The iconic Rohan Bags are the original multi-functional outdoor trousers and the blueprint for all contemporary travel trousers.
Read more…The iconic Rohan Bags are the original multi-functional outdoor trousers and the blueprint for all contemporary travel trousers.
Everything in our clothing range owes a little something to the ground-breaking inspiration behind Bags.
Bags were, astonishingly, first introduced way back in 1982. And, at the time, they caused a big impression in the active outdoor clothing market.
People told us they would never sell. Initially, because they were too futuristic. And now they tell us they won’t sell because they’re not ‘fashionable’ enough. Yet every year Bags are our best-selling trousers. (Good job the only people we listen to are our customers.)
We know of many Rohan enthusiasts who own six or seven pairs. And of people who refuse to throw away pairs that are over twenty years old – they may have been relegated to gardening duty, but they’re still giving good service and great value for money.
Lightweight and quick-drying, they also offer UPF 40+ Sun Protection*. They feature four security pockets, side expansion panels, reinforced seat and knees and, of course, our trademark accessory D-ring.
Rohan Bags are the polar opposite of today’s disposable, frivolous ‘fast’ fashions.
They just work. It was true 35 years ago and it’s still true today.
*A Note on Sun Protection
All Rohan garments which carry our sun protection icon, have been tested in accordance with recognised international standards for ultraviolet radiation protection. As a guide to the level of protection offered to covered areas, garments are awarded a rating of UPF 40+. Protection may be significantly reduced with extended wear or if the garment is stretched or wet; the reduction of associated health risks will vary with other factors such as skin type or individual medical history.
Available in a 36” unfinished leg length. Can be hemmed to desired length with iron on stick up tape provided.
Fabric:
48% Cotton, 52% Polyester
We were the original lightweight revolutionaries. Back in the 1970’s we realised that cutting weight without losing performance meant that you can take less and do more. Everything we make is engineered to achieve this.
Low pack size is a benefit whether you’re packing for a day’s walking or for the trip of a lifetime. We continually scrutinise fabric specification and garment construction to minimise the packed size of our clothing. The actual pack size is tested and listed.
All Rohan clothing is designed to be very fast drying – as much a benefit for unexpected downpours as anything else. It’s easy to wash and often needs no ironing. Almost all garments will dry overnight, meaning you can take less with you. We test every item and list its drying time.
Originally introduced in 1983, Airlight™ is the fabric that revolutionized travel clothing: it’s a classic, perfectly-balanced fusion of cotton and polyester. Lightweight, hardwearing, wind resistant, breathable and compressible, it’s easy to wash, very quick drying and feels wonderfully cool and comfortable next to the skin.
This garment has been tested in accordance with recognised international standards for ultraviolet radiation protection – and has been awarded a rating of UPF 40+. The protection offered may be significantly reduced with extended wear or if the garment is stretched or wet. Any associated UV risks will vary according to individual skin type or medical history.
Losing the odd bit or bob when you’re close to home is rarely an issue, but losing car hire keys, passport, phone or wallet becomes more important than ever in a far off land. That’s why lots of thought goes into safer pockets – deeper, zipped and hidden.
Originally introduced in 1983, Airlight™ is the fabric that revolutionized travel clothing: it’s a classic, perfectly-balanced fusion of cotton and polyester. Lightweight, hardwearing, wind resistant, breathable and compressible, it’s easy to wash, very quick drying and feels wonderfully cool and comfortable next to the skin.
This garment has been tested in accordance with recognised international standards for ultraviolet radiation protection – and has been awarded a rating of UPF 40+. The protection offered may be significantly reduced with extended wear or if the garment is stretched or wet. Any associated UV risks will vary according to individual skin type or medical history.
Losing the odd bit or bob when you’re close to home is rarely an issue, but losing car hire keys, passport, phone or wallet becomes more important than ever in a far off land. That’s why lots of thought goes into safer pockets – deeper, zipped and hidden.
