Posts about ex-military kit always seem to attract a lot of responses so I thought I might have a go.
I'm starting to think about buying a seriously large load-lugger but I steer clear of the more garishly coloured offerings.
The Berghaus Vulcan seems to be popular but is not cheap. Another possibility is the Web-Tex PLCE bergan at about half the price. What's the catch? Is it hideously uncomfortable?
Most of the "issue" kit isn't particularly comfortable, but items such as the Vulcan are sort of civvy/military crossover. i.e. if you're in a regiment that lets you buy your own, then they are a good choice.
I have the Vulcan (but an old style one), and it's great. I've had comments such as "why do you use sthg so huge?" and "isn't that really heavy and uncomfortable?" but the truth is, no, it's not at all uncomfortable. I've used it for several days solid camping out in the Beacons (and doing a LOT of walking with it), and carried a hell of a lot of stuff in it into the jungle.
If you want SERIOUSLY large, then you can even get 120ltr bergens at Silvermans, but that's a bit OTT. Not sure what my Vulcan is - about 100ltr I think. And since it was yet another item pilfered from my ex, cost wasn't a drama either ;)
The Vulcan does get good write-ups and testimonials, and Ray Mears certainly seems to like them. However, at about £150 a pop, I'm looking at any other options.
I probably will end up buying one, but its all one wonderful excuse visit gear shops.
I've got a web-tex 120L bergan, unused with extra yoke and side pouches, plus hydration pack pouch and a few other bits and pieces, I can let you have cheap if you want.
It is in perfect condition - I'm selling because I recently spent £350 kitting myself out with Osprey packs, and am never likely to use it.
Another tip if you are looking for bergans is to...
<I hate to direct someone away from here but it is worth a visit for all things surplus>
... visit the bushcraft UK site. Its a forum that has a lot of people who use bergans and ex issue paraphernalia. I've seen posts where someone has picked up a pouch, unsure of its use and posted a picture of it and about 20 posts came back saying it was an X army radio pouch with notebook holder in Y cammo pattern... You get the idea.
I am totally confused about this thread. I only use the latest posts option on this forum so how is it I raised this zombie. I am sure I saw it after selecting latest posts. Is it possible someone has deleted their post ahead of mine? I've never raised a zombie before so I am totally confused with this one. Hmmm! SOmething funny is going on here methinks.
I like the sound of Cara-Lyn, combat barbie. Got an image of here from that CP.
Got a mate who uses a bergan. One of those that goes from 50 litres to 120 litres. Also got a cover for it. It is made out of a proper coated canvas too. The sort of coating that you get in those so-westers, kind of thicker than the fabric substrate. It had a cord around the edge in a tube so you could cinch it in to fit the bergan no matter what the volume set-up (PLCE poockets and the like). It made him look like a turtle. Called him (behind his back as he's a big lad) teenage ninja turtle. The cover was so big I'm sure you could shelter under it tarp like.
I do like the idea of adding pockets onto a clean lined sack though the bergans are too heavy. Perhaps an UL pocket version to add extra volume to a lighter sack. I think Aiguille so some. BTW I don't work for them but have been posting about them a lot as I'm trying to find out about them.
