Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved carrying bags and improved storage compartments for headwear. A carrying bag, and in particular a backpack, includes a rear compartment formed in part from an expandable material for receiving oversized items such as basketballs, soccer balls, footballs and the like. When the oversized objects are removed from the compartment, the expandable material automatically retracts into a position in which it is substantially planar with a rear surface of the carrying bag. In a further aspect of the invention, a detachable headwear storage compartment is provided for both storing and protecting headwear when it is not being worn by the user. The storage compartment is removably attachable to any supporting element, as for example a strap of a carrying bag or backpack, or a belt worn by the user.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a backpack having a front surface, a rear surface, and at least one carrying strap to permit the backpack to be worn over the shoulders of a user. A connecting element on the backpack coupled to the carrying strap permits the user to selectively determine if the front or rear surface of the backpack is the surface which is exposed when the backpack is worn over the shoulders of the user.

Abstract: A carrying bag, such as a backpack, a closable primary storage compartment and at least one closable secondary storage compartment on the backpack configured in the shape of a hat, preferably a baseball cap. The carrying bag can also include additional separate closable compartments in other configurations for storing items separate from the items stored in the primary compartment.