Abstract: A single backpack is provided for allowing a simple conversion between an extended form for long duration hikes and a collapsed form for short technical climbs on ice and rock. The backpack comprises a frame that includes a pair of aluminum bars fastened to a frame surface of the pack. The main frame bars extend partially up the frame surface of the pack shell. The remaining distance from the top of the main frame bars and the top of the shell is spanned by extension bars which are held and fastened against the main frame bars. The main frame bars, with the addition of the extension bars, make the backpack a full sized large capacity hiking pack capable of bearing loads of 70 pounds or more. The backpack may be converted to a climbing pack by removing the extension bars from their fastened position and subsequently the shell collapses to the level of the lower main frame.

Abstract: An improved strap assembly is provided for use with a backpack for allowing the independent adjustment of the stabilizing straps and shoulder pads of a backpack. The strap assembly includes a pair of shoulder pads anchored at one end to the backpack and at the opposite end to a pair of first adjustment buckles. A shoulder pad adjustment strap is also threaded through the first buckle and is anchored at the lower end of the backpack. A second pair of adjustment buckles are attached at the upper end of the backpack and have a pair of stabilizing straps threaded therethrough. The stabilizing straps slide freely through cross straps upon the shoulder pads and also slide freely through a widened opening within the first adjustment buckles. Each stabilizing strap is anchored at the lower end of the backpack adjacent the anchorage of the shoulder pad adjustment strap to the backpack.