British army bergen packs


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They call me Poppy....
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Can someone educate me on these packs. I am thinking about trying one for fun and I was curious how it would ride on a tall person's frame? Thanks
 
They are meant to ride on top of webgear. Even at 5’6” the long back almost does not fit as a regular pack sitting on your hips. I the latest Vitrus made pack may or may not be the same but I have not tried one yet
 
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Well, that's a definite no go then. Thanks
Bergen is a general term for a ruck with the Tea Cousins. Bergans (the original maker of Bergens) does make several models that fit tall folks and are designed to be worn just like regular backpacking packs with a belt. These are mil packs. So overbuilt and heavy duty.
Out of all the bergans I had loaner Saracen. Made by LOWE PRO. Awesome pack. Heavy but worked miracles in the winter.
 
I have a 80s dpm plce shortback with the zip off rocket pouches. It's pretty big. I really like it. But it doesn't fit like a hiking pack,resting on the hips,but more like a day pack fit ,hanging from the shoulders. Sorry mo pics.
 
I have a British DPM long-back model. Huge. Heavy. (6 lbs empty!) But it's my ride or die.
This thing is Bombproof! It won't fall apart, and will probably outlast you. I'd put it on a little cart if I had to, I like it that much. Get one, if you can even find one. Fun fact; I paid $30USD and the shipping was $40! Worth every penny!
 
Bergen is a general term for a ruck with the Tea Cousins. Bergans (the original maker of Bergens) does make several models that fit tall folks and are designed to be worn just like regular backpacking packs with a belt. These are mil packs. So overbuilt and heavy duty.
Out of all the bergans I had loaner Saracen. Made by LOWE PRO. Awesome pack. Heavy but worked miracles in the winter.
I have a Saracen. Pretty bombproof pack. Mine is plain od. It's quite a useful size.
 
hello,
@santig tea cousins I like :p lick it!! @Fink Quality Army Bergen Backpacks for Sale | GoArmy — Goarmy The "Bergen" large rucksack in the British Army has its origins in Norwegian designs used by mountaineers & hikers in Bergen, Norway. Adapted by the British during WWII from the Norwegian Resistance. :):44:
Regards
David
David,
did you ever used the issue external pack? 70s-80s ? Believe it was an arctic thing. My bud used to rave about them. Thought that the rest was POS.
 
hello,
@santig these Bergens are very rare & if anyone has one, you'll have to prize it off their cold dead bodies :46: (that good). There was a customised shortened H frame version which was adapted for the Royal Navy's Special Boat Service. The Bergen specs, "BODY, RUCKSACK, ARCTIC, CT2A/1670, CQC (insert date of issue) 8465-99" the frame should have a similar stamp "KARRIMOR (insert date of issue) 8465-99. The Bergen is in two parts, the rucksack/Bergen & its frame. The frame is made from lightweight but strong aluminium & is of an 'H' pattern. The frame is made by Karrimor & is dated (insert date of issue), the frame has a large bracket at the bottom which is designed to accommodate the old Army issue Arctic sleeping bag aka the "Prince of Wales three feathers" sleeping bag (Squaddie humour). The "Bergen" itself is made from a very strong dark green butyl laminate nylon, much better quality than the coated nylon used on the GS bergens, the large main compartment features a drawcorded waterproof gaiter, a zipped front pocket, two large side pockets which can be folded flat & secured with press studs, & a very generous lid with a zipped pocket. There are loops for attaching kit & utility straps on the lid & the front of the bag. The side pockets are stitched to the main bag in a way that allows skis to be slotted down behind them, & there are small sewn straps to the lid & the front pocket for securing ski poles or shovels. There is a plastic stiffener inside the back of the rucksack & there are also padded sections for support & comfort, there are comfortable wide shoulder straps & a very durable waist belt that attaches directly to either the frame or the pack itself, when you want to use the bag without the frame. CQC is a world leading British based manufacturer of textile products with a long-standing history in design, development & production for the defence market.
Since 1948, CQC has provided high quality, robust, military personal equipment to the UK Ministry of Defence.
Thanks to a R.M British Veteran of "Fower Three" 4-3 Commando for the Bergen's specs.
Regards
David
 
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