INFANTRY BERGEN / BURDEN OVERVIEW (Love Hate Relationship)....bexbugoutsurvivor

Visit my survivor shop here
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British army infantry Bergen 120 litres of pain.....(The Crow Pack) Any Fool Can Be Uncomfortable......
An awesome heavy lift ruck to transport kit, is the staple of the British Army. So the question needs to be posed does it translates to the field of wild camping/recreational use, & disaster survival for a civilian. Well it sure can support a lot of weight, but it is not designed in any way for comfort of the soldier. This is perhaps why some army operators, ditch the Bergen and buy their own professional ruck, to facilitate the same job with better comfort and design....
My new replacement to the Bergen arrives January 2021, and offers better capacity with the essential factor of being comfortable on the shoulders and lower back.....bexbugoutsurvivor

[@matt6477]

Probably the best review of the Army Bergman ever!

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

thanx mate...

[@MichaelR58]

Bex , I really like the rocket pockets you showed with the additional storage, never seen those before, good information . I hope this finds you well, thanks for sharing, stay safe my friend , God bless !

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Thanks for watching! The design of the Bergen is quite old now and I know most UK soldiers still use then, and even pay to get them modulated. But after trying the new UK special forces alternative, it out classes the Bergen by a mile....All the best take care. God bless ! bex

[@hongchang9370]

The British and Dutch 120 liter bergens ( originals) are very hard to come buy,here in the US. I am very fortunate to have to have a couple of both, actually a British one showed up at my door a couple weeks ago it was back ordered 7-10 months ago. 80$ American I will find a good and serious owner for it. Thanks Bearhunter5

[@nickcarpenter8427]

Good, informative info. Thanks Bex

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

My pleasure!

[@timwinslade7462]

Love it Bex! Keepthem up stay safe Tim

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

will do...Atvb...bex

[@MrWildWales]

Thanks for the info thinking of getting this for the winter

[@steveoutdoorsuk1788]

Top class tips from a top class fella on a top class channel. Thank you Bex. Take care mate, Steve. 👍👍

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Thanks 👍 Glad you enjoyed it....bex

[@nellbrown770]

another great video there Bex, nice one.

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Thanks for the visit

[@NaturalExplorerNZ]

I keep having pack/gear related questions and your channel keeps answering them. Great content Bex, great info and good explanations on the ins and outs of this heavy kits, cheers Ps i prefer the lowe Alpine saracen dutch design so far ✌️

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Awesome, thank you! I have been tempted by the Lowe Alpine sting bergen. Another wall hanger to my collection. These days I am travel pack-less, will show how later in the year...bex

[@johndevitt2164]

great video Bex

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@davidmorris631]

Hello Bex and another interesting video and I like the Infantry Bergen and I have a green long one and a new mtp long one and I like them both. And I have never been good at cleaning the old mess tins out in the woods lol. Thanks for sharing and all the best and keep safe...David

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Sounds great! The OD green look the part. Wished they were designed better for comfort when fully loaded. At 55 kilos I thought I was having a heart attack....lol

[@eturnerx]

I use the two rocket pockets on a yoke sometimes. I lash them together using the two middle lashing loops or the two pockets tend to swing apart as I move about. Or, if doing an overnighter, putting the tent or mat across the two bottom loops also helps stabilises it.

[@neilcastell6951]

i started with the military bergens ... moved over to hiking packs, and switched back to the military packs, the reason being unless you pay silly money most hiking packs dont last. (admittedly i am rough on my packs) but least now i have peace of mind my pack wont fail halfway up a mountainside or halfway threw a several day trip. The weight is the only negative for me really, and it seems a universal problem, i had a USMC ilbe ruck and it was even heavier, lol That being said, i have/and do modify my packs, and would recommend others try the same, for lighter loads you can use the plce bergen without the frame and its snug, literally hugs the body. Also without the side pouches the packs can be compressed down in size to that of a medium pack. At the moment i have both the long and short back in dpm, am pondering which to sell on and which to modify (am going to convert it into a clam shell type pack, maybe make the lid a floating lid)

