Private company
Logo: Unknown author Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons4
Norwegian outdoor equipment company
Bergans of Norway (formally Bergans Fritid AS) is a Norwegian outdoor equipment and technical apparel manufacturer headquartered in Asker, Norway. Founded in 1908 by Ole F. Bergan, the company pioneered the external-frame backpack, which became widely adopted by explorers and military forces in the early 20th century. Today, Bergans develops and manufactures backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, canoes, hiking equipment and, technical clothing.2 Its chief executive is Silje Garberg Ree (since 2024).1 It employed 32 people in 2026.1 Wikipedia text CC BY-SA 4.0
Last updated Oct 21, 2026.
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Bergans of Norway (formally Bergans Fritid AS) is a Norwegian outdoor equipment and technical apparel manufacturer headquartered in Asker, Norway. Founded in 1908 by Ole F. Bergan, the company pioneered the external-frame backpack, which became widely adopted by explorers and military forces in the early 20th century.2
Bergans Fritid AS is part of a group headed by SPORT HOLDING AS. 2 entities, 1 country on record. Switch between the flow chart and the network, and select any entity to see its details.
Built from parent and subsidiary links from GLEIF, the Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (CC0). Each entity in the chart links to its source.
Founded by Ole F. Bergan in 1908.1
Bergans was founded by Ole Ferdinand Bergan (1876–1956), a bike mechanic in Tønsberg. In 1908, Bergan invented a backpack with an external frame in 1908. During his lifetime, Bergan registered 45 patents.
In August 2021, Bergans was purchased by Sport Holding, Norway's largest sports retailer.
The Norwegian Armed Forces have been using backpacks from Bergans since 1913.
From Wikipedia’s article on Bergans, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.5
Who has led Bergans Fritid AS, and when. Pick a name to see everywhere that person has worked.
Listed on Wikidata.1
Ownership links from GLEIF, the Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (CC0); each one cites its LEI record.
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