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A backpack is a fabric sack designed for carrying goods on the back, secured by two shoulder straps. Used widely by students and hikers, these bags range from simple frameless designs to sophisticated models featuring internal or external frames. These frames are engineered to distribute heavy loads from the shoulders to the hips, which are better suited for carrying weight, thereby increasing comfort, balance, and agility for the user.
Backpack designs are categorized into four types: frameless, external frame, internal frame, and bodypack. Specialized versions exist for sports, such as running or cycling, which often incorporate hydration bladders and compression straps. The terminology for these bags has evolved over time, with terms like rucksack, knapsack, and haversack historically used to describe various load-carrying configurations.
Backpacks utilize shoulder straps and, in advanced designs, hip belts to transfer weight from the shoulders to the hips for improved load management.
The earliest recorded use of the word 'backpack' dates to 1896.
External frame packs are often favored for heavy loads and military applications, while internal frame packs, invented in 1967, offer different structural benefits.
Sports-specific backpacks, such as those for hydration, are designed with a low profile and specialized capacities ranging from under 2 liters to over 65 liters for trekking.
A frame supports the pack and distributes weight more effectively by transferring it from the shoulders to the hips and legs, which reduces strain.
External frames are typically made of metal or rigid materials and sit outside the sack to support heavy, irregular loads, while internal frames are integrated into the pack design for stability.
Hip belts allow the user to offload up to 90% of a pack's weight onto the hips, which are stronger than the shoulders, improving balance and comfort.
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