I would recommend this to any adventure seeker with a love for wildlife. Heading to the park for some summer hiking may just be in the cards, too.
Photos and text: Jackie Gouverneur
Planet-Friendly Travel Hacks for Earth-Loving Explorers
No matter what stage you’re at in life, you’ll have some kind of wanderlust bubbling away in your subconscious – a yearning to explore the world. However, the eco-conscious amongst us knows that conventional means of world travel are catastrophically bad for the environment – air travel especially.
Today, we’re breaking down some simple and effective ways that travellers can explore the globe ethically. We'll focus on what to pack and plan a route with minimal environmental impact because, in truth, we’re all global citizens who should respect foreign climes as if they were our own neighborhood.
Packing hacks
Five hundred years seems an awfully long time to wait, doesn’t it? Yet this is the time it takes for a typical plastic bag to decompose. Make sure you avoid bringing anything wrapped in plastic around the world, as this is not only an unsustainable type of packaging, but it also contributes to the extensive litter problems that plague less developed nations such as India and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Opt for reusable shopping bags for trips to Moroccan souks and European Christmas markets. Even a small change in behavior can reduce the world’s dependence on single-use plastics.
Keep your packing as light as possible, especially if you’re flying. A lighter plane uses a lot less fuel, reducing its impact on the greenhouse effect.
Some countries, like Rwanda, have decided to address the issue by forbidding visitors from bringing plastic bags into the country.
Toiletry tricks
If you have no choice but to get on a flight, you’ll likely encounter restrictions on hand luggage toiletries when going through security.
A common solution is to buy the individually packed toiletries available in the airport for this exact purpose. However, this uses a lot of needless plastic, and the brands available at the overpriced concessions are often stuffed with synthetic ingredients.
A solution to this is to decant your favorite products into small containers while at home—this can work for just about anything, from natural skincare products to hair gel and shampoo. Doing so doesn’t take very long and can save you from paying premium prices for small plastic-packaged products at the airport.
Avoid flying where you can
If all this sounds like a bit of a chore, you could avoid flying altogether. Taking the Channel Tunnel or a ferry between France and UK gives a greater sense of adventure – and when you’re travelling overland through Europe, you’ll appreciate the subtle changes in landscape far more than you would when you’re transplanted into an exotic destination by a budget airline flight.
For every five hours of flying you avoid, your carbon footprint will be reduced by a tonne, so it’s always worth swapping the plane for the train. However, you don’t have to take things to the extreme, like Danish blogger Torbjørn Pedersen – who is attempting to visit every country in the world without using flights. His ‘saga’ started in 2013 and was scheduled to finish in 2020 – but this might cost a little too much in annual leave!
Live as the locals do
When you’re travelling in foreign climes, do what you can to ensure your behavior and spending habits aren’t putting undue stress on the environment. Make sure to drink the local beer, eat local cuisine, and avoid expensive imported foods. You might appreciate a taste of home, but the air miles on imported Western food in the Far East make it a less than eco-friendly choice.
For a more harmonious travelling experience, it’s also important to respect the country you’re in and be aware of your impact as a traveller. When hiking in national parks, make sure to stay very much on the beaten path so as not to disturb endangered wildlife, and be aware of any local religious or cultural customs that may apply in the region you’re visiting.
Combining eco-conscious travel tips with a worldly sense of cultural awareness and respect is the only way to go if tourism is to become more sustainable. Wherever you’re going this summer, keep these tips in mind, and your impact on the world’s fragile ecosystems will be reduced.
GALAPAGOS CONSERVATION TRUST: Where Do Our Donations Go?
Craghoppers has been working with the Galapagos Conservation Trust (GCT) for five years. During this time, we have supported several conservation projects on land and in the sea, particularly those related to plastic pollution and the monitoring and protection of whale sharks. Here are just some of the highlights of what was achieved last year.
Sharks and Rays
Fishing is decimating sharks in the oceans outside the protected areas of the Galapagos Marine Reserve. These often misunderstood creatures are vital for the health of our oceans, and it is vital to protect them and ensure their young can survive as we try to address wider issues.
