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Craghoppers

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Craghoppers is a British outdoor clothing manufacturer and supplier that was founded in Batley, West Yorkshire in 1965. According to their website, the company was set up by outdoor enthusiasts who were planning an expedition to climb Mount Everest. They wanted gear which would withstand the harshest of conditions, so they researched and designed fabrics that would protect them from the extreme cold. They reached the summit of Everest and, upon their return, set up the outdoor clothing company.

History

In 1965 one of the first UK weather wear companies to use nylon in their garments was formed called G & H Products. Its founders, Brian Gaskin and Roy Holmes (from Batley, West Yorkshire), where outdoor walking, climbing and pot-holing enthusiasts who saw a gap in the market. After successful design achievements (including the creation of the "Cagjack") they were approached by the mountaineering expedition team of Chris Bonington to design their weather wear for the successful 1975 Everest Expedition. Brian Gaskin designed the Everest garments himself. This propelled G & H Products to new heights and, with fresh capital, they discovered the Clarke Brothers in Hebden Bridge who made walking trousers and breeches. The brothers were selling their business, called Craghoppers, because they wanted to retire. G&H Products bought Craghoppers and took the name as it befitted the aim of the company. The company was in financial difficulties and was later sold and taken over by the Regatta Group in 1995.[citation needed] In 2008 Craghoppers partnered up with TV's survival expert Bear Grylls, they worked with him in producing a range of clothes designed especially for him to wear in extreme conditions.

Catalogues

Craghoppers produce two catalogues a year – Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter. Each catalogue has a certain theme and the photo-shoots are done in specific places. Each catalogue takes the form of a mini-travel guide as well as a clothing catalogue.

Clothing

They have designed and promote the following Technologies

  • NosiLife – Clothing with a non-toxic permanent insect repellent finish which has been tested to still retain over 98% of its initial effectiveness after 100 washes.
  • Nosi (Previously Nosquito) – clothing with insect repellent finish which lasts for 39 washes.
  • Breathable fabrics.
  • Stretch fabric.
  • SolarDry fabrics which give UV protection, it is currently rated as having a 40+ UPF (Ultraviolet protection factor) index and blocks 97.5+% of UVR (Ultraviolet radiation) .
  • Wash & wear fabrics – used for travel clothing where clothes dry overnight and need no or minimal ironing.
  • AquaDry & AquaDry Stretch – Clothing which incorporates waterproof and breathable fabrics, also available in stretch fabrics.
  • Lightweight clothing.

Craghoppers are one of a number of companies that meet Gore-Tex standards and are authorised to use and sell with Gore-Tex waterproof technologies. Many items of Craghoppers clothing have a hidden zippable security pocket.

Popular ranges include their fleeces, micro-fleeces, Kiwi shirts, Kiwi shorts and T-shirts (some of which use fairtrade cotton). Their Nosi range which include Nosi & NosiLife clothing products are popular among travellers entering countries which have cases of Maleria or just high mosquito levels.

They also produce luggage, soft shell jackets, down jackets and accessories such as caps and scarves. Their Kiwi walking trousers are extremely popular with ramblers.

Craghoppers produce a range of clothing which contains the name of TV adventurer Bear Grylls who uses these clothes in his extreme survival shows Man vs Wild & Worst Case Scenario.

Now owned by the Black family, which also owns Regatta & Dare 2b.

Conservation projects

Craghoppers joined the European Outdoor Conservation Association in 2013,[1] a not for profit organisation which brings together outdoor and leisure companies from Europe to show commitment to sustaining the environment. Any company in the outdoor industry can become a member of the EOCA.

In February 2015 Craghoppers introduced a fleece made from recycled plastic bottles. The recycled material will be used in the brand's flagship fleeces for men and women, including the Corey fleece and the Miska fleece.

Charity projects

Craghoppers partnered with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, a charity that protects gorillas in Africa as well as their habitats. Craghoppers has been supplying kit to the Dian Fossey team who work in the Virunga rainforest in Rwanda and have also been selling a limited edition Dian Fossey T-shirt to raise awareness and money for the charity.

In April 2015 Craghoppers also premiered a documentary film called "Hope" detailing the work that the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund carry out.[2] The film was made by Craghoppers' ambassador, Peter McBride and narrated by Sir David Attenborough.[3]

Partners

Craghoppers has partnered with English Heritage, sponsoring its Stonehenge Cycle Challenge and Hadrian's Wall Hike. English Heritage cares for places of historic significance in England such as Roman forts and medieval castles.[4]

References

  1. ^ "European Outdoor Conservation Association". European Outdoor Conservation Association. Retrieved 1 September 2015.
  2. ^ "Dian Fossey Hope Video". Walks & Walking. Retrieved 1 September 2015.
  3. ^ "Craghoppers Team Up With David Attenborough". Outside Times. Retrieved 1 September 2015.
  4. ^ "Craghoppers Partners". Craghoppers. Archived from the original on 17 September 2014. Retrieved 1 September 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
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