Abstract: An external frame backpack (10) includes a frame (14), a hipbelt (32), two flexible stays (50, 52), back panel (38), and a lower panel (40). The frame is external and substantially rigid. It includes upper, middle, and lower frame members (22, 24, 26) secured between frame side rails (18, 20). The hipbelt is attached to the frame adjacent the lower frame member. The flexible stays are elongate with upper and lower ends. The upper ends are attached to the upper frame member. The lower ends are attached to the sides of the hipbelt. The stays are flexible to allow movement of the hipbelt as the stays bend while transmitting at least a portion of the weight held on the frame to the lower end of the stays. The back panel is vertically and horizontally tensioned and secured to the frame. The lower panel is secured between the side rails of the frame. The lower panel includes a support sheet (66) to maintain the shape thereof when tensioned between the side rails.

Abstract: An external frame backpack includes a frame (14), a hipbelt (32), two flexible stays (50, 52), a back panel (38), and a lower panel (40). The frame is external and substantially rigid. It includes upper, middle, and lower frame members (22, 24, 26) secured between frame side rails (18, 20). The hipbelt is attached to the frame adjacent the lower frame member. The flexible stays are elongate with upper and lower ends. The upper ends are attached to the upper frame member. The lower ends are attached to the sides of the hipbelt. The stays are flexible to allow movement of the hipbelt as the stays bend while transmitting at least a portion of the weight held on the frame to the lower end of the stays. The back panel is vertically and horizontally tensioned and secured to the frame. The lower panel is secured between the side rails of the frame. The lower panel includes a support sheet (66) to maintain the shape thereof when tensioned between the side rails.