SAS/PARA "Bergen" Rucksacks

This guide is intended to help bidders avoid being scammed by unknowledgeable and/or dishonest sellers. It also sheds light on the term "Bergen".All British soldiers today call their rucksacks "Bergens" (Often miss-spelt as "Bergans"). The term comes from the original '42 Pattern external 'A' frame rucksack that was closely modelled on skiers' rucksacks made or used at Bergen, Norway.Elite units, ie: Airborne Forces (SAS, Para, Gliderborne and Glider pilots) and Seaborne Forces (Commando), were issued these rucksacks. Because of the nature of their operations, they were required to be self-supporting and, usually, carry all that they needed to survive and continue their operations independently of the larger logistical structure of the army. Hence the term "Bergen Soldiers", a phrase that seems out of date today. The ethos remains the same: self-reliant, fighting elite men who tackle the most dangerous missions, operate independently in isolation and for protracted periods.The '42 Bergen came in a few variants and in two or possibly three colours. The earlier ones that the author's seen were not waterproof lined and were khaki in colour. There was a waterproof lined version (circa 1943) then, by 1944, a green waterproof lined version. This final variant remained in service until the early 1980s. There may have been a chocolate brown version (matching the '42 Assault and Battle Jerkins) but the author has neither seen nor heard about any bergens made in this colour fabric.The '42 Bergen was replaced by the '72 Patt "Rucksack SAS" - also known as the "SAS/PARA" or "Airborne" Bergen. (NSN 8465-99-136-1886) This had a square external frame that was also used for carrying the Clansman PRC 351 and 352 radio sets. From habit, these were called "Bergens" - despite the fact that, strictly speaking, they weren't because of the shape of the frame and pack.

With the introduction of the PLCE webbing, the '72 Patt Rucksack was
replaced by the '90 Patt PLCE internal frame rucksack which, a short
while later, was replaced by the '95 Patt. The '95 Pattern was
identical except for it's camouflage fabric. Both types of these rucks
had numerous variants: convoluted backs, quick release shoulder straps,
etc, and they come in two sizes, "Long Back" and "Short Back". All of
these are standard issue and not exclusive to elite fighting forces.Cons on eBay:

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