The British Army Bergen is a type of military rucksack that has evolved over time to meet the needs of soldiers in the field. Its origins can be traced back to World War II, when the British military adopted designs inspired by Norwegian rucksacks, commonly referred to as "Bergens," named after the Norwegian city. These early designs were rugged and functional, allowing soldiers to carry heavy loads during operations.
Post-WWII, the Bergen continued to evolve, particularly during the Cold War and later conflicts. By the 1980s, the PLCE (Personal Load Carrying Equipment) Bergen became standard issue, designed to carry up to 100 liters of gear, with external pockets for additional storage. It was widely used in the Falklands War, Gulf War, and later conflicts, valued for its durability and capacity. Modern iterations of the Bergen remain in use, now made with lighter materials and ergonomic improvements to support soldiers on extended missions.
