A British Army bergen is the large issued rucksack used for carrying several days of kit. The two main types are the DPM PLCE bergen, with a 100-litre main body that grows to 120 litres with both side pockets, and the later MTP 90-litre bergen. Both come in Short Back or Long Back, and you pick the one that matches your torso length.
- DPM PLCE bergen: 100L main body, and two side pockets add 20L for 120L in total. Made from 1000D Cordura.
- MTP bergen: 90L main body, sold in Short Back or Long Back, with or without side pockets.
- As a rough guide, Short Back suits shorter torsos (often people under about 5ft 9in) and Long Back suits taller users.
- Packs of 60 litres and over count as bergens. Packs of 17 to 45 litres are daysacks.
- Every bergen is graded Super Grade, Grade 1 or Grade 2, and you receive the grade you order.
What is a British Army bergen?
"Bergen" is the British military word for a large framed rucksack. It carries everything a soldier needs for more than a day away from base: sleeping system, spare clothing, rations, water and shelter. It is a separate item from the webbing belt and yoke, which carry ammunition and immediate-use kit on the body.
Civilians buy issued bergens for the same reason soldiers put up with them: they are big, tough and simple to repair. The heavy nylon fabric, wide straps and plain compartments cope with abuse that would finish off many lighter hiking packs.
What is the difference between a PLCE bergen and an MTP bergen?
The PLCE bergen belongs to the Personal Load Carrying Equipment family introduced in the mid-1980s and was issued in DPM camouflage. The MTP bergen came later, after the Army moved to Multi-Terrain Pattern. For more on the change of pattern, see our guide to MTP vs DPM camouflage.
| Feature | DPM PLCE bergen | MTP 90L bergen |
|---|---|---|
| Camouflage | DPM (woodland) | MTP (multi-terrain) |
| Main body | 100 litres | 90 litres |
| Side pockets | Two, adding 20 litres (120L total) | Available with or without |
| Back lengths | Short Back or Long Back | Short Back or Long Back |
| Best for | Maximum volume for the money | Current-pattern look and a slightly smaller load |
If you want the most carrying space for the least outlay, the British Army DPM PLCE bergen is hard to beat. If you want kit that matches current-issue MTP clothing, go for the British Army MTP 90L bergen.
Short Back or Long Back: which bergen size do I need?
Bergens are not sold as small, medium and large. Instead they come in two back lengths. Back length sets how far the shoulder straps sit above the hip belt, so it depends on your torso rather than your overall height.
- Short Back: generally suits users under about 5ft 9in, or anyone with a short torso.
- Long Back: generally suits taller users, or anyone with a long torso.
Treat this as rough guidance. When the back length is right, the hip belt sits on your hip bones and carries most of the weight, and the shoulder straps wrap over your shoulders without gaps. If the hip belt sits on your waist or bottom, the back is probably the wrong length. If you are between sizes, think about how you will carry. Long, heavy walks show up a poor fit much faster than loading a vehicle does. Our sizing and condition guide has more help.
How much does a British Army bergen cost?
Price depends on grade and on whether side pockets are included. Current prices for the DPM PLCE bergen:
| Grade | With side pockets | Without side pockets |
|---|---|---|
| Super Grade | £69.99 | £49.99 |
| Grade 1 | £49.99 | £29.99 |
| Grade 2 | £29.99 | £19.99 |
Super Grade is the cleanest issued stock with minimal use. Grade 1 is good and serviceable with light wear. Grade 2 shows heavier wear but still works fully. For a full breakdown, read British Army surplus grades explained.
Do I need the side pockets?
Side pockets add 20 litres to the DPM PLCE bergen and make it easier to organise your kit. They are the obvious place for a stove, water, a waterproof or snacks, so you do not have to open the main body to reach them. Leave them off if you want a narrower pack for moving through woodland or vehicles, or if 100 litres is already more than you need. Buying the bergen without pockets is also the cheapest way to own one.
What other large packs are worth considering?
British issue is not the only choice. Several other military packs suit particular needs:
- Berghaus Crusader 90+20 MMPS: Dutch Army issue. It comes in back sizes 1 to 4, so you can match it to your torso more closely than a two-size bergen allows.
- Dutch DPM 60L bergen with side pockets: a smaller bergen for shorter trips or lighter loads.
- 100L black deployment bag: carries as a rucksack or a holdall. Suits travel, kit storage or moving gear between vehicles and buildings.
When is a daysack better than a bergen?
If you only need water, a layer, food and a first aid kit for the day, a bergen is more pack than you need. Daysacks run from 17 to 45 litres. The Virtus 40L MTP daysack is the largest of the current-issue options, and the Virtus MTP 17L assault pack and DPM 30L NI daysack cover lighter days. Many people end up owning a bergen for expeditions and a daysack for everything else.
How do I keep a bergen dry?
Military bergen fabric is tough, but the pack as a whole should not be treated as waterproof. Water can get in through seams, zips and the top opening. A DPM waterproof bergen cover keeps rain off the outside. Inside, a common habit is to pack your sleeping bag and spare clothing in their own waterproof bags. Our guide to the British Army sleeping bag system covers the compression sacks that go inside.
Frequently asked questions
How many litres is a British Army bergen?
The DPM PLCE bergen has a 100-litre main body, and its two side pockets add 20 litres for a total of 120 litres. The later MTP bergen has a 90-litre main body and can be bought with or without side pockets.
Should I get a Short Back or Long Back bergen?
As a rough guide, Short Back suits people under about 5ft 9in or with shorter torsos, and Long Back suits taller users. The right size puts the hip belt on your hip bones and lets the shoulder straps sit flat over your shoulders.
Is a DPM bergen still worth buying?
Yes, if you want capacity and durability for the money. The DPM PLCE bergen is made from 1000D Cordura and offers up to 120 litres. Its camouflage is older than MTP, but that makes no difference to how it carries or how long it lasts.
Can I wear PLCE webbing with a bergen?
Yes. Soldiers have long worn webbing and a bergen together, although rear pouches can push the bergen away from your back and the two belts can compete for space on your hips. Our PLCE webbing guide explains how to set up the belt and yoke.
What grade of bergen should I buy?
Choose Super Grade for the cleanest example with minimal use, Grade 1 for a good serviceable pack with light wear, or Grade 2 for the lowest price with heavier cosmetic wear. Every grade is fully usable, and you receive the grade you order.
How fast will my bergen arrive?
Orders placed before 1pm Monday to Friday are dispatched the same day. UK delivery is free on orders over £100, and you have 30 days to return an item. Full details are on our store facts page.
Written by the Raid Supply team, who grade every item by hand in Buckinghamshire.