Bergans has been around since 1908, when inventor Ole F. Bergan designed the first integrated frame backpack. The Norwegian army placed a large order in 1913, while polar explorers Roald Amundsen and Lincoln Ellsworth used Bergans packs on their expeditions. Soon the system was world-famous.
In Norway the brand (probably) holds the same position as Fjällräven does in Sweden. Some years ago Bergans was regarded as a bit old-fashioned (albeit sturdy), and a cheaper alternative to Norrøna. This changed after Bergans became the main sponsor of the reality show
"71° North" (71° nord). Today the garments are manufactured in the Far East, but the designs are developed in Norway.
History
Personally, I think their products are very good. They are well-designed and tough. But, as mentioned in an earlier post, I might be influenced by the strong position the brand holds here historically.
It seems they are not represented in the UK.
Stores abroad
Maybe
http://www.amfibi.no/?menuid=1100217 can help you? I requested a jacket from the Bergans catalogue which was not in their store, and they ordered it from Bergans directly, without any extra charge.
I have no connection to the corporations mentioned, just a happy customer.
- which I've tried to chase down before but no UK distribution. Best bet may be a retailer with strong links to Scandinavia like Nordic Outdoor or Tamarack? Or else Bergans as a brand is popular in Germany witness the amount of retailers listed. Most on-line sellers there will speak English and offer a good European service. I've used globetrotter.de a couple of times. I did find this link which seems to be good. The store lists a huge amount of their gear with no evident stock limitations so I expect they get it in direct on order. Looks pukka anyway? http://www.activesports.de/Produktsuche/Bergans-Nittedal-Flameresistant-Jacket.html. But it ranks in Google search so you may have been there already? No connections, etc...
