Who produces the most durable travel clothing out there? If you ask me in the mid-2020s, that would undoubtedly be Craghoppers, a brand well-known in the UK that temporarily vanished from the USA market. Some have labeled them as “the European ExOfficio,” which used to signify the impressive performance and durability of their apparel. Now that ExOfficio has shifted focus to just being an underwear brand, I’m delighted that Craghoppers USA is thriving. I’ve been singing their praises for over 15 years and am happy to continue doing so.
There are numerous travel gear brands I’ve featured on the Cheapest Destinations Blog, products that have proven reliable through challenging adventures and frequent trips, but some are more about style than sustainability or long-term usability. Craghoppers tells a different tale; their adventure travel clothing is made for serious adventurers, with garments that will not fail you after weeks in the wilderness or mountains.
When I began reviewing their clothing at Practical Travel Gear, before selling that site, there wasn’t a wide selection in terms of colors or styles. I didn’t mind much because their Nosilife Adventure shirt was the toughest piece I owned, and I had a couple of pants to go with it. To illustrate how they stand out, many of their buttons are attached using strips of fabric that won’t break, fray, or unravel — not just thread.
Over time, they adopted a more fashionable approach and embraced the “trail to pub” styles. Nowadays, they seem to be leaning partially back towards their origins, no longer attempting to cater to everyone. They rightly deserve recognition as the brand for dedicated adventurers who prioritize functionality over looking good for Instagram while hiking. Thus, they have committed to creating travel clothing that withstands various challenges rather than striving to be as trendy as prAna, Anatomie, or Lulu Lemon.
If you want to explore their entire range, follow this link to the official USA website and browse for a bit. That link may also offer a discount based on your referral.
I will share some recent and older photos of myself and my wife Donna wearing Craghoppers apparel, in warm California recently and in colder destinations last decade. While their styles have evolved over time, it’s also June as I write this, so I aim to highlight another significant benefit they offer: Insect Shield clothing.
Insect Shield Clothing From Craghoppers to Deter the Bugs
I find it quite ironic that the places plagued with harsh cold and snow for most of the year transform into mosquito havens as soon as it warms up. From Maine to Michigan, Minnesota to Alaska, the joy of summer is often overshadowed by the annoyance of bug bites. On top of that, we must consider ticks and Lyme Disease in North America, alongside Dengue Fever, Zika, and Malaria if you venture to tropical regions.
If you prefer to return from your vacation with only souvenir gifts rather than itchy bites, it’s crucial to take precautions and protect yourself. Apply DEET, light mosquito coils, use potent medications, or simply dress more completely. This last option tends to offer the fewest side effects, so it’s wise to cover your ankles and arms at dusk, preferably with treated clothing that can ward off the bugs.
There’s a chemical known as Permethrin that is incorporated into some garments. It is scentless and can endure up to 70 washes, far exceeding what most people would subject a shirt or pair of pants to. The decline of ExOfficio travel clothing reduced the options available with Insect Shield, but fortunately, there are still ample treated items to choose from with Craghoppers.
I always feel a surge of confidence, perhaps even a superhero level, when I wear socks, long pants, and a shirt featuring Insect Shield. I’m not suggesting I could forgo bug spray altogether on camping trips with these items packed, but they do provide a significant extra layer of protection.
During my latest trips, I have been wearing an Insect Shield Nosilife Adventure II short-sleeve shirt, a treated Outback Hat, some Adventure Life III pants, and Insect Shield socks, which has greatly reduced my itchiness in the USA and Canada. As I prepare for a longer journey to Southeast Asia next year, there will be even more reasons to include these items in my pack since the risks are higher than just a few annoying itches.
Additionally, I will be bringing the long-sleeve Adventure II shirt that’s also treated and offers sun protection, a vented back, ample pockets, roll-up sleeves, and