To fit waist | ||||||||
Inches | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 |
CM | 81 | 86 | 91 | 96 | 101 | 106 | 111 | 117 |
Always been the number one favourite trouser choice for the Summer. Hard wearing plenty of pockets. Including security zipped front pockets for the wallet and passport. I have worn Rohan bags for years. I led birdwatching trips all over the World and they always stood up well in all sorts of conditions. Now wear them as standard Summer Wear. Being replaced in late Autumn with Winter Bags. Well made and reliable.
Have been buying and wearing Bags for over 40 years, and have never been disappointed. They are excellent
I’ve had many pairs of Bags over the years. They’re great trousers and I’m sure I’ll keep coming back for more.
The only thing I’m not so keen on is what seems to be a change in the area of the side/pocket expansion. The bellows now stop just in line with the front pocket zip, barely any distance above the press stud. Consequently, unpopping the stud seems to have minimal effect on the available volume. On previous pairs the bellows extended all the way up to the waistband, making the feature actually useful.
I still find them as good as I reported in my initial review and now 3 pairs later, 2 years on. However having worn them for serious walking I think they could benefit from some updating! I tried the stretch bags but for me too much stretch and static build up. On the other hand the poly/cotton bags which are almost perfect for me would benefit from having just 1% elastane adding to the fabric, giving them a little stretch. Then remove the bellows from the front pocket and they could have a more modern travel/walking trouser tailored cut, just a thought!
BAGS
I've been buying Rohan BAGS for years, and years, and years. They are really good, comfortable, lightweight and dry quickly. Good for working and walking.
After a few years, the stitching that secures the knee reinforcement always fails. ALWAYS!! If they know that is the weakest part and always fails first, why don't they double stich it? (I was hoping to attach a photo.)
In all that time they've been my go to trouser for leisure wear (as opposed to jeans) and travelling. And they've been excellent for both purposes. But a few years ago the design changed. Two of the belt loops were eliminated, which means that things looped onto the belt, in my case a multi-tool and monocular, won't stay in place at the side but slide round either to the front or the back. This must have saved a few pence in manufacturing, but reduces their utility (for me). Much worse, the zips are no longer as bulletproof as they were, and the material wears through quite quickly at the inner thigh. Once a justifiably premium product, but not so any longer.
Lovely pair of trousers and up to Rohans usual high standard. Worn regularly for walking, dry easily and deep pockets. My only gripe is when buying unfinished legs that I had to pay to have them altered to 33" and think this should be reflected in the price. Nevertheless I would not hesitate to buy another pair.
Bought a grey pair in the sale just to see what all the fuss was about. They do look exactly as I expected and feel a lot safer to carry stuff with the zipped pockets rather than continually checking to see if anything has fallen out of the pockets. Have to be disciplined now not to load all the pockets up to the brim.
Very light: and that was also key. We shall see how they perform in use,
On size: they are true to size which is good because there feels to be little stretch around the waistband. I have problems with all trousers tending to slip down so I am glad they have good belt loops with which I can use my usual braided stretch belts.
On fit: I like the fact that these are relatively baggy in the leg by modern standards.
I’ve worn Bags for many years, I normally wear green. My grandchildren did not recognise me on one occasion when I had grey bags on. The green was darker ( and a far nicer shade) than it has been recently. Now though there are no green bags. Now I know it’s a well known fact that you can never buy the same thing again, it’s usually more expensive and not as good. Looks like Rohan bags are going the same way. Very sad.
I bought my first pair of bags in the late 80's. They are still going strong now. The zips still function perfectly, they have faded and there are a couple of holes in them but they are fine for gardening.
I have bought two pairs in the subsequent years the last time in 2018. The Airlight material has changed over the years. That first pair I bought the material had a soft peachy feel to them. The material on my newer Bags does not have this soft feel. There is more polyester in the mix now and less cotton. My original bags from the 80's were made in the UK the newer ones are made in China. They are already showing signs of wear. The zips are very poor too. The front pocket zips in the new bags have blown-out and the others stick. The colour has faded quicker than my original pair. If they were priced about £35 I would consider buying another pair. However, I think there are now better walking trousers on the market around the £65 mark.
I am an avid cyclist with very large quads and hamstrings. These bags fit ok round waist and backside, but are voluminous on the leg. Quite the opposite of the problem I normalyl have with trousers.
