88% matchNorrona
Norwegian neighbour, activity-specific Gore-Tex shells
What changes: Pricier, apparel-led with no tents or sleeping bags
Brand profile
Bergans of Norway
Norwegian outdoor brand founded in 1908 on the patented frame rucksack, now making backpacks, tents and technical hiking and hunting apparel.
AskerOrigin
UnisexFocus
Gorpcore / OutdoorStyle
$$$Price
4 brands like Bergans of Norway like Norrona, Haglöfs, Klättermusen →
What to know about Bergans of Norway
A patented rucksack started it
Bicycle mechanic Ole F. Bergan patented the external-frame rucksack in 1908; the packs went on polar expeditions and have been used by the Norwegian Armed Forces since 1913.
Equipment house, not just apparel
Alongside waterproof shells and insulated layers, the range runs to backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, canoes and hunting gear shown at IWA OutdoorClassics in 2025.
Repairs factored into the price
At its mid-to-high price level, product development is guided by repair services and recycled fabrics rather than seasonal turnover.
How Bergans of Norway fits
Overall fit
true to size
Most wearers report Bergans runs close to true to size with a fairly generous, layering-friendly European outdoor cut and longer-than-average sleeves and body, though slim-fit softshells and trekking trousers can feel closer to the body.
Tip: Take your usual size for most pieces, and only size up if you plan to layer thick midlayers under a shell.
Medium confidence · based on 8 sources
By category
| Category | Runs | Shape | Size advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoodies & sweatshirts | true to size | regular midlayer fit designed to sit under a shell | Buy your usual size, as these are cut trim enough to layer beneath a jacket. |
| Shirts & overshirts | true to size | regular outdoor shirt shape, room through the chest | Choose your normal size; those with shorter arms may find the sleeves long. |
| Trousers & pants | true to size | regular to slightly slim outdoor cut, articulated knees | Order your usual waist and check the inseam, as legs tend to run long. |
| Jackets | true to size | regular technical fit with articulated sleeves; some slim softshell models | Stick with your normal size for shells since there is already layering room, but consider sizing up if you wear a thick down midlayer underneath. |
| T-shirts & graphic tees | true to size | regular active fit, not boxy | Take your normal size; size up only if you dislike a close technical fit. |
Directional fit consensus summarized from public sources with AI — a starting point, not a guarantee. Confirm with the product's own measurements before buying.
If you like Bergans of Norway
88% match
86% matchHaglöfs
Same-era Scandinavian trekking kit, packs included
What changes: More ultralight-focused, less hunting and camping gear
79% matchKlättermusen
Swedish mountaineering with a design-forward, eco bent
What changes: Smaller range, higher price, distinctive off-centre detailing
77% matchMammut
Century-old alpine outfitter spanning hardware and apparel
What changes: Climbing hardware and safety tech rather than tents/canoes
Bergans of Norway fit questions
Does Bergans of Norway run big or small?
Bergans of Norway fits true to size. Take your usual size for most pieces, and only size up if you plan to layer thick midlayers under a shell. Most wearers report Bergans runs close to true to size with a fairly generous, layering-friendly European outdoor cut and longer-than-average sleeves and body, though slim-fit softshells and trekking trousers can feel closer to the body.
How does Bergans of Norway fit?
Most wearers report Bergans runs close to true to size with a fairly generous, layering-friendly European outdoor cut and longer-than-average sleeves and body, though slim-fit softshells and trekking trousers can feel closer to the body. Overall shape: regular to slightly relaxed, technical outdoor cut with articulation.
How do Bergans of Norway hoodies & sweatshirts fit?
Bergans of Norway hoodies & sweatshirts fits true to size. Buy your usual size, as these are cut trim enough to layer beneath a jacket. Shape: regular midlayer fit designed to sit under a shell.
How do Bergans of Norway shirts & overshirts fit?
Bergans of Norway shirts & overshirts fits true to size. Choose your normal size; those with shorter arms may find the sleeves long. Shape: regular outdoor shirt shape, room through the chest.
How do Bergans of Norway trousers & pants fit?
Bergans of Norway trousers & pants fits true to size. Order your usual waist and check the inseam, as legs tend to run long. Shape: regular to slightly slim outdoor cut, articulated knees.
Brand facts
Bergans of Norway makes outdoor equipment and technical apparel, founded in 1908 when bicycle mechanic Ole F. Bergan devised and patented the external-frame rucksack later carried on polar expeditions. The range covers backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, canoes, insulated layers and waterproof shells, plus hunting gear presented at IWA OutdoorClassics in 2025. Norwegian Armed Forces have used its packs since 1913. Sport Holding, Norway's largest sports retailer, bought the company in 2021, and the head office moved from Hokksund to Asker in 2020. Repair services and recycled fabrics guide product development.
- Founded
- 1908
- Origin
- Asker, Norway
- Made in
- Norway
- Price
- $$$
- Focus
- Unisex
- Facts checked
- August 2026
- Styles
- Gorpcore / Outdoor, Techwear