1908
Norwegian Ole F. Bergan bends a juniper branch to support his soft rucksack, while on a hunting trip
reworks prototype with tubular steel frame and leather straps and applies for patent on Bergan Meis rucksack
1909
patent number 20547 awarded 18 December 1909
1910
Sverre Young, a wholesaler from Christiania buys patent from Bergan for 1,500 Kroner
1920
had six models of specific women’s packs in the range
1930’s
produce Micro-tightener ski binding for jump, slalom and downhill skiing
1933
patent on pack design expired and was widely copied by competitors
1945
Bergans pay 5,000 Kroner for rights to use the famous Birkebeinerne theme and symbol as their brand image
1973
tent production begins at Odalen factory with a pyramid style
produced a saddle style, forward-facing, child-carrying rucksack
1975
developed first symmetrical cross-country binding in synthetic materials
1986
factory is burnt to the ground with all 86-87 stock destroyed
1987
new factory opened in Nord-Odal
1990
but, with important market share much diminished after 1986 fire, the factory closes
Bergans now