British Army DPM Bergen │ Infantry Bergen │ Bombproof Rucksack

[@Someloke8895]

I have an identical one, bought some 14 years ago for 40 quid, second hand, from a Surplus store. I love it, it has been my constant travel companion for the last 8 years and I have lived out of it (on a technical standing) for the last 4 years. I will never get rid of it, as it has been an integral part of my life and holds a lot of sentimental value and also a lot of memories. Highly recommend these Bergens, you can pretty much do anything to them and they survive. (Mine has survived Airports, my own body weight, being dropped, being thrown, rivers, the sea, my ex wife (just))

[@ragnarrthorsen2792]

I go army surplus all the time. I've had expensive branded kit, and inevitably they failed. I have one of these bergens, does everything I need with spare capacity. Brilliant bit of kit. I use pouches for water.

[@danielwhite4205]

Got given one of these the other week and I love it. Mine has the two side pockets as well and is from 2003 and still in great condition.

[@aegg9915]

I was issued one from 1989 during basic training in 2019

[@adamhideghety5612]

@@aegg9915 ???? what do you mean ?

[@aegg9915]

@@adamhideghety5612 The Bergen I was issued in 2019 was 40 years old

[@24165693]

Good reply regarding the Camo Clothing. I am Ex Army, and often get questions fired at me as to why I still wear military gear. Simple... there is nothing better, more durable, simple to care for, and because I do Wildlife Photography, Wild Camping is the only way. Great Bergen m8, though I have the older models.

[@PaulBrook]

+Nick bond Hi Nick, I meant every word, I have gotten through a number of civi clothing just through general outdoor wear and tear. The military gear just doesn't seem to give-in. If you are doing wildlife filming/photography it must really give you the edge.

[@Spider-Too-Too]

Love from US, cuz always nice to see something different.

[@FryGuy12]

Great showcase. I just picked up one off facebook marketplace for $100 canadian. I am going to be taking it out overseas and testing it out. Cheers 🤙

[@markhager8321]

Great video. I’m a new subscriber from Virginia USA and agree about the British Bergen. Amazing! I use the XL 130 liter Belgian Ruck with rocket pockets. I have several mod that make this kit sweet. I still think the Britts Ruck a little better quality. Thanks again.

[@RoninGroupUK]

I've just ordered a brand new one of these on ebay. A good sign that these are as good as everyone says they are is that there are very few used 2nd hand ones. I'm guessing its because no one wants to let them go. That's a sign of good quality which speaks for itself. If you want realistic quality always go the military route and not the brand name hobbyist route stitched in china etc. The only brand I use for day to day urban travel is Brenthaven as their quality is 2nd to none. I have had the same Brenthaven backpack now for 12 years and the zips all still work. This is after using it every week for 12 years. For a good volume survival go bag/INCH bag, then this 120 litre is definitely the way to go. Thank you for your vid. I'm looking forward to receiving mine after researching with reviews like this on KZbin. May as well go the whole hog and buy a decent poncho too as opposed to these flappy thin £20 rain macs. I have just ordered the SnugPak patrol poncho too. Your life is paramount so why compromise. You get one shot then its game over so always spend the little extra and itll last you a lifetime. Buy cheap buy twice and all that stuff.

Paul. Awesome review! I totally agree on everything you said. especially on the comparison of commercial with army gear. thanks for your videos mate.

[@garethsmith543]

I have one of these which I use and you are correct his better than any of the commercials based ones that you can buy. At the moment I have ordered an official 3L hydration CamelBak bladder that fits onto the side where the rocket pouch goes. There are two different types one which actually zips on and also uses the compression Toggles to secure it but the one that I have have the four clips, two at the top and two at the bottom. I am buying this because before I had bottles of water and taking off and re putting on the pack all the time to take on hydration was a waste of time and energy. For information the 3 L water bladder pack that I am buying a second-hand and 25 pounds. The bergen, just like any military clothing is extremely hard-wearing, being a large person even as a kid my family used to shop in army surplus stores for me and I remember one time climbing at 3 and I fell and the only thing that hold me up was when a branch tour through the groin area of the Fabric of my trousers yet it held me and my heavyweight upside down in a tree without falling. Made to be hard wearing

