LOAD MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR BACKPACKS AND OTHER WEARABLE PACKS WITH SHOULDER STRAPS

Abstract

A wearable pack has a generally pliable body defining a volume for the containment of articles, the body generally having a height, width, and depth, at least one shoulder strap secured to the body, at least one tension strap secured to the body at a first anchor point and adjustably secured to the body at a second anchor point, the tension strap routing through at least one channel disposed on the body between the anchor points so that the tension strap is accessible in a frontal plane of the wearer so that the wearer does not need to reach rearwardly of the frontal plane to pull the tension strap.

Description

BACKGROUND

The inventive subject matter is generally directed to wearable packs and bags, such as backpacks, that have a body portion defining a volume for containment of articles and have one or more shoulder straps for securing the body portion to the torso of a wearer. More particularly, the inventive subject matter is directed to a strap system that adjustably compacts the volume of the body portion.

While once mainly the province of backwoods adventurers and soldiers, backpacks and other wearable packs are now widely used across the globe to contain and carry various kinds of articles used in everyday life. Students use them to ferry books and notebooks around. Business people use them to transport and protect laptops and other digital or high tech gear. Bicycle commuters use them on jaunts to the grocery store.

Even with the growth in the popularity of the wearable pack, a long-felt need exists for certain improvements.

One problem with existing packs is that they can be large and bulky. This may be a design necessity so that the pack can accommodate both large and small loads. Unfortunately for the wearer, if a given load is small, the pack remains bulky and the load may not position well on the wearer's body, impeding movement and balance. While shoulder straps on a pack are typically adjustable to raise or lower a pack, the overall size of the pack may still be oversized or undersized relative to a wearer's body. This may still result in poor management of the weight in the pack, detrimentally affecting the balance and comfort of a wearer. It may also result in an unstylish appearance for the fashion-minded wearer.

Further, shoulder straps do not vary the volume of the body of a pack. Therefore, contents inside the body may shift around.

Attempting to address some of the problems, some backpacks may provide on their bodies adjustable straps that have opposite ends adjustable secured to anchor points on the body of a pack between which a strap extends. Pulling on a strap compresses the back between the anchor points. Backpacks may also have a drawstring system that constricts the circumference at the top of the body of the pack. The routing of existing strap systems may limit or interfere with the use of pockets and compartment on the pack. For example, straps that cinch together the sides of the body of a pack to make the pack thinner impede the use of side openings. Therefore, the objectives of securing loads and providing easy access to pockets or compartments on the pack are in conflict. An option of side access is desirable because it could allow for convenient removal and placement of a laptop computer in a protective compartment, for example, eliminating the need to open a main compartment of the pack, during airport security screenings.

Yet another problem is that the existing art of wearable packs does not provide a way to adequately adjust pack compactness on the fly. Because adjustment straps on the body of a pack are positioned on the body of the pack, adjusting the compactness of a pack on the fly is not possible or difficult: (1) either the user must remove the pack, which can be very inconvenient, in the case of, for example, a biker or hiker; or (2) the user must reach rearwardly to blindly search for straps on the body of the pack. This effort can be not only inconvenient but also unsafe, as an uncareful user may lose balance and positioning. The effort might also strain and injure the muscles and ligaments of an uncareful user.

In view of the foregoing problems and other problems not mentioned at this time, there is a need for improved systems for backpacks, and other wearable packs with shoulder straps, that provide for one or more of: (1) adjustability to conform to the body of a given user, a volume of a particular load and/or a weight of a particular load; (2) adjustability on the fly so wearer's do not need to remove a pack; (3) accessibility to compartments and pockets, without interference from compression straps; and (4) stylishness and comfortableness.

SUMMARY

The inventive subject matter overcomes the problems and disadvantages in the prior art by providing tension systems for wearable packs that allow for easy, convenient and efficient adjustment and securement of variable sized loads, and which improve the pack's fit and load management for variably sized wearers.

In one possible embodiment the inventive subject matter is directed to a wearable pack having a generally pliable body defining a volume for the containment of articles, the body generally having a height, width, and depth; at least one shoulder strap secured to the body; at least one tension strap secured to the body at a first anchor point and adjustably secured to the body at a second anchor point, the tension strap routing through at least one channel disposed on the body between the anchor points so that the tension strap is accessible in a frontal plane of the wearer so that the wearer does not need to reach rearwardly of the frontal plane to pull the tension strap.

In another possible embodiment, the inventive subject matter is directed to a wearable pack having a generally pliable body defining a volume for the containment of articles, the body generally having dimensions of height, width, and depth, and three of a front surface, a back surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, and left and right side surface surfaces defining the volume for containment of articles; at least one shoulder strap secured to the body; and at least one tension strap secured to the body at a first anchor point and adjustably secured to the body at a second anchor point, the tension strap routing through at least one channel disposed on the body between the anchor points so that adjustment of tension on the tension strap adjusts two or more of the dimension simultaneously.

These and other embodiments are described in more detail in the following Detailed Description section and the Figures.