Last year, several shark and ray nursery sites in the Galapagos were designated as Important Shark and Ray Areas—the first ones in the world to be given this status. A few years ago, before the research and drone surveys supported by GCT, we didn’t even know that these vital pupping areas existed here. This designation is a fabulous first step to helping the baby sharks and rays, which are often found in areas of shallow mangroves.
Sofía Green, Craghoppers’ ambassador, was part of a team led by Alex Hearn, which located five new whale sharks using a plane and boat in the southern area of Galapagos. Successfully tagged, four swam up to 300 nautical miles from the Galapagos platform, with another moving north across the Marine Reserve.
Alex and Sofía later tagged a further six whale sharks just off Peru from a small dinghy, with two swimming straight to Ecuadorian waters. The whale sharks provide GCT with new and vital evidence, identifying areas of the ocean that may need protection, as they help Ecuador reach its target of protecting 30% of its ocean by 2030 – ensuring that protection is given to the areas with the greatest conservation value. Healthy oceans full of marine life are vital in the fight against climate change, sequestering huge amounts of carbon.
Illegal Fishing Gear
In 2023, GCT started a new 3-year project to ascertain the scale of the dangers being caused by Fish Aggregation Devices (FADs) in the Galapagos Marine Reserve. A FAD is a floating platform with hanging and baited plastic netting. This attracts large numbers of fish and is used by tuna fisheries, which then scoop everything up using huge nets. Sharks are often caught, which is really worrying, especially as we know FADs are being used illegally in the Marine Reserve. The plastic also washes up on beaches and causes entanglement to other marine creatures.
Plastic Pollution
With 8 tonnes of plastic being removed from Galapagos beaches each year, tackling plastic pollution is an urgent priority. The GCT team attended several globally important conferences, presenting results yet to be formally published from their last five years of research:
On the most polluted beaches in the Galapagos, over 2,500 microplastics per m2 were found, which are often almost impossible to clean up.
69% of plastic items found on Galapagos coastlines are single-use items, and one-third of those items are linked to drinks.
20% of plastic pollution globally is from maritime sources, whereas in the Galapagos, 40% comes from maritime sources such as fisheries.
More than 95% of plastic found on the Galapagos coastlines is likely to originate from outside the Galapagos Marine Reserve.
Work is on-going in Galapagos and other ‘source countries’ to convert this research into action, including looking at ways to:
Upcycle the plastic pollution in the Galapagos
Change behaviours
Reduce the use of single-use plastics
Establish where to prioritize beach clean-up work to get to the plastic before it breaks down into microplastics
Address the issue of waste from fisheries and
Stem the flow of plastic from rivers in mainland South America
You’ve invested in a quality waterproof jacket. While it will keep you snug and covered from wet weather in the meantime, there are plenty of things you can do to prolong its life.
A huge factor in this is washing. Just washing your waterproof jacket with the rest of your clothes can potentially damage the fabric, and you may find yourself getting soaked through on your adventures.
To combat this, we’ll talk you through how to wash waterproof jackets properly and how to get the most out of them for as long as possible.
How To Clean Waterproof Jackets: Step By Step Guide
Whether a muddy puppy has jumped up to say hello or you’ve fallen victim to some slippery surfaces out on a walk, dirty clothes happen to all of us. So, if you’re wondering how to get stains out of waterproof jackets, simply follow these steps below:
Prepare the jacket before washing: The best thing you can do before washing a waterproof jacket in your washing machine is to get the worst off as soon as possible. To do this, take a soft-bristled brush or a microfibre cloth, dip it in warm water, squeeze out any excess water, and then gently rub the fabric to remove any mud or stains. A little bit of the cleaning liquid can be used on particularly stubborn marks.
Check the jacket: Before placing it in the washing machine, check the pockets for valuables and remove any old tissues or rubbish. Once done, make sure to zip everything up and close any flaps.
Clean the washing machine: If you’ve just done a regular wash, it may be worth running an empty load on a hot wash to get rid of any residual detergent or fabric conditioner, as this could affect the quality of the garment.
Wash the waterproof jackets: Now it’s time to get washing! Try to stick to no more than two waterproof items in the wash, and never wash with any other regular clothes. Add the specialist waterproof detergent where appropriate and run on a gentle program on a setting no hotter than 30°C. Once finished, you can try a slower spin setting to get rid of any excess water.
