Bergans
| Industry | Outdoor equipment and apparel |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1908 |
| Founder | Ole F. Bergan |
| Headquarters | Asker, Norway |
Key people | Silje Garberg Ree (CEO) |
| Products | Backpacks\canoes\gear for hiking and trekking |
| Parent | Sport Holding AS |
| Website | bergans |
Bergans of Norway (formally Bergans Fritid AS) is a Norwegian outdoor equipment and technical apparel manufacturer headquartered in Asker, Norway. Founded in 1908 by Ole F. Bergan, the company pioneered the external-frame backpack, which became widely adopted by explorers and military forces in the early 20th century. [1][2]
Today, Bergans develops and manufactures backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, canoes, hiking equipment and, technical clothing.[3]
History
Bergans was founded by Ole Ferdinand Bergan (1876–1956), a bike mechanic in Tønsberg. In 1908, Bergan invented a backpack with an external frame in 1908.[4] During his lifetime, Bergan registered 45 patents.
In August 2021, Bergans was purchased by Sport Holding, Norway's largest sports retailer.[5]
The Norwegian Armed Forces have been using backpacks from Bergans since 1913.[6]
References
- ^ "Our History – Bergans". Bergans of Norway. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
- ^ "Of Bergans, Bergens and Backpacks". Strike Hold. 29 February 2020. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
- ^ "Bergans of Norway Joins Forces with Brink Commerce". www.brinkcommerce.com. Retrieved 2025-09-15.
- ^ "BERGANS OF NORWAY". What's Up Public Relations. Retrieved 2025-09-15.
- ^ "Sport Holding acquires Bergans of Norway". Outdoor Industry Compass. Retrieved 2025-09-15.
- ^ "History - Bergans". bergans.com. Retrieved 29 July 2021.
External links