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

I was a bit like you starting with PLCE and then to civvy packs. Found the ideal solution, throw silly money at the problem...lol .. Just received my new REI trail hiking pack today from the US, silly money but boy what a pack, (if you travel light) say for three or four nights, the amount of time before food re-supply.... My Osprey pack for tent hiking the jurys still out (silly money again) about 500 miles on it now, would have been great before I turned to light-weight hiking, and the osprey is about 2.55 kilos, with a load out of under 7 kilos, just does't tally...... Modern PLCE just as tough as the Burden sorry Bergen, but the shoulder straps are far better situated to displace weight. I was loaned the karrimor Predator 130 litre or 150 litre with rockets, and with the lower placed straps shed the feel of the weight. The Berghaus MMP 90+20 looks good too, but gotta throw a bit of money at them tho.... I may mod one of my burdens, by detaching the shoulder straps, and fixing them lower down the pack, I think it would carry a lot better, lifting the pack up higher. I plan on trying the speedy stitcher, for sowing leather and sailing sheets (hand sewn), how do you do your alterations,.....?? Take it easy bex

[@neilcastell6951]

@@bexbugoutsurvivor i had a berghaus crusader2 90+20 and it was intended to be my last pack, unfortunately it was a modern made in china one and quality was lacking. I had a karrimor sabre sf 45L which was excellent, but i found it to small, at the time i figured 45L would do me ... just wish i had spent the money on a larger version. I generally sew with a canvas needle and use either braided fishing line or internal strands of para cord if its somewhere that wont be seen, ... throw in plenty of swearing. I have an old green bergen i stripped right down to just the main sack, so its like a berghaus monroe just larger, its pretty lightweight, and more suited to hiking.

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Sounds like my sewing awl will do then. I too use my spectra fishing line for pack repairs. Not tried inner cord of para line though, may try that too. Great intel thanx....bex

[@welshboyoo715]

Becks sir, another cracking walk down memory lane. Still have my OD longback, but to be honest, prefer my osprey 70 for weight now. Greets from wet n wild Wales, tab on sir.

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

I like the look of the OD, worth a bit now. Between you and I, the bergen isn't fit as a bug-out bag after you get to a certain age, and there are far better on the market these days. A lot of the lads I know don't keep the crow bags any more..... (got to do a review of my Osprey AG 55. (Don't know what to make of it really) Just got my REI Co-op pack delivered today, Awesome for lightweight hiking. Take care of your self out there bex

[@hongchang9370]

Saw a Dutch 120 liter on a fluke, I was so impressed,I got the long back and the shortback British, all bombproof serious camper, bearhunter5

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

(Seen)

[@stinkyfinn6977]

I've the short back and I'm 6 foot , you have to where webbing or a bum bag to put the weight on your hips, i only use mine for travel as a suitcase as it's over kill for hiking and camping, good video , take care my mate

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

I'm 5' 8 but my spine measures 19,5 inch (large) so long back is a cracking fit, and had full webbing and roll at the bottom. The Mtp short back is like a bra, the hip belt rides up to my moobs...lol... Loaned my mates Kmr SF 130, makes the bergen look antiquated. Beats me why some keep their crow bags, yet alone send them to jay jays, tech has moved on a lot in the past 30 years....all the best stay safe bud...bex

[@stinkyfinn6977]

@@bexbugoutsurvivor I could do with a long back for more comfortable carrying, I like the look of those karimores , my favorite go too day pack at the moment other than my rocket pack whch I love is a trespass DLX thing with a external frame 30 liter and weighs nothing, 30/40liters is all you need for most situations the bergans for invadeing country's, I lived from mine for about 4months solid when I was homeless its like a mobile home lol , I wouldn't be paying money to be getting them pimped out, would do that myself,. Been thinking about mounting mine on a LK30 frame but I don't use it enough,,all the best and take care

[@OldNavajoTricks]

My rollmats inside the current main pack to give a bit of support and hold shape better, good water shield too I guess once it's squished over and the lids shut, if I do get the longback I'll probably continue the habit. (Floating lid mod ofc)

