Whether you’re embarking on a military deployment, exercise, weighted bergen tab or a hiking trip on your leave, how you pack your bergen or daysack will significantly impact your overall comfort and well-being. If your bergen is poorly packed, it will inevitably lead to unnecessary exertion, discomfort and potential injury. There’s a lot in the way of technique to practice, but we’re here to give you some quick tips on how to pack a bergen to maintain efficiency and reduce the chance of injury.
Plan Out Your Load
The very first thing you need to consider when you’re packing a bergen is what equipment you’re going to be bringing with you. Do you need the long back, short back or air support bergen with an additional triple pouch set up ? Assess what kit is necessary for the mission at hand based on its duration, activity and expected weather conditions. Be realistic about what you need to bring - overburdening yourself significantly increases your chances of getting injured in the long run.
Use Military-Grade Organisational Techniques
Our next tip on how to pack a bergen is to ensure that you’re making the best use of storage options and other organisational techniques. Utilise the various internal compartments, lid storage and external pouches in and on your bergen to help maintain kit organisation and prevent you from having to rummage around to find a particular bit of kit. You can also make use of dry bags or compression sacks to save as much space as possible and gather kit into smaller, more organised groups.
Distribute Weight Strategically
Learning how to tactically make use of weight distribution makes a monumental difference when you’re figuring out how to pack a bergen. As a general rule, ensure that you place heavier items near the centre of your back to keep the load balanced and reduce strain on your shoulders. Essentials that you need quick access to should remain as close to the top as possible, preferably in a top pocket. Finally, ensure that your side pockets are evenly weighted on both sides to help you maintain your balance.
Adjust Your Bergen For Comfort
The straps on your bergen will need to be adjusted to ensure a snug fit. Your shoulder straps should be adjusted so that they hug your shoulders without digging in too tightly. Use the load lifter straps to bring the bergens weight closer to your body to reduce the strain on your shoulders and back. Fasten the waist belt securely around your hip bones, not your waist. This is the best position to allow your legs to take on some of the bergen’s weight rather than your back.
Make Sure You Test The Load
It may sound obvious but do not forget to test your loaded bergen before you set out. Take it out on a short walk so that you can ensure that you have fully adjusted your strap settings and achieved a balanced weight distribution. This is your opportunity to iron out any wrinkles in your bergen packing before you get to an operational setting, so be sure to make the most of it.
We hope that these key tips on how to pack a bergen have been helpful. Packing a bergen effectively using these techniques will make a significant difference to the amount of strain you put on your body and help to reduce the chance of injury in the field.
At Taskforce Military, we have a selection of fantastic quality bergens from trusted brands such as Dragon Supplies, Camelbak and Berghaus. If you have any questions or queries, feel free to get in contact with us for assistance today.
