Do Craghoppers make trekking poles, or just clothing?

If you are planning a hillwalking trip and your gear list includes both a waterproof jacket and a pair of trekking poles, you might naturally turn to a brand you already trust. Craghoppers is one of Britain’s most recognisable outdoor clothing names – famous for its Kiwi trousers, Nosilife shirts, and insulated jackets. But when you browse their website or visit a store, you will notice a conspicuous absence: no trekking poles, no walking sticks, no pole‑specific accessories. So, the straightforward answer is: Craghoppers make clothing – and only clothing. They do not manufacture trekking poles, nor do they offer them under their own brand. In this article, we will explore what Craghoppers does produce, why they stick to apparel, and where you should go instead if you need reliable walking poles.

Craghoppers’ Core Business: Apparel and Accessories

Founded in 1965, Craghoppers has built its reputation on durable, functional outdoor clothing for all seasons. Their product lines include:

• Trousers – the iconic Kiwi range, with stretch fabric, water resistance, and multiple pockets.
• Jackets – waterproof shells, softshells, and insulated puffers.
• Shirts and tops – including the famous Nosilife insect‑repellent fabric.
• Fleeces and mid‑layers – for warmth and breathability.
• Hats, gloves, and scarves – essential cold‑weather accessories.
• Daypacks and luggage – a small but growing selection of backpacks, duffels, and travel bags.
• Socks and underwear – a limited range of base‑layer items.

Notice that trekking poles are nowhere on that list. Craghoppers positions itself as a “clothing and travel equipment” brand, but “equipment” in their vocabulary means bags, not hard goods like poles, tents, or stoves. They have never ventured into metal‑ware or carbon‑fibre walking aids; that is a completely different manufacturing and engineering discipline, one that requires specialised knowledge of alloys, locking mechanisms, tip durability, and ergonomic grip design – areas where they have no heritage.

Why Some People Think They Might Sell Poles

The confusion often arises because Craghoppers is sold alongside other outdoor brands in retailers like Blacks, Cotswold Outdoor, and Go Outdoors. In those stores, you might see a display of trekking poles from Leki, Black Diamond, or Karrimor placed near the Craghoppers clothing rail. Shoppers might mistakenly assume that because they are in the same section, they belong to the same brand. Additionally, Craghoppers has occasionally offered limited‑edition bundles or “kit lists” on their website that include a trekking pole recommendation – but those are always third‑party products, not Craghoppers‑branded. If you search the Craghoppers official website today, the “accessories” category includes bags, belts, hats, and water bottles – but no poles. Their social media and marketing emphasise “dress for adventure,” not “gear for adventure.”

The Difference Between Clothing Brand and Gear Brand

There is a fundamental distinction in the outdoor industry between soft goods (clothing, textiles) and hard goods (metal, carbon, plastics). Brands like Craghoppers, Mountain Equipment, and Rab excel in soft goods; they have in‑house designers, fabric technologists, and supply chains for waterproof membranes, insulation, and zippers. Hard goods, on the other hand, require mechanical engineering, metallurgy, and rigorous impact testing. Few brands successfully cross over – for example, The North Face does both but has separate divisions. Craghoppers has clearly chosen to stay in its lane, focusing on what it knows best. Attempting to launch a trekking pole would require massive investment in R&D, tooling, and quality assurance, with no guarantee of competing against established specialists. It is a risky move for a mid‑sized brand, so they wisely avoid it.

What If You See a Craghoppers‑Branded Pole?

A quick search on eBay or Amazon might turn up a used “Craghoppers trekking pole” – but these are almost certainly promotional items or rebranded OEM products. Occasionally, a retailer might order a batch of generic poles with a Craghoppers logo printed on them as a giveaway or a gift‑with‑purchase. They are not part of the core range, they are not sold on Craghoppers’ own site, and they carry no warranty or technical support from the brand. If you come across one, treat it as a no‑name pole; it is unlikely to match the quality of dedicated pole brands. In fact, Craghoppers’ customer service, when asked, explicitly states that they do not offer poles and advise customers to look at specialist manufacturers.

Where to Buy Good Trekking Poles Instead

Since Craghoppers won’t help you, here is where you should turn for reliable walking poles:

• Leki – the world leader, with premium aluminium and carbon models, trusted by thru‑hikers.
• Black Diamond – known for their robust FlickLock and ergonomic grips.
• Komperdell – Austrian precision, offering both twist‑lock and flip‑lock options.
• Karrimor / Sports Direct value range – if you are on a tight budget, their Karrimor X‑Lite or Trail models offer decent entry‑level performance.
• Decathlon’s Forclaz and Quechua ranges – excellent value, with good user reviews.
• Pacerpoles – a UK favourite for their angled ergonomic grips, especially for long distances.

These brands have spent decades perfecting locking systems, shaft materials, and tip durability – exactly what you need for safe, comfortable walking.

The Final Verdict

To directly answer the question: No, Craghoppers do not make trekking poles – they are a clothing‑only brand. Their expertise lies in fabric, fit, and weather protection, not in aluminium tubes and cam locks. If you see a pole with their logo, it is an anomaly – a promotional item or a retailer’s own initiative, not a genuine product. For your own safety and enjoyment on the trail, invest in a pole from a dedicated hard‑goods brand. Craghoppers will keep you dry and comfortable in their excellent trousers and jackets; let Leki or Black Diamond take care of your stride support. Mix and match wisely, and you will have the best of both worlds – without any confusion.