View Full Version : Craghopper 'Bear Grylls' Nosquito Long-sleeved Adventure Travel Shirt
At the risk of being ostracised/flamed, I'm going to do a short-ish (I know, it's not like me) review of the "Craghoppers 'Bear Grylls' Noquito Long-sleeved Adventure Travel Shirt".
Knowing the raging debate and polarised opinions about Bear Grylls that we see on this site, I intend to be primarily objective about this item of clothing. All I will say is that I think there is plenty of room on TV/print media for more than one or two specialists and/or presentation approaches for the outdoor survival and bushcraft industry. So there. :D
This was a surprise birthday present for me: knowing my keen interest in bushcraft, my mum and dad got me this based on the name on the label. They paid £36 for it; the RRP is £40 but look around on the internet for better deals. I was quite suprised to receive it but set about wearing it straight away to find out whether it was a white elephant or a genuinely useful bit of kit.
First off, the one I have is in 'Moss' - somewhere between OG and khaki. If you want to see what they look like, have a gander at:
http://www.craghoppers.com/CraghoppersSite/product/BearGrylls/CHS267.htm
Initial impressions were actually pretty good: the shirt is well made, with neat stitching and buttons of the slotted kind, with what can only be described as 'narrow webbing' holding them to the shirt. These are strong fixtures and the detail on the inside of the pocket buttons includes a small patch inside to stop the webbing/stitching from snagging.
The sizing is accurate - I have a 'Large' which fits very well (5'10", medium build, 40" chest).
There is plenty of venting on the back and shoulders and the two bellows chest pockets, whilst not that large, are roomy enough for basic essentials. There is a small zipped security pocket inside the left chest pocket but, other than for small items that might fall out of the main button-up pocket, it's not really that useful. It says 'passport-sized' but it feels a little small.
The blurb claims that the shirt has a "double-fold, cooling, SolarDry collar and permanent moisture control". I have to say, I'm not entirely sure how this collar works! If I fold it up one fold, it protects the back of my neck - there is also a different material under the first fold so maybe you're supposed to wet it and get cooling effect through evaporation. If I then fold it up again...I look like Harry Hill.
The material is a lightweight ripstop (100% SolarDry Supplex Ripstop Polymide - shirt weighs 270g), impregnated with an insect repellent (hence 'Nosquito' name) that is also supposed to be antibacterial. I haven't had any insect bites in the month I've been using it but is that really a 'true' test? I'm not sure. The antibacterial claim definitely appears to work as, even though I have sweated heavily in it, it doesn't smell of BO. Top! The material is also claimed to have a high sun protection factor (UPF40+ cover). I haven't burned in it but, again, this isn't really a good objective test.
The sleeves are buttoned at the cuff but can be rolled up and secured with a button tab if you want. The shirt can be quickly hand- or machine-washed and it dries outrageously quickly! This is what they probably mean by 'permanent moisture control' - it is very 'wicking'. In addition, there are two press-studded loops near the bottom on the inside that you can use to attach the shirt to a washing line/branch/dog/whatever.
There is 'Craghopper Bear Grylls' embroidered on the top right pocket flap and a small red 'bear' logo at the bottom of the shirt. If you're that embarassed, I'm sure you could unpick the stitching...
In terms of practicality, this is a good shirt for trekking, travelling and for summer bush work. The long sleeves/neck/material lead me to believe it is designed for use in hot/tropical climate and it wouldn't be out of place for light jungle work. After only one month of wear, I can't truthfully say that it is 'hardwearing' but there are no rips or big holes and only the occasional small 'puncture wound'!
Would I recommend it? Yeah...after initial use, I would actually - it does pretty much what is says on the tin. I'm sure there are other shirts around which profess to do the same thing for possibly less money but I haven't any experience of them so I can't do a relative comparison. This is essentially a Craghopper shirt with Bear Grylls' name on it - you probably pay a few quid for that celebrity endorsement. However, is this not the same as paying a bit more for something that RM or Lars Fjalt uses (knife, firestick, shirt, Fjallraven jacket, possibles pouch, etc)? Nevertheless, I'm not sure I can say it's 'value for money' yet as I have little to compare it to and I've only had it a month.