Dry the jacket: Always check the care label, but tumble drying on low is the safest method. The heat activates both the original coating and the reproofed layer, allowing it to perform better for longer.
What to do After Washing a Waterproof Jacket
When your jacket has been washed several times or is starting to lose some of its water resistance, it’s not the end. You can buy re-proofing sprays that easily prolong the life of your trusty waterproofs, keeping you warm and dry on many more adventures to come.
Now you know how to wash waterproof jackets the correct way, why don’t you give your own a new lease of life? Or, if you think it’s finally time to invest in something new, check out our collection at Craghoppers.
A Guide To Layering Clothes For Hiking
Your hiking outfit needs to be about much more than style – it’s all about practicality. And because of unpredictable weather, you need to be prepared for every eventuality. That means you need items that keep you dry in the rain, others that cool you down when it’s hot, and options for layering up when it’s cold out. Layering clothes allows you to adapt to various weather conditions along the trail, making your trip much more enjoyable. Wondering how to layer clothes effectively? We’ve got a few tips and tricks up our sleeve.
How to layer clothes
Your best bet for travelling comfortably is stocking up on multiple lighter layers rather than dressing in one single or bulky item – that way, you’ll find it much easier to adapt to various weather conditions by either stripping off or layering up as you go. And, if the layers are lighter, it makes it much easier to pack them away into your rucksack when they’re not needed!
But each layer needs to work together to provide a comprehensive hiking outfit that you can wear in one. So each item must complement one another to maximise comfort and efficiency along the trail. There are three basic layers you’ll need when it comes to layering clothes for hiking – your base-layer, mid-layer, and outer-layer clothing. Wondering what does what? We tell all in our guide to layering clothes for hiking below – helping you learn how to layer clothes for winter hiking and cooler temperatures.
Base-Layer Clothing
Base-layer clothing is the foundation of your hiking outfit. It’s better that it’s lightweight and able to dry quickly. As it’s worn next to the skin, moisture-wicking base-layer clothing is your best bet. You need this layer to help regulate your body temperature and draw moisture away from the skin while you’re on the trail. This will help keep you dry and comfortable while trapping in warmth to shelter you from the cold.
Long-sleeved shirts
Our long-sleeved shirts come complete with a range of our innovative technologies. The NosiLife shirts provide outstanding defence against biting insects, a technology that lasts the lifetime of the garment, making it the ideal base-layer clothing for years to come. A number of our long-sleeved shirts are also constructed using our SolarShield technology, with UPF40+ protection against harmful UV rays – because sun protection is important, even when it’s cold.
But most importantly, when it comes to layering clothes, your long-sleeved shirts must be equipped with moisture-wicking capabilities. A number of our long-sleeved shirts are built with moisture control to move body moisture away from the skin, keeping you cool and comfortable.
Long-sleeved t-shirts
Like long-sleeved shirts, long-sleeved T-shirts also act as great base-layer clothing in a more casual setting. The ThermaControl fabric in the Craghoppers’ T-shirts provides technical base-layer clothing for your adventures. This technology allows you to stay on the move without having to stop and start adjusting your layers every five minutes.
Mid-Layer Clothing
Mid-layer clothing is your warming layer – designed to provide extra insulation on cooler adventures, trapping body heat between the layers and forcing sweat vapour to push out of your clothing away from the body. Your mid-layer can consist of multiple layers, depending on the weather conditions and temperature – but if you pack more than one item, you ensure that you have more flexibility and the ability to adapt to a wider range of temperatures.
Fleece
Fleece is the most popular type of mid-layer clothing as it is durable and quick drying. Naturally, the thicker the fleece is, the warmer it will be as the closer-knit fibres will trap in more heat. The Craghoppers’ fleece collection includes both - full and half-zip options, all equipped with extra pockets and made from easy-care materials that will last long into your future adventures. The full range of Craghoppers’ fleece is also constructed using recycled materials, which makes it an eco-friendly choice for environmentally conscious travellers (read more about what makes our fleece here).
Vests
Vests are often overlooked, but if you’re looking for mid-layer clothing, they’re the perfect choice – particularly if you’re after an additional mid-layer to throw on top of your fleece. They’re cut-off, sleeveless versions of jackets that give you freedom of movement for your arms and offer extra insulation for the body, all while locking in core heat as you walk.