[@carlpearce2252]

I've got the same one with the side pouches, giving me 120 litre

[@markanthony4655]

Nice video. I had one while serving, bu now have been a civvie for years. I recently found an ex issue Bergan in a charity shop for £10. It looked good as I gave it a quick check over as it also had the rocket pouches attached and when going through the top compartments I found the yoke for the Rocket pouches. Needless to say I paid my money and was almost running out of the shop faster than Linford Christie. Now it is packed permanently ready to go on 5 mins notice, all that is needed is filled the water bottle with fresh water. Instead of using the bulky roll up kip mat, have you seen the British Army issue self-inflating mat ? It takes up a lot less space when folded in half longways and rolled up as it is about 1/3 as wide as the Kip Mat. Have a look at Bluejay1968 channel as it shows him using it.

[@LowPlainsDrifter60]

Ha ! you either love 'em or hate 'em. I had one a while back (DPM longback) that I used for a couple of years & I got on very well with it. ......when fully loaded it is like carrying a chest of drawers on your back as they are not only heavy (3Kg empty) but don't carry like a real hiking ruckie, so really just a dead weight on your back & the waist belt isn't made to transfer the weight onto your hips either as these bags are designed to sit on belt kit, also the backs aren't adjustable, so it either fits or it doesn't......I devoloped a pain in my right shoulder when carrying it so it was time to change bags. I still have a hankering for an old olive green one though........ I would recommend them but not to a novice, you really have to have had some experience with other rucksacks before settling with a Brit army bergen.

[@PaulBrook]

I hear what you;re saying and you are not the first to say it to me. I think I am just the right size and fit for the BA Bergen as it never feels like a chore to carry even when loaded up to the max. What pack do you prefer to use?

[@LowPlainsDrifter60]

I'm currently using an 80's Karrimor jaguar S 60-82 which combines both the ruggedness of a bergen & a better, adjustable back sysytem & is an all together more versatile pack....... it's a kilo lighter empty too ! Incidentily 6:42 the webbing on the ladder locks at the bottom end of the shoulder straps, actually end in loops for hanging your thumbs or even hands.

[@thorstenthorsten2267]

Der beste Kampfrucksack der Welt!

[@joshuamarin8223]

The handle on the top is a drag handle so it is a handle and is really strong because if u was on potroll in a hostile area and was shot u squad member has to pull you and your kit and your gun your body armor and helmet your ammo so it would be strong

[@soldier-Dave]

I’ve the 130l version...effin heavy even before you put kit in.very comfy tho!

[@vikingoutdoors8468]

Wicked video I have the same Bergen. I'm using a montane grand tour 70 atm, but still love the British Army bergan. Atb Tim

[@PaulBrook]

+beared tog tog Thanks Tim :-) Why did you switch to the Montane Grand Tour 70?

[@vikingoutdoors8468]

+Paul Brook personally for weight saving as I like to hike in dartmoor, and find 100lts to be too much for me. Although I will most likely bring the bergen back into play for winter/forest use as I would like to try my hand at some bush craft at some point. grate video.

[@PaulBrook]

+beared tog tog Thanks for the kind words. Yeah I certainly needed the extra space over the winter period...although, I'm finding I can easily fill it during the warmer months too ;-)

[@Backs4more]

It is rather perplexing that civilians think these things are brilliant and rave about them, but the military spend a small fortune and buy their own civilian Bergen’s/daysacks.

[@BrumCraft]

Dude, my bergen broke last week, one of the shoulder straps went - I'll have to show you. Mounting it on a Tatonka Lastenkraxe frame instead. Also picked up an SF Predator. Bergens dont ride well on the hips well as the belt is supposed to sit on the outside of webbing. Can't beat them though it terms of durability and value for money

[@PaulBrook]

+BrumCraft Oh man, bad times :-( Did it go while you were wearing it? What kinda load did you have in it? Yeah someone else mentioned the waist strap and it being positioned for going over webbing. Look forward to seeing it on the frame and how that works.