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

If you keep to only minimal vital content components, that method works well, I did a video on that some time ago. The Floating lid mod is a real game changer, every pack should have it as standard IMHO....thanx for watching Bex

[@OldNavajoTricks]

@@bexbugoutsurvivor As replied on other comment, main pack is just light bulky stuff so it helps keep a form for the throwover more than owt else. 👍

[@in0124]

I'm 6ft 5 and swapped my long back burgen for the short back, far more comfortable, if your tall long back pushes on base of spine cant yomp for long , short back sits nice , and well with belt kit

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

I have 5 PLCE Bergens, 1 LB DPM & 1 SB DPM, 1 LB MTP & 1SB MTP. All fit well, apart from just the one DPM LB. I replaced the it with another LB DPM, and its identical replacement is great. There is a follow up video on this subject coming soon, and also agree a short back carries better for me anyway. I use kit for recreational wild camping and night fishing with no belt rig, and find the Bergen is far too much overkill just to carry a maggot bag bivvy & basha etc, so opted for the berghaus, for superior in comfort to weight ratio...thanx 4 watching...

[@robwalker308]

Mtp cosmic!🙂👍

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Super!

[@robwalker308]

Hows bex you good pal !your a fountain of knowledge me old tea pot .keep it up you cheer me up infantry mtp bergen way forward dude ! P.s one question will a swedish army trangia mess kit fit in british army mess kit pouch ? All best donnybushbandit😃👍

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

the M40 will not fit the canteen pocket, but will fit the rocket pocket along with rations. The Trangia Camper set WILL fit the front canteen pocket tho....just a case or re-organisation. There are far better Bergens to use these days. After you pass ou,t you buy your own kit if you don't like the issue (Crow Kit) My new bergen arrives January 2021.....

[@FlyingHaggisFilms]

Thanks Bex, that was a really enjoyable review thanks for sharing. Harry

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

My pleasure H...All the best bex

[@zagajan]

Thank you for the good review. I was just wonder if the long back british bergen would be a good as a Bail Out Bag. I have kids and decided to get one large durable rucksack for us. Wanted to get BOB ready especially now when we see a big tension in the east.

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Brit CS95 Bergen will require a webbing belt in order to transport water food and stove /cook pot system, and only fabrics go in the Bergen. I have tried the Cs95 as a complete bug out bag and it performs poorly/ Without a webbing belt, try the Lowe Alpine Saracen Bergen, bigger and carries weight better. Pro tip. Don't get bogged down with pack content. Pack to keep your selves, dry warm and well fed. A tent sleeping bag with a foam mat will take care or shelter and insulation, and a large cook pot with and ability to cook on open fire. Include #Ability to keep clothing dry. (wet = cold = hypothermia) #Medical provisions, including dental. #Food provisions. #Fire / Illumination/self defence. My minimal weight content is 8 kg per person, not including food and water.... Clothing can be an unexpected weight penalty, so keep it simple with just 1 warm sweater/jumper. Tie waterproof boots to the out side of the pack, and pack plenty or socks and underware. Shelter insulation and cook set = warm dry and well fed. Delegate each family member to carry their own sleeping bag and warm sweater/jumper. Don't take it all on by your self. If you go down with fatigue, it will benefit no one. All the best bex.

[@zagajan]

@@bexbugoutsurvivor Thank you for your priceless advice. I will keep in mind all your tips. Kind regards ;)

[@horatiodreamt]

Good vid. What do you think of the Berghaus MMP 90+20 sack? The Finnish surplus retailer Verustaleka sells them when the bags are in stock.

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

What makes a good ruck is, it must be tall & narrow, (to conform to the shape of a human spine) with the shoulder straps fixed lower than the top frame, with padding suitable for the weight of the contents (this is where the Bergen fails IMO) The Berghaus MMP 90+20 fits that criteria, as do many other rucks okayed by the mod. Berghaus is a great alternative to the issue crow pack. My replacement will be seen Jan 2021, with all the above criteria met.....all the best bex

[@bigg4089]

Good points made in this video: a bergan might be a cheap option to haul a load of weight, but it's not the best option and not designed for typical civvy hiking. It might be a reasonable option if you need to haul a load of weight a short distance for a bushcraft camp. Basically only get one if it's cheap enough. The only reason I own one is because I took the shilling.

