Craghoppers

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."

What to pack for a winter hike

Nothing can compare to the crisp, clean winter air on a hike this season. Whether you're crossing the snowline this winter in the Peak District or the Himalaya - it's essential you have the right kit. 

The following are key items from the Craghoppers outdoor clothing range that should be top of your list when preparing for a hike this winter.

ClimaPlus Jacket
A lightweight insulated jacket that keeps you warm even when you’re wet! Incorporating Craghoppers’ high-performance hollowfibre fill, the ClimaPlus Jacket features a windproof and water-repellent ripstop face to stave off the wintry flurries. Featuring inner and outer pockets for good measure, it’s a great winter jacket.

Waterproof Stretch Trousers (Steall and Aira)
Full-stretch men’s and women's waterproof trousers you can wear all day without the relentless rustling! Craghoppers Stretch Trousers feature watertight yet breathable AquaDry Membrane construction to keep you dry and comfortable with freedom of movement for the active outdoors. These are waterproof trousers that can be pressed into action all year round.

Backpack
You need a definitive backpack that's big enough to hold a day's gear, but will happily fold down into its own stuff sack when empty. Craghoppers' brilliant Pacsac design incorporates a large main compartment together with useful side pockets and a hydration system so you'll always have a drink to hand. Padded back and shoulder straps ensure a comfortable ride!

Adventure Shock Absorber Pole
Spring into action on the rockiest roads with this high-performance anti-shock walking pole. Amazingly light, yet superbly strong, our pole takes the strain out of any hilly trek. The fabulous cork grip handle means it won’t chafe your palm and the padded, adjustable strap enables you to comfortably secure it when scrambling up the fells. It's surely the ideal pole for descents and gauging snow density.

And don't forget...Ice Axe, Mountain boots, warm socks, crampons, warm base layers and snow gaiters.

Guest Blog - Sarah in Machu Picchu, Peru.

We love Twitter especially when it helps you find hidden gems such as Sarah Robertson. We got chatting and now she's written us a fantastic guest blog about her time in Machu Picchu, Peru.

You can read more of Sara's work at footprintsofabackpacker.com but watch this space we may feature more from her soon!



"I think the importance of having good gear can only really be appreciated once you've had an experience without. The South Downs Way taught me this lesson, unceremoniously, when my 'walking trousers' were soaked until see-through by some particularly forceful English rain. And so, when planning my trip to South America, I was determined not to suffer the same fate again. As part of our trip we would be hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. For this, in particular, I wanted to make sure we had the right gear for the occasion.

"The Inca Trail is a 500 year old path, located in the Peruvian jungle. It was originally used by the Incas as a pilgrimage to the royal getaway that is the astounding Machu Picchu. The trail is only 35km long but crosses three passes and has a maximum altitude of 4,200m. The terrain is rocky, uneven and, at times, slippery. And, in October, at the time we would be walking the trail, the weather is famously changeable. With all that in mind, we had to pack extremely carefully.



"We awoke on the first morning of the trek (at a sociable 4am) and we were greeted by the sound of pouring rain. Excellent. We had four days of walking ahead of us, we weren't looking forward to the idea of spending those soaking wet. However, by the time we reached the trail head, five hours later, it was starting to brighten up. Having dispensed with the bureaucracy required to enter, we were finally there, hiking the Inca Trail.

"The next four days offered a roller coaster of emotion, physical exertion, variable views and interesting weather patterns. The second day proved to be the toughest with a climb of 1,200m up to the top altitude while the third day was the longest with nearly twelve hours of walking. As a total experience, though, it was one of the most rewarding treks I have ever undertaken and good gear choices ensured I was as comfortable as I could be.

"My Craghoppers SolarDry trousers were particularly indispensable. They were heavy enough to be warm, but light enough to not be suffocating. Their shape and the ability to convert them into shorts made them ideal for the steep terrain, especially the 'knee-killer' Incan steps. And best of all, when the rain arrived, it simply beaded up on the surface. Even after the heavier rain had pushed them to their limit and waterproof over-trousers were required, they very quickly dried off.

"The restrictions of the trail and how much I could easily carry meant that changes of clothes had to be incredibly limited. That's why my Craghoppers Nosi shirt was the ideal choice. Layered up over base layers it was incredibly warm. Thrown on in the sunshine it protected my arms from the high altitude sunshine. And after the inevitable rain, it was quick to dry while we ate our lunch. And even after four days of wearing, it didn't smell too bad!