Right, I have my tin helmet and body armour on - flame me!!! :AR15firin
Humpback
11-06-2008, 16:31
I have this shirt bought before the BG franchise and hence without the logo. Very lightweight and comfortable. I did have to trim loose strands off the stitching minor irritation. Recommend the shirt.
Alan
marshall4771
11-06-2008, 17:05
I've also got one without the BG logo, highly recommended for a travel shirt and I thought it was great value for money as I paid £10 in a craghoppers sale
Shaun
dressed in craghopper gear for a while now and even the lightweight nosquito range can take a lot of hammer. unpick the bear bit if you're shy but its still good kit
So far it sounds like the only thing wrong with it is that it's called the "Craghopper 'Bear Grylls' Mosquito Long-sleeved Adventure Travel Shirt." :)
As much as bushcrafters tend to hate consumerism, endorsements by experts do generally indicate good quality. I've never bought any of ray mears' stuff, but it all looks good.
He' s left the building
12-06-2008, 13:04
Thanks for the useful write-up Mikey!
I quite fancied trying this line of clothing, but having the name on the garment puts me off.
I emailed Craghopper about this and got this reply: '...all the Bear gear has the logo on - although it's subtle on some of the lines. Our main brand - Craghoppers - does have similar gear without the Bear branding'
So it looks like I'm sticking with my current gear.
Twoflower
12-06-2008, 13:34
Sounds like a good shirt, The one question I have would be is it still available without the celeb endorsement and if so does the price reflect the lack of endorsement (i'm a tight wad and couldn't care less if it had a life size picture of the man on the back, providing i'm getting it cheaper).
You can always go for the standard Carghopper shirt (which I have and got for £10!) however the main difference being that it doesn't have the Nosquito or Moisture Control features. However I don't think you are really paying any extra for the celeb endorsement more the features. As the BG shirt is RRP £40 yet an exact copy of this without the endorsement and Short Sleeves is RRP £35.
http://www.craghoppers.com/CraghoppersSite/product/Mens/CHS268.htm
Mikey like you I too have no clue what your meant to do with the SolarDry collar. :confused:
Graham_S
12-06-2008, 14:09
I have the trousers that go with the shirt. I was very impressed with them.
the loops at the hem are to attach to your trousers (there are matching press stud loops at the waist)
I practically live in mine.
I know there are one or two people on BCUK who threw thir teddies out of the cot over this particular celebrity endorsement, but a decent piece of kit is a decent piece of kit. It doesn't matter whos name is on it.
the loops at the hem are to attach to your trousers (there are matching press stud loops at the waist)
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh.... ....I see.
Why don't they ever issue instruction books with technical clothing?
He' s left the building
12-06-2008, 16:10
The one question I have would be is it still available without the celeb endorsement and if so does the price reflect the lack of endorsement
That was my reason for enquiry with Craghoppers, as Zammo says there is a similar shirt without endorsement, but that one is short sleeve (I really need long-sleeves for sun protection as I work a lot in hot countries) and lacking some features.
I think the BG trousers are unique and only available with the name on(?)
I tend to avoid clothing with any obvious label, especially designer labels and I really hoped that Craghopper would have the exact same gear without the name on.
I know opinions differ, but in my view the Craghoppers gear is quality cost-effective clothing and it really doesn't need a celebrity name embroidered on the pocket.
firebreather
12-06-2008, 17:11
I spotted this shirt in winfields of haslingden the other day and thought......ooohjhh that looks a nice shirt so I wandered over and saw the bear logo and cringed.........thinkingh aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhn nnnnnnnnnno!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! etcetc but the more i looked at it the more i liked it. They are selling it for about £29 instore I have not had a look online but it might be worth a look when I get the time and some spare cash. As has been said it looks a really good shirt for the money the only thing holding me back was the logo but after reading this i might just get one as the logo is very small and unobtrusive.
