The Natural History Museum has joined forces with sustainable lifestyle brand Roka London to launch the Waterhouse Field Backpack, inspired by traditional field researcher bags.

The world-renowned Natural History Museum has announced a new collaboration with premium bag and apparel brand, Roka London. A cult favourite amongst commuters and travellers alike, Roka London has worked closely with the museum’s Licensing team to develop a new style that puts a contemporary and urban spin on the traditional ‘field bag’, often used by scientists working outdoors.

The Waterhouse Field Backpack takes its name from Alfred Waterhouse, the architect of the iconic South Kensington building which first opened its doors in 1881. Incorporating both the museum’s vision of a sustainable future and Roka London’s emphasis on recyclable materials, the backpack’s main waterproof canvas material is made from recycled plastic material (rPET). Sourced from post-consumer plastic such as plastic bottles, this collection is breathing new life into a material that is not biodegradable.

Whether users are conducting scientific research in the field or doing the usual morning commuting, the Waterhouse Field Backpack has been developed to safely stow away tools and equipment. Set to launch in early 2024, the backpack will be available in exclusive colours: Ash, Atomic Orange, Deep Blue, Flax and Moss.

Emma Russell, senior Licensing manager at the Natural History Museum, said: “The Museum has long admired the Roka London brand and its ability to seamlessly integrate fashion, sustainability, and practicality within its collections. We know first-hand how well designed and crafted its bags are and it has been a delight to work alongside the Roka London team to create a new style that suits a wide variety of lifestyles, agendas and expeditions. We’re incredibly excited to launch the Waterhouse Field Backpack and we hope our audiences will love using these bags as much as we have developing them.”

Over 5m people visit the Natural History Museum each year to see for themselves the vast collection of specimens that continue to shape our understanding of the natural world.

Peter Gough, chief operating officer at Roka London commented: “It’s an honour to partner with such an iconic museum in London with this launch which raises awareness for environmental conservation and our combined passion for sustainability.”