Abstract: A backpack including a backpack body, and a plate inside the backpack body behind the forward facing side of the body. The plate includes a top panel, an intermediate panel that inclines forward toward the small of the wearer's back and a lower panel which is located forward toward the small of the back of the wearer and extends down from the inclined panel. Support handles are supported on the lower panel at the front of the backpack at the height of the small of the back of the wearer when the backpack is worn. The handles have a concave slide resistant side toward the wearer's back. Placement of a shoulder strap on the wearer's front facing side of the body of the backpack helps urge the support handles toward the wearer's back.