Greg
Ive been and had a look its here
http://www.winfieldsmegastore.com/index.asp?spc=CHS267&sch=n&pg=1&level1=&level2=&level3=&searchtext=Craghoppers
Humpback
12-06-2008, 17:37
SNIP .....
I know opinions differ, but in my view the Craghoppers gear is quality cost-effective clothing and it really doesn't need a celebrity name embroidered on the pocket.
I agree with your view entirely and have emailed Craghoppers to tell them so.
I have several Ch items some bought with BCUK's discount through Cotswold Outdoors and others at considerable saving in the Ch sale. I especially like my winter trousers which have a fleece lining and my multipocket waistcoat which has a pocket for just about anything.
Good review Mikey P
Alan
I've got a few of those shirts from before the BG endorsement and would agree they are very good. One thing to add though is that the solardry material (polycotton or whatever it's called this week) is as bad as you'd obviously expect next to a fire - a spark will go through it like fresh air.
Debenhams winter sale normally sells them off for a pittance - I got 3 for around £35 the year before last.
Phew. I thought I was in for a right kicking when I wrote this review.:twak:
ArkAngel
14-06-2008, 14:42
I went into a Craghoppers store in a retail outlet in York the other day for some new outdoor stuff (much cheaper than anywhere else, i think it's last years stuff). I saw all the BG stuff as well.
I did slightly upset the nice lady who came to ask me if she could help. I did mention that i thought Monsuier Grylls was "a disaster area waiting to happen, can't stand the bloke." so that effectively cut about a quarter of the store for me.
it does look good stuff however, i just WON'T wear the logo. So i got some of the none branded stuff and it's very very good, i would recommend it to anyone.
I did bump into a mate i hadn't seen for about 10 years as well, and yes he did have a couple of "Bear" shirts. He agreed that he prefers Raymondo over Gryllsy but obviously isn't as picky as me.
We did both agree that we can only watch "Born Survivor" for about 5 minutes before we start hurling abuse at the haunted fishtank:D
British Red
14-06-2008, 15:16
Yup that sums it up for me - at 3 for a pound I wouldn't buy them or wear them. Just can't stand the bloke and having his name on them puts me right off. I'd just rather do without than buy anything that lines his pockets
nuff said
Red
John Fenna
14-06-2008, 19:11
I am with Mr Red on this - saw them (in a very fetching Kiddy Kammo) at the NEC...walked off the stand almost weeping.....
I used to design clothing for Craghoppers (for a short time in the Good Old Days) so have a soft spot for the name.
Cummon Craghoppers, do a Roy Rodgers edition of your clothing if you want to promote cowboys!
I am actually wearing a venerable Craghoppers shirt as I write this - their clothing (even some that I did NOT design) is good so I find it sad that they are promoting a self confessed faker!
A strange old world....
demographic
15-06-2008, 10:57
I did have to trim loose strands off the stitching minor irritation.
Ahhh, so thats why Bear can't go ten minutes without stripping off, someone should tell him to trim his threads;)
I have to jump in here - I think the shirt is bloomin marvelous! :o
(This has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that my kids have just made a big show of presenting one to me for Fathers Day :rolleyes: )
Seriously tho, if it wasn't for the Bear Grylls name on the left breast pocket flap, and the little red Bear logo ......
Simon
Again, I have one of the before-Bear shirts, in fact it is verging on the small size for me, it only just fits without me looking like I nicked it from a clothing bin! Which I didn't! The shirt seemed pretty good to me and I have been looking for a larger sized one ever since. Unfortunately for Grylls, I am with Red when I say I won't wear kit with his name all over it. I cannot watch Born Lia....ahum.... Survivor for a nano second, let alone five minutes! I feel that I would be a hypocrite to wear his branded clothing.
Sorry Crags - you've lost a customer. Won't by anything that blatantly advertises any one individual. Sadly esp BG. Least I didn't say "jehovah!" ;)
Helloo 5.11 :cool:
£30 or more for any shirt is a lot of money, they will all get wet, get torn, wear out etc, don't matter what label is on it:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
By the standards of the generally overpriced outdoor clothing market £30 aint that much - 5.11 shirts are more than that..... you wont get much for less except army surplus stuff, which is fine, except if you wear too much of it you begin to look like a bit of a nutter.......
