A backpack is most commonly associated with students, although athletes and businesspeople alike also make use of them. The most popular and prestigious backpacks for school are Jansport and Eastpak. Both brands are made out of strong canvas and have two padded shoulder straps. They feature one large main compartment, typically used to store books and notebooks, and one smaller outer pouch, suitable for pens, keys, money and other small items. Backpacks for school by Jansport and Eastpak are available in many colors and are considered prestige items for children and teens.
Some backpacks have plastic or metal frames that provide structure for carrying large or heavy loads. These packs are used by campers and the military. The frame helps to distribute the weight of the load and aids in securing the pack more closely to the wearer’s back. These packs often have straps that can be used to tie the bag to the wearer’s body, usually around the chest and waist. These packs are sometimes refereed to as a travel backpack.
People seeking a backpack for a specific activity can find one that suits their exact needs. Packs for campers have specialized pockets for supplies and straps to hold sleeping bags in place. Athletic packs feature compartments for water bottles and mesh pouches for airing out clothes and sneakers. Backpacks for school may have multiple sections and compartments in order to better organize the hectic lives of students.
Most backpacks are made of cotton, nylon or polyester canvas and have extra-reinforced bottoms. Outdoor packs may be waterproofed as well. Packs intended for outdoor activities tend to be even more specialized than athletic bags or schoolbags. Activities like camping, climbing and rafting all require different kinds of equipment, and packs for these activities are designed with this equipment in mind.
While backpacks are not traditionally thought to be appropriate for the professional office, a sleek leather or black canvas pack can replace a tired briefcase. Kelty and Briggs & Riley make classy backpacks that are roomier and easier to carry than briefcases are. These packs are ideal for commuters. Professional packs have padded compartments for laptop computers and separate sections for files and other paperwork. Some work packs feature a suitcase-style extendable handle and have wheels for easy rolling.
Backpacks attained their current status as the bag of choice in 1920 when Lloyd F. Nelson attached a board to the back of his backpack to prevent its contents from hitting his back through the fabric. Prior to this, in 1913, Gideon Sundback had already increased backpacks’ convenience and load-carrying ability by developing the modern zipper. With the addition of Nelson’s board, backpacks became the go-to bags for camping and long hikes. The military began using these kinds of packs because of their suitability to long-term outdoor living and travel.
Another great line of backpacks are the Patagonia brand. You should check out all of their features here.
Although backpacks are largely associated with our school years, they have uses extending well beyond high school graduation. They are available in many colors, styles and fabrics to match the wearer’s personal style. Whether they are used in the rugged outdoors or in the professional office, they allow the wearer to carry all necessary items in a hands-free way.