Abstract: A backpack and frame apparatus comprising a pair of tubular side bars and lateral cross members for supporting the backpack and upper terminus of the shoulder harness. A supporting belt adapted to be coupled about the user's waist and hips includes downwardly projecting panels disposed on diametrically opposed sides of the belt and adapted to lie substantially below the waist of the user. A supporting frame is coupled to the lower extensions of the belt and extends about the rear of the user, the support frame being reciprocally coupled to a pack frame cross member to provide independent movement between the pack frame and the support frame.

Abstract: A backpack and frame apparatus comprising a pair of tubular side bars and lateral cross members for supporting the backpack and upper terminus of the shoulder harness. A supporting belt adapted to be coupled about the user's waist and hips includes downwardly projecting panels disposed on diametrically opposed sides of the belt and adapted to lie substantially below the waist of the user. A supporting frame is coupled to the lower extensions of the belt and extends about the rear of the user, the support frame being reciprocally coupled to a pack frame cross member to provide independent movement between the pack frame and the support frame.

Abstract: A backpack and frame apparatus comprising a pair of tubular side bars and lateral cross-members for supporting a backpack and upper terminus of the shoulder harness. A supporting belt adapted to be coupled about the user's waist and hips includes downwardly projecting panels disposed on diametrically opposed sides of the belt and adapted to lie substantially below the waist of the user. A pair of lever arms are pivotally coupled at the lower end of each of the tubular side bars, the two lever arms being coupled to one another to provide for reciprocal movement of the arms about the pivotal coupling to the lower side bars. Each of the lever arms is secured to one of the downwardly projecting panels respectively to provide independence between the pack frame and the movement of the user.

Abstract: Apparatus to be utilized with backpack equipment to support counter-balancing loads adjacent the chest of the user. A backpack and frame apparatus is adapted with the front load carrying apparatus. A pair of front load carriers are pivotally journeled to the backpack frame, the front load carriers extending substantially perpendicular to the backpack frame and lying on the opposite side of the frame as the backpack. The front load carriers are adapted to be adjacent the chest of the user and to be secured to one another once the pack has been mounted. The pivotal couplings between the front load carrier and the pack frame allow the front load carriers to encompass the girth of the user and to be alternately opened to provide the user easy means for mounting or removing the pack. When the pack and frame are mounted upon the user, the front load carriers are joined to one another at the front of the user, load carrying containers being affixed to the front load carriers.

Abstract: A backpack and frame apparatus comprising a pair of tubular side bars and lateral cross members for supporting the backpack and upper terminus of the shoulder harness. A supporting belt adapted to be coupled about the user's waist and hips includes downwardly projecting panels disposed on diametrically opposed sides of the belt and adapted to lie substantially below the waist of the user. A supporting frame is coupled to the lower extensions of the belt and extends about the rear of the user, the support frame being reciprocally coupled to a pack frame cross member to provide independent movement between the pack frame and the support frame.