I'm another one with a "pre-Bear" version of the shirt. I don't recall how much it cost but I got it in TK Maxx for less than 15 quid. It's a really nice shirt IMO.
I saw the BG version in Blacks and although I thought it was still a good shirt I don't think I could bring myself to wear a shirt in public that endorses this man. His name is very obvious on the shirt, maybe if it was a discrete "BG" hidden in a corner somewhere I could live with it, but it has a big "BEAR GRYLLS" embroidered right across the top pocket. I could be wrong but I think the RRP on the endorsed shirt is about a tenner more than the original.
Even reduced to clear for 12 quid in TK Maxx I don't think I could bring myself to wear an endorsement of BG even though the actual shirt is good.
dommyracer
15-06-2008, 23:57
For those that like the shirt but don't like the BG branding, there's a lot of previous season's Craghoppers gear in TK Maxx right now.
One I was in the other day had the nosquito trousers, shirts, and loads of Kiwi stuff for about half RRP.
As said previously you could always just pick off the BG label, if you like the shirt but not the endorsement.
maverick moocher
21-06-2008, 18:02
It would appear that Craghoppers have shot themselves in the foot by having the Bear on board :o shame as the kiwi trousers are still some of the best around and are very popular. The BG stuff will still be popular with townies and caravaners though :D
It would appear that Craghoppers have shot themselves in the foot by having the Bear on board :o shame as the kiwi trousers are still some of the best around and are very popular. The BG stuff will still be popular with townies and caravaners though :D
Well, to summarise, it looks like I have got myself a well-made, well-designed shirt, that will be excellent for being out and about in the Summer.
However, I need to work on my camouflage skills to ensure that none of you lot find me or I could be in for a kicking. :D
Angus Og
22-06-2008, 11:20
Is the Craghoppers site working I cant seem to order anything from it, try and pick a size and colour and nothing happens.
Only the BG stuff seems to work.:eek:
Angus Og
22-06-2008, 11:27
Is the Craghoppers site working I cant seem to order anything from it, try and pick a size and colour and nothing happens.
Only the BG stuff seems to work.:eek:
Working now :o
maverick moocher
22-06-2008, 16:48
Well, to summarise, it looks like I have got myself a well-made, well-designed shirt, that will be excellent for being out and about in the Summer.
However, I need to work on my camouflage skills to ensure that none of you lot find me or I could be in for a kicking. :D
By amazing coincidence I'm in Dorset next week, so I may bump into you (or not!! ) Don't worry though, by buying the shirt you automatically aquire all of the bear's concealment skills from when he was in the "special forces" :cool: :AR15firin :eek:
Have fun mate :D
By amazing coincidence I'm in Dorset next week, so I may bump into you (or not!! ) Don't worry though, by buying the shirt you automatically aquire all of the bear's concealment skills from when he was in the "special forces" :cool: :AR15firin :eek:
Have fun mate :D
.... ....... .............. ..... ....... .......
[can you see me yet?]
ArkAngel
23-06-2008, 20:05
.... ....... .............. ..... ....... .......
[can you see me yet?]
Yeah you're the one with your head stuck out of a Travelodge window pretending to be a "Born Survivor"!:slap: :buttkick: :twak:
maverick moocher
23-06-2008, 22:06
Nah Premier Inns mate, Has anyone seen Andrew Price's A-Z mickey take.I love this.http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1209614/az_bushcraft_bg_for_bear_gryll s_survival/
Andrew......:You_Rock_
Yeah you're the one with your head stuck out of a Travelodge window pretending to be a "Born Survivor"!:slap: :buttkick: :twak:
Doh! Spotted. :(
Found a link to a company selling this shirt pre-BG endorsement, for £29.
http://www.wildday.co.uk/ProductDetail.aspx?id=5817
They're £25 at Cotswold. (With the BG logo)
I don't think this is the same shirt but the short sleeved t shirt from Craghoppers with the BG design on the front is for sale for £10 in MacKinnon Mills at Coatbridge. This is the Edinburgh Woollen Mills factory/ frachise type warehouse store.
