Compass: Charting the Evolution of Outdoor Gear

Bergans History

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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

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