The history of the backpack
The history of the backpack holds many surprises. At a time when this indispensable companion is present everywhere in our daily lives, from school to the office to hiking, how can we not wonder where it comes from and how it has evolved ?
Discover the unexpected origins of this indispensable accessory , its technical revolutions and its surprising transformation into a fashion item.
Summary
- The origins and historical evolution of the backpack
- Who invented the backpack?
- The technical and material innovations that have transformed the backpack
- The backpack: from a utilitarian object to an essential accessory
The origins and historical evolution of the backpack
The earliest known forms of backpacks date back to antiquity, when travelers used rudimentary containers. The Greeks carried their belongings in bags made of animal skin or woven fabric , while the Romans used the "sarcina" , a military pack attached to a wooden stick.
In the Middle Ages, pilgrims and merchants carried their personal belongings in satchels or belt bags . These carrying systems evolved into more structured models with the appearance of wooden frames and leather straps.
The haversack (from the German word hafersack, meaning "oat sack") is considered the direct ancestor of the modern backpack. Widely used by European soldiers, this military bag equipped Napoleon's troops. Made of cowhide with its natural fur intact, it measures approximately 43 cm wide, 13 cm deep, and 37 cm high. This sturdy container organizes the soldier's personal belongings in four compartments, with leather straps to secure a rolled-up coat. Its structure and functionality make it a multifunctional accessory, usable as a seat or makeshift pillow.
Chronology of key stages in the history of the backpack (17th century - early 20th century)
| Period | Evolution | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 17th century | First rigid structures | Creation of wooden frames attached to the back with leather straps |
| 18th century | Military standardization | Adoption of the haversack as standard equipment for the armed forces |
| 1812 | French regulatory model | Cowhide haversack, lined with cotton canvas |
| 1876 | Alpine use | Swiss mountaineers adopt the haversack to carry equipment |
| 1908 | Invention of the modern model | Ole Ferdinand Bergan develops a bag with a tubular steel frame |
Who invented the backpack?
Ole Ferdinand Bergan marked a turning point in 1908. This Norwegian mechanic designed a backpack with an external tubular steel frame, which he patented the following year. This innovation significantly improved the carrying of personal loads thanks to better weight distribution. The Norwegian army adopted this design in 1913, ushering in the era of the modern backpack that would soon equip the great expeditions of history.
Technical innovations
Jerry Cunningham: the man who modernized backpacking
In the 1930s, Jerry Cunningham, a passionate mountaineer living in Boulder, Colorado, noticed that the bags used for mountain expeditions were often impractical, poorly organized, and difficult to open quickly. He and his wife founded the Holubar Mountaineering brand, which would become a pioneer in outdoor equipment in the United States.
His major innovation was the introduction of zippers on backpacks, at a time when closures were still made with drawstrings, hooks, or straps. This development greatly improved the speed and ease of access. He also developed the idea of external pockets , allowing users to store essential items separately and easily retrieve them without having to empty the entire bag.
Jerry Cunningham's approach is based on functionality and comfort in real-world conditions: his packs are tested in the mountains, improved with each outing, and produced locally using robust, moisture-resistant materials. His legacy has influenced many American brands and remains evident in the design of modern technical packs.
Asher Dick Kelty: the father of the internally framed backpack
In the 1950s, Asher Dick Kelty, a Californian carpenter and family man, noticed that existing backpacks were uncomfortable for the long hikes he took with his children. In 1952, he began making his own models in his garage, and officially founded the Kelty brand in 1967.
Dick Kelty was the first to offer a nylon backpack (a material still relatively uncommon at the time) with an integrated internal frame , padded with foam to absorb shocks and distribute weight more effectively across the back. This structural change represented a major advancement in the history of carrying: the internal frame made the bag more stable, lighter, and better adapted to the wearer's body shape.
It also introduced key innovations that have become standards: padded waist belts , adjustable shoulder straps , compression straps , and lumbar support . Its goal was simple: to make hiking accessible to everyone by offering reliable, comfortable, and well-designed equipment.
Thanks to him, the backpack became an ergonomic tool suitable for long distances. Even today, the Kelty brand remains a benchmark in the world of trekking, camping, and outdoor activities.