Perhaps of more interest:
The £35 Craghoppers trousers (kiwi?) are at £17.50 and the shorts for £19. The zip apart leg ones are at £20. All Craghopper fleeces are half price too.
Good range of colouurs and sizes available.
Guess where I was shopping yesterday ? :o
cheers,
Toddy
p.s. Usual disclaimer, no connection to the store.
They're £25 at Cotswold. (With the BG logo)
Yeah but most on here will not wear them with the BG logo.
They're £25 at Cotswold. (With the BG logo)
I'd rather serve up my liver with a dish of onions that endorse that son of a politician.
By the way, I hate onion and I'm not keen on eating my own liver either. :tapedshut
British Red
28-06-2008, 22:56
I too would rather serve up Waylands liver with a dish of onions..........:D
I like onions (but don't like offal however tender)
Red
Give BG a break! He needs some way to afford 5 star accommodation when he makes his next series of Born Survivor...
To be fair to Craghoppers, it did look like BG was wearing their kit in at least some of the episodes, which kinda suggests the sponsorship/deal was done before they was filmed, hence they couldn't be expected to know how he'd gone about doing it or exactly what it would contain.
Having a pair of the pre BG Nosquito pants I've been hoping to get a cheap Nosquito shirt, so just ordered one from Cotswolds.
I guess next time I'm hungry in the Sahara I can unravel the pocket logo, make a line and using the red BG flash as a lure, wait for the sun to rise, then sprint over to the nearest mirage to catch me Kraken for supper.
wildrover
10-07-2008, 00:34
I don't think this is the same shirt but the short sleeved t shirt from Craghoppers with the BG design on the front is for sale for £10 in MacKinnon Mills at Coatbridge. This is the Edinburgh Woollen Mills factory/ frachise type warehouse store.
Perhaps of more interest:
The £35 Craghoppers trousers (kiwi?) are at £17.50 and the shorts for £19. The zip apart leg ones are at £20. All Craghopper fleeces are half price too.
Good range of colouurs and sizes available.
Guess where I was shopping yesterday ? :o
cheers,
Toddy
p.s. Usual disclaimer, no connection to the store.
Interesting I live quite close to this place.
Thanks for the heads up. I'd normally steer clear but I'll check this out tomorrow.
Craghoppers have already reduced a load of the BG endorsed items, including the trousers to £30. Looks like BG will have to slum it in a 4 star hotel for his next series.:D
Glad to see i'm not the only one who's upset the Craghopper staff at the outlet village Arkangel:lmao:
I like the Craghoppers range, they're very good and do what they say on the label - within reason, and witht he discount store at the outlet village in York you can pick up a bargain.
However i detest BG with a passion and haven't bought anything with his name on it. I'm all for consumarism, but i draw the line at having that idiots name on my clothes - i'd feel a dick :p
However, a very good write up and i'm even tempted to go out and buy one based on your review.
They've even reduced the prices on his named gear at Blacks in York!!!
The big Blacks shop in Northampton, where the Blacks company HQ is, has also dropped prices on its BG product range................interstin gly the shelves of the BG collection seem to be very full compared to other sale items.
Nah, I would'nt eat Wayland liver with onions even if served up with a fine Chianti.
John Fenna
10-07-2008, 15:06
I would take the wine though....
Angus Og
10-07-2008, 15:31
I got a catalogue through the door this morning and there is a sale on till the 31 August 08, but some of the discounts are not on the web site. If you are going to order stuff maybe best to phone and ask them.
jackmcmanus21
10-07-2008, 16:04
Craghoppers have already reduced a load of the BG endorsed items, including the trousers to £30. Looks like BG will have to slum it in a 4 star hotel for his next series.:D
haha "slum it"
reason, and witht he discount store at the outlet village in York you can pick up a bargain.
However i detest BG with a passion and haven't bought anything with his name on it. I'm all for consumarism, but i draw the line at having that idiots name on my clothes - i'd feel a dick
Good. We can both feel dicks together. (k-yuk, k-yuk)
I would take the wine though....
