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Overview
This 'Bergen' style A-frame tramping pack was possibly made in New Zealand. The Norwegian company of Bergen originally manufactured rucksacks for Norway's military forces prior to the Second World War. Variations of the Bergen pack were made by many countries, and adopted by trampers and hikers.
The pack is built around a small metal A-frame which allows the pack to sit high on the back to enable the shoulders to carry a greater weight. The frame curves slightly at the front to stabilise the load; although sometimes these packs were referred to by New Zealanders as 'kidney busters' or 'kidney rotters'. The leather back strap was to hold the pack away from the body and encourage air flow.
The pack has a large canvas body with deep pockets on the sides, and a long thin pocket across the front, which are secured by straps and buckles.
Tararua Tramping Museum Trust
This pack was originally used by a member of the Hutt Valley Tramping Club. It became part of the collection of the Tararua Tramping Museum Trust, which was established in 1989 to acquire and display tramping artefacts. The tramping pack was selected to represent developments in tramping equipment and aspects of the tramping experience including self-sufficiency.