British Army Bergen

A passionate product video from Dad on the British Army Bergen. He spent ages looking for a decent ruckack, but was let down by what he found on the civilian market. He's picked ouot a nice olive one for himself, but we have a few left for you too.
www.denbigharmy...

[@madmaxmcinnes4102]

I carried one constantly in my 9 years in the British Army, and when I came out, I bought ANOTHER one from an army and navy surplus store in my home city of Aberdeen. That was 20 years ago, and I STILL use it for my wild-camps and rock-climbing ventures to this day. It's had some bloody harsh useage in the Scottish Highland winters I'll tell you, and it's still as new-looking now as it was the day I bought it. Think I paid £80 for it. Mind you, I will say that when it's empty, it's one of the heaviest pieces of kit you could EVER buy of this size, so be wary of this if you're thinking on buying one!!!!!

[@thefreshprinceofdapto1668]

These are great bergens ..... far better than civvy ones.

[@DASOutdoors]

That's great to hear. Glad you love your Bergen and I really appreciate you taking the time to post. Thank you, Rich

[@strangepair03]

I ordered this pack from you after watching this video and I gotta tell you the pack and your service is Number 1. I ordered on 04/19/12 online and it arrived saf and sound in New Jersey on 04/23.....4 days from order to delivery across the pond!! Anyone watching and wondering about ordering don't worry. Denbigh Army Surplus is tops!!!

[@sgtcrabfat]

took one to Iraq and Afghan, they are very good , shame the uniforms were not of the same standard(c95)!!!

[@GavTatu]

i joined the army in 1988, and about 1990, i got myself a karrimor condor, which was close to 100 ltr. it was a great pack...i've had 100 lbs worth of it in there sometimes. i also got a karrimor hot ice day pack, which is still in use today ! unfortunately, karrimor went into receivership, and at some later date sports direct took the name... but no where near the same quality.

[@DASOutdoors]

Gav, take a look at Karrimor SF. They use the brand name, but completely different company. They make some great hardwearing products. I love that you pack is still going strong today!

[@GavTatu]

@@DASOutdoors really ? cheers mate ! i picked up a mid 80's karrimor jaguar, in mint condition, so that will have to do me for a while lol !

[@DASOutdoors]

The pack will stand up well to showers, especially if you treat the canvas with a "beading" solution. It will not keep your gear dry if submerged. Water will simply pour in from the snow/sand baffle at the top. You'd need to use a dry bag. There's a link to the Bergen listing in the description beneath the video. Unfortunately we no longer have any in stock.

[@soggz4246]

British Army kit is the best in the world, for robustness, mate. I have loads of it for wild camping, working in, etc. It just lasts. All the best.👍🏾🇬🇧

[@colinstewart1432]

Got 2 of these. Absolutely indestructible. Chunky zips. Fit like a glove. The Challenger Tank of backpacks. Can't beat 'em👍

[@markanthony4655]

Nice, I have both DPM and Olive Green. The DPM one I found in a charity shop (Thrift shop for our American friends) and paid £10, which at that price I ran out of the shop faster than Lynford Christie. When I got it home and doing a proper inspection, which showed no real damage or wear, inside the main body, tucked away at the bottom I found the 2 side pockets and the Yoke. I was well chuffed.

[@DASOutdoors]

That is an awesome purchase, luck you!

[@markanthony4655]

I will come over and see you guys at some point as you are only 1 hour away, when I have some spare cash and need to replace some items.

[@neoverine]

Thank you for recording and posting such an informative video. Hugely appreciated!

[@welshboyoo715]

Just ordered mine. Good honest video convinced me I needed this more than my osprey!

[@DASOutdoors]

That's great to hear, thanks for commenting and watching our videos.

[@daz111090]

The side straps are for compression, not attaching rocket pouches. Also these are £20 on ebay

[@OldNavajoTricks]

Those ladders at the front can be used to affix two extra rockets using a pair of rods threaded through them and the strap tabs on the rockets, zip those two together and zip the sides to the original rockets. I keep a tent and down bag in those two.

