Is Craghoppers a Good Brand? 7 Reasons We Think So

Sometimes an outdoor brand comes along that ticks all the boxes. 

Good quality? Yep. 

Sensible prices? Yep.

Sizes for everyone, lots of colour choices, and a huge product range? Yep again. 

That's Craghoppers in a nutshell, and it's why they've been one of our most popular brands for years. 

But there's more to their success than just getting the basics right. From clever insect-repelling technology to their Everest heritage, here are seven reasons why we think Craghoppers is one of the ones to watch.

 

Who are Craghoppers?

Before we get into why they're good, here's a bit about how it all came to be.

Craghoppers started back in 1965 in Batley, West Yorkshire, founded by two mates: Brian Gaskin and Roy Holmes. Their mission was simple but ambitious – to create the ultimate clothing for the harshest outdoor conditions.

And how did they test it? They took their gear from the Peak District (right on our doorstep) all the way to Mount Everest. If you've been following the Avenue 85 blog for a while, you'll know we love all things Peak District, so straight away this sounds like a brand we can get behind!

That spirit of proper testing and real-world experience has stuck with them ever since.

 

So why are Craghoppers considered a good brand?

Here are seven reasons why we rate them so highly, and why they've become such a hit with our customers.

1. They design based on real adventures 

There's a big difference between designing something for a life you see on paper, and designing something for a life you actually live.

Craghoppers travel the world for inspiration, testing their clothing in real conditions and working out what's needed for each activity and environment. 

That first-hand knowledge shows up in their designs, as when you're out there, you learn what features really matter and what's just marketing potential. What can tip a hike from fun into misery. What materials still feel comfortable against your skin after you've been travelling in them for hours on end.

Essentially, you end up with the practical touches that only come from someone who's been caught out in the rain without a proper waterproof!

2. There's something for all the family

Craghoppers has a fantastic range that covers everyone, which is brilliant news for families who want to get outdoors together. It’s also one of the reasons why they are so at home here at Avenue 85.

From kids to grandparents, they've thought about what each family member needs to stay comfortable outdoors, giving you plenty to pick from:

• Fleeces: The Corey and Miska deserve a special mention as they're continual year-round bestsellers. You can also choose from other half-zip fleeces or go for full-zip if you prefer easy layering.
• Walking trousers and shorts: Stretchy fabrics, sun protection, waterproofing, loads of pockets – these are just some of the features you'll find on your new legwear.
• Waterproof jackets: British weather demands a decent waterproof ready to go, and people love Craghoppers waterproof jackets for one main reason – they do what they say on the tin and keep you dry!
• T-shirts & shirts: Soft, comfy t-shirts that work under fleeces or on their own. Plus, lightweight buttoned shirts that add a smarter touch to your outfit, particularly great for travel.
• Walking boots and shoes: Sturdy, comfortable footwear designed for everything from walks in the countryside to serious hikes in the hills.
• Plus: Leggings, padded jackets, gilets, hats, belts – pretty much everything you need to kit out the whole gang.

It’s hard to get acquainted with Craghoppers without being introduced to the Kiwi range, in particular the Kiwi Trousers. These have become something of a legend in walking circles!

You might have also spotted their National Trust collection, which shows they're serious about supporting the places we all love to explore.

Shop Craghoppers Walking Trousers

3. Versatile enough for lots of outdoor activities

One of the brilliant things about Craghoppers is how well their gear crosses over between different activities. 

You can wear their outdoor clothing for:

• Travel
• Hiking 
• Dog walking
• Camping
• Expeditions
• Everyday wear

When you're a family that's into loads of different outdoorsy type things, this versatility makes life so much simpler. 

That fleece you grab for dog walks becomes a mid-layer for camping trips. The waterproof jacket that keeps you dry on the school run handles a proper hill walk just as well. When summer hits, you’ve got t-shirts and shorts you can take on a coastal holiday.

You can build a wardrobe that earns its keep throughout the year, rather than having specialist gear that only comes out for specific occasions. 

4. Clever tech to keep you warm, dry, and protected

Tackling the challenges of outdoor life head-on is what this brand is all about, and they've developed some impressive technologies to help you do just that.

