Helikon-Tex Bergen 18 l Backpack - Desert Night Camo

M... Review confirmed by purchase

100%

11.09.2025

Review for model:

To begin with, I should mention that the manufacturer now declares a capacity of 25l – in my opinion, the main compartment is 18l, with the side pockets making up the rest. It's a great backpack for a one-day trip or an overnight stay outdoors, if you can pack economically. The carrying system is appropriate for a small backpack, and even when fully loaded it's comfortable to wear. Three external pockets let you store, for example, a first aid kit, a raincoat, or a stove. PLUS for the cleverly hidden molle strap, to which you can attach various small items like gloves or a mug with a carabiner. The pass-through pockets work great for, for example, an axe. I think it's a very functional backpack for those who want to spend several hours outside without any trouble. PS. The colour is amazing – whoever came up with it deserves a Nobel Prize in bushcraft!

A great backpack for shorter trips to the forest, but it's also suitable for other occasions. It has large external pockets and is made of durable cordura, so you can be sure nothing bad will happen to it. It's a very successful product that I wholeheartedly recommend. The backpack in the video is already slightly used.

The backpack has been solidly made – both the seams, straps and harnesses are of high quality. The smaller pockets easily accommodate the most important items, and the main compartment is quite spacious. Available in interesting colours. Unfortunately, the price is definitely too high – 400 PLN would be acceptable, but 630 PLN is way too much. I previously used a Wisport backpack and if it hadn't been damaged by faulty pepper spray, I would still prefer it due to its greater robustness. I should add that both the faulty spray and the Wisport backpack were also purchased from the same military shop.

H... Review confirmed by purchase

40%

04.01.2025

Review for model:

In a word, the backpack is disappointing for me. The biggest downside is what it was created for – the 'Bushcraft Line' series doesn’t really work even for a short trip, unless you just mean a walk in the park. As an urban backpack, it doesn’t perform very well either – when carrying a laptop, planner, or book, there is already not enough space. There are other small backpacks that handle things better. If someone is considering buying it, I recommend seeing it in person first. On the plus side, I can only write that it is quite comfortable to wear, fits well on the back and you can hardly feel its presence.

A very nice and atmospheric backpack in the style of an old trapper. Thoughtfully designed small pockets for bits and pieces and exceptionally durable material.

M... Review confirmed by purchase

60%

16.03.2024

Review for model:

A small backpack at a high price – that’s probably its biggest drawback. An 18-litre backpack costing 500-600 PLN is definitely too much. As for the quality – it’s decent, Helikon has improved over the last decade, though there’s still a long way to go before it’s perfect. Cordura has been used, but only 500D, not the more durable (and probably more expensive) 700D. The buckles seem rather delicate and brittle. A plus – not visible in the photos – is the camouflage on both sides, including the back. Very nice design, the three separate side pockets are practical. The backpack hardly adapts to the back. The ventilation system is small and not very efficient. I still have to test how the straps handle moisture and sweat (e.g. during rain). The handle between the straps is too narrow (even though I have small hands) – it would be better if it were sewn wider. The weight for 18L and 500D Cordura (not 700D) is quite high, probably due to the heavy back stiffening. The backpack was made in Vietnam, which I see as a plus – diversified production supports the world economy. However, I've noticed that every new backpack packaging is a bit different (I’ve seen a few new 'Bergen' models).

This is definitely the most robust backpack I’ve ever owned, although the buckles can be accidentally damaged quite easily. I’ve been using it for 5 years now, the zippers work perfectly and not a single thread is coming undone. If this one breaks, which is unlikely, I’ll buy exactly the same one again. Helikon works brilliantly <3.

I bought this backpack over a year ago and since then I don’t take any other into the forest. Officially, it has a capacity of 18L, but that’s just the main compartment – with the pockets, it can easily hold 25L. It’s comfortable, not too large, very spacious and durable – ideal for day trips. If it has any flaws, their character makes them stop mattering.

This backpack works perfectly for trips to the woods, it was exactly the model I was looking for. The pass-through pockets are very practical – you can slide in an axe or a knife. The molle straps on the backpack let you attach various things, and the three large side pockets increase functionality. The material is solid. If you know how to pack well, this backpack is more than enough. The colour also stands out and is an interesting alternative to the traditional green associated with the military style. I definitely recommend it!

Together we’ve had a camping trip in the woods, an expedition to Śnieżka, and even a flight on an aeroplane. It was meant to be just for forest outings, yet it turned out to be so practical it’s become my main everyday backpack. At first glance it seems heavy, but it’s very comfortable and if you know how to pack well, you can fit a lot of things in. The pass-through side pockets, e.g. for an axe, knife, etc., work really well too. Extra points for the Molle system – I was able to attach a first aid kit or gloves to a carabiner. I give it 5 out of 5.

This backpack is truly adorable; for a long time, I just couldn’t find a similar model. Finally, I managed! The back is reinforced with plastic so nothing digs in, and there is a metal frame inside. The side pockets are perfect for tools like an axe or a saw. The size is ideal for a two-day summer trip or a single winter night (I carry the sleeping bag outside, mattress goes inside). It’s really hard to put into words how much I like this backpack. I’m delighted!

Great backpack not just for forest trips. Very spacious for 18 litres according to the catalogue. Very comfortable, you can attach things to it both at the top and at the bottom.

The backpack is comfortable and relatively lightweight, it works well during hiking and bushcraft trips. I used it in the Karkonosze mountains and it did its job, although my back did sweat a little – but it wasn't very troublesome. I rate it a five with a slight minus.

The straps could be a bit wider, but it has to be said that the manufacturer aimed for lightness and that's exactly what this backpack is. It's worth remembering that it has a capacity of 18 litres, whereas typical small backpacks have 20 litres. It looks bigger than it is because the main compartment is flattened. Well-organised contents mean comfortable carrying. If you like having more things with you, it's better to choose the Matilda model, while the Bergen is perfect for short, one-day trips.

Great, traditional backpack for trips to the forest.