[@berniecoles2337]

I gave my son my old OG Bergen,as he wanted to go travelling.Go to any camping/outdoor retailer and they're made of tissue paper.for silly money.You can throw a bergen out of a plane and it wont bust its guts

[@DASOutdoors]

+Bernie Coles where as he gone?

[@christianarcher9787]

The older design H-frame Bergen was better. It had an external frame, no waistband and comprised of only the frame, the pack and two shoulder straps and the whole thing could be dismantled into its components. The weight was carried on the shoulders. The modern army bergen with its waistband was adopted to cater for female soldiers.

[@DASOutdoors]

Most modern packs use a waistband. I thought it was to ensure the weight was shared across the hips, rather than just on your shoulders?

[@DASOutdoors]

You are most welcome. Glad you liked it.

[@Hew.Jarsol]

DPM PLCE is definitely stronger than the MTP stuff. The NI Patrol Packs are solid and not too big.

[@presterjohn71]

I have just bought a long back OD version from a car boot sale today. I paid £10 for it and wondered if I had been ripped off. I know realise I have had a mega bargain. It does seem to be a nice bit of kit regardless of price though.

[@mickhardy8727]

I've just bought the olive drab bergen, a bit harder to find. Got mine for £50 and it's like new

[@DASOutdoors]

Amazing work

[@DASOutdoors]

Hey Chris, the new issue MTP is made by Karrimor SF, although it's not commercially available. The Predator 45 is based on the issue Infantry 45 and is available in Multicam. There's another video we did on the MTP situation; we're hoping to get stock by Feb, but are not sure yet whether rucksacks and webbing will be included.

[@stealthandysteath1069]

Can't believe this was several years ago. ATB Andy 🇬🇧 👍 ☕

[@DASOutdoors]

7 years... Mad isn't it!

[@stealthandysteath1069]

@@DASOutdoors i forgot to ask, do you still use it mate.

[@DASOutdoors]

@@stealthandysteath1069 The bergen?

[@stealthandysteath1069]

@@DASOutdoors yes mate.

[@EffyJnr]

Hi Mate, I am just getting into bushcrafting & camping with limited budget each month. I love this item, with them brilliant side pouches. I will take a look at your site now & contact you in due course.

[@DASOutdoors]

Thanks so much :-) You've got some fun times ahead of you.

[@DASOutdoors]

Wow £10? Well done, obviously being sold by someone who didn't have a clue. That will be the best tenner you ever spend.

[@DASOutdoors]

Sorry, I misunderstood what you were talking about. You mean the grean piece that's stitched in the centre? It's directly about the webbing loop that hangs from the bottom seam that is used for fixing an ice axe or ski poll to the pack. I'll post a few pictures on our Facebook page to see if there is another reason that I have overlooked.

[@DASOutdoors]

Hi Danny, if it's what I think I've never seen them on an issue Bergen, unless a soldier has added them himself. Once you've set your should strap so that they are comfortable, you can roll the excess up to the buckle and use the velcro to keep it in place. It stops them whipping about in the wind.

[@DASOutdoors]

LOL That is brilliant; can't wait to see the timeline develop.

[@attentionlabel]

I love this guy!

[@48zigzag]

Great video, just grabbed one of these bergens at a garage sale here in canada for $20 (roughly 10 pounds i think). Excellent packs, very durable and more comfortable than the US military Alice pack. The bergen i got didn't come with the side pockets so hopefully i can find some (unlikely here in North America) or i can improvise some.

[@tonyp011]

here can I get one of those bergens thats not too expensive complete with the removable or permanent side pockets

[@DASOutdoors]

Hi Anthony, how are you? We have some nice Grade 1s in stock, £35: dasoutdoors.co.uk/products/british-army-bergen A pair of pockets would be £25 on top and that comes with the yoke and utility straps to turn the rocket pouches into a little daysack. Rich

[@tonyp011]

thx for your quick response as I am looking for a bergen because it will remind me of my army days in the early 80s although back then we didn't have this style so having one in this style would be something new as back in the 80s we had the hard webbing material which dug into you and cut you

[@DASOutdoors]

Glad you liked the video, I'd imagine that it was a custom addition that a solider had added themselves. Could you let me know at what point in the video the elastic features, so I can give a better answer.

