Craghoppers

Bear Grylls Announces New Show with NBC

Bear Grylls by Craghoppers, the only clothing range endorsed by Bear Grylls, will be showcased in his new primetime TV series on NBC, the third largest television network in the United States.

Bear Grylls has signed a historic contract with NBC for an extreme adventure reality-competition series which will be co-produced by Bear Grylls Ventures and Electus. This marks the first time that the survival specialist will debut on network television. The show will test teams of two in extreme conditions in the wild. NBC has commissioned eight episodes, with additional creative details to be released at a later date.

Bear Grylls will be wearing the Tried & Tested Autumn/Winter 2012 range of Bear Grylls by Craghoppers clothing which includes waterproof jackets, soft shell jackets, shirts and stretch trousers, all of which have been thoroughly tested by the man himself.

The contestants will put through their paces garments from the main range of Bear Grylls by Craghoppers which is available in-stores now and includes a collection of trousers, fleeces, T-shirts and jackets designed for the toughest conditions.

Commenting on the news, Craghoppers Managing Director, Jim McNamara said: ‘This is fantastic news for Bear Grylls by Craghoppers. Bear Grylls is the ultimate survival expert and to have the range used in real life experiences in one of American’s biggest network will take the brand to the next level. This announcement coincides with the launch of the winter 2013 range which is the most comprehensive to date, including collections for men, women and children, from extreme adventures to everyday life, there is a garment for every Bear Grylls' fan.’
 
First launched in Spring/Summer 2008, the Bear Grylls by Craghoppers range is a highly technical yet fashionable collection of outdoor kit for men, women and children. As part of the on-going partnership, Bear will meet with Craghoppers’ designers four times a year to work on developing new products and product categories. In addition to developing the clothing range, Bear is involved with world-wide brand promotion and advertising.
 
“To meet Bear is to meet a force of nature,” said Paul Telegdy, President, Alternative and Late Night Programming, NBC Entertainment.  “He is a magnetic and charismatic talent, whose infectious enthusiasm for adventure inspires people to push themselves beyond their limits.  These contestants are in for the ride of their lives!”
 
“The programme will be raw, tough and unrelenting, but it will also inspire and teach the essentials that one day may just save your life," said Grylls.  "The goal is to empower people with the ultimate in both survival and teamwork, and that brings incredible reward... but first there must be some pain.”
                                                                   
“Bear is the most exciting talent in the world of survival adventure today, there is simply no one like him,” said Chris Grant, CEO of Electus. “To be able to partner with Bear and the rest of his team is a dream come true. I believe that the synergies between our two companies are limitless and we are very excited to make programming with Bear for NBC.”

Kendal Mountain Festival - Official Sponsors

We're pleased to announce that Craghoppers will be the headline sponsor for the 'Best of Kendal Tour' world film tour, which is part of the Kendal Mountain Festival taking place from the 15 – 18 November 2012 in the Lake District.

The largest, most diverse mountain festival in the world, and the main social event for outdoor enthusiasts in the UK, the Kendal Mountain Festival, will show hundreds of film screenings including high-profile premières.

With world and adventure travel clothing core to Craghoppers range of apparel, the ‘Craghoppers Best of Kendal World Film Tour’ will give the brand opportunity to further align itself with, and strengthen its position as leader in the world travel clothing market.

As well as heading up sponsorship of the film tour, Craghoppers will also own the ‘Best Mountain Cultural Film’ category at the festival and will present the grand prize to the category winner at the awards ceremony taking place at the festival on Sunday 18th November. The brand will also have additional presence during the event with a display stand in the festival marquee.

Craghoppers’ Managing Director Jim McNamara, comments: “The 'Best of Kendal Tour' represents some of the best in outdoor and travel action adventure, which holds a real synergy for Craghoppers. The Craghoppers brand is synonymous with world and adventure travel and we are recognised as producing some of the best world travel photography in the industry and our passion to capture anything travel runs deep thorough the company, so getting involved with this project and making the tour the ‘Craghoppers Best of Kendal World Film Tour’ was a natural decision.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to be a part of the film side of the festival, and look forward to a long-standing relationship and seeing it grow once the tour reaches many of our distributor countries.”