"Some other hikers had made some more 'interesting' choices with regards to their gear. We saw people wearing leggings, woolen jumpers, converse trainers and a plastic fashion mac. We saw roll mats and sleeping bags strung to the outside of packs, left to the mercy of the rain. And perhaps, strangest of all, was the woolen backpack one woman was carrying. Many a conversation saw us talking up the qualities of our gear to envious trekkers who'd had several uncomfortable nights sleep in unsuitable, soggy clothing.

"Our arrival at Machu Picchu on the final day, after a 4am wake up call and two solid hours of walking was triumphant. Our bodies were tired, but our minds were racing as we tried to comprehend the enormity of the sight in front of us. The achievement of the Incas, to be able to build something so impressive in the middle of nowhere, is beyond incredible. As we made our way from the Sun Gate down to the ruins, the clouds parted and the sun shined down on the beauty in front of us. At that moment, to have gone through the rain, the cold, the altitude and the knee breaking steps felt entirely worthwhile. We were there, we had made it and we'd even managed to maintain a certain level comfort throughout the experience. My Craghoppers clothes will certainly be accompanying me on many adventures to come."

 

Gearing up for winter.

There's a saying we're not sure how famous it is but around Craghoppers HQ it is, "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing". Now we live in a country where the weather is more than a little unpredictable. So let's face it it's time we started living by this saying.

While the Autumn weather has still been "nice", we need to get out there and gear up for the winter, so you can get out and play. Educate yourself and be prepared for the elements. As you know we use the layering system here at Craghoppers and we use our clothing for all our outdoor activities; like walking, hiking, fell-running and more.

This is the ultimate kit list for the winter:
Base Tee
Our lightweight performance tee is our preferred base layer this winter. The t-shirt's quick-drying fabric wicks moisture away from the body to keep you warm and dry, however active your outdoor pursuits.

Mid Layer
When it comes to buying the right winter wear, this is usually one thing that gets overlooked... mid layer outdoor clothing. Craghoppers lightweight fleeces velvety pile helps to trap warm air with brilliant efficiency.

Waterproof Jacket or Shell
Our waterproof jackets, are ideal for cold-weather, those with AquaDry construction keep the rain out with ease.

Winter Lined Trousers
These warm lined trousers offer comfort and ease of movement. You’ll love the snug winter lining you can stay active outdoors all winter long. The winter-ready women’s and men's trousers feature a water-repellent finish to shrug off showers too!

 

A little bit of sunshine goes a long way!

Here in the UK we're experiencing what many are calling an Indian Summer, we've had a couple of days of great weather and it's set to continue right through this weekend. After such a rainy August and September (not that we're complaining we got to do lots of testing the newest Craghoppers waterproof jackets) we're thinking of some fun and quirky things to do outdoors.

Warning some of these may involve some (a lot!) of good humour and imagination:

Cloud Watching
Is it a dog? Is it a rabbit? Is it a king sitting on his throne, or a monkey eating an apple? Cloud watching is a fun hobby for children and adults alike. It is also one of the few hobbies that can be done without any equipment--just some spare time and a little imagination! It's a fantastic way to relax in the sunshine and it's not just cheap it's free!

http://lookintomyowl.com/susan-eder-craig-dennis-strata.html

Do homework / work outside
Got an important presentation next week? Do the kids need to learn some spellings over the weekend? Why not practice and learn while playing a ball-game or even making daisy chains. Whatever works. You're guaranteed to remember more from revising in a new setting with plenty of fresh air!~

Bird Watching
Learn about bird migration and get out there and watch some of the most amazing displays as flocks of birds gather together to head south for when the weather turns cold again.

Head to a farm
Visit a farm. Harvest time is one of the most exciting and popular parts of the year on the farm, and a visit to your local producer can be educational, entertaining, and most of all delicious.

http://matronofhusbandry.wordpress.com/

Geo-Caching

The modern equivilant of the treasure hunt players try to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using GPS-enabled devices and then share their experiences online. Simply get some co-ordinates from the geo-caching site enter them into your hand-held GPS and away you go! 

We hope you like our handful of ideas, let us know what you get up to and even sdend us some photos to community@craghoppers.com or leave a message on our Facebook wall.