Figures.
I'll crack a bottle at the Moot.
woodstock
12-07-2008, 21:13
I'd rather serve up my liver with a dish of onions that endorse that son of a politician.
By the way, I hate onion and I'm not keen on eating my own liver either. :tapedshut
Is your liver up for grabs if you don't want it can I have it :D and what can be said about BG I think he has done for the corp what Robert Mugabee has done for tact and diplomacy
Graham_S
14-07-2008, 01:15
So the argument is not whether the clothing is actually any good, but rather what name is embroidered on it.
The fact that it's well made clothing from a brand that has made good stuff in the past, with good features doesn't matter. The only thing you are basing your opinion on is the label.
That's a little shallow don't you think?
I'm sorry, but I think a few people around here are taking themselves a little too seriously.
Life is too short.
John Fenna
14-07-2008, 08:49
Figures.
I'll crack a bottle at the Moot.
Figures - I wont be there!:D
Off on exped in South Africa (again!):rolleyes:
Figures - I wont be there!:D
Off on exped in South Africa (again!):rolleyes:
Nice, nice.
So the argument is not whether the clothing is actually any good, but rather what name is embroidered on it.
The fact that it's well made clothing from a brand that has made good stuff in the past, with good features doesn't matter. The only thing you are basing your opinion on is the label.
That's a little shallow don't you think?
I'm sorry, but I think a few people around here are taking themselves a little too seriously.
Life is too short.
Not really, most of us have been having a light-hearted laugh about it and do recognize that the kit itself is good but we don't want to be seen to endorse Bear Grylls.
Would you want to be seen wearing a t-shirt that endorsed somebody you disapproved of or didn't suit your image in public places?
clcuckow
14-07-2008, 17:53
Most of my walking cloths are Craghoppers in fact I am sat here at work warring a pair of zip off kiwi's and a fleece jumper as I type, I am a big fan. I have also got one of the pre BG nosquito travel shirts, the one with the zip off sleeves, and it is always the first thing I pack for holidays. It is just so cool and as mentioned in the review it dries ridiculously fast.
It is worth noting the craghoppers upto 50% off sale is on at the moment so a lot of the retailers are pass on the discount's as though it is there own sale;)
Also if you are in the north west, I popped into Windfields today (it was cold in the office and that fleece I said I was wearing was not what I left the house in :D) and they have a load of craghoppers (and others) in the sale area.
I have a couple of these
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=250267482730&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=015
All we are talking about is a shirt, no more, no less, they all wear out, they all get ripped or torn, I just can't get my head around all the nonsense talked about a shirt, regardless of make:(
Wallenstein
14-07-2008, 19:49
Would you want to be seen wearing a t-shirt that ... didn't suit your image in public places?
I don't really have an "image" that I worry about, and once I'm in the woods I'm even less bothered ;)
A shirt's a shirt.
woodstock
14-07-2008, 20:12
Has it altered the price of the garments since his logo was added I know if you have a look at the differnce in price between say TFG cammo gear mossy oak etc no 2 are the same
Spikey DaPikey
14-07-2008, 20:48
Buy the gear, and just unpick the Grilled Bear name on it ;)
...............the kit itself is good but we don't want to be seen to endorse Bear Grylls.
Would you want to be seen wearing a t-shirt that endorsed somebody you disapproved of or didn't suit your image in public places?
Personally I don't like logo festooned t-shirts or clothing, you are effectively paying them for the privelege of advertising them or their product. Would Bear Grylls wear a t-shirt with anyone of our pictures or names on it, unless he received a large splodge of wonga??? Its like Beckham, I don't wear a shirt with his name on it and he does'nt wear one with mine on it........an amicable agreement.
Added to which I don't like Craggies either, not that I hate their or anything I have tried their kit but it just does'nt feel right for me personally I wear other gear.
combatblade1
15-07-2008, 23:06
Well put Alex, i actually like craghoppers gear i also like a lot of other outdoor clothing manufacturers but i think they have made a mistake that by thinking that putting someones name on it they would sell more. I am not a big fan of the Bear gryllis programmes not my cup of tea, i do however like Ray mears but i certainly wouldnt buy clothing with his name on it.