Kicking off on 20th October in Cockermouth, Cumbria, the ‘Craghoppers Best of Kendal World Film Tour’ gives outdoor and travel enthusiasts the world over access to the best action and adventure films from around the world and will showcase at 35 locations across the UK before continuing to tour over 60 locations around the world including; Germany, France, Taiwan, New Zealand, Canada, Doha, Australia, Switzerland and Antarctica, and is predicted to reach an audience of over 16,000 film enthusiasts.

New Seasons. New Adventures.

With a brand new season of adventuring ahead of us, here at Craghoppers we’re fully primed and ready for the challenge! The last couple of British winters have given us renewed respect for the power of the elements, so we’re arming ourselves against the inevitable onslaught of wind, rain and snow, with an outstanding collection of outdoor wear.

Giving you a lifetime guarantee, this seasons collection is engineered to weather the storms, while providing exceptional agility in the most active pursuits. Plus, if you’re lucky enough to swap grey skies for blue horizons in the coming months, you’ll find
fresh inspiration in our exclusive NosiLife range. Designed to help you stay cool in the hottest climes and give short shrift to biting bugs everywhere.

Heritage Collection
Urban cool meets peerless weatherproof protection, in a collection that teams trusted outdoor technologies with city-smart styling.
Expect impressive waterproof coverage, effective insulation and versatile performance every step of the way.

Outdoor Range
Face winter head on this year with an exceptional range of outdoor clothing designed to take the sting out of the storm. Effective waterproof protection, new streamlined contours, active stretch fabrics and cloud-soft insulation for warmth and agility on the move.

NosiLife Range
Hot-climate travel made simpler with NosiLife: a specially designed clothing range that incorporates Craghoppers’ permanent insect-repellent technology for impressive bug-beating performance in the toughest conditions.

What is NosiLife clothing?
NosiLife is Craghoppers’ insect-repellent clothing for all year round travel. Its active ingredients give a significant drop (80-90%) in mosquito bites and feeding and its antibacterial effect combats odour and infection. 

How does it work on clothing?
NosiLife is completely safe to mammals but toxic to all insects. As soon as they touch the fabric insects will be repelled or risk being killed by the treatment. It is equally effective on all insects from mosquito and sand fly to the midge.

How long does it last?
NosiLife is permanent and lasts a lifetime.

Craghoppers Supports Trailblazer Foundation

Trailblazer Foundation is currently working specifically within Angkor Thom, Prasat Bakong and Puok districts of Siem Reap Province, Cambodia. Their work area encompasses a 60 kilometer radius from their work site in Siem Reap City. They practice a sustainable, community-focused style of development, which is a low cost and long-term solution to alleviating poverty and increasing the quality of life in a sustainable manner.

When on a recent buying trip to Cambodia Joanne Black, Group Buying Director, saw first hand the amazing work that Trailblazer Foundation undertakes and instantly wanted to help.

Since then we've worked with Trailblazer Foundation to provide help and support wherever we can and have recently placed a donation with them that will see more than 25 projects completed over the coming months. Projects can be anything from providing children with flip-flops that prevent hook worm entering their feet to providing a rural woman with a weaving loom that allows her to earn a living.

To learn more about how you can get involved with Trailblazer Foundation head to their website: http://www.thetrailblazerfoundation.org/

Michael - IT manager by day. Expedition leader at heart.

Everyone's an adventurer. At heart. I'm an IT Manager by day. An expedition leader at heart.

I've worked with a team in IT for over 12 years but as an expedition leader I get a few days to get to know the strengths of my team and trust them with my life.

The scale of Northern Europe is not something I take lightly.  When I go there, I can be a day or more on foot away from the nearest community so I need a good team with me. The busy office feels an age away as the banter about who will win the league City or United can't follow me to the quiet of the Norwegian Fjords.

At work my world is through a desktop screen, with no office window and a few minutes for lunch I long for the week I'm trekking in search of the Northern lights where the horizan stretches out in front of me. 

I don't live for my job, at heart I live for the outdoors. That's why I wear Craghoppers, the AquaDry waterproof jackets, lightweight fleece and GORE-TEX technologies protect me and I don't even have to think about it. I just throw on the gear and go. 