Constructed using lightweight materials—like the ThermoPro synthetic fill, which mimics the properties of down—our gilets are a suitable choice for your mid-layer hiking clothing collection. They’re super lightweight but just as effective at keeping you warm. If you’re a little too warm, you can easily store your mid-layer clothing away in your rucksack while you cool off.
Trousers
No hiking outfit is complete without a proper pair of walking trousers. There are various options to choose from, like stretch-fabric trousers, zip-offs and waterproof walking trousers that provide an extra layer of defence against the weather.
Outer-Layer Clothing
Your outer-layer clothing, or the “shell” of your hiking outfit, is there for weather protection. It’s designed to block out the wind, the rain, and the snow, keeping you cool and dry all the while. These are generally waterproof or water-resistant, quick-drying, and durable. A lot of outer-layer clothing is also breathable so that the moisture wicked from your body can escape.
Jackets
Having the right jacket in your walking wardrobe is key for making the most out of the great outdoors. They provide an extra layer of defence between you and the elements, shielding you from windy weather and rain – not to mention locking in even more of that core warmth. You can pick up fleece-lined and insulated jackets, as well as soft-shell jackets that are more lightweight but still just as wind-resistant and effective.
The Craghoppers’ jackets are designed with an adventurer’s pursuits in mind, made with lightweight and flexible fabrics that allow for extra ease of movement and durability.
Over-trousers
Small enough to pack into a corner of your bag, over-trousers will provide effective protection against the elements. So, if the weather takes a turn for the worse, you can whip them out of your bag and layer them over your trousers as another level of defence and warmth.
And that’s how to layer clothes for hiking! It’s all about preparing for every eventuality. So before setting off on your next outing, take the time to think about what you’re packing and all the items you’ll need for layering clothes effectively. Complete your hiking outfit and browse our range of men’s and women’s outdoor clothing.
Choosing The Best Trousers for You
Looking for a new pair of outdoor trousers? You’re in the right place. We’re here to talk you through the different types of trousers available, the seasons and activities they’re best for, and some of their key features. Interested? Keep on reading our guide to choosing the best walking trousers for you.
How to choose outdoor trousers
When it comes to choosing the right pair of walking trousers, there's no cutting corners. So, there are a few factors you’ll need to consider, including:
Climate. In which climate will you spend the majority of your time when wearing your walking trousers?
Activity. Depending on whether you’re a climber, a walker, or a fell runner – you’ll need to find the best walking trousers to make the most of your abilities.
Versatility. And finally, consider whether you’re looking to wear your walking trousers in a few different climates and on different kinds of adventures.
All Craghoppers trousers are designed with comfort in mind, using stretch materials, and as versatile as possible (trust our customers who wear them from bush walks to rock climbing to travelling and even to the office!). Therefore, let's look at how to choose the right trousers according to the climate.
The Best Trousers For Hot Weather
First things first, let’s talk about the best walking trousers for summer. For treks in the heat, you’ll want lightweight, breathable, and technical trousers. Here’s what we suggest.
Whether you’re exploring the jungle or just enjoying a day of sun closer to home, choose a pair of NosiLife walking trousers. The key feature of this particular pair is the anti-insect technology built into the fabric. Without the need for nasty chemicals, these trousers keep irritating insects like mosquitos, ticks and midges at bay.
In addition, our NosiLife trousers are some of the best walking trousers for hot weather because of their sun-protective quality. With UPF 40+ protection, rest assured your legs will be safe from the sun’s powerful UV rays. Finer details like zip'n'clip pockets for valuables, RFID pockets, and drying loops make these trousers the perfect travel companion.
Next up, we have the NosiLife Pro Convertibles. These zip-off trousers are perfect for warm days when the sun keeps going in and out. To stay comfortable all day, simply zip off the ends of the trousers to convert them into walking shorts—leaving you feeling cool and fresh when out on the trail.
What’s more, with our added Odour Control technology, you won’t have to worry about getting your sweat on during tough hikes.
