Packing a Bergen.
This is presented as some basic
advice for packing your Bergen. It is not the only way you can do this or even
the ‘right’ way to do it but it is a start.
One of the main ideas when
packing your kit is to try to keep the weight as high as possible so it can be
spread over your shoulders, back and hips rather than having the weight lower
down which can cause stress to your body. You also want to keep the weight as
close to your back as possible so you do not over balance if going up or down
hills. Also try to make sure the pack is also balanced on both sides as well so
not to put more pressure on one side of your body than the other otherwise this
will hurt too.
All contents are put inside a Bergen
liner or a large heavy duty bin bag to keep the items secure and waterproof -
especially if you have to do an unforeseen river crossing or suffer typical
British weather.
Brown
Light Blue
Dark Green
Orange
Dark Blue
Light Green
Red
White
Purple
Grey
Bergan Sections:
1. Top Outer Pocket – Brown
Waterproof jacket if not just under lid
Map/compass (in waterproof case)
Head torch/torch
Lightsticks with at least 1m of cord
Black bin bag (large)
Spare lighter/safety matches
Bergen cover (if you have one and it is not used)
Gloves and warm hat
Personal First aid Kit
The
items here are one that you may want very quickly for emergency or due to
weather changes without opening up your Bergen.
2. Under Lid Pocket – Light
Blue if you
have a pocket under the lid:
Spare Batteries for all your devices repair kit (duct tape, sewing kit,
electrical tape, zip ties)
If you don't have an under
lid pocket then put contents in a waterproof bag and put near top of main part
of Bergen or one of the side pockets.
3. Top of Bergen (either above or just below snow-lock but
under lid) – Light Green
Waterproof Jacket (if not worn or in top of Bergen)
Waterproof trousers/Gaiters
4. Top of Main Compartment – Orange
Food
- This needs to be in a separate bag if possible divided into each meal/day.
This will probably be the heaviest item in your Bergen if on multi day/week
trip.
5. Near Top Main Compartment – Dark Blue
Spare fuel for stove if necessary
Wash kit + Small towel
Each
Item is best if in its own bag to stop cross contamination. Keep any containers
upright to prevent spillage.
6. Middle Main Compartment –
Dark Green
Warm kit - Fleece/Jacket/jumper
Spare socks, underwear, T-shirt
Use
the clothing to level out parts of the bag and to bulk out the rucksack so as
to try and keep the main weight as high as possible on your back.
7. Bottom Main Compartment – Red
Sleeping Bag with Bivi bag (if available)
Here
is where to put your sleeping bag. It is best if you keep your sleeping bag
already in a bivi bag if you have one or a large bin bag / dry sack.
8. Very Bottom of Main Compartment – White
Spare Uniform
This
is kept in its own bag at the bottom of your Bergen it is to be used if you get
wet through or damage the kit you are wearing or for the last day when
travelling home for that cleaner smelling and smart(er) look!
9. Side Pocket 1 – Purple
Basha /Shelter kit
Cup
Brew Kit
Stove and small amount of fuel (if not in main bag)
Water bottle/canteen
This kit is stuff that you may want to easily use without going into your main bag and also kit that will be used early on in the setup of your camp. If you do not have a Bergen lid pocket the contents noted in section 1 can go there.
10. Side Pocket/Space 2 – Grey
Roll mat
This side is used for my roll matt. If you don’t have one (and you should!) I would divide the contents of my other side pouch here to balance the Bergen up. And attach the roll mat to the front of the Bergen.