Helen - Jeweller by day. Geologist at heart.

Everyone's an adventurer. At heart. 

A slave to mother earth by day and at heart, as a jeweller I marvel at her strength and patience to create some of the Earth's most beautiful and precious materials. At heart I explore the casums, the rock formations, her rough natural open roads. 

While out exploring the landscapes I don't miss the jangle of keys, or being under the command of timed safes, there are no barriers or timetables in these places. There's always something new to explore and I discover something new every trip. 

My favourite place is Buttes of the Cross in Utah's Glen Canyon National Recreational Area. Where the use of adjectives like "amazing" and "awesome" aren't incorrect, merely inadequate. The fiery rock is seductive and to try to explain my awe of this place to others is impossible they struggle to understand the pull of the plateau country.

When I'm wearing Craghoppers travel clothing I feel it gives me everything I need. I'm stylish, the real me but I'm protected from the sun and biting insects.

David - Lecturer by day. A photojournalist at heart.

Everyone's an adventurer. At heart. I'm a lecturer by day. A photojournalist at heart.

In my day job I inspire young minds, the leaders of the future. But my heart is in taking photographs of the news stories around the world. In a way my photographs are a period of wonderful memories in my life.  They stand as a series of lessons that I have learned and as evidence of what I have witnessed. 

All told I've collected thousands of images but it's all about taking the one that tells the whole story. During term time I'm the one setting assignments and marking them but out in the field my editor is pressing me with deadlines.

It can be really difficult to stay the observer, out on the frontlines with the police, firefighters, victims and heroes. Of course, the life of a photojournalist isn’t all hard, while the hours can be long and the assignments dangerous. I love what I do. There’s also the added benefit of potentially helping someone in need. 

Craghoppers travel clothing enhance my travel experience, the technologies they've developed make sure I don't even notice them. It's lightweight, sun-protective, and woven to repel insects and stains, there's hidden pockets and it packs up small - perfect for wherever I go. 

 

 

My Amazing Bag

I am sure even you get the odd complaint, a faulty batch or a design failure from time to time, and I am sure people are quick to complain if they find a fault. But I wanted to take the time to praise your products.

There is a picture of my bag below, a bit battered, a little scarred and deeply engrained with dirt from around the world - but still absolutely perfect, tough as owt and one of my favourite things.

I bought the blue beauty in 1998, along with a one way ticket to Mexico city. Fifteen months, a few thousand miles, a mouthful of broken Spanish and months in a van nomad-ing around the States - where me and the bag ended up living with activists in Seattle, building houses in New Mexico and goat herding on a Hopi reservation - it was good as new and ready for more.

Since then it has carried my life around Africa a few times - there when I set up the African Workshop charity in Mali and now when I travel with my work for Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF). It's been my house, holding everything I owned, my pillow and protection when falling with rockslides or slipping down hillsides. It's survived slashings, drownings and batterings. It's impressive.

It is one of the few things I've ever owned that has lasted, a couple of broken buckles aside. It is a great bit of kit and I wanted to say thanks, that's all.

Many thanks for some great travels. I am sure there are many more to come once my baby is born in June. And I know what kind of bag I will buy her when she is ready to go!

Mark Dyer and Huskies in Finland

When Mark was looking into a gap year he didn't want to head out on a trip around Australasia and Asia like his friends he wanted to find an experience as unique as he could. We were lucky enough to hear about Mark's stay in Finland when he got in touch with a testimony about the Craghoppers gear he took out there. Here in his words is a little glimpse of what life is like on a husky farm in Finland.

"I chose the Arctic Circle, Finland for my Gap year because it was so different. Some of my friends were taking gap years and were planning to backpack around the world or work in Australian schools, but I didnt want to do something that is becoming increasingly common. When I saw the advertisement offering volunteer 3 month placements, I lept at this unique opportunity.

