Bergans were one of the most popular rucksacks in the UK prior to the Second World War, so popular that Bergan became a generic term for all kinds of rucksack even though they might not have been made by Bergans.

Hitler’s army occupied Norway in 1939 and because that’s where Bergans were made there were no more imports for a few years. Things got back to normal in the late 1940s and the Bergan became popular again, though companies like Brown Best in the UK were competing hard and without checking the maker’s label it was hard to distinguish one from the other.

These ‘A’ framed rucksacks slowly gave way to the more ergonomically designed rucksacks that we see today and by the 1980s they were consigned to the back catalogues.

John Nelson kindly donated this one along with several others in June 2024. It is in mint condition and beautifully made with canvas and leather and still very usable – thanks John for a great addition to our collection.