Who creates the most durable travel apparel? If you were to ask me in the mid-2020s, I would say Craghoppers, a brand well-known in the UK that had vanished from the USA market for some time. They have been referred to as “the European ExOfficio,” which once highlighted the outstanding performance and longevity of their clothing. With ExOfficio now primarily focused on underwear, I’m excited to see Craghoppers USA thriving. I’ve been an enthusiast for over fifteen years, and I’m grateful to continue praising them.
There are numerous travel gear brands I’ve featured on the Cheapest Destinations Blog, products that have proven resilient throughout challenging adventures and repeated trips, yet some have a greater emphasis on aesthetics rather than durability for long-term use. Craghoppers tells a different story; their adventure travel clothing is designed for genuine adventurers, the type of gear that won’t fail you after weeks in the wilderness.
When I first began evaluating their clothing at Practical Travel Gear, before selling that site, the color options and styles were limited. I didn’t mind much since their Nosilife Adventure shirt was the toughest item in my wardrobe, and I had a couple of pairs of pants to go with it. To illustrate their uniqueness, many of their buttons are attached with fabric strips that won’t snap, fray, or come undone — as opposed to using thread.
Over time, they became a bit trendier and embraced the “trail to pub” styles more actively. Now, it seems they have swung halfway back to their original essence, avoiding the trap of trying to cater to everyone. They rightfully should be recognized as the brand for serious adventurers who aren’t merely trying to look good on Instagram during their hikes. Thus, they have focused more on travel apparel that can withstand anything you throw at them, rather than aiming to be as stylish as prAna, Anatomie, or Lulu Lemon.
If you’re eager to explore their entire collection, click this link to the official website for the USA and browse through their offerings. That link should provide you with a discount due to your referral.
I’ll be sharing a few recent and older photos of me and my wife Donna donning Craghoppers apparel, in warm California recently and in colder regions last decade. The various brand styles have come and gone, and since it’s June as I write this, I wanted to highlight another significant advantage they offer: Insect Shield clothing.
Insect Shield Clothing From Craghoppers to Deter Insects
It’s so ironic that the areas that are most unbearable due to cold and snow throughout the year are the same ones that face the worst mosquito infestations when spring arrives. From Maine to Michigan, Minnesota to Alaska, the joy of summer brings about the discomfort of insect bites. Furthermore, we must consider ticks and Lyme Disease in North America, as well as Dengue Fever, Zika, and Malaria if you venture into tropical regions.
If you wish to return from your vacation with only souvenir gifts rather than souvenir insect bites, precautions are essential. Slather on DEET, light those mosquito coils, obtain some potent medications, or simply cover up effectively. The last option has the least side effects, so cover those ankles and arms at dusk, preferably with some treated clothing that repels bugs.
A chemical named Permethrin is embedded in certain garments. It’s odorless and can endure up to 70 washes, far exceeding what most individuals will subject a shirt or pair of pants to. The discontinuation of ExOfficio travel clothing reduced the availability of Insect Shield items, but thankfully, Craghoppers still offers plenty of treated options.
I tend to feel a bit more confident, perhaps even superhero-like, when I’m wearing socks, long pants, and a shirt that incorporates Insect Shield. I’m not suggesting I forgo bug spray on camping trips with these items packed, but they certainly provide an extra layer of protection.
On my recent travels, I’ve been sporting an Insect Shield Nosilife Adventure II short-sleeve shirt, a treated Outback Hat, some Adventure Life III pants, and Insect Shield socks, which has significantly decreased my itchiness in the USA and Canada. When I embark on a lengthy trip to Southeast Asia next year, there will be even more reasons to pack these items, as the risks are greater than just some irritating itches.
Additionally, I’m packing the long-sleeve Adventure II shirt that is also treated and features sun protection, a vented back, ample pockets, roll-up sleeves, and