Abstract: A surface chair incorporates a seat base for resting directly against a surface; a back rest having a base end and a free end; and a flap connected to the seat base at a position proximate the base end. At least two upper retaining means are positioned proximate the free end. The seat base is connected to the back rest at the base end. The flap has at least two lower retaining means provided in a free end. A first end of each pole is received in an upper retaining means while a second end of each pole is retained by a lower retaining means, such that the poles cross each other and each pole inclines from the second end to the first end.

Abstract: A zipped flap opening system comprising a textile flap having a first side and a second side, the first side and second side meeting to form a corner; a zipper including a pair of toothed sides, each toothed side positioned to the sides of a slit, one of the sides of the slit being the first side; an enclosed channel that extends substantially parallel to the second side, the enclosed channel having an open end; and a cord having a secured end and a running end. The cord is partly received within the enclosed channel by way of the open end. The secured end of the cord is received within the enclosed channel and securely retained to the flap at a position proximate the corner. The running end of the cord is free of the channel, such that the running end is accessible from an interior side of the flap.

Abstract: A backpack having a shoulder harness (14) and a hip harness (20). The shoulder harness preferably consists of a pair of padded shoulder strap assemblies (14a and 14b) that have elongate pockets (27) sewn into their outer linings into which contour plates (26) are fitted to control the lateral curvature of the straps. The plates are selected to have the stiffness and shape to suit the chest and shoulder shape of the individual user. The hip harness (20) is preferably divided into independent left and right halves (20a and 20b) that are each pivotally attached to a frame element within the front lower portion of the pack. While the hip harness may be unitary, or the two halves may be more or less tightly coupled together, pivotal attachment of the back of the harness to the pack is highly desirable.