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Knapsack redirects here; see also Knapsack (disambiguation) A backpack is, in its simplest form, a cloth sack carried on one's back and secured with two straps that go over the Shoulder s and below the armpits. Backpacks are often preferred to Handbag s for carrying heavy loads for long periods of time, because the Shoulder s are better suited for bearing heavy weights for long periods of time than the Hand s are. However, large backpacks usually offload part of their weight onto padded Hip belts. This improves ease of carrying, because the hips are even stronger than the shoulders, and increases agility, because the load rides nearer the person's own center of mass. Most backpacks are made from soft materials, but the Boblbee company has introduced a popular product line made with hard ( Monocoque ) shells. TERMINOLOGY The word ''backpack'' was coined in the United States in the 1910's. Older synonyms are ''knapsack'' and ''packsack'', both of which seem to be more common in North America nowadays. The terms ''rucksack'' (a German loanword), ''haversack'' (used for a sack similar to a knapsack, but usually worn over one shoulder), and ''Bergen'' (used for a rucksack supported by an external frame) are of British origin; specifically, the Bergen is usually associated with the British Armed Forces . SPECIAL-PURPOSE BACKPACKS Some backpacks are specifically designed to carry certain items. Common examples include backpacks for small, high-value items such as Laptop Computer s and Camera s (see photo). It is also possible to buy "picnic basket" backpacks that come with plastic dishes and utensils, a tablecloth, etc. BACKPACKS FOR BACKPACKING One common special type of backpack (often just called a 'pack') is designed for Backpacking . Packs are more complex than most other backpacks, with many pockets on the outside, and sometimes even a subdivided main compartment. They usually have ''lash points'' on the exterior, so that bulky items may be strapped on. Packs typically stand about 3 feet (1 m) tall. Packs come in two main types. The older type uses a rigid, external frame to support the cloth part of the pack and give it shape. Wooden pack frames have been used for centuries around the world, and metal versions first appeared in the mid- 20th Century . Modern pack frames are usually made from lightweight Aluminium tubes. The frame typically has a system of straps and pads to keep the sack and the frame from contacting the body, with 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 Tent s, Sleeping Bag s, and Thermal Pad s) to be strapped on. The main compartment is smaller than that of an internal-frame pack, because bulky items ( Tent s, Sleeping Bag s, Thermal Pad s) are strapped to the parts of the frame not occupied by the main compartment itself. An ''internal-frame'' pack has a large cloth part, and a small frame contained entirely inside. This frame consists of strips of either a Metal or specially designed Polymer that molds to one's back to provide a good fit. Usually a complex series of straps works with the frame to distribute the weight and hold it in place. Internal-frame packs may provide a few lash points, but it is difficult to lash a large, heavy item so that it stays fixed and does not bounce, so most cargo must fit inside. Sleeping bags are a particularly difficult case, as they are very bulky and take up a large part of an internal-frame pack's storage space. Squeezing a sleeping bag in a Compression Sack helps it fit in an internal-frame pack. 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. External-frame models have vanished completely from the British Isles, but in the United States, some manufacturers continue to produce them. SEE ALSO |
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