Abstract: A backpack including a body engaging strap assembly and a strap assembly supported element supported on the body engaging strap assembly and including a container and an integrally formed back engaging portion having a padded back facing surface and a generally rigid curved opposite surface fixed thereto, the integrally formed back engaging portion defining a first generally vertically extending curve arranged to be centered adjacent the upper back portion of a user and a second generally horizontally extending curve arranged to be centered adjacent the lower back portion, the integrally formed back engaging portion being bendable about a horizontal axis located adjacent the center of the first curve and about a vertical axis located adjacent the center of the second curve.

Abstract: A backpack having an article carrier; a waist belt attached to the article carrier and arranged for fastening the article carrying apparatus about the waist of a user; shoulder supports arranged for fastening the article carrier about an upper body portion of the user; and apparatus for attaching the shoulder supports to the article carrier and including apparatus for adjusting the position of attachment of the shoulder supports to the article carrier so as to selectably increase and decrease the distance between a position of attachment of the shoulder supports to the article carrier relative to the position of attachment of the waist belt to the article carrier while the backpack is being worn by the user.

Abstract: A backpack having an article carrier; a waist belt attached to the article carrier and arranged for fastening the article carrying apparatus about the waist of a user; shoulder supports arranged for fastening the article carrier about an upper body portion of the user; and apparatus for attaching the shoulder supports to the article carrier and including apparatus for adjusting the position of attachment of the shoulder supports to the article carrier so as to selectably increase and decrease the distance between a position of attachment of the shoulder supports to the article carrier relative to the position of attachment of the waist belt to the article carrier while the backpack is being worn by the user.