Backpack history
Most people have in their mind “when backpacks were Invented”, well, backpacks were made in the ancient copper age some evidence referred. The first existence of a backpack was found on the Austria and Italy border- A man’s mummy had a wood-framed backpack made with animal skin. More than 5,000 years ago, a traveler scientist named him ‘Otzi, the Iceman’ Found a backpack similar thing with him, although he is not considered the inventor of the backpack,
In 1870 while the American Civil War was running, bindles were created from sticks and canvas cloths to carry stuff. There was no other option without it in that civil war. It felt such a burden to carry for soldiers.
Amongst 1877 and 1882, many modifications occurred for military purposes. Henry Miriam Added sheet metal to reduce the weight needed to carry around soldiers’ missions and invented one of the first backpacks for the US military. Afterward, Camille Poirier
Developed the packs with a head strap using straps and buckles. So lately backpacks were developed mainly focusing on military usage, and it was an important part of any military operation.
The first fashionable backpack was shaped by ole F. Bergman in 1908. Those good-looking backpacks were made from birch and soft fabric, so they offered comfort during long journeys and other activities. The designer called it “Seek Med Meis”.
Haversacks were improved versions of backpacks in the First World War. Because the First World War began in 1914, military use purposed backpacks required development, so Harversnaks were developed for military use. Harvesnaks could carry ammo, canteen, and other useful items for missions in the war.
A new type of backpack was designed by Lloyd F. Nelson with a non-flexible frame, especially for hikers, and it was named the trapper nelson. This backpack was a convenient backpack for hikers and this was getting into mass production after two years in 1922.
In 1938, the modern era of backpacks began with the innovation of the first zipper backpack developed by Gerry Cunningham. As he did not like the traditional type of backpack(rucksacks), he made a nylon backpack with zippers. This type of backpack soon became popular because of its convenience. During the Second World War, many developments had been done to carry heavy weight.
In the late 1940s, people started using backpacks to carry books in schools and other daily life usages. Backpacks were starting to be modified for daily use over the decade. Cotton backpack packs were created by a man named Åke Nordin. It could be held on a higher back and carry all of the mountain easily.
A couple named Dick and Nena Kelty gave a revolution to modern backpacks by adding metal frames and taking this in a next-level-designed backpack in the year 1952.
In the 1960s, many types of backpacks were developed and added some print work making them attractive. In the Vietnam war, a streamlined backpack was introduced called the Alice. This backpack was well-built to carry heavy things and had multiple departments. Transparent backpacks and backpacks with wheels were added for consumers at that time. Backpacks were developed focusing on mountain climbing and military use; however, Skip Yowell with his cousins from California, the USA started a company named JanSport, which was mainly focused on making and marketing school and college backpacks. The Jansport company soon became the best seller in the world.
Many modifications and developments were initiated in the 1980s. Book packs were mass-produced by L. L. Bean suggested by a law student of Harvard University. The first hydration backpack was introduced in 1989 when a paramedic named Michael Eidson wanted to carry water during a 100-metre bike ride.
In 2002, B- wap made backpacks focusing on making “backpacks with a purpose”. They created the first backpack dedicated to children in Oklahoma City.
In the mid-2000s, a noticeable change occurred in military purposes backpacks. The military got to know about modular lightweight load-carrying Equipment called MOLLIE backpacks. It was a useful initiative for soldiers to carry heavy weight with comfort.
Backpacks became professionally focused and a fashion item in the late 2000s. Cameraman and other professionals were getting customized backpacks for their own fields. Backpacks became functional and trendy. Many brands introduced their backpacks including Gucci and Prada.
Now, many tech companies also produce smart backpacks that are more functional than ever. We can charge our electrical device connected to solar, which is attached to the backpack. Even backpacks can track our daily activities too.
Synonyms of backpacks we can use:
We commonly use the word backpack where we can use other words instead of using this such as :
- Knapsack
- Bag
- Satchel
- Bookbag
- Pack
- Rucksack
Those words mean a carrying bag with straps. But no matter how much we can use alternative words, it is mostly known as a backpack.