Craghopper 'Bear Grylls' Nosquito Long-sleeved Adventure Travel Shirt

[Mikey P]

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.

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/Craghoppe...lls/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!!!

[Humpback]

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]

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

[reddave]

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

[philaw]

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]

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]

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).

[Zammo]

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/Craghoppe...ens/CHS268.htm

Mikey like you I too have no clue what your meant to do with the SolarDry collar.

[Graham_S]

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.

[Mikey P]

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]

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]

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/in...xt=Craghoppers

[Humpback]

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

[Simon H]

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.

[Mikey P]

Phew. I thought I was in for a right kicking when I wrote this review.

[ArkAngel]

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

[British Red]

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]

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]

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

[SimonM]

I have to jump in here - I think the shirt is bloomin marvelous!

(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 )

Seriously tho, if it wasn't for the Bear Grylls name on the left breast pocket flap, and the little red Bear logo ......

Simon

[spamel]

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.

[Rod]

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

[rik_uk3]

£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

[Aaron]

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.......

[Rebel]

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]

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.

[Zammo]

As said previously you could always just pick off the BG label, if you like the shirt but not the endorsement.

[maverick moocher]

It would appear that Craghoppers have shot themselves in the foot by having the Bear on board 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

[Mikey P]

It would appear that Craghoppers have shot themselves in the foot by having the Bear on board 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

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.

[Angus Og]

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.