Rohan Stretch Bags £80

+ Breathable, fast drying, plenty of pockets - Slim fit won’t suit everyone

Today, we expect hillwalking trousers to be light, comfortable and quick-drying. But until the late 1970s, hot and sweaty wool or corduroy trousers were the norm. It was Rohan that changed the game with its Bags, originally known as Trotters and made from ‘Airlight’ polycotton. Designed as mountaineering approach trousers, walkers soon found they worked just as well for trekking and travelling. The unique design had twin front pockets and tough zips, which remain signature features of the current range. These Stretch Bags are made from supple nylon soft shell rather than polycotton. You still get plenty of pockets – four on the front, plus two zipped back pockets, one with an unusual side entry. The front pockets expand in volume via a press-stud bellows panel. The waist has belt loops, with an accessory D-ring, while the seat and knees are doublelayered for durability. The fit is slim but comfortable, though we did find that these trousers pulled slightly across the front, particularly when you put anything in the pockets. That might be because, unlike most other walking trousers with two-way stretch, Rohan’s fabric stretches top to bottom rather than from side to side. We also wish these had a gusset crotch for even greater flexibility. But those minor niggles aside, these are still practical and versatile trousers.

■ Men’s sizes 30-42in waist

■ Women’s sizes 8-18

■ Leg lengths S/R/L

■ Fabric 94% nylon, 6% elastane ■ Weight 355g (men's 34in, L leg)

Verdict

A versatile update of a Rohan classic, which work well for trekking and travelling as well as hillwalking.