A Norwegian called Ole Bergan is credited with inventing the world’s first ‘A’ frame rucksack in 1908/9. So popular was it that ‘Bergan’ became the generic term for just about every rucksack for decades after, even if they weren’t actually made by Bergans of Norway. As with every great invention a multitude of copies followed. In the UK a company called Brown Best produced very similar sacks which competed well with the Norwegian versions. Thomas Black and Sons of Greenock were the main importers of Bergans and the fabulous extract from their 1940’s Good Companion’s Brochure opposite, berates Adolph Hitler for invading Norway and cutting off the supply. We think the page also shows the rucksack we have here in the collection, the ‘Brigadis’. We are not 100% sure since there are no markings though everything else seems to tally. A nice addition to our ever growing collection of rucksacks.