[@dougthebaptist]

these are going for $53.00 american right now at sportsmansguide i just ordered one. thanks for the review.

[@DASOutdoors]

The chest strap is an omission in may opinion, although it could be worse. The latest issue Infantry 45 bergen doesn't have a waist belt!

[@Dannythepipingboy]

In my opinion the Bergen is an absoluetly nice and usefull rucksack. It´s may not the best in the world (but yehave to pay o´er 300 pound for a military rucksack which is a lot better than the Bergen.) I´m a satisfied owner of the ALICE pack. Theres a lot of space and you can fix a lot of items on the outside of the alicepack. Is the Bergen the standard equipment of the British army infanterist?? If it is our german Bundeswehr should throw their standard rucksacks away and use the Bergen.

[@TheNZsouth]

Great video, thanks.

[@DASOutdoors]

"Great surplus" hey? We could get used to that :-) Honestly, I can't remember. From watching the video I'd say grade 1, however, we'd do what we can to make sure a grade 1 Bergen we send out through the post wouldn't have the paint on the bag.

[@DASOutdoors]

Hi Chris, you won't fing this Beregn in MTP. The latest issue "Infantry 45" is issued in MTP, but as the MOD have not released those items for public sale it's currently illegal to buy and sell them. Karrimor SF have the contract for the MOD and they do a"Predator 45" which is based on the issued rucksack. That is available in Multicam.

[@pierrele]

i own one of them and i'm proud of it

[@mr.robinsoncrewso7753]

Thanks so lot for the test. I will buy the Rucksäck. :)

[@DASOutdoors]

Thank you very much. The hydration pack shown is made by source hydration: denbigharmysurplus.co.uk/army-stores/Source-Hydration-Bladder-Camo-Rucksack.html Camelbak have done some too and I believe the latest issue ones will be camelbak, made by Karrimior SF.

[@stephenwest1491]

I have 2 army bergans both with side bags and a i have a condor 100l Bergan but i am still looking for the water packs since i last asked you about 5 months ago boy are they hard to find im still searching...

[@DASOutdoors]

Hi Danny, Thanks for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate it. The Bergen as been the British Army Issue rucksack for many years, however they've recently changed to the Infantry 45 Bergen. The new issue Bergen is made and supplied by Karrimor SF and if you've seen some of my other videos you'll see how impressed with the Karrimor SF range I am. KSF also produce the Predator 45 which is based on the new Infrantry 45 Bergen. Whilst they are fantastic rucksacks and still have the op

[@DASOutdoors]

$53??? I'd buy two before they realise they've massively under valued the item. Glad you liked the video Doug.

[@bcfcpker]

I'm going to the army in 5 days, royal engineers I will be getting my MTP bergen.

[@DASOutdoors]

If it's very hard to get it's unlikely we'll seem them at a price we'd be prepared to pay :-) Thanks for the heads up though, it's good to know what's out there.

[@DASOutdoors]

The brands that you mentioned don't make the Bergen, they make copies and from our experience do not use the same grade Cordura in it's construction. Berghaus have made the Cyclops Rucksack previously which the MOD used for a while and are still available. We've had the odd one or two through the system, but I cannot be sure who manufactures for them now. Are you looking for a new rucsack?

[@dannythreewaters1]

Wonder if anyone can help I purchased a British Army Bergen and there’s a very long strapping with a Velcro cross over at the other end from the nexus clips on both the shoulder pads. What are these used for and how do you use them as at the moment I just roll them up out of the way.

[@DASOutdoors]

Sounds good 😌

[@dannythreewaters1]

Ok great thanks for the info thought I was missing something

[@rulyg94]

have you seen the karrimor sabres. this bergen doesn't have half as much padding for individuals who would prefer to carry lots of equipment comfortably :) George Have a look on thekittchensink (channel)

[@tyronewalker5764]

I've the opportunity to acquire a 100L Bergen pack. Where do you get parts, can the shoulder straps be swapped out for something more advanced? 🤔

[@desmo5514]

Awesome Bergen, love to get one but here in Australia, its next to impossible. Tried a Surplus store there I was given details to contact, they had some, but shipping via Fed ex was £100...$189 Au...be serious. I got a Karrimor sabre 45 from UK to my door for AU$25 But I still want one same as yours. Any suggestions pls Cheers from Oz Neil

[@DASOutdoors]

The KSF Sabre is a good sack, 45 litres of I remember correctly? The Bergen is much bigger and packing it down isn't easy. Most carriers use volumetric weight to calculate shipping charges, so the bigger the items the more you pay. These are a very old item now too, so finding one is very difficult. Especially one in a usable condition. Keep trawling the internet, one is bound to pop up. Hopefully in Australia so you can keep shipping costs to a minimum.

