Loch Lomond served as the backdrop as we tested out Craghoppers latest gear.

If you're unfamiliar with Craghoppers, then let us introduce you. Craghoppers have been making outdoor gear for over 55 years, with founders Brian Gaskin and Roy Holmes setting out in 1965 to produce the ultimate clothing for the harshest outdoor adventures. Ten years later, Chris Bonington chose the brand to manufacture the expedition clothing needed for his Everest expedition in 1975, and ever since, the brand has been committed to designing protective outdoor clothing to cope with any extreme.

Craghoppers deliver a no-nonsense approach to outdoor gear, focusing their efforts on products that protect against the elements at an affordable price. For us, this is the appeal of Crags; it's not flashy or in your face or focused on churning out overthought collabs; it's gear that works as it's needed to, and with each product coming complete with a lifetime guarantee, you can be at peace outdoors wearing it. Since 2020, close to 70% of each collection has featured recycled materials, which is a bonus for today's eco-conscious explorer.

Perhaps most notable amongst Craghopper's catalogue is the highly successful Classic Kiwi Trouser, a pair of walking trousers - featuring no less than nine pockets - that have accompanied explorers on adventures worldwide since their inception in 1996. The brand has continually refined its Kiwi range, introducing new iterations of the classic trouser, including convertible and fleece versions, and the Kiwi Pro II, which features a more streamlined cut to offer greater agility on the trail.

With so many good products on offer, we deemed it necessary to pack our bags and set off for the West Coast of Scotland to put some of our favourite pieces from the brand to the test. We began our day at the village of Balmaha on the eastern edge of Loch Lomond, complete with all the essentials for our short but steep ascent of Conic Hill, which offers unrivalled views across Loch Lomond and beyond. So naturally, we had to test out items from the Kiwi range to see how they performed. With the early morning sun hitting hard, the SolarShield fabric technology - which protects against harmful UV rays - incorporated into the Kiwi Shirt and Kiwi Pro II had us covered.

As we approached the bottom of Conic Hill and with the air cooling, we tried out the brand's award-winning Dynamic jacket. Available in both men's and women's iterations, the jacket features the brand's proprietary AquaDry membrane and boasts a breathable, waterproof design complete with taped seams for a watertight construction. That means you're ready for any downpours you may face along the way. The added layer of protection in the form of Ecoshield - a plant-based water repellent bonded onto the fabric - helps to improve water tightness and allows rain and water-based stains to bead off. We were lucky not to contend with showers during our trip but felt assured we were ready for anything with the Dynamic jacket. Other jacket features include two large chest pockets with waterproof zips, an adjustable waist and a 3-way adjustable hood fit for even the most discerning outdoor enthusiasts.

So, what's our verdict? If you're looking for great performing outdoor gear on a budget that doesn't break the bank, look no further than Craghoppers. The brand continually makes great products at prices well below their competitors without scrimping on performance. We found the Dynamic one of the best jackets on the market at its £120 price point and feel it works best for everyday outdoor use. We can't get enough of the Kiwi range and challenge anyone to name better pairs of outdoor trousers than the Kiwi and Kiwi II for the price (seriously, we'll be waiting). Crags does all the simple things right, and it's easy to see why the recent surge in outdoor culture has resulted in a wave of new consumers for the brand. Tried and tested for almost 60 years and showing no signs of letting up, we're excited to see what's next from one of Britain's oldest and most trusted outdoor brands.