[@BrumCraft]

I was on a maddun and I noticed the plastic blocks in the shoulder area had moved about/disappeared, and it digs into your shoulders. I can;t see how to repair, so cutting them off. I'll have to show you as difficult to describe. Had about 22kg in it. Got a lot of use out if it though - great kit

[@PaulBrook]

+BrumCraft Oh man, bad times, it seems like you are re-purposing it though.

[@gunsofmasseffect4321]

I just bought one in the US and it's far more superior to the US rucks, nownI am running into the issue of getting the water bladders, there is a surplus store in New Zealand, to purchase them from for an acceptable price, but they have received bad reviews, if someone in the UK can give me a good surplus store to purchase the water bladders/rocket packs, please share, and thank you in advance, great video.

[@simonsignolet5632]

MOLLE is the US Army kit, the name of their military issue kit (like our '85/'90/'95 PLCE) - MOdular Lightweight Loadbearing Equipment. The loop on the lid has NOTHING to do with fitting anything MOLLE, Osprey or PALS. The side loops are accessory loops and the large centre loop is just a light use grab handle for handling the rucksack when on the ground. The full-on grab handle behind the neck is for lifting and hanging. The Swedish (?) toggles go back to 1972 trials kit. Standard fare on the Pattern '72 SAS/PARA Bergen and also on the old SAS Windproof. Side pouches should come WITH the rucksack. Don't forget the side pouches yoke and the support straps. These rucksacks aren't that water resistant when you carry any REAL weight. The first exercise I carried my newly issued brand new rucksack (1990), rain got in through the seams and in quick time. Okehampton in winter so not your "standard" torrential rain! Users will need to carry contents in waterproof bags. Your frame is broken. You don't need a full length kip mat. When I used to sleep on the ground, I carried half of one folded and tucked in my (real) bergen frame. Bergens beat these internal frame rucksacks provided that your back is conditioned. If you can carry a kipmat inside your rucksack, you're just playing at carrying loads.

[@gianmarcofasce54]

Grazie mille !! very interesting !!

[@johnevans9550]

What is the name of the Bergen looks great bit of kit great video

[@stephen-we4pn]

mendy c coy is the name on my backpack just got it today

[@rivciks5045]

It doesn't have shoulder strap. It's not comfortable to wear at all.

[@tubefreakmuva]

Mate sweet vid, what's your watch??

[@Andyb2379]

Lovely video & review Paul. I agree very good backpack indeed. You should check out a Dutch army bivvi with a hoop as sleep system. Might cut down on that sleep gear you have. Out of interest, what county are in Paul?

[@PaulBrook]

+Andyb2379 Hi Andy, thank you for the very kind words. Someone else mentioned the Dutch hooped bivi to me recently, are they big enough to get the bergen in as well as me? I'm in the United Kingdom.

[@Andyb2379]

+Paul Brook it may be possible to get one in as you can use it as a pillow inside the hoop. I recently saw another KZbinr wild camping who had his dog inside it. Other have said there is enough room to keep kit inside too. The hoop part zip up around you to keep rain off & bugs. I've been looking myself - few on eBay but believe you can get them cheaper in an army store.

[@PaulBrook]

+Andyb2379 So it seems like there's a race on for who can get the best deal, eh, Andy ;-)

[@andrewhunter6536]

Is the back length at all adjustable? I am not tall but have a very long torso. It has been a big problem with backpacks for me.

[@countryside_guy]

No it's not.

[@m00tube]

Not adjustable but there is also a short back version. Sounds like you're more suited to the long back version though.

[@4th_Lensman_of_the_apocalypse]

If you kitted yourself out in military gear in the USA that would be considered stolen valour. Which unless you’re pretending you served is ridiculous!

[@muwuny]

This rucksack predates the invention of MOLLE, those sewn on strips of fabric are for keeping down loose straps or adding foliage, they're not MOLLE.

[@Psychonaut273]

Thank you for showing the british army gear in your videos. I really like them a lot and I'm a big fan of the mtp pattern. But I think the carrying system is not as good as that one from the berghaus rucksack from the german army. My biggest rucksack is the tasmanian tiger pathfinder, which I was carrying on my 6 weeks europe trip 2 years ago with more than 25 Kilos of total weight and it was no problem at all. Very comfortable to carry. But used army gear is allways a good choice, when it comes to quality and you are searching for a good price.