The Nosilife Cargo & Convertible trousers are perfect for those needing quick-drying and sun-protective capabilities—like anglers when wading. These pants will keep you protected from the sun all day long and will not get heavy and drag you down while wading in rivers or the ocean. They will quickly dry out as soon as you're out of the water. The convertible version can also be used as a short only.
Best Hiking Trousers For All Year Round
Kiwi Pro trousers are the choice of hikers worldwide. If you are looking for all-year-round trousers, you can’t go wrong with these. They offer total comfort, durability, an expert fit, water repellence, and UPF 40+ sun protection, perfect for any adventure. They are available for men and women, of course. Nifty features like a sunglasses cleaning wipe in the pocket round off this comfortable pant.
Active ladies who prefer a tight fit will love Craghoppers' leggings, which were designed to stretch, jump, and scramble with you. Like Kiwi pants, the leggings come with an EcoShield DWR finish and zipped pockets to secure small valuables. Thermal versions are available for cold conditions.
Getting Your Trousers Ready For Winter
On cold days and at high altitudes, the main priority is obviously keeping yourself warm. Craghoppers has you covered even on chilly days with many styles made for winter adventures.
Men's Softshell Pants are made from fabric that blocks wind from penetrating the garment, significantly reducing the effects of wind chill. With brushed fleece on the inner side and a plant-based water repellent, these trousers will keep you warm and dry in any weather.
Do you wish to winter-proof your existing outdoor wardrobe? Making your walking trousers warmer has never been easier—add Merino Tights as the insulating layer under your favourite Craghoppers trousers, and you are ready to go. Thanks to their natural moisture-wicking and anti-odour properties, the Merino Tights will help you regulate your body temperature, ensuring you stay fresh and dry all day.
And there we have it! Now that you know how to choose the perfect walking trousers, it’s time to optimize your adventure by getting yourself a pair of Craghoppers trousers.
What Makes A Craghoppers Fleece?
When exploring the great outdoors, having the right gear is crucial. Layering up during the Winter months can not only provide extra comfort but is also essential to your exploration, depending on your environment. In this blog, we’ll discuss our wide range of fleece, including our brand-new technology, CO2 Renu.
The technology behind our fleece
Within our ever-reliant collections of fleece, there is a wide range of styles and technologies that form the backbone of our mid layer collection. Consisting of half-zips, full-zips, and sweatshirts, our fleece is all made from feather-light microfleece material, providing breathability but still insulating enough to keep you warm during those colder outdoor adventures.
From simple styles like our Men's Barker Jumper to bolder designs like the Women’s Trina Half Zip Fleece and Men’s Tarbert Half Zip Fleece, the fleece is partly made from plastic bottles recycled into polyester, reducing carbon emissions and landfill waste. By repurposing materials like PET bottles into high-performance fleece, we reduce the demand for virgin resources and help minimize plastic's impact on our planet.
Furthermore, we place a strong emphasis on ethical and responsible manufacturing processes and fair labour practices, ensuring that our entire supply chain adheres to stringent environmental standards.
Spotlight: Corey & Miska Fleece - the true pioneers
Products that have been ever-present in our range, the Corey Fleece and its sister, the Miska Fleece, have been staples of our brand. True pioneers, they both were the first from our fleece range to be created with recyclable materials.
A lightweight fleece, they are perfect for those who are on the move but need an extra layer of insulation. They also act as the ideal mid-layer underneath your waterproof jacket if you're out in very cold temperatures.
CO2 Renu
At Craghoppers, we are serious about innovation that reduces our impact on the planet. Working with industry experts, LanzaTech, we have created CO2Renu, a technology that transforms carbon emissions into fabric. CO2Renu uses 100% recycled fabric, which includes (up to) 30% of fibers made from capturing carbon emissions before they are emitted into the atmosphere.
The process reshapes carbon waste by using carbon emissions as the starting point to create some of Craghoppers' recycled polyester blends. CO2Renu technology is an innovative way of recycling carbon emissions from industry that would otherwise be emitted as CO₂ while helping reduce the fabric's carbon footprint.
You can learn more about CO2 Renu here. Coming to SA soon!
How To Choose Your Daily Carry
All of our Topo Designs day packs feature laptop sleeves, highly durable, highly water-resistant materials, and classic go-anywhere styling. So, how do you choose which one makes sense for you?
