Helikon-Tex Bergen 18 l Backpack - Black

M... Review confirmed by purchase

100%

11.09.2025

Review for model:

Let me start with the most important thing: the manufacturer has recently stated that this backpack is 25L. In my opinion, 18L is the main compartment, the side pockets make up the remaining volume. I think this is the ideal backpack for a one-day trip or an overnight stay outdoors if you know how to pack. The carrying system is fine for small backpacks. Even when fully packed, it's very comfortable to carry. The three external pockets are very useful as you can fit a first aid kit, poncho, and cooking set in them. A big plus is the "molle" belt (cleverly hidden), where you can attach handy gear with a carabiner, such as gloves or a cup. The pass-through pockets are also good, where you can safely store something like a hatchet. Overall, in my opinion, it's a very well-thought-out backpack for people who want to spend several hours outdoors without any worries. PS. The color is out of this world. The person who came up with it should get a Nobel prize in the bushcraft category.

The perfect backpack for short trips to the woods, but not only that. It has quite large external pockets and is made of durable cordura, which ensures that nothing bad will happen to it along the way :) Overall, a very successful product that I can confidently recommend :) In the video, the backpack is already a bit used.

The backpack is very well made, all the stitching, straps, and harnesses are top quality. The smaller pockets can fit all the essential gear, and the main compartment is quite spacious. It's available in cool color options. Unfortunately, the only downside is the price—while 400 PLN would be acceptable, 630 PLN is way too much. I have a Wisport backpack and if it hadn't been destroyed by faulty pepper spray, I would prefer Wisport because it's simply more solid. I should add that both the faulty spray and Wisport backpack were also purchased at Militaria.

H... Review confirmed by purchase

40%

04.01.2025

Review for model:

Describing the backpack in one word, only one comes to mind: hopeless. Its first and biggest flaw is its purpose: the "Bushcraft Line" series. I have no idea how you can pack this backpack for a one-day trip unless it's just a walk in a city park. Even as a city backpack, it doesn't work well – laptop, planner, book for the road, and you already have to start figuring things out. There are many other small backpacks that perform better. If anyone is interested in buying this backpack, I definitely recommend seeing it first. On the plus side, I can say that it's quite comfortable to carry, it fits nicely to the back, and you barely feel that you're wearing it.

Super pleasant and atmospheric backpack in an old trapper style. Well-thought-out small pockets for little things. Also, very durable material.

M... Review confirmed by purchase

60%

16.03.2024

Review for model:

A small backpack for a big price - that's probably its biggest drawback. An 18-liter backpack for 500-600 PLN is definitely an excessive price. As for quality - not bad, Helikon has evolved over the last 10-15 years from producing junk to making decent, though definitely not perfect, products. The material is Cordura, but unfortunately only 500D, not the more durable (and probably more expensive) 700D. The buckles feel fragile and brittle. An advantage (which is not visible in the photos) is that the camouflage is also on the back side. The overall build of the backpack is very nice; the three separate side compartments are very practical. The fit to the back is basically nonexistent. The back ventilation system is mediocre and insufficient. It's still to be seen how the shoulder straps handle heavy sweating or getting wet (rain). The handle between the straps is too narrow (even though I have small hands) - it should be sewn on the outside of the straps. Weight - for an 18-liter backpack with 500D Cordura (and not, for example, 700D) it's rather heavy (probably because of the stiffened back). Made in Vietnam, which I see as a plus - production diversification is beneficial for competition and the global economy (not everything has to come from the Middle Kingdom). However, I get the impression that every backpack is packed a bit differently (I've seen several new "Bergens").

Honestly, the most solid backpack I've ever had, but unfortunately the buckles can be easily broken by accident. I've had mine for 5 years now, the zippers are razor-sharp and the thread hasn't come undone. If I ever wear this one out—which I doubt—I will buy another. Helikon does the job <3.

I bought this backpack over a year ago and since then haven't gone to the woods with any other. The declared capacity of 18L is just for the main compartment without the pockets - with the pockets, you can easily consider this backpack as having a 25L capacity. Comfortable, not big, spacious, and bulletproof; the perfect backpack for a one-day trip. If it has any drawbacks, its overall vibe cancels them out :)

The perfect backpack for trips into the forest, exactly what I was looking for. The pass-through pockets are useful for carrying an axe or knife, molle straps around the backpack let you attach whatever you want, and there are three large pockets on the sides. The material is durable. If you know how to pack, this backpack will be enough. The color is interesting, something different from the classic green that is often associated with military use. I highly recommend :)

We went camping together in the forest, climbed Śnieżka together, and even flew on a plane together. It was supposed to be a backpack for the woods, but it's so nice that I use it as my everyday backpack. It seems heavy, but it's actually very comfortable, and if someone knows how to pack, you can really fit a lot inside. The pass-through side pockets, e.g. for an axe, knife, etc., are also very useful. Additionally, the Molle system, which I used for attaching a first aid kit or a carabiner for holding gloves. 5/5

An absolutely lovely backpack, I've been looking for something like this for few years. And finally! The back is not only stiffened with plastic so that nothing pokes you, but there also is a single piece metal frame in the middle. The side pockets have places for axes, saws and other items. The dimensions are perfect to fit a two night summer kit inside, or fit a one night winter kit (sleeping bag on the outside and matress in) Not enough words to tell you how amazing it is. I'm so happy!

An excellent backpack not only for trips to the forest. Spacious, considering the catalog 18l. Very comfortable, with the option to attach gear from both the top and the bottom of the backpack.

A comfortable and not too heavy backpack for hiking or bushcraft. I walked with it in the Karkonosze Mountains and it met my expectations – although my back did sweat a bit too much. But nothing excessive. 5 with a small minus :)

The straps could be a bit wider, but the fact is that the manufacturer did everything to make it lightweight and it is. You have to keep in mind that this is 18 liters, while the standard for a small backpack is 20. The backpack looks bigger, but practically the main compartment is slightly flattened. Well-organized content later ensures carrying comfort. If you're not a minimalist, it's better to choose the Matilda from this manufacturer, and this Bergen is for quick trips lasting less than a day.

Nice, classic backpack for forest trips.