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

The main point here is the content weight, doest justify using a PLCE for (bugging out) these items, not hiking.

[@P373RV2]

Hey mate. Is the new pack you showed really shorter or is this just the short back version? I find both the old and the new version in „long“…. I am almost 2m large, so this is inportant for the hipsbelt as you said….

[@katyg3873]

Back in cadets a few of the guys recreated bravo two zeros load out and tried to do the 2 miler. 200lbs in beltkit and Bergen plus weapon.😮😅

[@PoJoWo]

Great info Bex. Really helpful. My wife got me a hammock for fathers day so Im just gathering my stuff to do a wild camp. I wonder if you have any advice, I bought a cargo chute tarp from DAS and unfortunately it has a couple of small holes that like to leak having tested it in the garden. What have you found to be the best way to repair ripstop? Cheers!

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

The easiest and best way is to use tenacious tape on the outer side only, for a pro fix..... Another way is to use masking tape just to bring the edges together. First the Inner is taped to bring the cut sections together.Spin it over to reveal the outer side, and use silnet seam sealer to cover both edges of the rip. Remove the tape when dry, and now glue the inner. Repeat this with THIN layers until a satisfactory repair has been achieved...... A £7 section of Tenacious Tape from E-bay, would be my choice. I always keep some with my tarps, along with some silnet, or silflex..... Option 3. If you have some spare chute material, make a patch and silnet it to the rip...... You could have bought a basha from DAS for about £30, and pitched in a (Diamond configuration) on its diagonal corners. Tarps made from chutes may not be ideal. Chutes are ripped on purpose to prevent people fixing them to to go sky diving......lol

[@PoJoWo]

@@bexbugoutsurvivor lol good point. Theyre only small holes not significant rips, but bad enough to ruin a night if it rains haha. Thanks will have a go at that and look up that tape. Im on a steep learning curve in some sense. Yep I should have got a basha really but I was after a shelter I could get the kids under when walking and multi use. He did throw in a stuff sack and cord and some other bits for a good deal to be fair. Need to check if hes opened up again at social distance etc. Mind you I found your Amazon shop links now so will make a list for when I have pennies together. Cheers for responding!

[@ollylewin]

Managed to get a DPM long back for 15 quid. I only had a 20 on me so the guy gave me 3 of them haha! Reading some comments I'm going to have to do a loaded test to determine comfort. I'm 6 foot so went for the longback. Will see if I will be selling them on soon haha. Thanks for the review.

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Triers love a bargain....lol They ain't comfy, and the weight to load ratio ain't too good. The inner main chamber is only 70 litres up to the snow collar, the other 30 litres is made up of the snow collar and the outside pockets. 70 litres for 3.5 kilos w/o rocket pouches (not for me)...lol Watch my bergen DIY modifications, on this channel to improve the litreage and comfort. I personally prefer my Berghaus Crusader 90 litres, but there's a big online fan club on the s90 bergen, so I guess its each to their own preference...Good luck bex

[@ollylewin]

@@bexbugoutsurvivor Thanks for the reply mate. I watch a lot of your vids. I've learned a lot so far. Will report back what I think when I've tried it. I've been looking at the hip set ups and thinking of modifying the padded hip pad as a weight bearing set up. Better give it a go before I throw money into it lol. Thanks again.

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

The hip belt is a kidney pad, don't thro any money into that just yet. Wear the kidney pad over the top your hip bone, and not around the side of the bone. It should sit under your rib cage, and the buckle should fasten on your belly button. If you wear it around your hips, you will feel all the weight on your shoulders (killer)...lol There a quick tips on that coming up soon...Take it brother...bex

[@ollylewin]

@@bexbugoutsurvivor Awesome! Thanks mate. Look forward to the video.