[@PaulBrook]

+Psychonaut What makes you prefer the Berghause German Army rucksack? Would love your thoughts on this :-)

[@timtim0007]

you got the bergen brand new? looks good quality.

[@PaulBrook]

No it's ex-army issue. It's great quality though Grade A :-)

[@Liam1991]

Civvy mong!

[@liamloughhead6687]

Bergens in shitstate

[@naughtydog201]

Liam Loughhead What do you mean, friend?

[@elitecentre8748]

your not in the army mate just got to say your facts are right because your using the cadet way of saying things but wheres ye rank slide and blanken plates with the regiment badge

[@PaulBrook]

Nope, I'm not in the army. What do you mean when you say, "cadet way of speaking"? I don't know why you think I'd have a rank slide or plates though, as I'm not in the army?

[@elitecentre8748]

we use MTP not DPM

[@PaulBrook]

That's fine, but not sure what you meant when you said I had a cadet way of speaking? Also why do I need a rank slide and blanken plates as a civi?

[@lastpostbugler]

The lad is not purporting to be in '''the green''' so why would he require rank slides/boards or or velkro blank plates with a TRF . He is a camper ...not a walt!!!

[@duffers29]

@@elitecentre8748 Used to be DPM changed in bout 2011 basically the same thing ya bayonet, stick tae cod pal 👍

[@PrepperDel]

Still have my old issue Bergen and N.I Patrol pack great bombproof gear thanks for the video ATB Del

[@alexanderfoster9416]

One recommendation mod, is to zip a third rocket pouch over the small front Bergan pocket, attached to the zips of the left and right rocket pouches.

[@williamruddlesdin5296]

Hi, someone already commented on the fact these bergens are designed to wear on top of belt kits, there is another issue and that is what size are you yourself height wise and what Bergen it is you have as there are two sizes or should say back lengths with these, short back or long back, it will be on the label inside the top hood or maybe printed depending on age of olive green versions, I would recommend having a long back version if your under 5ft 8 and not wearing belt kit to sit the Bergen on, it will sit lower and be more of a civvy rucksack with the waist belt being more towards the hips, if your tall then it won't make any difference it will sit high on your back and when heavily loaded will start to hurt your lower back as already commented they were designed to sit above a belt kit, hope this info helps

[@moorshound3243]

I have just got this pack & side pouches brand new for £24 I'm happy a chappy! DPM is better then mtp at least I think so!

[@Forestwalker111]

Awesome video my friend! Always so very well shown are all your bits of kit. You really take us on a romantic tour of this pack. I say romantic because it comes across as a bit of an adventure for me. I could see where you were going with it and it's use but I could also get a feel of how it had been used and that was a special thing for me. Cheers for that Paul. Be well Craig

[@PaulBrook]

Hey Craig, always a pleasure when I see your comment. Very kind as always. Glad I could take you on a journey through the bergen. But watch out, yo may end up in a love triangle with it ;-)

[@Forestwalker111]

+Paul Brook lol, no doubt chum.

[@cameronmaxwell3174]

mtp bergens are the same as the old ones but are slightly stiffer on the padding. better for heavy loads!! i have two of them but mistakenly ordered a shortback and can't return it any sensible offers welcome also it is the best built bergen in the world. the plce bergen was designed during the 80's by berghus. and has never let me down

[@PaulBrook]

If I didn't just get this one, I might have taken you up on that offer.

[@cameronmaxwell3174]

How much did you pay for I've seen people selling dpm ones for more than Mtp ones

[@MrIdleknight]

I've got the karimor sf 45, which is the civvie version of the smaller pack. Great setup and I love the side pockets.

[@PaulBrook]

+Idleknight How are you finding it? Have you had it long?

[@MrIdleknight]

coming on for 2 years

[@PaulBrook]

+Idleknight That's a solid thumbs-up right there.