I have had bags in the past that fit fine - and still do. Something must have changed.
After being without Rohan Bag for a few years I have just bought another pair. It has reminded me that they are great for travel and general wear. I bought my first pair of Rohan Bags back in 1984, since then I have had several pairs. The first pair I used as walking trousers and later found them great for travelling and backpacking. The zip pockets provide some extra security. I remember some pick-pocketing children being foiled by the zips when I was in Berlin. Personally, these days I find the Rohan Trailblazer trousers are better for walking, they offer a little more room for movement, but the Bags are good general purpose trousers for travel and everyday wear. I haven't ever tried the stretch bags, they may be a little better as walking trousers.
I have worn bags since I almost cannot recall . probably around 1987..
Wonderful and reliable , but as the years go on the colour choices become more and more conventional and 'safe'
Occasionally we get a brighter colour (gold or pimento) which are great. We do not all want black,and navy blue even tho I am 67...
Whilst i am on her I also love the popper style shirt fasteners- much better than buttons but the range is now v small. i used to love the version with the large zip breast pockets (one horizontal and one vertical) i still have one left that i only now wear when we are travelling to Sri Lanka.... Don't know when we will get back there but the shirt would still be appreciated!
Have worn bags for years and have just purchased another pair to add a different colour option to the set in the smaller size that I now take :). So comfortable, practical and hard wearing.
Some provenance. At my advanced years I've hiked for many years in several countries while my main stamping ground is the Yorkshire Dales. I've bought many pairs of hiking trousers and currently, excluding the Bags, have 5 pairs of Rohan trousers in use. I'm slim build, 32" waist, and have no problem with fit from any supplier. The Bags were bought at sale to discover why Rohan boast about them. What a disappointment. I like the colour and the waist size fits. Overall the trouser is a tight skinny fit, leaving very little room for movement and totally unsuitable as an activity garment. So skinny in fact that the 2 front pockets are unusable because access is so restricted. I'm bewildered why Rohan think so highly of this garment.
Wore them for the first time yesterday for a bit a hike and they are very comfortable trousers for that. But disappointed to see some small friction holes on the pocket obviously caused by whatever was in there rubbing on a stile or rock as I squeezed past on my walk, can't have been that tight a squeeze or more than fairly light contact brushing past as I can't even think then it could have happened.
I have had well over 20 pairs of bags and I have used them for many activities, walking, travelling, daytime etc and they are excellent for all these activities.
They are lightweight, hard wearing, quick drying and get through airport security without a problem
I will continue to buy them with other items in the Rohan range.
Thank you
These trousers are proving to be excellent for walking in all seasons, however they are especially good during hot weather. They are of exceptional quality (as with all Rohan products) with robust zips , seams and material. These trousers have more pockets than I know what to do with!
Light-weight trousers with 4 zipped pockets and a couple of others at the front. I don't find there's anything particularly special about them for day to day use in the UK, but they served well as travel trousers in a hot country, when the light weight and the zipped pockets are useful.
Love the weight, love the pockets, love the easy wear and easy wash / dry .. however :
I wore these trekking to Annapurna Base Camp and there were two major issues, the first was the lack of give in the knees, anyone who has done that trek knows there are about a billion steps and the lack of give in the knee area meant it pulled tight and was both uncomfortable and tiring.
The second issue was the middle panel of material lost all of it's colour (Rohan quickly refunded me for that pair) and looked awful, however I was stuck with them for the whole month in Nepal.
Talking to a Rohan employee in their London store it seems that they have a problem with colour-fastness with Black. That really needs sorting quickly as I noticed many models are no longer stocked in black (the world's most popular colour) !
I love the bags but would advise anyone to switch to the stretch version as during serious hiking you will need much greater flexibility in the knee area than the standard bags provide.
I cannot remember when I bought my first pair but I know I have one pair I use in the garden which must be more than 10 years old. I always used to buy 32 but now have gone to 30 and while I may be keeping fit, I think Rohan has changed their sizing.
I have purchased several of these over the years. I still have a pair and they just go on and on. I have now moved on to Escapers, but these are still outstanding lightweight everyday use trousers.