The foregoing is not intended to be an exhaustive list of embodiments and features of the inventive subject matter. Persons skilled in the art are capable of appreciating other embodiments and features from the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following figures show embodiments according to the inventive subject matter, unless noted as showing prior art.

FIG. 1 shows a front side, left perspective view of a wearable pack with an inventive strap system.

FIG. 2 shows a backside elevational view of the pack of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a right side elevational view of the pack of FIG. 1

FIG. 4 shows a top, plan view of the pack of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 5 and 5A shows one possible embodiment of strap system components usable in the pack of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 shows the strap components of FIG. 5 assembled with further strap system components.

FIG. 7 shows the strap components of FIG. 6 assembled with further strap system components.

FIG. 8 shows a cutaway, left side elevational view of the pack of FIG. 1 illustrating one possible internal routing of a strap system.

FIG. 9 shows the embodiment of FIG. 3 having an optional backside-accessible compartment.

FIG. 10 shows a backside, left perspective of another embodiment of a wearable pack.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show details of encircled areas 10A-10A and 10B-10B in FIG. 10.

FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate a mode of operation for an wearable pack according to the inventive subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The term “wearable pack”, as used herein, refers broadly to wearable packs with shoulder straps, along the lines of backpacks, rucksacks, daypacks, messenger bags, totes and other packs with one or more shoulder straps. “Backpack”, unless context indicates otherwise, means a pack with a pair of shoulder straps.

FIGS. 1-11B illustrate possible embodiments of a wearable pack 10, 110, which in this case is a backpack. These embodiments will generally be used to illustrate the inventive subject matter, although the inventive subject matter is not to be limited by them. The body 12 of the pack 10 has a generally pliable overall construction of at least a front surface 14, a back surface 16, a top surface 18, a bottom surface 20, and side surfaces 24 and 26 that interconnect with the other surfaces. The arrangement of the surfaces defines a volume for containment of articles. In the context of surfaces 14, 16, 18, 20, 24, and 26, the term “surfaces” is used broadly to mean a generally sheet-or panel-like structure with a side that faces outward and a side that faces inward when assembled into the body of the pack. The surfaces need not come together in discrete joints; they may merge together in curving interfaces, for example. In at least the case of backpacks, the body is generally sized and shaped so that it fits comfortably against the back of the wearer. In some cases, it may be contoured to conform to the contours of anatomy of a back. Generally, it is dimensioned so as not to exceed about the width of the back, or the length between the waist and shoulders of the intended wearer. Backpacks may be sized and shaped differently to accommodate variations in height, e.g., small, medium, or large. Or they may be sized and shaped to fit gender or age categories, e.g., men, women, or children. Notably, the top side or bottom side surfaces or both could be essentially eliminated in whole or part by merging together the top edges of the front surface 14 and back surface 16, and/or the bottom edges of the front surface 14 and the back surface 16, creating wedges (not shown or present in the illustrated embodiment) where the surfaces join. Similarly, surfaces could be reduced in profile by using curves, for example, to merge surfaces. The side surfaces 24 and 26 could also be joined or merged in similar fashion. The surfaces are not necessarily continuous surfaces; they may be interrupted by zippers, netted sections, and cords for example.

Typically, the body of a pack includes an opening at the top of the pack. The opening may extend down one or both sides of the pack. The opening may be provided via a zipper running through surfaces of the pack or it may be provided by a hingeable section along the top and/or sides of the pack. The opening typically leads into a main compartment of the pack. The body may have other openings into the main compartment, which may be closeable openings or permanent openings. For example, there may be openings from the front, sides, and/or bottom surfaces of the pack. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-9, a zipper 28 for a main compartment runs from the top of the pack down the side of the pack.

Accordingly, the main compartment may be accessed via an opening on one side of the pack. The pack may also have a dedicated laptop compartment that is accessed on the back panel. Access to that compartment may be provided via a zipper running from part way up one side, around the top, to part way down the other side. The laptop compartment zipper is away from the straps, so access is secure yet easy.

In addition to the main compartment, the body may include any number of other compartments for containment of articles. Other compartments, such as a compartment 32 on the front body 12, may be arranged adjacent, side-to-side or up and down relative to the main compartment or to each other. The body, including any of its compartments, may also have pockets arranged on the inside or outside of the compartments. For example, a pocket 34 may also be arranged on the front of body 12. In this example, compartment 32 and pocket 34 are disposed on a panel of material that separates them from main compartment 32. Generally, “compartments” refers to relatively large areas for holding things such as, sleeping bags, laptops, articles of clothing, books, etc. Generally, “pockets” refers to relatively smaller areas for holding things, such as wallets, mobile phones, media players, water bottles, etc. However, there is not always a clear dividing line between what a compartment is and what a pocket is, beyond the main compartment of a pack.

