User Review: Berghaus Cyclops II Vulcan

Reviewed October 4, 1998 by John Thallis

Rating: rated 4 of 5 stars
Design: internal frame bergen
Size: 120 dm^3
Number of Pockets: 1 main (2 compartments) + 2 side + 2 in lid
Max. Load Carried: 80 lbs
Height of Owner: 6'2"
Price Paid: I think it was about UKP250

An OG Bergen with internal frame in proofed cordura. Substantial central pocket capacity with divider at bottom and bottom (sturdy) zipper access to compartment so formed. PLCE pouch may be attached to either side, although supplied pouches are an inch or so longer than PLCE they use same zip design. Straps everywhere, including ice axe on back and good hoist loops.

Ignore volumetric capacity. You can fit way more in here than you can carry, unless you have a penchant for down. The main compartment expands upwards... and upwards.

This bergen is way better than issue in terms of stability and comfort, load-carrying, waterproofing and usability. That said, the waterproofing could have been done better if they had felt like adding another couple of kilos to the mass of the material.

Main problem is that if the lid and main compartment are packed fairly full then you will have a hard time getting a lidded head up to fire (or observe capably) from prone. Any webbing you're wearing will need to have low-slung rear pouches. Still, if you're bumped wearing this, you'll be dumping it pronto. And if you're wearing a PLCE compatible vest and webbing you've got effective patrol pack capabilities with the side pouches anyway.

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