To help, we'll walk you through some of our best EDC (Everyday Carry) options, pointing out some of the key features, highlighting best use cases, and adding a dash of personal experience.
Topo Designs pack lineup is designed so that most top loaders have a front loader counterpart and vice versa, so this can be an easy way to narrow things down.
Generally speaking, front-loading packs tend to work best for people who prefer a sleeker look or anytime gear straps (the two lengths of nylon webbing that close with buckles) will get in your way more often than they’ll help you. In other words, indoor or casual outdoor use.
Top-loading packs typically feature top flap pockets, gear straps, cinch closures, compression straps, and/or multiple external attachment points, which dramatically increase their storage capability. They tend to work well when you have awkwardly shaped gear items (think fishing rods, tripods, climbing ropes, snowshoes, etc.) that are best carried outside your pack or if you’d like to access certain items without even opening your pack. In other words, frequent outdoor use.
Keep in mind: both front and top loaders work well for work, travel, and outdoors, so it really does come down to personal preference.
Step 2: What else will you be using your pack for?
Do you travel often for work? Do you coordinate your pack as part of your #ootd? Does it need to blend into a corporate work environment, or are you more concerned about its functionality for your outdoor sport(s) of choice on weekends? Some questions to think about as you consider your options.
Best for: Work/school first, travel second, trail third.
It’s a good urban commuting bag and definitely a good travel bag because of the extra moisture protection with the weather-resistant zippers. If you work in a city and ride your bike to work, this will be perfect for you. Not having gear straps means it’s easy to get in and out of and looks sleek while on. It’s got an external laptop sleeve, expandable water bottle pockets, and with weather-resistant zips and 1000D nylon across the exterior for durability, it really has no weaknesses. Plus, it has an axe holder. You know, just in case.
Key features: External laptop sleeve, large color selection, easy work to trail transition
Best for: Tie with work/school + trail, then travel second.
This is kind of an all-around, all-purpose option. It won’t be quite as dialed for work because it lacks some of those work-specific features, but it may transition a little better to outdoor use because of it. It also gives you way more color options to choose from. It’s a little smaller, but unless you need to carry bulky items, it’s just the right size for any usual day activities, and it’s very sleek.
Key features: External laptop sleeve, extra volume, weather-resistant zippers
Best for: Travel first, work/school second, trail third.
Similar to the Daypack Tech. The only difference is if you prefer a top loader or a front loader. The Rover Pack Tech is handier when traveling because you have that top pocket for easier access to essentials and the gear straps for a neck pillow or extra layer, which also provides an extra layer of security because there’s more than a zipper people have to get past.
It’s a bit more spacious than the Daypack Tech if you need a little extra room for lunch or need the rectangular shape to accommodate pack bags. (Or if you don’t need the extra room, side compression straps give the option to cinch it down.) The compression straps are really useful - you can, for example, stash two fly rods in the water bottle pockets and strap them down with the compression straps.
Key features: Compact design, expansive color selection, easy work to trail transition
Best for: Three-way tie between work/school, travel, and trail.
It’s so hard to choose between the Tech and the Classic. But we love Classic even as a work carry. There are tons of different colorways to choose from, so it feels really individual. When going to happy hour after work, it can be more of an accessory to your outfit than just a utility item.
The nice thing about the internal laptop sleeve (versus the Tech’s external one) is that it can be used to carry a hydration bladder on the trail. The pockets aren’t hyper-specific, so you can use them for whatever you need them for. It’s also more compact than the Rover Tech or even the Daypack, so it’s great for smaller bodies.
Key features: 3-way carry, big front pockets, two-compartment structure
Best for: Work/school first, travel a close second, trail third
The Global Briefcase has a compartment for your laptop and notebooks and a compartment for just stuff - layers, chargers, photo/hobby equipment, etc. It holds everything you may need except for a water bottle. You have to put your water bottle inside or just carry it. It’s definitely a work-first pack. The cyclists love it for biking to work because the backpack option means it doesn’t swing around, the load is really compact, and the big pockets on the front make essentials super accessible. (They fit small Accessory Bags perfectly.) It’s also great for travel because of the pass-through sleeve that attaches it to your roller when you’re in the airport and then doubles as a daypack when you’re on your trip.