[@ollylewin]

So quick update for you. Did a full load hike today. Everything I would normally carry on board. Did a few steady miles and it went well. Didn't have the digging in the back issue and it did the job nicely. It took a while to find the best way of carrying it but all is well. I'm not moaning for what I paid for it lol.

[@danieltait5995]

Fyi, I've found that the mod released a manual online in pdf (search it) on the 90 Patten gear in one of the first page quotes the backpack (long back bergan) is "around 75ltr" and with side pockets are "over 90ltrs" guess there right but dam this bag is way big enough for anyone. I have a strong back so isn't uncomfortable to me. Also addicted to dpm lol

[@sloanIrrigation]

So, what are you replacing it with. I use a large ALICE pack. My wife uses the medium Alice. Those packs are nearly indestructible. Those are what we keep loaded for bugout as well. 70 pounds and 30 pounds

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Replacement for Bergen comes December 2020. I have the large Alice too. Bergen (crow pack) gets the job done, but with zero comfort. A few years have past since the Bergen was new, and the evolution of PLCE has moved on a lot since then.....

[@vasasangjaas108]

I just want to ask if anyone have info about these. I noticed different labels/tag under flap. Is there anything to it? Different maker of bergens, original issue or repros etc. For example there is simple green tab on 2004 version, and some tab's have more writing and they're different. Quite curious about that, cos not sure if maybe some are not originals? Any info is welcome and thank you in advance ! Seems like great piece of kit !!

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

The older green label kit will have what we call a crows foot (an arrow facing upwards) More modern kit is always denoted by a serial number which is its NSN (National Stock Number). A quick google search of the NSN will provide authenticity. There is also an online data base of NSN www.iso-group.com/nsn-search/Search-NSN-Parts-Database/Search-By-NSN

[@jonathonpannell5817]

Hi, do u think a bergen would be OK to use for the dofe

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

No I wouldn't recommend the CS95 Bergen for Dofe at all.... My recommendation would be the All Arms Bergen, nick names the (Turtle back). It has top cargo straps for the tent to be stowed externally, and lower cargo straps for the roll mat to be stowed externally, leaving a full 60 litres of internal space for the sleeping bag & clothing allocation. Additional side pouches can be added giving an extra 20 litres for sundries. It also has an internal water bladder sleeve, and has an internal aluminium frame. You can get a (Turtle back) for around £30-£60, and is equally durable to the CS95 infantry Bergen. Also take into account the CS95 Bergen, has been designed to be used in conjunction with a separate webbing belt order, to carry food/water bottles/first aid etc. I am fully aware there are many people on youtube who love the infantry Bergen, but I doubt they have tested as many different Bergens as I have, to compare against. To give you some insight I have just sold my SC95 Bergen, and I won't miss it....lol

[@pnwoutdoorstruckin8146]

Where can I find one of these bergens online? I'm from the United States

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

You will find plenty on ebay UK. You will then need to pay the customs import, like I do buying from the States. Look for begens marked (super grade or grade 1) to ensure you receive a good quality example, and not one fit only for a dumpster...bex

[@alexcrawford1352]

Hi there m8 Whair did u get ur diggers

[@je710817]

Hi Bex here s a question from Holland ..I am 165 cm /5,41foot? And I want to use a bergen without any PLCE webbing ..what is the correct size for my? Short or long back 😁..my Berghaus Vulcan is a size 2. Greetings James

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Greetings James...Short-back bergen is the one for you. Long-back is for anyone over 5 foot 8 inch. Thanks for watching...bex

[@je710817]

@@bexbugoutsurvivor hi Bex ! Thanks for your reply and for your advice 👍🏽👍🏽👊🏽

[@toto9211]

Hola Bex ,disculpa pero yo no entiendo el inglés,podrías informarme que diferencia en capacidad de litros y peso reales ,entre la bergen larga y la corta?

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Tanto los Bergen de espalda larga como los de espalda corta tienen una capacidad de 120 litros. La espalda corta es más ancha para compensar la diferencia. Perdona mi mal español.

[@toto9211]

@@bexbugoutsurvivor Muchss gracias Bex ,muy bien explicado, ya no tengo ninguna duda y tu Español PERFECTO!!!

