The Spirit of Adventure that Shaped Rohan Continues to Guide Everything we Do: Then, Now, and Always.
Powered by the Past: How Our Heritage Still Inspires Us Today
8/14/2025
Rohan was created out of necessity, shaped by unpredictable British weather conditions, and guided by true passion for adventure in the great outdoors.
It all started with the belief that outdoor clothing could be better. Lighter, more functional, and built to adapt.
From day one, it was never about following trends, but about solving problems, challenging the norms, and staying curious enough to keep pushing forward.
Rohan's Design Manager, Alex Delong, talks us through the early days of Rohan and how innovation became an integral part of what we do.
Watch the video here:
Back to the Beginning
In 1972, Paul and Sarah Howcroft founded Rohan with one clear goal in mind: to create outdoor clothing that truly worked for the people wearing it. Disappointed with the heavy, impractical gear at the time, they believed there had to be a better way, and they weren’t afraid to ask the questions others wouldn’t. Starting in Skipton, a small Yorkshire town, their approach was pioneering. Their designs began with the demands of the activity, and built around it with cutting-edge fabric technologies, and truly functional features, to enable it to perform, protect, and last.
Their very first commercially produced garment was a pair of quick-drying mountaineering salopettes. Launched in 1975 and designed to withstand tough mountain conditions. It was a bold move that set the tone for what was to come. Innovation, and function-first thinking, that’s still at the core of everything Rohan does today.
Pushing New Heights
Just a few years after launching our first garment, Rohan was at the centre of one of the most iconic moments in mountaineering history. On 8th May 1978, climbers Reinhold Messner and Peter Habeler became the first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest without the use of supplemental oxygen. At the time, this feat was considered impossible, pushing the boundaries of human endurance and defying conventional thinking.
Worn by Habeler on this historic climb, was none other than the Windlord Gwalhir Jacket. A pioneering piece of kit that offered exceptional windproof protection, breathability, and ultra-lightweight performance. In the harshest conditions on Earth, where every gram, and every decision mattered, the Windlord Gwaihir Jacket truly delivered.
The success of this climb was proof that thoughtful design and technical innovation could enhance outdoor adventures and empower people to do the extraordinary. It was a defining moment not just in mountaineering history, but in Rohan’s story too, and it’s one we remain immensely proud of.
Changing the Game: Innovations of the 80’s
The 1980’s became a defining era of innovation focusing on the needs of outdoor enthusiasts, no matter where their adventures took them.
One of the most significant breakthroughs of this time, was the development of Airlight™, a lightweight, durable, and quick-drying technical fabric that formed the basis of the iconic Bags Trousers, which launched in 1982. Designed to be practical and packable, they quickly changed the industry, became a staple piece of kit, and have stayed in our range ever since.
This decade also introduced the Daywear Range, one of the first technical collections created specifically for travel, and everyday use. This range marked a significant shift in mindset: performance clothing didn’t need to be reserved for far-flung expeditions. It could enhance daily life too.
From early base layer developments to reflective Flashback® technology, the innovations kept coming. Standout pieces like Hot Bags, an insulated version of our best-selling trousers brought dependable warmth and comfort to cold-weather travel, making them a favourite among winter explorers. The Olfio fleece, with its exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio and easy packability, became a trusted mid-layer and a go-to for those needing reliable, versatile insulation.
By the end of the decade, Rohan’s reputation had cemented as a technical innovator and helped redefine how people dressed for a life of movement, travel, and everyday adventure.
Performance Reimagined: The 1990’s
The 1990’s saw the introduction of microfibre in garments such as the Shamal Jacket, and Ton waterproof trousers, offering protection that performed in challenging conditions. Ahead of the time, Rohan developed a test method for UPF ratings, and launched Rohan UPF rated clothing, designed to perform exceptionally well in the sun, while keeping outdoor enthusiasts protected from harmful UV rays.
Garments like the City Mac and the Classico tailored range offered a smarter take on technical wear, reflecting the changing needs of customers who moved seamlessly between city and outdoor environments.
The 1990s were also defined by the introduction of Dynamic Moisture Control™, offering a permanent wicking comfort, as well as the first use of Cordura® Naturelle, offering durability without sacrificing softness. These developments proved that style and substance could coexist, and that performance gear could support adventure both near, and far.
Continuing the Journey
Over 50 years later, Rohan’s principles remain unchanged. While today’s collections reflect a broader range of lifestyles and climates, the same question continues to guide everything we do: what do people really need from their clothing to go out and do what they love, comfortably and confidently?
Every Rohan product is still developed entirely in-house by a dedicated team. From building the range and selecting fabrics, to designing clever features and colour palettes from scratch, we keep full control over every detail. It’s a process that can take up to two years, but it ensures the end result is truly fit for purpose.
Today, our garments continue to combine technical excellence with timeless design. From waterproofs built with our own Barricade™ fabric, to insulation that doesn’t compromise on warmth, and travel-ready styles that offer comfort, function and protection in equal measure. Rohan is still made for movement, for resilience, and for the ever curious.
The journey from Skipton to the present has never been about trends or gimmicks. It’s always been about giving people what they need to thrive outdoors, wherever their path may lead.
