1972
Rohan founded by Paul and Sarah Howcroft in Airton, UK
1975
First garment was the Mountain Salopette
claimed it was first with pockets away from rucksack hipbelts
[ see images from complete 1975 Rohan catalogue, by kind courtesy of Sarah and Paul Howcroft ]
1976
first UK salopette purposed designed for mountaineering (Super Salopette)
first wind and showerproof polyester/cotton breeches
introduce Windlord fabric, claimed it to be the first iceprrof, windproof and breathable fabric
1977
introduce Pampas jacket
introduce first high stretch (60%) climbing/walking breeches (Super Striders)
1978
introduce first bi-stretch windproof jacket (Tundra)
[ see images from complete 1978 Rohan catalogue, kindly provided by David Jones ]
Peter Habeler wears Rohan Gwaihir Jacket, in Windlord fabric, during 1st Ascent of Everest without Oxygen,
1979
Two way stretch materials introduced
launched Trotters, the forerunner of Bags ("first slacks for apre mountian and all round use")
develop what they believe to be the first jacket with a slot for accommodating rucksack hipbelts
first Gore-Tex jacket with a Polyester/Cotton outer shell and lining
first Gore-Tex breeches
import the Italian San Marco line of mountaineering boots with polyurethane shells
[ see images from complete 1979 Rohan catalogue, by kind courtesy of Sarah and Paul Howcroft ]
1980
debut Bayer Dunova knitted fabric (absorbent acrylic modal textile that didn't feel wet against skin)
launch line of down garments designed and made in partnership with Italian brand, Ciesse Piumi, founded 1976
release lightweight travel pants (Bags). (will sell 1 million pair over next 30 years)
consult to Damart and develop the Goredale collection
[ see images from complete 1980 Rohan catalogue, by kind permission of Sarah Howcroft ]
1981
Paul and Sarah Howcroft in three page profile in Great Outdoors magazine. Paul outlines Rohan shop concept
clothing line expands to 21 pieces
begin using RiRi nylon zips from Switzerland
1982
release insulative garments called Dryline, using a thick Dunova terry towelling inside a poly/cotton shell
release Gore-Tex travel jackets, known as City Slickers
release Flashback microsphere reflective jackets for adults and children
Chris Townsend walks 4,000 km over 5.5 months along the Pacific Crest Trail (USA) clad in Rohan apparel
1983
redesign pockets on Bags, so front zippered security pockets can not be ripped off pants by zealous muggers
launch own retail store and mail order service out of Long Preston, North Yorkshire
launch Tu Quo Que - the magazine for Rohan users (aka Rohanists)
experimented with a ripstop version of Airlight fabric
offer loop knit Dunova sweaters and jackets, but have production and supply difficulties
offer line of Dunova socks, but also plagued by supplied difficulties
release Master jacket and pants in Gore-Tex fabric
1984
release Olfio insulated sweater, with Insuflex wadding laminated to knitted cotton/modal lining
Paul Howcroft dubs Gore-tex “a breathing fabric with suffocating service!”
offer Rohan Winter Boots: Italian made, insulated travel boots that contain no leather. (Howcrofts are vegans)
release the definitive catalogue that will "never become out of date", though it soon did.
Rohan garments profiling as ski garments in Vogue magazine
launch Rohan for kids with Chaps pants, simplified kid-sized Bags
1985
Move to industrial complex in Milton Keynes.
open second store. In Covent Garden, London.
Chris Townsend walks 179 days and 4,800 km along the US Continental Divide, clad in Rohan apparel
Boyswear range of Rohan apparel developed under name of Mille Miglia, using a motor sport theme
1986
Open four more stores
Open first Rohan franchie store in Windermere, the Lake District
Rohan sells Moulton bicycles
1987
Commemorative illustration celebrating of 25th anniversary of the Moulton bicycle show a rider clad in Rohan
Rohan Designs North America opens, under licence. A short lived experiment.
The Australian market was also investigated, but not developed
release Dryline, a bicomponent polyester wicking fabric in shirts, knitted tops and legwear linings
get out of the Mille Miglia kids line
open tenth Rohan shop
1988
C&J Clark buy a controlling interest in the company
Dunova makes a comeback, but in a blend with 35% cotton
1989
release the Classico range of smart urban wear, in Airlight Forte fabric
1993
Paul Howcroft dies in recreational motoring accident, aged 42
1996
Management, backed by 3i Group PLC (3i), arrange a company buy-in from Clarks
2001
employs 168 people with sales of £15 million, from 23 stores and 15 shop-in-shops
An investor group backed by Piper Private Equity and Baring English Growth Fund buy 3i Group’s interest in Rohan
2005
Oipolloi and Nigel Cabourn design and release a special 30th anniversary collection of Rohan inspired apparel
2008
win Best Walking Trouser in UK Walking magazine's reader survey
2009
Sarah Howcroft, original co-founder, leads a web discussion of Rohan heritage though the new blog RohanTime