A few innovations of theirs you may be familiar with are:

• NosiLife: This is their insect-repellent technology, proven to defend against bites from mosquitoes and other nasties. Plus, it includes odour-elimination tech to keep your clothes fresher for longer. 
• AquaDry: Waterproof, breathable, and windproof with taped seams. This tech is designed for life outdoors and features their H2OShield finish, which is PFAS compliant (fluorocarbon-free) and at least 50% plant-based.
• SolarShield: Complete UPF 30-50+ protection from harmful UV rays, letting you enjoy the sun safely. The protection comes from the fabric construction, yarn types, and colour – blocking 96.7-98% of UV radiation.

Understanding Waterproof Ratings

Since we're talking about waterproof tech, here's a quick guide to what those numbers actually mean in principle:

 

So as you choose your waterproof clothing, think about what conditions you're likely to face. A 5,000mm jacket might be perfect for spring walks, but if you're planning serious hill walking in winter, you'll want that higher rating.

 

 

5. There are some serious outdoor credentials to their brand name

When a brand has been around for nearly 60 years and has been chosen by serious adventurers, you know they're doing something right. 

And as a brand, Craghoppers has some fantastic achievements under their belt:

• Junko Tabei was the first woman to summit Mount Everest on 16th May 1975, and guess what she was wearing? Yep, Craghoppers! The brand’s women’s hiking trousers saw her all the way to the top.
• British adventurer Doug Scott was the first Briton to summit Everest via the southwest face on 24th September 1975, wearing a Craghoppers windsuit supplied by the founders.
• They also provide clothing for the Duke of Edinburgh Award, which means they're trusted to kit out young people taking on serious outdoor challenges.

Pretty impressive for a brand that started in a small Yorkshire town!

6. They care about the planet and their environmental impact

Sustainability is increasingly important in outdoor gear, and Craghoppers backs up their environmental commitments with real results.

• 100 million plastic bottles recycled since 2015 and made into products
• PFAS compliant since 2019 – avoiding those nasty "forever chemicals" that take 1,000 years to break down
• Zero landfill from any waste from their facilities
• Solar panels at UK head office – 892 panels across 1,623m² of roof, reducing CO2 emissions by 872.69 tonnes (April 2021 - August 2022)
• Sustainable packaging – swing tickets use sugarcane paper (made from waste bagasse that would otherwise go to landfill)

They also support conservation work, including the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and Galapagos Conservation Trust, providing uniforms for conservationists working in the wild.

It's fantastic to see a brand making such clear steps to put their money where their mouth is – and doing it while dressed in Craghoppers clothing, naturally!

7. You can pick up great outdoor clothing at great prices

This is huge, especially for families who enjoy getting outdoors here in the UK.

As we’ve outlined, Craghoppers includes loads of clever features and tech, but it's not all just there for the sake of it. It serves a purpose specific to what everyday folk need in their travel and outdoor clothing. 

And because their stuff holds up well over time, you're getting excellent value. So when you work out the cost per wear over several years, Craghoppers gear often ends up being a proper bargain!

So, should you choose Craghoppers?

Based on everything we've discussed – from their Everest credentials to their focus on real-world testing and family-friendly pricing – we'd say yes, Craghoppers is definitely a good brand.

The fact that they're still innovating after nearly 60 years, while staying true to their original mission of creating gear for harsh adventures, tells you something about how the brand operates. 

Our Avenue 85 customers keep choosing them season after season too, so we also take that as a pretty good sign!

Final thoughts

So there you have it. Seven reasons why Craghoppers keeps flying off our virtual shelves. 

You can kit out parents, kids, grandparents, aunties, uncles, everyone coming along for the hike or camping trip with reliable, quality, good-looking outdoor clothing that does what you need it to. 

And that's what it's all about, really. Not conquering mountains (though they've got you covered if that's your thing), but having gear you can trust for whatever adventure comes next. Whether that's finally tackling the Pennine Way or just getting the kids out for a muddy walk on Sunday afternoon.

Fancy giving them a go? Take a look at our full Craghoppers collection - we reckon you'll find something that's just right for your next outdoor adventure.

 

About the Author

Tom, proud resident of Chapel-En-Le-Frith (aka the ‘Capital of the High Peak,’ as he loves to remind everyone), is a dad of two who spends his weekends ferrying the kids between football and dance class, occasionally sneaking in a peaceful walk around Fernilee Reservoir. When the family escapes to their coastal hideaway in Anglesey, he trades in the football boots for paddleboards and fishing rods, though his true passion lies in building the ultimate sandcastle. On the Avenue 85 blog, Tom shares his outdoor tips (and the occasional dad joke) with a down-to-earth approach that’ll make you feel like part of the family.