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.

Abstract: Ear covers and a strap for joining the ear covers. Each ear cover includes an inner cup over the ear, an outer cup over the inner cup. The cups are shaped to define an inner space between them in which an end region of the strap is guided to move lengthwise with respect to the ear cover. A channel on the outside of the inner cup receives a flange on the strap for guiding its longitudinal movement. The rims of the inner and the outer cups are connected and a protective covering cloth may be at the rims for contacting the user's head around the ear.

Abstract: Ear covers and a strap for joining the ear covers. Each ear cover includes an inner cup over the ear, an outer cup over the inner cup. The cups are shaped to define an inner space between them in which an end region of the strap is guided to move lengthwise with respect to the ear cover. A channel on the outside of the inner cup receives a flange on the strap for guiding its longitudinal movement. The rims of the inner and the outer cups are connected and a protective covering cloth may be at the rims for contacting the user's head around the ear.