[@vvogt4252]

Those Bergen packs are Awesome. Thanks for reviewing them Brother. Ounce for ounce they are as tough as a male Badger during mating season. OK not so Funny. But they were pretty awesome back a few years. I'm kinda old school, I would use a Bergen.Cheers from Swansea SC!

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

They are certainly as tough as Badgers balls. Also like fighting one to wear too....lol Was loaned a krm 130 a short while ago, and the ergonomic design on the spinal adjustment, makes 50 kilos feel like 30..... These days my base weight is well under 11 kilos for a bug-out pack, and about 4-8 kilos for camping. Will modify all my bergens with added unnecessary pouches and sell them, to fund my next bug-out pack....take care bud...bex

[@robwalker308]

On mtp bergen ? 😃

[@robwalker308]

Which is longest British army bungees or b&q bungees? ??

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Army bungees are 1 metre long each by 8 mm, you get issued 10 in the British forces. Hook more than one together to extend their length. ! Buy bungees too long you will need to shorten then, buy knotting them. 10 X 1 metre is ideal, but heavy. so have filmed an option to make your own bungees, if only using them for camping purposes.... That video coming up in the next few weeks....atb...bex

[@mikel6517]

Used military Bergen’s then tried civilian types but never comfortable with those they are not as strong, have zips everywhere you don’t want them which is a potential leak and are always tall and thin, get in the way of my neck and the max you can get is 70 litre ( I have to carry some of my children’s kit as well) without paying silly money. So I have gone back to a plce which I can pack less in than needed and I am used to the less padded shoulders but have made padding with an old rollmat and gaffe tape. Understand what you mean about the weight but it’s a small compromise twice I have had good quality rucksacks fail on me on week long hikes, one was the shoulder harness (stopped the hillwalk altogether) the other a rip at the base, thankfully gaffe taped that one as a temp measure but had to come of the hill to fix it.

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

I have an 80 litre Civvy pack, at only 2.55 kilos, holds everything the bergen can and more.On the other hand Modern MOD SF packs have a much better back support, for weight distribution, but as you say silly money,.... I have a collection both civvy and service packs, ....

[@mikel6517]

Is that the osprey 88 rucksac you have?

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

I have the Osprey 55 for tent camping,,,, The 80 litre is the Brandir Aviator for bivvy swag roll (German Engineering) in my top 5 of fav kit..... kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIjSe5VjZ6iefpI And the REI 55 light weight for hammock camping...... And a few carboot sale packs. Carboot find packs video is filmed and will be seen in a few weeks time..... And the BCB 25 international, for hyper light tarp camping.... The Bulldog 55 is my patrol pack, among many others not mentioned.....

[@haroldvonschwartzenstien3581]

Consider the Berghaus Cyclops or Vulcan, it’s what these were based on.

[@Q8697ny]

Can you send me a link to those rocket pouches that have the extra zip compartment at the top

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

dixiescorner.co.uk/ Click Tailoring in the header menu, and send them a request for a price......

[@Q8697ny]

bex bugoutsurvivor thank you for the info I’ll see what they would charge as I’m in the United States I have many packs and I must say the Bergen that I have tops what I’ve got from my country in my opinion

[@OldNavajoTricks]

Did you murder another rocket for that extra lid marra?

[@Wrath_of_the_Angel]

I added the option to be able to zip 4 rocket pockets to my bergen , and I had to destroy one for the zips to facilitate this option.

[@MrFullautoak47]

It's rocket time here in the states...tomorrow the us bobbies pat u down for dynamite ! They never seem to find any...people are always disposing of it all day !

[@frenchfriescrisp]

Or make a stash in a tree or a hole ,have food and water stashed,tarps and toilet paper, instant oatmeal and coffee,you gonna bug out you wont want a 40 pound pack ,you carry anything else its too much unless

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Talking out you arse mate. Bug out bag CEMO are set for 36 hours only, of which I have freeze dried foods, with very little weight, and can easily be done with my 55 litre RIE Flash trekking pack. What makes you think your stash point will be a safe route to bug out to....lmfao