Who is the maker of the most durable travel apparel? If you were to ask me in the mid-2020s, I would point you to Craghoppers, a brand well-known in the UK that had been absent from the USA market for some time. Some have dubbed them “the European ExOfficio,” a label that once indicated the exceptional performance and durability of their clothing. With ExOfficio now primarily a company focused on underwear, I’m excited to see Craghoppers USA thriving. I’ve been singing their praises for over fifteen years and can continue doing so with pleasure.
Many travel gear brands have been featured on the Cheapest Destinations Blog, showcasing items that have stood firm through intense adventures and multiple journeys, yet some prioritize style over sustainability or prolonged use. Craghoppers tells a different tale, offering the type of adventure travel clothing genuine explorers rely on—gear that won’t fail you after weeks in the wilderness or the mountains.
When I began evaluating their clothing at Practical Travel Gear, prior to selling that site, there was limited variety in colors or styles. I was unfazed since their Nosilife Adventure shirt was the most resilient item in my wardrobe and I owned a few pairs of coordinating pants. To illustrate their uniqueness, many buttons are attached with strips of fabric that resist breaking, fraying, or unraveling—unlike traditional thread.
Over time, they became a bit trendier and leaned into the “trail to pub” styles. Now it seems they’ve returned somewhat to their original essence and aren’t attempting to appeal to everyone. They rightly deserve recognition as the go-to brand for serious adventurers who aren’t merely trying to look good on Instagram during their outings. Consequently, they’ve committed to travel clothing that can withstand whatever challenges arise rather than vying for the fashion spotlight like prAna, Anatomie, or Lulu Lemon.
If you’re eager to see their complete product range, follow this link to the official USA website and browse for a while. That link should provide you with a discount due to your referral.
I’m going to share a few recent and older photos of myself and my wife Donna sporting Craghoppers gear, in warm California recently and cold locales from a decade ago. The various styles have evolved, and considering it’s June as I write this, I want to highlight another key benefit they offer: Insect Shield clothing.
Insect Shield Clothing From Craghoppers to Deter Bugs
It strikes me as ironic that regions that endure bitter cold and snow for most of the year are the very ones inundated with mosquitoes during warmer months. From Maine to Michigan, Minnesota to Alaska, the delight of summer turns to the annoyance of dealing with bug bites. We can also add ticks and Lyme Disease to the list of threats in North America, along with Dengue Fever, Zika, and Malaria if you venture into tropical areas.
To return from your vacation with only souvenir gifts and no insect bites, taking precautions is critical. Apply DEET, light mosquito coils, equip yourself with robust repellents, or simply dress appropriately. The last option comes with minimal side effects, so cover those ankles and arms at dusk, ideally with some treated clothing that wards off bugs.
There is a chemical known as Permethrin that is embedded in certain clothing. It is odorless and can remain effective for up to 70 washes, far exceeding what most individuals would subject a shirt or pair of pants to. The decline of ExOfficio’s travel apparel reduced the availability of Insect Shield items, but thankfully, Craghoppers continues to offer a wide array of treated options.
I always feel a heightened sense of confidence, perhaps even superhero-level, when I’m clad in socks, long pants, and a shirt containing Insect Shield. I’m not suggesting that I leave the bug spray behind on a camping trip when I’m equipped with these garments, but they provide a significant additional layer of protection.
On my most recent trips, I’ve been wearing an Insect Shield Nosilife Adventure II short-sleeve shirt, a treated Outback Hat, some Adventure Life III pants, and Insect Shield socks, making me feel much less itchy while in the USA and Canada. As I plan a long journey to Southeast Asia next year, there will be even more compelling reasons to pack these items since the risks extend beyond just a few irritating itches.
Additionally, I’m bringing the long-sleeve Adventure II shirt that is also treated, providing sun protection, a vented back, ample pockets, roll-up sleeves, and