Are you planning a big camping trip, a tough hike, or just need a super strong bag for your outdoor adventures? Maybe you’re someone who loves gear that can handle anything—rain, mud, or heavy loads. A military bergen is the perfect choice for anyone who wants a reliable, tough rucksack that won’t let them down. If you’re looking for something durable and budget-friendly, you’re in the right place!
In this blog post, I’ll share all about military bergens, focusing on an awesome 80L unbreakable rucksack starting at just £45. You’ll learn why these bags are so great for camping and hiking, where to find them in the US and UK, and what makes them a must-have for outdoor lovers. I’ll also throw in some other cool gear ideas to make your trips even better. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to pick the perfect bergen for your next adventure!
I’ve always loved the outdoors—there’s nothing like the smell of fresh air and the thrill of a good hike or camping trip. But let me tell you, a bad bag can ruin everything! That’s why I’m so excited to talk about military bergens. These rucksacks are built like tanks, designed for soldiers to carry heavy gear through tough conditions. When I got my first 80L bergen, it was a game-changer—spacious, strong, and comfy even with tons of stuff packed inside. Let’s dive into why a military bergen, especially one at £45, is a total camping must-have!
Why Military Bergens Are Awesome
Military bergens are made to survive the roughest situations. The 80L ones, like the German Army Mountain Bergen or British Army 100L DPM Bergen, are super tough, often made from strong cordura fabric that can handle anything you throw at it. They’re big enough to carry all your camping gear—tent, sleeping bag, food, and more—but still comfy to wear thanks to padded straps and hip belts. Some even have a lightweight frame to take the weight off your shoulders, which is a lifesaver on long hikes.
What makes them extra cool? They’re practical! Many bergens, like the German Army 80L, have detachable side pouches that can turn into a smaller daypack. Others, like the British Army Bergen, have tons of pockets for quick access to your stuff. At £45, these bags are a steal for their quality. A reviewer on The Bushcraft Forum said their 80L bergen lasted six months with no issues, even in heavy rain, and I can totally see why—it’s like they’re built to last forever
Where to Find These Rucksacks
You can snag a great 80L military bergen from places like Military 1st (military1st.co.uk or military1st.eu), where the German Army Mountain Bergen 80L starts at £45 in black or olive. In the UK, check Surplus and Lost (surplusandlost.co.uk) for Austrian army surplus 80L bergens, which are waterproof and super durable. For US shoppers, Amazon.com has similar military-style rucksacks, like the Kombat UK 80L, for around $60. eBay UK and eBay US are also great for finding deals on used British or German bergens, sometimes even cheaper than £45.
Pro tip: Look at Cadet Direct (cadetdirect.com) for Karrimor or CamelBak bergens if you want brand-name options. They often have fast UK shipping and colors like MTP for a cool camo look. If you’re after a rare find, Goarmy (goarmy.co.uk) has British Army 100L bergens with side pouches for about £50. Just act fast—popular models sell out quickly during restocks
How Military Bergens Make Camping Better
These bergens are perfect for camping because they’re so versatile. The 80L size is just right—not too big, not too small—for weekend trips or longer adventures. They’re waterproof or water-resistant, so your gear stays dry even in UK rain (which, let’s be honest, never stops!). The padded straps and hip belt make carrying heavy loads, like 40 pounds, way easier on your back. One hiker on BushcraftUK said their bergen was comfy for 5-6 mile hikes with heavy weight, and I totally get why—it’s like the bag does half the work for you
Other Cool Camping Gear Ideas
Not set on a bergen? You can pair it with other awesome gear from Military 1st, like hydration bladders for easy water access or army blankets for staying warm. Surplus and Outdoors (surplusandoutdoors.com) has Swiss knives and mess kits starting at £10, perfect for cooking in the wild. For a budget-friendly option, Amazon.co.uk has tactical daypacks for around £20 that are great for shorter trips. These extras make your camping setup complete and ready for anything.
Why You’ll Love a Military Bergen
A military bergen isn’t just a bag—it’s your adventure buddy. It’s tough enough to handle any weather, big enough for all your gear, and comfy enough for long treks. Whether you’re hiking in the US mountains or camping in the UK countryside, a £45 80L bergen will keep your stuff safe and make your trip awesome. I love how mine makes me feel ready for anything, and I know you will too. Head to Military 1st, Amazon, or eBay to grab one today—trust me, it’s a camping must-have that’ll make every trip unforgettable!