South African wildlife photographer Wim van den Heever was recently awarded Wildlife Photographer of the Year by London’s Natural History Museum - one of the most coveted honours in the photographic world, often described as the Oscars of wildlife photography.
Through his company, Tusk Photo, Wim leads photographic safaris across the globe, from the icy Arctic to the African savannah and everywhere in between. Constantly on the move, he faces every kind of terrain and weather nature can throw at him. That’s why, when it comes to travel and gear, comfort and protection are non-negotiable.
We caught up with Wim to chat about the gear he relies on most and why Craghoppers has become his go-to for life in the wild.
“The simple answer is that it’s the most comfortable clothing that gives me the most protection one can imagine,” says Wim.
“With UPF 50 sun protection and insect-repelling NosiLife technology, I get the peace of mind I need in environments where malaria, ticks, and other insects can be a real threat.”
For Wim, it’s not just about safety, it’s about staying focused on the moment, not the discomfort.
“The NosiLife Pro III LS Shirt and Nosilife Pro II Trouser are incredibly breathable. They look professional, but they’re also built for movement - whether I’m kneeling, crawling, or hiking through dense bush.”
Craghoppers’ lightweight, stretch fabrics make long hours in extreme heat more bearable and keep him comfortable in challenging environments.
“They also look great, it elevates my overall look as a professional in the field while still being practical and functional.”
“When I travel, space and weight are limited. I love that I can wash my Craghoppers gear in my room, hang it up using the built-in drying loops, and within half an hour it’s dry and ready to wear again. No ironing needed.”
For a photographer who often works in remote locations with strict baggage limits, easy-care clothing is essential.
Wim’s adventure essentials, trusted from the Arctic to the Okavango:
🧭 Clothing & Accessories
🎒 Travel - Gura Gear
“These are the pieces I never travel without. They’ve been with me everywhere — durable, lightweight, and ready for any expedition.”
Whether you’re photographing lions in the bush, hiking remote trails, or simply exploring new places, Craghoppers offers comfort, protection, and performance trusted by those who live for adventure.
Explore Wim’s Picks → https://craghoppers.co.za