Personally I don't like logo festooned t-shirts or clothing, you are effectively paying them for the privelege of advertising them or their product. Would Bear Grylls wear a t-shirt with anyone of our pictures or names on it, unless he received a large splodge of wonga??? Its like Beckham, I don't wear a shirt with his name on it and he does'nt wear one with mine on it........an amicable agreement.
Added to which I don't like Craggies either, not that I hate their or anything I have tried their kit but it just does'nt feel right for me personally I wear other gear.
Spikey DaPikey
16-07-2008, 10:46
No-squit-o shirt sounds more fun :D
*runs*
Silverback
17-07-2008, 13:54
Does anyone know if Crags do sizing above 46" chest which is supposedly their XXL - I like the style of some of their range but the sizing is ridiculous :(
I have recently got back from a little 'break' in Borneo where I used this shirt. It was pretty good but I do have one niggle about the sleeves. When rolled up and the wearer is sweating like there was no tomorrow (as I was), the sleeves tend to sag as though coming undone. This is not a major failing but did become quite annoying as the day progressed. My other 'wet' shirt was a Royal Robbins one bought many years ago which was actually a great deal better - no sleeve agonies and a better, more comfortable (less slippery) fabric to wear. In spite of the synthetic fabric of the shirt, I was not best impressed by its drying time. My Fjallraven poly-cotton trousers dried quicker than the shirt! Maybe our Teddy Grylls didn't try the gear out in jungle/tropical/dipterocarp forest conditions...
Back home, the shirt is comfy to wear, so I think I'll give it a muted two cheers and think twice before taking it to the tropics again.
looking around for shirts I bought the Ch BG Nosquito Laredo Long-Sleeved Shirt and Nosquito Lite Long-Sleeved Shirt - liking everything but the logo.
Tried picking it off - disaster
Then I tried sewing 10mm black elastic tape over the logo - and hey presto a neat and useful modification - I doubled the tape and sewed the edges and the middle to produce two 'loops' which happen to fit a tea spoon (carved of course) and pen.
I did the same to the Sherman Gilet
So why buy these items - I tend to run hot and do not like fleece unless it is V cold. I recently tried all the kit on a woodlore camp craft course. Day 1 wore a T shirt - this is just not comfortable for doing lots of work and walking through scrub. Day 2-5 wore the Laredo and Nosquito and these were extremely comfortable - sweated like a pig chopping down trees, limbing, them, sectioning them and dragging the timber around - this was awr swinging work with axes and the shirts felt comfortable at all times - even after being drenched in sweat they dried incredibly quickly leaving me comfortable and dry. I wear a lot of spandex stuff for competitive rowing - and these shirts performed way better.
Other participants commented on how useful the retaining loops were as i was always tea spoon at the ready!
I also used the Nosquito trousers - which were very light and comfortable (would nto be good in the cold) but they have no washed up well - holding onto the dirt and badly marked from axe sharpening slurry!
Would throughly recommend the modded shirts!!
I agree with Tiley about the sleeve issue - but for me it was just a bit of a wardrobe malfunction, and never interfered with my active use of the shirts.
James
Thought I would add my comments to this thread.
I am not to fussed about labels and who they link to, having used crag kiwi trousers for some years and found them excellent I thought I would give these shirts a try, also they were half price in cotswolds).
I bought 2 shirts, and used both for about 7 days in total each. The first half of which was on the week long woodcraft course and the second on a paddling trip in Sweden. Both shirts were left in a bin in a hotel room in Sweden at the end of my trip due to them falling apart!
Both shirts wore thread bear in very quick time and also the stitching gave way in the arm pit. Normally I would have kept them and returned them to crag hoppers but having recently returned a pair of BG trousers that had stitching fail on the cargo pockets after getting snagged up and only having had them sent back to me saying they do not have the facility to process this item a decided to bin them.
