High-quality load carrying equipment incorporates intelligent design in Bergens, daysacks, molle webbing systems, tailored webbing, tactical vests, chest rigs, pouches and integrated hydration systems. All of these products are designed to help soldiers carry kit as per SOPs, including ammunition, water, medical kits, communications gear, rations, tools, and other mission equipment.
Load carrying equipment is absolutely essential to soldiers in the field, who routinely carry 30-50% of their body weight for extended periods. Effective load carrying distributes that weight across the hips, shoulders and torso to reduce fatigue. It lowers injury risk, maintains mobility and balance, enables hands-free operation for weapon handling or tasks, and ensures rapid access to essentials without breaking stride. It’s safe to say that it’s important your kit is up to the job. With this in mind, here are some of the load carrying equipment brands to choose from for your 2026 upgrade.
Berghaus
Founded in 1966, Berghaus began as an outdoor brand setting out to create better gear for mountain enthusiasts. Since then, it has evolved into a huge name in tactical gear, and their Vulcan Bergen and Munro daysack are a particular favourite of the Royal Marines ML branch. Berghaus Tactical now supplies load carrying equipment to NATO forces and special units worldwide. Their designs excel at rigid load transfer systems that shift weight to the hips, protect the back from protruding gear, and deliver bomb-proof durability in on exercise, course or combat conditions.
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CamelBak
In 1989, EMT Michael Eidson created the first hands-free hydration pack from a repurposed IV bag. That simple invention evolved into CamelBak, and by 1991, they were being issued to US soldiers in the Gulf War. CamelBak is a leading name today in hydration-integrated load carriage, and their systems keep soldiers hydrated whilst dismounted. Users can stay hydrated without stopping or removing equipment, with features like quick-refill ports and full MOLLE webbing compatibility that make hydration on the move easier.
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Dragon Supplies
Established in 1999, Dragon Supplies is a manufacturer and supplier of specialist military equipment. Focused exclusively on the needs of the British Armed Forces, the company specialises in military tailoring, load carriage accessories and custom load carrying equipment. Their bergen and daysack designs are built to exacting standards, emphasising easy access, customisation, and reliability, and have become trusted pieces of kit across UK forces.
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Exped
Founded in 1983 after founders Andi and Heidi Bruns’ nine-month wilderness experience in Canada, Exped AG represented many iconic brands as a distributor before eventually designing its own products in 1997. Exped is renowned for innovative, lightweight, high-end equipment that prioritises comfort and durability. Exped products can be found in 26 countries and are sold exclusively through specialist outdoor retailers. Some of their designs feature advanced ergonomic carrying systems with excellent weight distribution.
Exped also has lightweight tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, and their Versa range of lightweight and waterproof dry bags in their collection. These 70D nylon waterproof and dust-proof dry bags are ideal in your Bergens, daysack and webbing for demanding military exercises. The 7 different sizes we stock range from 1 ltr through to Bergen-sized 140 litre dry bags.
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Petzl
In 1975, the Petzl corporation was born when Fernand Petzl established the first company headquarters in Crolles, France. Petzl is a global leader in vertical mobility and safety gear. While best known for rope access, safety at height equipment, headlamps and climbing hardware, Petzl’s dedicated tactical division produces carabiners, harnesses, rope systems, and intervention equipment specifically for military and law enforcement use. Petzl also has ultra-lightweight carabiners certified to the EN 362 standard.
Their solutions excel in scenarios where load carrying equipment needs to work in vertical or rope-assisted operations, such as special forces insertions, helicopter work, or tactical movement. In 1973, Petzl developed its first mountaineering headlamp, and for over 50 years, Petzl have delivered head torches of the highest performance from the iconic Petzl Tactikka to the ultra-compact, ultra-lightweight Petzl E Lite headtorch. The Petzl Aria headtorch is impact resistant, waterproof, dustproof and is easy to use with a single operating button with red/blue/green function. It fits into the palm of your hand and weighs 106g.
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As military requirements continue to evolve toward more adaptable load carrying equipment systems, these brands stand out for 2026. If you have any questions about any of the products we carry from these top brands, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for helpful advice.
