Who creates the most durable travel apparel? If you were to ask me in the mid-2020s, my answer would be Craghoppers, a brand that’s well-known in the UK but temporarily vanished from the USA market. Some have referred to them as “the European ExOfficio,” a nod to how superbly their garments perform and endure. With ExOfficio now focusing solely on underwear, I’m pleased to see Craghoppers USA thriving. I’ve been touting their praises for over fifteen years and am happy to continue doing so.
There are numerous travel gear brands I’ve showcased on the Cheapest Destinations Blog, items which have proven resilient through challenging adventures and numerous journeys, but some lean more toward aesthetics than long-term sustainability or durability. Craghoppers tells a different tale; their adventure travel clothing is what true explorers don, designed to withstand the rigors of weeks in the jungle or at high altitudes.
When I initially began reviewing their clothing at Practical Travel Gear, prior to selling that site, the color options and styles were somewhat limited. I didn’t mind much because their Nosilife Adventure shirt was the most resilient item in my wardrobe, complemented by a few pairs of pants. To illustrate their unique design, many buttons are attached with strips of fabric that resist breaking, fraying, or unraveling — not merely thread.
Over time, they evolved to embrace more trendy designs and sought after “trail to pub” styles. Now it appears they have shifted back toward their foundation, no longer attempting to cater to everyone’s taste. They rightfully deserve recognition as the brand for dedicated adventurers who aren’t merely interested in appearing attractive on Instagram while hiking. Thus, they have reinforced their commitment to travel clothing that can handle whatever challenges you present, instead of striving for the same level of fashion as prAna, Anatomie, or Lulu Lemon.
If you’d like to explore their entire collection, click this link to the official USA website and browse around. That link should provide a discount based on your referral.
I’m including a selection of recent and older photos of myself and my wife Donna wearing Craghoppers clothing, in warm California recently and in colder locations from last decade. The various brand styles have come and gone, plus it’s June as I write this, so I wanted to emphasize another significant advantage they offer: Insect Shield clothing.
Insect Shield Clothing From Craghoppers to Ward Off the Bugs
It strikes me as ironic that the regions afflicted by cold and snow most of the year are those that experience the highest mosquito activity once it warms up. From Maine to Michigan, Minnesota to Alaska, the delight of summer is often marred by the annoyance of bug bites. Additionally, tick-borne Lyme Disease and threats like Dengue Fever, Zika, and Malaria lurk for those venturing into tropical areas.
If you want to return from vacation with only souvenir gifts and no bites, you must take precautions. Apply DEET, ignite mosquito coils, stock up on potent medications, or simply dress more adequately. The latter option has the fewest side effects, so cover those ankles and arms at dusk, preferably with some treated clothing that keeps insects at bay.
A chemical known as Permethrin is integrated into certain clothing. It is odorless and can endure up to 70 washes, far exceeding the wear and tear most individuals would apply to a shirt or pair of pants. The decline of ExOfficio travel apparel reduced the availability of items featuring Insect Shield, but thankfully, Craghoppers still offers plenty of treated options.
Wearing socks, long pants, and a shirt with Insect Shield makes me feel a touch more confident, possibly even superhero-like. I’m not suggesting I leave bug spray behind on a camping trip with these items in my pack, but they provide an invaluable additional layer of protection.
On my latest trips, I have been sporting an Insect Shield Nosilife Adventure II short-sleeve shirt, a treated Outback Hat, Adventure Life III pants, and Insect Shield socks, significantly reducing my itchiness in the USA and Canada. For my upcoming extended journey to Southeast Asia next year, there will be even more reasons to pack these items due to heightened risks beyond just mild irritations.
Additionally, I’m bringing along the long-sleeve Adventure II shirt, which is also treated, offering sun protection, a ventilated back, ample pockets, roll-up sleeves, and