"I work as a guide on a Husky farm. This entails looking after clients, (ensuring that they and the dogs are safe on safari, as well as entertaining them on the farm), training the dogs all year round, carrying out building, repairs, ground work, maintenance (season dependent), training new volunteers, and most importantly: looking after the dogs well-being.  The farm is a family run business specializing in husky safaris for French and English clients. "The huskies are all working dogs and superb athletes, they are running safaris, or training for 8 months of the year. The food intake and and activity is stringently monitored on a weekly dog check, as is their overall health. That being said, they are extremely friendly dogs and volunteers are actively encouraged to take dogs home in the evening in order to improve socialization. We tend to spoil some of them!

"My only fears were that, being only 18 I would struggle with the long hours, tough conditions and hard work. Although the month of December in the season is particularly demanding and hectic, it is almost a right of passage to go through and it brings the volunteer guides closer together. Work starts at 6am  and finishes at 12am or later in this busy season. The dogs have to be fed at least two hours before they run to help digestion. We may end up running 5-6 different safaris a day, several rounds each, and some simultaneously. This all requires typically between 5-10, 6 dog sleigh teams. These teams have to be set up within the shortest time possible. 

"The terrain and climate is extreme but we are fortunate to be learning cold weather skills from the owners of the farm, Pasi Ikonen and Anna McCormack. Both Pasi and Anna are experienced adventure racers and have many years experience in harsh climates. Anna led a pioneering crossing of Greenland with a paraplegic girl, and has also been a part of mountaineering expeditions through her work with the British Schools Exploring Society, and Raliegh International. Pasi Ikonen and his expedition partner became the first Finnish people to ski to the South Pole unsupported. Through their tutorship. The other volunteers and I learn priceless tips and skills in order to function effectively in what can be a hostile climate.   

"Mishaps are common place when people/dogs/sleighs are moving around the farm at mach 10. Fortunately none have been serious. Dogs can escape from cages and get into fights or we ourselves can become injured due to handling sharp or dangerous tools. We have already had one concussion and one case of frostbite in the volunteers. However, we learn how to medicate the dogs in accordance with their injuries...and we make sure we are exceptionally careful when felling trees. 

"Some of the highlights so far include mushing at night in the wilderness, under the brilliant canopy of the Northern lights, to herding Reindeer at a special Sami event. My favourite was driving a dog team down the challenging 6km route to a daybreak location, with 12 dogs and no passengers in the sleigh. I did this twice a day for a week. (I reached some pretty high speeds; confidence and balance is essential when 'mushing') However, the most incredible thing is getting to work with such wonderful animals."

Of course we couldn't let Mark finish his blog post without a nod to his favourite pieces of Craghoppers kit...

"If I could keep only one piece of Craghoppers kit it would be my Kiwi Pro Stretch Trousers. The best value for money trousers I have ever bought. I wear them for travelling as well as in -20C. They are quick drying, hard wearing and very comfortable. I would not be able to cope without my Corey II Microfleece, I have been wearing it everyday for 3 months, It has only needed washing once which is fantastic considering some of the dirty jobs around the farm. "

You can find out more about everyday life and how to volunteer on a husky farm via a Facebook page and website - http://www.hettahuskies.com/

December Testimonial

We received this awesome email from a happy customer - just before the Christmas break.

If you have feedback, a testimonial, product review or just want to say hi to the Craghoppers team then please get in touch or email community@craghoppers.com!

"I'm writing your company today to thank you for making and selling a quality product. I'vebeen wearing Craghoppers gear for about two years now and I love it. When I purchased theKiwi Stretch Pants I read that you'll want to wear them everywhere and I thought, ya right.But it's true, I do wear them everywhere.

"I recently travelled through South America for four months and I like to say I outfitted my trip,at least most of my trousers and outerwear, with Craghoppers gear. It held up well whilehiking the 26 mile Inca trail through the rain and winds. It was also great for me when wedescended into the deepest canyon in the world, the Colca Canyon, and then ascended thenext morning. My clothes kept me dry and warm throughout. I stayed warm in Patagonia atthe Perrito Moreno Glacier and Mount Fitzroy in El Chalten. I stayed dry at Iguazu Falls. I willcontinue to buy from Craghoppers as long as you are in business, it's a quality product at areasonable price that lasts and serves well. I've attached a photo of me in my Craghoppersgear after four days hiking the Inca Trail, finally at Macchu Picchu. 

Thanks again. Thomas."