Abstract: In a pole (11) for holding and/or supporting tent sheets (3, 5) that can be assembled from interconnecting segments (15) to make an arch (12), the individual segments (15) can be connected together by intermediate elements (16) that can be inserted into them and a tensioning element (21) can be suspended from each of these intermediate elements (16) on the inside of an arch (12), with the ability for the tensioning elements (21) to be tensioned in the area of the ends (13, 14) of the pole (11). This configuration means that the tent (1) is always stable and its interior is not partitioned off or subdivided by tensioning straps. Also, the tent (1) can be pitched and struck within a short period of time (FIG. 1).

Abstract: In a device to secure the shoulder straps of a backpack or rucksack, fittings are fitted to the upper ends of the shoulder straps and are pivotally mounted together on a retaining piece. In the preferred embodiment the fittings are situated in the middle of the rucksack and the pivotal mounting of one or both shoulder straps is constructed so as to be continuously adjustable in various angles at the retaining piece. The arrangement permits adjustment of the lateral distance between the shoulder straps in the shoulder region both simply and rapidly to suit the build of the wearer, so that the shoulder straps are always supported in the optimum position.