[@zeroxception]

the cuffs are crap I will agree on that

[@Danishbushcrafter]

Great review, but i dont understand; From what i have seen Web-tex, Mil-tec and highlander all make these bergens? Which brands make the bad the rip-offs, and who makes the original? Rasmus.

[@DASOutdoors]

Wow, where are all these £10 bergens listed. I'd buy them myself!

[@tyronewalker5764]

Can the straps be swapped out if damaged.

[@DASOutdoors]

The straps can be swapped out, but you'll need access to an industrial sewing machine to re-attach. On some, the padding in the shoulder straps can become really hard or broken up. We've replaced with new foam in a previous life, but again you'll need a sewing machine or epic hand stitching skills.

[@stephenwest1491]

I have been in search of the hydration pack for a few years now and have never found one i dont know what they cost but i would like one with a new hydration bladder any chance you could put me intouch with one...

[@DASOutdoors]

Hi Stephen, thanks for getting in touch. If you're looking for a new hydration pack, specifically designed for this bergen, I don't think you'll find one. This rucksack came into issue a long time ago and has been superseded.

[@stephenwest1491]

@@DASOutdoors OK thanks anyway i have 2 packs with side pouches me and the girl freind i have 2 hydra watercarriers but no pouch to put them in jeers S...

[@ChrisUrbanExplorer]

who makes the British Army Bergen? I am after one in MTP

[@combattaskforce]

is the bergen in the video water proof? will your gear stay dry if you march through heavy showers-or if i want to cross a small river? can you give a link in case i want to purchase one bergen? thanks a lot.

[@DASOutdoors]

Congratulations, none of the MTP camo has gone through the system yet. The MOD wonky release it... Things may change soon though *coughs Jjjjuunnneee*

[@karloflaherty]

looks excellent,do you ship these to Ireland?

[@DASOutdoors]

Yes we do Karl. Sorry I didn't replay last week.

[@CHARLTON567]

hey, what make and model was that hydration pack i ordered one of the bergens

[@DASOutdoors]

My Dad lives in his fleece

[@jonametcalf1217]

Can this be worn with belt webbing?

[@DASOutdoors]

HI George, I have seen the Karrimor SF Range, we started stocking them as soon as we learnt that they know make the Infantry 45 for the MOD. I've got a Sabre 45 myself, maybe you've seen the product test video I did?

[@DASOutdoors]

Pretty good aren't they :-D

[@thematty2303]

i love all ur stuff. especially the ex police body armoour

[@xix94]

Never buy Chinese crap from shops always buy army stuff strong and last for ever

[@thomaswalsh1193]

I do similar videos as I am an army cadet if you like this sort of stuff check my channel out

[@DASOutdoors]

Hi Lewis, what £5 item are you referring to? Give me a call tomorrow, 01745 814978, if you want to have a chat. Cheers, Rich

[@johnrutherford4042]

You said to be been in the the trade fo years so why didn't you keep to the army bergen when you said I'm in the trade ,doesn't make sense I'm ex forces so why did your wife take you for a bergen when your allreddy in the trracde l lol lol lol lol

[@DASOutdoors]

Hi John, he'd been using a bergen for years. It was a combination of Mum wanting him to use something other than camo for a change and wanting a lighter pack.