- Nylon : A revolutionary material due to its water resistance and lightness, which has become standard in the manufacture of modern backpacks.
- Leather : A traditional material valued for its durability and timeless style, still used in premium and luxury models
- Eco-friendly fabrics : A recent innovation with the adoption of biodegradable materials such as organic cotton or hemp, meeting environmental expectations
- Recycled materials : Use of recycled plastic (e.g., Samsonite with Recyclex™) and upcycled materials (e.g., Artefact with kitesurfing wings) to reduce environmental impact
The waist straps transfer weight from the shoulders to the hips, reducing fatigue. Internal and external frames distribute the load evenly. Ergonomic innovations include contoured shoulder straps and ventilation systems. These improvements allow for carrying heavier loads over long distances.
In France, Lafuma patented a metal-framed backpack in 1936. Millet , founded in 1921, equipped mountaineers during their ascent of Annapurna in 1950. These brands played a key role in the evolution of the backpack.
Zippers have replaced traditional laces and ties. Dedicated compartments accommodate laptops and electronic devices. Security has been enhanced with cut-resistant fabrics and patented anti-theft systems for urban bags.
The backpack: from a utilitarian object to an essential accessory
The diverse uses of the modern backpack
The backpack replaced leather satchels in the 1980s , adapting to the needs of students. Lighter and more ergonomic, it offers greater comfort for carrying textbooks, laptops, and personal belongings. You can choose models with specific compartments to protect your electronic devices, making it easier to organize your things.
Sports activities have shaped the development of specialized backpacks. For hiking, the focus is on pack sizes suited to the duration of the trek, with optimized carrying systems. In mountaineering, packs are designed to withstand extreme conditions. Hikers benefit from compartments accessible while moving and attachments for external equipment. This specialization meets specific requirements, combining durability, waterproofing, and weight distribution.
Comparison of different types of modern backpacks according to their specific uses
| Backpack type | Specific use | Distinctive features |
|---|---|---|
| Urban backpack | Daily | Lightweight and compact, with a laptop compartment, suitable for short urban commutes |
| Hiking backpack | Sport (hiking, mountaineering) | Variable volumes, weather-resistant and waterproof materials |
| Travel backpack | Journey | Flexible, ergonomic, conforms to cabin dimensions |
| Professional (computer) backpack | Professional | Padded laptop compartment, space for tablets and accessories |
| Tactical backpack | Military/Outdoor | Water and shock resistant, supports heavy loads |
| Anti-theft backpack | Travel/Daily Life | Concealed closures, cut-resistant fabric, enhanced security |
| Rolling backpack | Journey | Converts into a suitcase for easy transport |
| TSA-compliant backpack | Journey | Folds flat for airport security |
| Duffel Backpack | Travel/Sports | Multi-port, large storage space |
| Camera backpack | Photography | Padded compartments for camera equipment |
| Children's backpack | Children | Suitable size, playful patterns, lightweight |
The integration of laptop compartments has transformed the backpack into a professional accessory. You can safely transport your electronic devices, effectively replacing traditional briefcases with a more ergonomic and functional design.
The backpack as a fashion and style accessory
Since the 1980s, the backpack has established itself as a fashion accessory. Luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton have redefined its contours, transforming a utilitarian object into a collector's item.
- Samsonite : Partnership highlighting Recyclex™ fabrics made from recycled plastic
- Luxury brand : Collaborations with designers for premium, handcrafted designs
- Fashion brands : Capsule collections incorporating exclusive materials, distinctive logos, and high-end finishes
Luxury creations favor full-grain leather, custom canvases, and metallic finishes. Brands like Prada and Bottega Veneta incorporate their aesthetic codes into contemporary designs. The luxury backpack is distinguished by unique details and meticulous attention to craftsmanship.
A backpack reflects the wearer's identity, whether it's a technical model for mountaineering or a stylish one for the city. This choice should match your lifestyle, reflecting your preferences and daily activities. Discover the backpack models from bag-haven , a leading brand in the field.
The future of the backpack is geared towards technological innovation . Recycled materials and smart features, such as integrated charging ports, are redefining this accessory for modern uses.
From its military origins to modern innovations in lightweight materials, the backpack embodies a history of constant adaptation highlighting the power of an object that transcends eras without ever growing old.
