Everyone wants to survive. And it's hardest in the capitalist world. So you can think what you want about Bear Grylls, but he markets himself well even in survival situations. In line with his style, Craghoppers has released a clothing set consisting of pants, jacket, and shirt. Barthel has taken a look at the "Bear Grylls Trek Longsleeve Shirt" and the matching "Bear Grylls Survivor Pants" for you. (Click on all images to enlarge.)
The first impression after unpacking is: "My goodness, this fabric is so light/thin." No wonder with ~250g for the shirt (L) and 450g for the pants (L).
Let's start with the pants:
The material used is synthetic fiber: main fabric: 100% polyamide, trim: 94% polyamide, 6% elastane, pocket lining 100% polyester. This material is extremely quick-drying, lightly wind-resistant, but provides little insulation and protection against thorns/sharp stones.
The buttons have a subtle "Bear Grylls" imprint (top right), there are also prints (left) and the label (bottom right).
But back to the pants (from bottom to top): The leg closure is not adjustable and is folded about 30mm and sewn four times, in the rear area, there is a band sewn inside to protect the material when it rubs against the heels of the pants (who doesn’t know that feeling when you keep stepping on the back). On the inside, a trim is sewn on to protect the fabric in the ankle area, where the shoes can touch each other. Further up on the knees, the slightly elastic trim is found again to protect the knees when kneeling.
Even the attached thigh pockets are nothing extraordinary: closed with covered Slotted Buttons (rather small buttons, compared to British combat pants). However, these pockets are divided: main compartment accessible via the Slotted Buttons, insert, attached pocket via vertical zipper. Inside the main compartment of the right thigh pocket, there is also a knife pocket with a fixed elastic, but no attachment options for a lanyard. The pockets themselves seem small, during operation, it is noticeable that the access is a bit tight, with Oakley Assault Gloves, you cannot reach inside because the knuckle protection does not fit in. For a "survival" pants, this is a problematic issue, on the one hand, you want to fit a lot in, on the other hand, you don't want it to fall out. But you should still be able to access it.
The zippered pocket, lined with neon orange inside (like all pockets), only holds flat items such as a notepad, ID cards, or the like.
There is also a trim on the rear to be stretchable when squatting, making it more comfortable. Unfortunately, it is quite "tight" here. The seam on the full length tore open the first time we crouched down! It is unthinkable that such a thing can happen in an emergency! Fortunately, the seam has sufficient "reserve" so that you can sew it back together and give an additional 20mm of fabric. The attached back pockets are also closed with covered Slotted Buttons. An advantage of the covered buttons is that they don't get caught easily.
The front inset pockets are also lined with orange and there is a zippered pocket on the right side for small items, keys, etc.
The pants are closed with a zipper and two buttons at the top.
Another special feature can be found at the waistband of the pants: on the one hand, it is reinforced with sturdy tape, like the leg closure, and on the other hand, the belt loops are doubled, and on each of the 4 side loops, you can open one loop with a snap button; practical for attaching a lanyard or similar without having to open the belt.
Speaking of belts: the loops just barely accommodate a 40mm Operators Belt from Tactical Assault Gear, a narrower belt is highly recommended as the loops do not seem very sturdy.
Design-wise, the pants offer some interesting and practical features. In the long-term test, however, it is revealed that (apart from the seam in the seat) the remaining seams, especially in the elastic trim area, are of poor quality, definitely requiring rework.
The material is fairly thin and designed for comfort, therefore quite robust; but not comparable to a Twill BDU or a regular field pants. The style, however, matches, and in everyday use (after mending the seams), it is very comfortable to wear. As a "survival" pants, it still has too many weaknesses in the seams and the thin material. In size "L", it corresponds to a waist size of 33" (with a flat behind) and a leg length of 34".
Onto the shirt:
Here too, synthetic fiber is used: main fabric: 100% polyamide, trim: 96% polyamide, 4% elastane in a fine ripstop weave. Pocket lining 100% polyester. This material is also extremely lightweight and quick-drying, but in terms of robustness, it cannot be compared to field shirts or e.g. 5.11 Tactical Shirts.
Here, too, the buttons have a subtle Bear Grylls logo, and there is a "Bear Grylls by CRAGHOPPERS" imprint above the left chest pocket (see image above in the article).
Trim is located on the shoulders to prevent damage from backpack straps and on the elbows, additionally, at the bottom of the shirt, small triangles are sewn in on the sides for a bit more flexibility.
The button placket is not concealed, and the bottom buttonhole is trimmed in orange, a clear plus when dressing. Anyone who has ever realized after the last button that they started wrong will appreciate this. The buttons themselves, designed as "Slotted Buttons," have an interesting peculiarity: unlike the "usual" attachment of "Slotted Buttons," the band that holds the buttons goes from bottom to top and is double-sewn on the free length.
The shirt has three pockets, all of which are closed with zippers:
Two chest pockets, where the zipper is concealed, and a left upper arm pocket with a neon orange zipper (see image). The zippers are not extended with Paracord; for better handling, this would be a useful measure.
The chest pockets are lined with orange mesh fabric inside, while the upper arm pocket is integrated into the normal base material.
All pockets are suitable in size for a mobile phone or a passport, but they do not hold much more.
On the back, orange mesh material is also sewn inside the shirt, and there is continuous ventilation, which is now standard in shirts for hot regions. A sweatband is located at the neck, and the collar can be fixed with buttons.
The cuffs are typical shirt-style with buttons and can be adjusted
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