[@ErraticFaith]

I'm a 'civilian' now but I wasn't always. Since becoming one I've ascended Everest and with an army 'Bergen' I'd have been dead before I even got half way, let me assure you of that. The reason that civilian backpacks are tied at around 65-80 litres of kit (at the high end) - is because of research. Many soldiers, over the last several decades, have had debilitating spinal and ankle injuries after leaving the forces - and that is the damage that excessive weight causes over time. If in doubt, feel free to summon Google and scour the news for it yourselves. You don't 'need' to carry over 80 litres of gear. its utter rubbish and just asking for injury. Everest experts, Nepalese trackers, even Canadian mounted police have all confirmed to me personally that the spine suffers at the point of 60+ litres over sustained distances. That's biological science FACT! After all what do you think happens to the discs in your spine with a downward weight applied to them over a long period? It's been a long time since I've worn a military Bergen (Iraq war) but I can tell you that the difference is night and day between them in weight distribution, comfort and utility. Us civilians pack ultra light gear to protect our bodies. Not because we aren't 'ard enough'. It's that simple. Live a long life friends. A healthy life, free of surgery and agonising athritis. Because believe me, lugging 100+ litres over a thousand miles trek such as the AT, is nonsense with this sort of pack. And you will put your body through hell. Real world explorers endorse civilian brands like osprey because they will save your life one day. Perhaps they aren't 1000D but they sure as hell are robust enough to meet the requirements of Everest and more - I've seen it done. Not designed for combat - but for comfort and weight distribution. I can't reiterate that enough. By all means may a soldier use a pack of the right ilk for cam and for battle (Bergen). But putting videos out there calling civilian kit bad - is blatant misinformation. It's engineered over years to protect the spine. Sorry sir.

[@DASOutdoors]

Hello. It is a very long time since I produced this video,so before responding to your comments I re-viewed it to understand what issues you were addressing. Without looking over the video I found it very difficult to understand what would illicit such an emotive and over the top response. Firstly, I was plainly explaining that I wanted to upgrade my personal kit with a civilian model. It was a seminal birthday and I was prepared to invest a good amount of money. I have a lot of admiration for the British Bergen as I showed in the video. I expressly wanted a 100lt bergen and something approaching the robustness of the army Bergen. I needed a 100lt Bergen because it was the only way I could get to a high mountain hut without doing two trips.The army Bergen performed this task admirably. In my search ,which was extensive. I could not find a 100lt rucksack. What I did find were rucksacks which were extremely expensive and composed of very lightweight materials. In frustration I spent some time surfing the web. Eventually I landed on an Everest base camp company kit list. This listed the Berghaus Vulcan rucksack, a precursor to the current Bergen So, my journey had come full circle. This was a personal journey and as I said in the video this was my personal opinion. I started my climbing, hill walking and mountaineering career in 1972. So I am very familiar very the journey from heavyweight and tough to light weight kit and I have enjoyed it immensely. I also am aware that the climbing , mountaineering , outdoor world I grew up in was a very niche market. Equipment was produced for people seriously involved in these activities ,usually by producer activists involved actively in the sport. This is not he case today. The famous named outdoor and highly priced brands are mass market products and the majority of their users rarely go more than 500 meters from their car. Some of the most high cost outdoor kit can be more regularly viewed inside most respectable high street supermarkets than you will ever see on the peaks. If your mass market are shoppers there is a lot of over priced and inferior kit out there, and you will know this. Regarding the epidemic of injury to servicemen and women. I am well aware of this, having had many discussions with service personnel over nearly 30 years we have been in business. The main contributors to personal injury in the military is severe overloading over long duration, usually under great strain. The ‘poor bloody infantry’ suffered this long before the introduction of the Infantry Bergen and I feel will experience it long after the Bergen is obsolete. So I fear, you are confusing cause and effect here. A very elementary analytical error. In any objective analysis of my video the following points can clearly be ascertained; I am not advising people to load a 100lt Bergen up to the gunwales and spend days hauling an 80kg load along the Apalatian Trail, I am not advising them to attempt to climb Everest with this item. I did not say Modern rucksacks and kit is bad. You said all of this. Either deliberately,or, foolishly misconstruing the tone and content of my video. Why would you use such blatant misinformation in a public forum whilst trying to impugn my character and business? I can only assume there are other issues below the surface which are plainly unrelated to this video. Regards, Mick

[@slavensmolcic]

It's not volume that will damage you but weight. ;-)