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Gear Review: Craghoppers Bear Grylls Line

Backpacker went wild and bush beat Craghoppers Bear Grylls line of clothing, survival style.
Photos and text by Joe Flowers
(Our resident Bear lookalike.)
«
  • Some people like to dress up like superheroes and pretend to fly. I got to dress like Bear Grylls and pretend to survive; trouncing these threads every chance I got. Ouch!
  • On a 12-mile overnight, complete with downhill tumbles (on purpose, Bear style) in Grayson Highlands, VA, Craghoppers Mountain Jacket II held up to cold rain and wet snow, and breathability was high despite the lack of pit vents.
  • A little heavy at two lbs., this waterproof jacket works better for the car camper, bushwhacker, or Bear poser rather than long-trek hiker. But, the polyurethane-coated polyester was able to withstand a caving trip to Cave Hill, VA, and some gnarly rocks.
  • The Survivor Full Stretch Trousers (93% polyamide, basically a nylon) have a surprising range of motion, despite their heavy water- and stain-repellent material. If you, like Bear, tear holes in flimsier pants just by breathing, check these out.
  • The secure zip pockets are great, and the elasticized knees still don't have holes after 3 mo. of abuse. Order 1 size up, as all Grylls pants are a bit small in the waist. Bonus: wrinkle free and washing machine friendly. As if that matters.
  • The Trek LS shirt is made of polyamide with a snug fit, but stretch panels on the elbows, armpits, and shoulders allow easy movement. Shirts/pants are treated with bug repellent Nosilife, because as Bear says: "Don't let the bugs get the upper hand!"
  • The shirt breathes easy in hot weather, and works great with a baselayer in cold weather. Zippered pockets keep lighters, passports, and hotel cards secure while jumping over piranha-infested streams.
  • Do they hold up to the name? In my opinion, hell yes, and with a full line lifetime warranty, I wouldn't care if Lady Gaga endorsed 'em. The prices are a bit high, but Beargryllsstore.com has a sale almost every month, so hunt for the deals.
  • The Specs: <br>Bear Trek Long-Sleeved Shirt: $70, S-XXL, 10 oz. <br>Bear Survivor Full Stretch Trousers - $85.00, 30-42in, 1 lb. 1 oz. <br>Mountain Jacket II: $150, S-XXL, 2 lbs. (all weights men's M)<br> beargryllsstore.com
>
»
Some people like to dress up like superheroes and pretend to fly. I got to dress like Bear Grylls and pretend to survive; trouncing these threads every chance I got. Ouch!
Image 1 of 9

Some people like to dress up like superheroes and pretend to fly. I got to dress like Bear Grylls and pretend to survive; trouncing these threads every chance I got. Ouch!

READERS COMMENTS

Page 1 | 2

I've been to Grayson Highlands a few times but never knew there was a beach and ocean! Please share details on this hidden gem :)
— Valerie

I've been to Grayson Highlands a few times but never knew there was a beach and ocean! Please share details on this hidden gem :)
— Valerie

Good article. I enjoyed the humor and the review. I've been thinking about the pants just for fun and to tease my kids about being like bear!
— Mike

Uhh I ordered one size up and the damn things are huge. So buyer beware on that.

— J

I know that grizzlies find their "fast food" in the rivers, but Grylls looks like a real dork with that fish in his mouth...!!
— Bob Hansen

First time I've heard of someone getting larger then what they ordered J, sorry!
— Joe Flowers

I bought a pair of Full Stretch pants, fortunately at half price. The hand pockets are way too shallow and the zippered thigh pocket is only marginally useful. I should have known better than to buy outdoor clothing endorsed by some yahoo who always seems to be covered in mud. Is it a coincidence that after I posted a not complimentary review on their website that all the reviews for the full stretch pants vanished? It seems they only want gushing 5-star reviews.
— Gerry R.

Yeah, I agree that the side pockets are shallow now that you mention it. I think they are re-designing the stretch pants now though, maybe thats the reason for the review?

Valerie- Don't be fooled, those ponies in grayson highlands are half mermaid :) - We had a different picture (shot in the highlands) and it didn't look good.
— Joe Flowers- reviewer

"I know that grizzlies find their "fast food" in the rivers, but Grylls looks like a real dork with that fish in his mouth...!!"
Yeah the sad part is I look like a dork with the fish in the mouth too.
— Joe Flowers- reviewer

Bear Grylls is an idiot.
— Rock


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