22nd May 2025
The Evolution of Rohan Bags
The legacy of Rohan Bags. Revolutionary design, lasting performance, modern evolution.
22nd May 2025
The legacy of Rohan Bags. Revolutionary design, lasting performance, modern evolution.
The Trousers That Changed Outdoor Gear Forever
When we launched Rohan Bags in 1982, they were met with scepticism. Too lightweight. Too many pockets. Too unconventional. And yet, that’s exactly what made them revolutionary.
Designed as the original multi-function outdoor trousers, Bags redefined what travel and adventure clothing could be. They were created with purpose. Every panel, pocket, and feature were designed with a deep understanding of what outdoor enthusiasts truly need: performance, functionality, and durability, in a lightweight, compact form.
It’s no surprise that when they first launched, we proved their packability by fitting them into a standard soft drink can. A bold campaign known as ‘Rohan Can’. It was a statement of just how light, compact, and travel-ready they really were.
More than 40 years on, Rohan Bags remain a cornerstone of our range, not just because they were first, but because they continue to deliver. Their enduring design includes four secure pockets, reinforced seat and knees, side expansion panels, and our distinctive accessory D-ring. Lightweight, tough, quick-drying, and offering UPF 40+ sun protection, they’ve been tried and tested in every environment imaginable.
While the original design has stood the test of time, we’ve evolved with the world around us. The way we travel has changed. The places we go and how we explore them has shifted. So, Bags have adapted too.
Our destinctive D-Ring
Our Bags have four secure zipped pockets
Versatile trekking Stretch Bags with zip-off options
Classic Bags design continued through the range
Left to Right: Stretch Bags Zip Offs (Women's), Stretch Bags (Men's), Winter Stretch Bags (Women's), and Bag Shorts (Men's).
Our Stretch Bags offer added elastane for greater freedom and comfort during more active pursuits.
For warm climates, we introduced Bag Shorts with the same performance and comfort, in a shorts design for hot-weather adventures.
When facing changeable conditions, the Stretch Bag Zip-Offs let you quickly transform your trousers into Men’s Shorts, or Women’s Capris making them ideal for adapting on the move, without missing a step.
When the temperature drops, Winter Stretch Bags, insulated with our advanced Insuloft™ technology, provide reliable warmth without compromising mobility. Built for cold-weather adventures that don’t stop for the season.
We’ve also expanded the colours, from blackberry purple, to red, or blue, offering more choice without compromising performance. In fact, over the years, we’ve offered Bags in more than 50 different colours, ensuring there’s a style to suit every adventure, wardrobe, and personality. Today’s Bags can be part of your hiking kit, or your city break wardrobe, ensuring comfort and performance fit for both rugged treks and everyday travel.
Over the years, the Bags range has seen many iterations, each reflecting the evolving needs of our customers. Styles such as Epic Bags, Easy Fit Bags, Base Camp Bags, and Action Bags were once key members of the Bags family. While these styles are no longer in the range, they remain an important part of the story, reminding us of how Bags have continuously adapted over time.
Where other outdoor gear can feel seasonal or trend-driven, Rohan Bags are timeless. They’re the opposite of today’s fast fashion, and have been designed to last, to perform, and to go the distance.
So, if you're packing for your next journey and need gear that’s built to adapt, to endure, and to support you every step of the way — Rohan can.
Shop our favourite trousers from the Bags range: