A backpack (also called rucksack , knapsack , packsack , pack , or Bergen ) is, in its simplest form, a cloth sack carried on one's back and secured with two straps that go over the shoulders, but there can be exceptions. Light weight types of backpacks are sometimes worn on only one shoulder strap, or in the hand like an ordinary bag.
Backpacks are often preferred to handbags for carrying heavy loads, because of the limited capacity to carry heavy weights for long periods of time in the hands. Large backpacks, used to carry loads over 10 kg (22 lbs), usually offload the largest part (up to about 90%) of their weight onto padded hip belts, leaving the shoulder straps mainly for stabilising the load. This improves the potential to carry heavy loads, as the hips are stronger than the shoulders, and also increases agility and balance, since the load rides nearer the person's own center of mass.
In ancient times, the backpack was used as a means to carry the hunter's larger game and other types of prey as a way of easier transport. In the cases of larger hunts, the hunters would dismember their prey and distribute the pieces of the animal around, each one packing the meat into many wrappings and then into bags which they placed on to their backs. The bag itself was made up of different animal hide and skin (depending on what sorts of animals were in the area) and sewn together by the intestines of said animals, which were woven together tightly to make a sturdy thread-like material.
Terminology
The word backpack was coined in the United States in the 1910s. Knapsack and packsack were used before; they now occur mainly as regionalisms in North America. The word rucksack is a German loanword mainly used in the UK and in the US Army: 'der Rücken' means 'the back' (the part of the body) in German. The name Rucksack is cognate with Danish Rygsæk , Norwegian Ryggsekk , Dutch Rugzak , Afrikaans Rugsak and Swedish Ryggsäck . Alternative names include Haversack , and Bergen (from the manufacturer's name Bergens , used for a backpack supported by an external frame, usually associated with the British Armed Forces) in German language called Kraxe (in 19th century the term kraxeln was used for climbing).
Backpacks can often simply be referred to as "packs", especially in outdoors contexts; though sometimes ambiguous compared to other bags such as saddlebags and duffel bags, context is generally sufficient for identification.
A backpack fitted with pocket(s) that are suspended on the wearer's front side (chest) and loaded in such a way that the load in the front and the load in the back are about equal is called a bodypack . The majority of the load on a bodypack is carried by the hips.
The ideal load carrying system should not disturb the natural posture, balance and movement of the body. The load must be dispersed onto the skeletal structure in a balanced way. The load should not produce forces on the body in the direction fore, aft, right, or left. This body-centered load carrying system is a bodypack .
Backpack designs
Backpacks in general fall into one of four categories: frameless, external frame, internal frame, and bodypack. A pack frame, when present, serves to support the pack and distribute the weight of its contents across the body more easily (generally by transferring much of the weight to the hips and legs), so most of the weight does not rest on the shoulders, restricting range of motion and possibly causing damage from pressure on the straps. Most are capable of being closed with either a buckle mechanism, a zipper, or a dry-bag type closure though a few models use a drawstring fitted with a cord lock for the main compartment. Many backpacks with shoulder straps can affect the posture of a person carrying more than 30 pounds.
Frameless
The simplest backpack design is a bag attached to a set of shoulder straps. Such packs are used for general transportation of goods, and have variable capacity. The simplest designs consist of one main pocket. This maybe combined with webbing or cordage straps; while more sophisticated models add extra pockets, waist straps, chest straps, padded shoulder straps, padded backs, and sometimes reflective materials for added safety when the wearer is out at night. In general, these packs can be produced inexpensively.
Some outdoors packs, particularly those sold for day hikes, ultralight backpacking and mountaineering are sometimes frameless as well.
The safety of some of the designs of these backpacks have been criticized by the UK NHS, many bag designs being deemed "unsafe" for children.
External frame packs
The more traditional type of frame pack uses a rigid external frame which is strapped on the back and in turn carries and supports a cloth or leather sack and potentially strapped on items. External frames were traditionally used to carry heavy loads (20 kg / 40 lb and more), giving the wearer more support and protection and better weight distribution than a simple, frameless strapped bag. Wooden pack frames have been used for centuries around the world. Ötzi the Iceman may have used one in Copper Age Alpine Italy , though some archaeologists believe the frame found with the body was part of a snowshoe. Such gear was common in military and mountaineering applications right up to the 20th century ; metal versions first appeared in the mid-20th century, and plastic designs towards the turn of the 21st.