In conclusion at even half the recommended price they are not worth the money! :(
erm... soryy if i;m wrong, but has anyone asked if it's mosquito replency works??? some of us poor'uns suffer alot from these buggers.
If the mozzy replency works then i'm willing to fork out the extra tenner
I did watch a few mozzies land on the shirt, try and stick me then flew away rather sharp ish if that helps! Still needed a head net though
He' s left the building
24-01-2009, 11:37
You could also use permethrin liquid on your usual clothing, one application lasts two weeks: http://www.travelpharm.com/index.cfm/malaria/Products.Details/product_id/484/subject/clothing_treatment_permethrin_ nomad_100ml
I've used it myself in Central American rainforest, nothing comes within inches when you've just applied it, after a couple of weeks mossies will land very briefly and then fly off without biting through the shirt, then performance tails off and you know it's time for another application.
Good for mossie nets and clothing.
erm... soryy if i;m wrong, but has anyone asked if it's mosquito replency works??? some of us poor'uns suffer alot from these buggers.
If the mozzy replency works then i'm willing to fork out the extra tenner
I wore a nosquito top and bottoms during down time in iraq, after having them sent out. and i must say that yes i do think that they work, and very comfy too even in high dry heat. i have worn CH for quite a while and i think the're ace, i recently bought a pair of the cargo expedition trs with the aquadry water proof system and can't recomend them enough, V comfy wind and water proof but because of the boot cut style here is enough air flow to keep the inside from ever feeling damp even when hill walking at a good speed,
and to be honest iv'e never cared about labels/endorsments, if it works for me then great.:)
Scots_Charles_River
09-08-2009, 16:44
There are some good deals on shirts and rucksacs just now.
http://www.beargryllsstore.com
Bothwell_Craig
09-08-2009, 17:12
I bought the trousers and jacket, mainly as a lightweight camo working gear for photography / nature watching (and also because I got a good deal on it when on holiday)
I have worn the trousers on a week long camp in a pretty midge infected hell hole and got no bites on my legs but wore my kilt on the last night and the bloody things chewed me through my wool socks!!
I like craghoppers gear. I use a pair of their heavier canvas trousers for Forest School and Scout activities and have never had a problem with them, they're pretty tough. I wouldn't want to use bears camo trousers anywhere near a spark though. They do, however dry out quickly which was a bonus this week!
I came across these guys recently who knock out Craghoppers gear at good prices.
http://www.marshallleisure.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=24
Worth a look, no connection etc etc
Bothwell_Craig
09-08-2009, 20:08
I came across these guys recently who knock out Craghoppers gear at good prices.
http://www.marshallleisure.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=24
Worth a look, no connection etc etc
Thats where I got mine!
swampy99
10-08-2009, 10:25
the loops at the hem are to attach to your trousers (there are matching press stud loops at the waist)
.
This is what I thought when I got mine and I too live in the stuff as I find it is good BG or plain.
I contacted CH and they say they are just drying loops as the shirt kept popping off the trouser studs.
All the new shirts now seem to have the loops in a different material with DRYING LOOP stitched to it. This is great as the local magpies seem to nick all the pegs off my washing line.
And you can take it off, wring it out and do a back flip into the mangroves.
Brown Bear
23-10-2009, 15:08
I have the trousers that go with the shirt. I was very impressed with them.
the loops at the hem are to attach to your trousers (there are matching press stud loops at the waist)
I practically live in mine.
I know there are one or two people on BCUK who threw thir teddies out of the cot over this particular celebrity endorsement, but a decent piece of kit is a decent piece of kit. It doesn't matter whos name is on it.
I beg to differ. I read the label that came with my shirt and it says the loops are for hanging the shirt on a line to dry without needing pegs. I guess the trousers have the same feature.
Feel free to attach you shirt to your trousers though. We won't tell anyone.
About a year ago I asked Craghoppers what the loops where for on my shirt and, as you say Brown Bear" they are for hanging your shirt up to dry.
They are on some Nosquito travel pants that I have as well. Quite handy if you want to rinse out your gear and hang it on a tent rope or a hotel towel rail.