Ok, I've had more time off so I've done some more PLCE Bergen mods... mine is...or rather was, just a standard 1990 PLCE short back.
I took a few Ideas from this thread, a couple from the US Army CPF-90 pack/vector design, and well you'll see.
the rear pouch removed, and horizontal webbing straps added, note 4 PLCE side pouch clips at top(so you can carry the pockets at the back if you wish for narrow paths etc).
and much better Ice axe straps!
so...what was the record for side pouch carrying? 3...not any more! yes, you can carry 4 side pouches (no, I'm not going to carry that much!)
here you can see the side and back pockets are clipped on and zipped together for stability (just as a demo).
here's an Idea i borrowed from "Webtex", an extra pocket on the side pouch, a right **** to do but worth it!
Heres the back area, which I haven't modded yet.....it's on the list! note the 4 top Q/R clips, which allow the lid to be removed/raised (vector / US CPF-90 Idea)
a close up showing the removable top straps
and the lid spaghettified! The Q/R clips are also compatible with the side pouch yoke! to wear the lid as a day pack.
the lid removed pocket design copied from vector / US CPF-90.
top of lid open (not quite finished) the red thing is a sofa cushion, the top zip pouch is the original PLCE lid pocket, the other zip (on flap)was originally inside the PLCE lid.
(you can see i ran out of green thread and was using sand)
Side of the lid, webbing strips as per US CPF-90, note the draw cord (left) when pulled it turns the whole base from a "square" to a "curve" so it hugs the top of the Bergen.
The draw cord pulled as mentioned.
the rear of the lid, the lower kit straps are also removable (a vector idea). and a Velcro patch for ID badge etc (bear with me...)
that Velcro thing? OK here is the Bergen, ID hidden for "quiet camping/hiking"
lights off and flash camera, with Hi-Vis ID patches
tricky to take this picture, but basically HI vis dayglow/reflective and glow in the dark Velcro patches
Question is what should I call it?