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The Origins of the Backpack

By Darrius Anderson
  • The first widespread occurence of a framed backpack

    The first widespread occurence of a framed backpack

    The first clear, widespread and well preserved occurrences of a framed backpack occur in Norway in the late 1800s.
  • The first patented framed backpack design

    The first patented framed backpack design

    The first patented framed backpack design was that of Colonel Merriam in 1886. It was a modification to the typical military knapsacks carried at the time. It is the first clear occurrence of an attempt to transfer the weight of the pack off the shoulders and onto the hips.
  • The second patented backpack design

    The second patented backpack design

    The second patented backpack design was that by the Norwegian Ole F. Bergans in 1909. It utilizes the same rucksack design and added a metal frame instead of the wooden one. The metal frame was shaped to the body which made the curved shape of the waist piece allow for at least some weight transfer to the hips.
  • The word backpack is coined.

    The word backpack is coined.

    The word backpack was added to the dictionary.
  • Lloyd F. Nelson patented the Trapper Nelson backpack

    Lloyd F. Nelson patented the Trapper Nelson backpack

    It was based on earlier Native American pack frame designs. The pack features a full frame with an attached bag, which could be removed, but the weight of the pack is largely supported on the shoulders.

  • Lighter aluminum-alloy frame

    A military design introduces a lighter, aluminum-alloy frame.
  • Development of the modern backpack

    Development of the modern backpack

    Asher “Dick” Kelty and Nena Kelty manufacture packs in their garage for 24 dollars. Their packs featured an external aluminum frame which ran the whole length of the pack and had a hip belt which allowed for some weight transfer to the hips.
  • Padded wrap around

    Padded wrap around

    In the 1960s Kelty started to offer a padded wrap around belt as an option on their packs.
  • First internal frame

    First internal frame

    Greg Lowe, creates the first internal-frame backpack in his garage in Colorado. This breakthrough design innovation helped packs fit close to the back and minimize load shifting.
  • Introduction of the quick release hip belt buckle

    Introduction of the quick release hip belt buckle

    Dick Kelty designs and produces the first stainless steel, quick-release waist belt buckle used on a back pack in 1970.

  • Kelty introduced the "full-feature backpack

    The new packs feature a fully padded, one-piece waistbelt, larger-capacity bag, covered zippers, waterproof fabric, and a new cam-lock buckle.Also a covered sleeping bag compartment.
  • Introduction of ergonomic shoulder Straps

    Introduction of ergonomic shoulder Straps

    Greg Lowe invention, ergonomically contoured straps increase comfort and mobility.
  • Introduction of Deuter AIRCOMFORT

    Introduction of Deuter AIRCOMFORT

    The mesh carry system lessened sweat production and cooled the wearer.
  • First bike backpack

    First bike backpack

    VideoThese backpacks were specifictly made for bikers and to suit their needs.
  • First built-in All Weather AW Cover with pack

    First built-in All Weather AW Cover with pack

    Like a raincoat for gear, this built-in cover protects valuable equipment and personal items from rain, snow, dust and sand.
  • SlipLock System

    SlipLock System

    The design is a loop or tab connected with hook/loop fasteners for increased gear access and carrying capacity.
  • First waterproof camera backpack

    First waterproof camera backpack

    DryZone makes the world's first camera backpack that is fully waterproof with an IPX7 rating.
  • Introduction of the quick, side-access

    Introduction of the quick, side-access

    Lowepro unveils a pokcet that can be opened from the side.
  • Intorduction of the SHIELD System.

    Intorduction of the SHIELD System.

    An integrated and TÜV/GS- approved back protector that offers more safety.
  • Intoduction of the ultra-Cinch Camera Chamber

    Intoduction of the ultra-Cinch Camera Chamber

    A padded compartment with a drawstring-and-toggle closure tightens down for a protective and secure fit to prevent bouncing and shaking.
  • Introduction of MaxFit System dividers

    Introduction of MaxFit System dividers

    adjustable interior dividers for maximum gear capacity and makes it easy to closely pack items with protection.
  • Intoduction of ActivLift System

    Intoduction of ActivLift System

    A new harness design that provides support and comfort to the wearer from the top of the shoulders to the lumbar.
  • Intoduction of ActivZone System

    Intoduction of ActivZone System

    A new harness system that delivers targeted support at the shoulder blades, lumbar and waist
  • The earliest documented instances of a backpack

    The earliest documented instances of a backpack

    It is the pack of Otzi, whose body was found frozen in the Alps.