Modern pack frames are usually made from lightweight metal tubes, generally aluminium but sometimes also using titanium or scandium alloys. The frame typically has a system of straps and pads to keep the sack and the frame from contacting the body. The open structure has the added benefit of improved ventilation and decreased sweatiness. The fabric part of the pack occupies part of the frame's length, but the frame typically protrudes above and below. These areas of the frame allow bulky items (such tents, sleeping bags, and thermal pads) to be strapped on. Thus the main compartment is smaller than that of an internal-frame pack, because internal space is sacrificed to allow for bulky items (tents, sleeping bags, thermal pads) to be strapped to the parts of the frame not occupied by the main compartment itself. This can result in a less smooth load and less control over the movement of the center of gravity of the pack, and can also result in bruising caused by the uncushioned frame rubbing or hitting against the body. While less popular than internal-frame gear, some manufacturers such as Kelty, Jansport, and Coleman continue to produce external packs. Military packs are often external-frame designs as well due to their increased durability.
Internal frame packs
The internal frame backpack is a recent innovation, invented in 1967 by Greg Lowe, who went on to found Lowepro, a company specializing in backpacks and other forms of carrying bags for various equipment. An internal-frame pack has a large cloth section in which a small frame is integrated. This frame generally consists of strips of either metal or plastic that mold to one's back to provide a good fit, sometimes with additional metal stays to reinforce the frame. Usually a complex series of straps works with the frame to distribute the weight and hold it in place. The close fitting of the back section to the wearer's back allows the pack to be closely attached to the body, and gives a predictable movement of the load; on the downside, the tight fit reduces ventilation, so these type of packs tend to be more sweaty than external frame packs. The internal construction also allows for a large storage compartment. Internal-frame packs may provide a few lash points (including webbing loops and straps for sleeping bags and other large items), but as the frame is fully integrated and not available on the outside, it is difficult to lash a large, heavy item so that it stays fixed and does not bounce, so most cargo must fit inside. Internal-frame packs originally suffered from smaller load capacity and less comfortable fit during steady walking, but newer models have improved greatly in these respects. In addition, because of their snug fit, they ride better in activities that involve upper-body movement such as scrambling over rocky surfaces and skiing. The improved internal frame models have largely replaced external frame backpacks for many activities.
Backpacks in daily use
In many countries, backpacks are heavily identified with students, and are a primary means of transporting educational materials to and from school. In this context they are sometimes known as bookbags or
Waist Pack With Water Bottle - Gaiam
This sleek, stable waist pack comfortably carries the essentials for runs in the park or day hikes on local trails. The zippered pocket is large enough for keys, money, sunscreen ...
Fanny Pack w/ Water Bottle
Fanny Pack w/ Water Bottle. holds cell phone, keys, doggie pick-up bags, water-bottle and more!!
Water Bottle Fanny Pack
Buy Avon products like Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Fanny Pack, Avon Walk for Breast Cancer 2009 Clear Water Bottle, Breast Cancer Crusade Pink Water Bottle, Avon Walk for Breast ...
Water Bottle Carrier Fanny Packs and Waist Packs
Top Picks for single water bottle carriers and fanny packs or waistpacks
Water Fanny Packs
Sinai Single Bottle Bag Product ID: FSBF Description: The Sinai Single Bottle Fanny was designed for the true minimalist. The insulated sleeve keeps the contents of a single ...
Promotional Fanny Packs, Personalized, Imprinted, College, Water ...
Promotional Fanny Packs, Personalized, Imprinted, College, Water Bottle, First aid Fanny Packs at ArtPromos.com, Taking care of your imprinted promotions for over 25 years!
Waist Pack With Water Bottle - Gaiam - recommendation by ...
carolineoncrack recommends Waist Pack With Water Bottle - Gaiam "So weird, I was just talking with my friend yesterday about how fanny packs are coming back. And this "waist pack ...
Water Bottle Fanny Pack, Custom Printed Water Bottle Fanny Pack. As ...
Custom Printed Water Bottle Fanny Pack Custom Imprinted Water Bottle Fanny Pack. As low as $3.03, 4203. The lowest price on the internet on promotional products or we will beat any ...
Cabela's Pine Ridge® Water Bottle Fanny Pack
Our Pine Ridge Series Water Bottle Fanny Pack offers durability and function at a great value. The pack is constructed of ...
FANNY PACK WITH WATER BOTTLE
FANNY PACK WITH WATER BOTTLE Backpacks from the best brands in the industry. Watch product videos, read user reviews and learn more about recommended features