Having options for how to carry it is Global Briefcase's big feature (you can wear it as a backpack, messenger-style, or carry it like a briefcase). If you’ve really packed it out or have a long walk, it gets too heavy for one shoulder, so being able to switch to backpack mode is key. Also, this may seem like a small thing, but when you’re taking a car to a train to a plane, it’s really nice to have the grab handles for those really short distances. You can even slip one of them onto your arm and carry it like a tote so you're still hands-free.
Best for: Travel first, Work/school a close second, trail third
Mountain Cross Bag is a shoulder carry bag on steroids. Similar to Global Briefcase, it also has a compartment for your laptop and notebooks and a compartment for other items you may need on a daily basis. On top of that, however, it has two bottle holders, which the previous shoulder bag is missing. Together with plenty of pockets for organization and loops to attach other great (or just accessory bags for more organization space), it makes the Mountain Cross bag the perfect travel accessory.
Another cool feature is the shoulder strap, which can be adjusted and swapped around, turning the bag into a crossbody carry or waist bag. That way, you can easily carry it over the shoulder or around your waist on a walk in the city, on short trails, or on a bike. The look of the bag is not as sleek as a global briefcase, but you'll love it also as your work carry.
What Is Hydrostatic Head? Understanding Waterproof Ratings
Embarking on thrilling outdoor expeditions demands reliable gear that can brave the elements. In order to enjoy your adventure to the maximum, we understand the critical role of waterproof ratings and hydrostatic head in ensuring you remain dry and comfortable throughout your journeys.
We’re going to break down what are hydrostatic heads and the waterproof ratings around them so you can discover your world in comfort.
What Is Hydrostatic Head?
A hydrostatic head test assesses a fabric's waterproofing abilities by subjecting it to increasing water pressure. The fabric is set up in a sealed tube, and water is applied gradually until leakage occurs. The pressure at which water penetrates the material determines its hydrostatic head rating, indicating its waterproof capacity. Fabrics with higher ratings are better suited for harsh weather conditions, while those with lower ratings are suitable for milder climates.
A hydrostatic head test assesses a fabric's waterproofing abilities by subjecting it to increasing water pressure. The fabric is set up in a sealed tube, and water is applied gradually until leakage occurs. The pressure at which water penetrates the material determines its hydrostatic head rating, indicating its waterproof capacity. Fabrics with higher ratings are better suited for harsh weather conditions, while those with lower ratings are suitable for milder climates.
To meet the correct UK standard the fabric must pass a result of 1500mm or more.
Decoding Waterproof Ratings
On our website, you may have seen next to our waterproof products some numbers, such as 8,000mm through to 30,000mm, and thought, 'What on earth does this mean?' These numbers are our hydrostatic head/waterproof ratings in practice! The higher the number, the more water pressure that specific product can endure, providing you with more waterproof protection.
Waterproof Rating Recommendation
You may now be thinking, 'What waterproof rating do I need?' it can be confusing to try and understand what level of protection you need, and it all depends on your activity, location, and, of course, the climate! We have the following recommendations below:
Up To 5,000mm: Light Rain
5,000mm - 10,000mm: Average to Heavy Rain
10,000mm & Above: Very Heavy Rain
What Is Breathability?
Breathability is the amount of water vapour that can be let out through a fabric. Testing the breathability of our clothing involves checking how well the fabric allows sweat to escape. They use a method called moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) testing. This measures how quickly moisture passes through the fabric over a specific time. Higher MVTR values mean the fabric is more breathable, making it more comfortable during outdoor activities. Conducting these tests ensures clothing efficiently manages sweat, keeping adventurers cool and dry during their journeys.
Breathability has a similar scale to our waterproof rating, the higher the number, the more breathable the garment is going to be. Breathability is measured in g/m2/24hrs.
Ensuring Longevity and Performance
To maximize the lifespan and performance of your Craghoppers gear, follow our maintenance guidelines diligently. From routine reapplication of waterproof coatings to avoiding unnecessary wear and tear, nurturing your gear as per our recommendations guarantees that it continues to safeguard you during every exhilarating expedition.