[@Backs4more]

It’s the other way round. Karrimor brought out the 45 l Predator and then the British Army liked it so much they had a cheaper version made. I have the Karrimor in olive and was issued the army version. The Karrimor is so much better made!

[@barnabyg6808]

May I suggest you don't put your first aid inside your bag but in one of the lids in case you need it quickly, mebbe I'm wrong but that's just what I thought

[@MrLuffy9131]

Just wondering how tall you have to be for shortback vs longback

[@sgtg4600]

An old saying. " The bigger the Bergen, the more shit you'll put in it!". All too easy to carry way too much kit. We've all done it.

[@simonsignolet5632]

LOL - a very true principle and YES, I have been guilty! However, you need expansion when out and about so I ALWAYS prefer to have a larger capacity rucksack than I actually need. With experience and discipline, there' should be no problem. Larger than needed capacity is especially good when someone gets injured and his kit needs to be dispersed amongst the rest of the group or when foraging for firewood/scoff/materials. But this is a '95 Patt PLCE *RUCKSACK*, not a bergen - not that anyone these days seems to know the difference... :-(

[@gulfrelay2249]

except for fitting to one's body, one can't have a pack that's too big, but ANY pack can be overloaded.

[@myhubbyislouisvuitton4218]

Great review. How many litres is this? I have a 65L regular rucksack but it's not big enough. Thanks.

[@martinsg1765]

90l

[@reecorees9552]

Hi Paul, another great video, first things first if you would like a brand new and unused 120ltr DPM waterproof cover, I have one, I have never used it. I will send you a PM via Facebook Mate. I recently bought two rucksack, one was a Highlander Pro Force 88ltr zips were faulty, so I sent it back for a refund, I also bought another Bergen from military ops on eBay, it was branded as a alpha tactical bergen, very thin material, so I sent it back, I have recently bought a 120 ltr MTP Bergen and it's different class and bomb proof. If it's good enough for our Finest and Bravest it's good enough for me. Top Man. ATB Reeco

[@PaulBrook]

+Reeco Rees Hey Reeco, I may be interested, will connect on FaceBook. Sorry to hear about your trouble with the zips on the Highlander, were they stiff, or just not working? I've seen a few 'Bergens' that are lookalikes and you're spot on, the material is basically paper compared to the genuine article. A few days after getting this Bergen I snagged it on a Hawthorn spike and thought 'Oh crap' when I looked the only thing I could see was the smashed tip of the thorn, the fabric had ground it down!

[@reecorees9552]

+Paul Brook Paul, I should have said the DPM 120ltr waterproof cover is a gift from one good man to another. I have never used it and don't need, it's even comes in its own small DPM bag. Top Man. ATB Reeco

[@PaulBrook]

+Reeco Rees Far too kind. Thank you very much :-)

[@reecorees9552]

+Paul Brook I promise it will be in the post on Monday Mate. Top Man. ATB Reeco

[@nicktombs1876]

Dont give up your day job

[@HMills2000]

How many litres is the main compartment?

[@dirtyronald]

I quite like a lot of your videos and have been following you a while now. But I can't help but notice all you seem to wear now is camo. Your videos just look like a pair or dark glasses that can talk.

[@PaulBrook]

How can you see my camp? What witchcraft is this? ;-) the camo is only the clothing I wear in the wild as I don't mind it getting damaged or ruined. What changes would you make if you were my personal dresser?

[@PaulBrook]

+Paul Brook Camo not camp lol

[@dirtyronald]

+Paul Brook Please don't take offence by my comment it was just an observation. When I started watching you, you used to wear normal clothes, maybe outdoorsy clothes, but now it's camo trousers, camo shirt, camo jacket, camo hat, camo bag. I'm just waiting for the SA80 now! Do you secretly want to be in the army?

[@PaulBrook]

+Big Ted Adventures Honestly, no offence taken :-) While I would like with an SA80 I most certainly don't want to be in the army. The camo wear provides good stealth and the build quality of the clothing is so much stronger. I got through three pairs of trousers from doing bushcraft and wearing out knees and seats in the same time I've had the MTP trousers. I do agree though, I am getting a bit clad with camo, perhaps throw some black t-shirts into the mix!