Men's Stretch Bags Softshell Walking Trousers

My go-to everyday trousers

I'm not completely convinced about calling these "soft shell" as I generally associate that as meaning "will keep off a shower" and these won't because of the DMC coating. That's not really a criticism because it means they're more comfortable in the dry (DWR coatings stop sweat spreading out to evaporate as well as stopping rain drops soaking, you choose, you lose), and if they do get wet they're still fairly comfy (much better than Bags in that respect) and dry out very fast.

The only thing that keeps them off 5 stars is the pocket gusset is smaller than the standard Bags so the popper at the hip is pretty much pointless, making no real difference if it's done up or not, but that doesn't stop them being very comfortable and very useful trousers. They're fine for a dander, I can cycle in them for up to about 40 miles and not regret not using "proper" padded cycling kit, they're smart enough for work and fine for slounging around at home.

I'd like to see a Shorts version (with the original Bags Shorts length) too, and I'd also like the rather smart purple that the ladies get!

My new Stretch Bags

Just taken delivery of my new Dark Petrol stretch bags - they are now my fourth pair of stretch bags! As with their older blue, brown and green pairs already in my wardrobe, they are exceedingly comfortable and deliver what Rohan said they would. The new Dark Petrol trousers look great when paired with my Blue Shadow Equator Shirt - so they can look smart casual as well as being great for walking and general everyday wear. I like them but four pairs is probably my limit!

Great for climbing

I was after a pair of trousers for climbing and tracking. I used them for two mornings climbing in Kuala Lumpur and they were idea as they are seriously stretchy whilst maintaining that Rohan style.

One snag is that the stretchiness means that an iPhone in the rear pocket makes it really sag. A improvement for an updated version of these would be to a less stretchy fabric in the seat area whilst maintaining agility in the leg.

Great garment with interesting drying properties

I purchased my first Rohan-wear in the early 1980s (Rohan Bags designed for rock climbers). I have recently returned from a 2200+ mile, 10 week bike packing/touring trip from Lands End to the north of the Shetland Islands. I purchased Rohan-wear for the trip because for almost four decades I have known it to (uniquely?) combine properties that are critical to me (far more than style or fashion) robustness, packability, low weight and drying speed.

The Rohan stretch bags did exactly what they were designed to do. Great for both on and off the bike. I wore them every day for most of the 10 weeks. It was not a warm or hot summer for a cyclist this year.

On the trip I discovered , for the first time in four decades, the peculiar drying properties of Rohan synthetic based garments (I took several with me) which frustrated and delighted me in equal measures. I still cannot decide whether my delight is more than my frustration or visa versa. I think it depends on the garment.

I refer to the fact that the Rohan stretch bags (and other garments) have awesomely quick drying times when I wear them. I could cycle into rain knowing that although the trousers would almost immediately wet out, they would be dry within 30 mins (or sooner in warmer weather) of the rain ending if I kept cycling. This is delightful.

What I found frustrating was that when doing a laundry session at a camp site or hostel, my attempts to quickly dry the bags or just speed up the drying of the bags (or other Rohan synthetic garments) by using the hand dryer in the gents washroom, met with total failure. At best the dryer simply forced a spray of water from the bags up into my face. I eventually gave up in trying to make these garments dry any faster than they wanted to dry, and would sometimes wear them damp (they didn’t dry over-night in a tent) knowing they would dry in 30 mins if I tolerated the evaporative cooling (it is quite cool in the Shetland islands) while cycling or going walkabout.

This is not a complaint. I assume the physics of garments means they either dry quickly one way or another, but not in every way. It would be fascinating to know more about how garments dry and how and why the drying (or non-drying) properties of Rohan synthetic garments compares and contrasts with, for example, Marino wool or cotton .. which while having longer drying times on the body or when hung out to dry, have awesomely quick drying times when shuffled under a hand dryer.

I like these trousers (for the stretch) and am considering purchasing a second pair for my next bike-packing trip, which will probably be to the Artic Circle and back. In cool and cold climates I need a second pair of long trousers to wear when one pair is still damp from washing it.

Men’s stretch bags

Bought two pairs, stone and green. They are excellent, comfortable with good stretchability and a narrower fit in the legs than regular bags. This means that they don’t flap about in windy conditions and have a fair degree of wind proofing. An excellent buy.

Very Stretchy Trousers

The Stretch Bags are incredibly stretchy trousers – the material’s mix of polyamide and elastane offers a lot of freedom when doing action-based activities such as walking on uneven surfaces or mountain trekking. At about 350g in weight they can be packed easily into a bag or suitcase, and can be washed and dried in three or four hours with no ironing required – very handy when travelling.

There are many storage options, with two zipped pockets at the front, two zipped pockets at the rear, two hand pockets and side expansion panels which offer extra storage space. Also, there is an accessory D-ring which can hold keys. The pockets hold a surprising amount of items – very functional, especially when doing a long day of hiking or trekking.

I have only had these trousers for a couple of weeks, but they seem to be very tough and durable with reinforced seat and knee panels to make these areas stronger. I used them for two days of mountain trekking in South Sulawesi, Indonesia - the material was breathable at lower altitudes where it was warmer (although at times the trousers did feel a little hot), and also provided very good wind protection in more exposed areas when higher up the mountain.

The Escapers Trousers have been my favourite Rohan trousers for a long time, and I rate them a little above the Stretch Bags. The Escapers have slightly thinner material (which is more breathable in hot and humid conditions such as in South East Asia), and they can be worn for relatively formal occasions such as restaurants and the theatre – probably not the case with the Stretch Bags as they are designed more like cargo pants.

Stretch Bags

I have two pairs (blue and brown) and because of the stretch find them a better option than the original bags which are far less forgiving. Like them a lot; just that bit smarter than my Amblers and exceedingly comfortable.

Not disapointed

comfortable pair of trousers. Good amount of stretch. I prefer these comfort wise to the original Bags. However, not as hard wearing. I wore often and used them very hard, don't look as well as the similar aged and used Bags. But I prefer these just for the comfort rate. Not a stylish option, but they are not meant to be.