In one basic embodiment, the inventive subject matter is directed to a wearable pack having a body defining a volume for the containment of articles. The backpack includes one or more shoulder straps, in the illustrated example, straps 36 and 38. One or more adjustable tension straps, e.g., tension straps 40 and 42, are secured to the body at anchor points and route into a spaced-away channel or channels that are disposed on the pack at a position that is readily accessible to a wearer. In the illustrated example, there are two tension straps 40 and 42. Each tension strap is accessible from an exit or exposed portion of the channel so that it may be grabbed by a wearer to adjust the strap's tension. To avoid the disadvantages noted above in the prior art where wearer's cannot easily find straps, the inventive subject matter's features include a placement of tension strap sections where user's can easily find them without the need to remove the pack or blindly reach for them. This can be a location in the frontal plane of the body, which in this context includes the sides of the body. In one possible embodiment, the channel is positioned substantially along a shoulder strap of the pack. In another possible embodiment, the channel is positioned along the front portion of hip belt (not shown or present in the illustrated embodiment) on the pack.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, the shoulder straps 36 and 38 include channels 44 and 46. The channels may be defined as tubular structures formed on or in the shoulder straps 36 and 38. A surface on the strap 44A or 46A (FIGS. 5-6) provides one portion of the structure. A second surface 44B or 46B (FIG. 7) is sewn or otherwise fastened along its edge to that surface to form the tubular structure (channel) into which a tension strap 40 or 42 is slideably disposed. The tension straps enter the channel at the top of the structure and exits at the bottom. Adjustment mechanisms 48 and 50 are anchored to the shoulder straps below the exits of channels 44 and 46. The adjustment mechanisms may be anchored by any known means of anchoring fasteners to fabrics or sheets of materials. In this example, the fasteners come with flanges made of fabric, which are, for example, stitched onto the pack surface. The end portions of the tension straps are slideably disposed in the adjustment mechanisms. Channels on the adjustment strap need not be elongated structures. In their simplest form, they may be thin profile openings. For example, the openings in the adjustment mechanism may be considered to provide channels, in addition to or instead of channels 44 and 46. Further the elongate channels 44 and 46 may be integrated with the adjustment mechanism and not spaced away as is the case of the illustrated embodiment. The free ends of the strap may be stored in optional channels 45 and 47, which may be short bands of materials with their ends stitched to the shoulder straps. The straps may have optional embroidery, 60, as shown in FIG. 7. The shoulder straps may be made of 420 D Nylon, 61, for example.

By positioning one or more channels for the tension straps in front of or at about the front plane, the tension strap may be easily grasped so that the wearer can find it easily by sight or without reaching rearwardly. Adjustment of the tension strap draws parts of the pack together along the lines the tension strap follows, compressing/uncompressing the pack. Advantageously, multiple tension straps may be anchored and arranged on the pack so that there are multiple lines of tension, allowing the pack to be compressed along any one or more of its dimensional axes: it may be compressed to adjust height, width, and/or depth. Also, advantageously, the routing of the tension strap across a plurality of surfaces 14, 16, 18, 20, and 24, allows for one, two or three dimensions of height, width and depth to be simultaneously changed with the change in tension on a tension strap. The tensions straps may also be arranged to change the shape of the pack, from e.g., a generally rectangular shape to a generally rounder shape.

A tension strap need not have a linear path but may slideably route through angle or direction changing structures or fixtures on the pack, such as curved channels, flexible cable housing anchored it desired configurations, pulleys, loops, rings, sheaves, links swivels, pad eyes, and the like.

In certain embodiments the tension straps extend along at least entire lengths of surfaces of the body of a pack, e.g., from bottom to top edge of a front side of the pack (pack height), or from front edge to back edge on a bottom side of a pack (pack depth at bottom of pack), or from front edge to back edge along a top side of the pack (pack depth at top of the pack). In certain embodiments the routing of a tension strap may span the length of two or more of such surfaces. In some embodiments, it can span the length of at least three such surfaces. If desired, the routes could span all surfaces.

In the example embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, the tension straps 40 and 42 span from across some or all of a bottom surface 20 (pack depth at bottom surface), across all of the front side surface (pack height), and over a top surface (pack depth at top surface). In the aforesaid embodiment, the strap may further extend into a channel on a shoulder strap. Looking more particularly at the illustrated embodiment, especially FIG. 8, and using tension strap 40 as representative (the routing of tension strap 42 mirroring that of 40), the tension strap has one end anchored to the pack at about were the back surface 16 and bottom surface 20 join. The strap slideably extends through a guide 52 and upwardly from the bottom of front surface 14 and through a channel formed between a back surface of pocket 34 and the main compartment 30. A short section of the strap is exposed between pocket 34 and compartment 32 as it continues upward routing into a channel formed between compartment 32 and main compartment 30. The strap exits the channel at the top of compartment 32 and continues upwardly routing. Again it is exposed at just below about where front surface 14 and top surface 18 join. The tension strap then routes within a channel formed in the top surface 14. Next, the channel extends to back surface 16. The strap exits the back surface and is routed into the top opening of channel 44 on the shoulder strap. This routing, extending around bottom, front and top surfaces, causes the pack to simultaneously compact in both height and depth when the tension strap is pulled. In contrast, conventional systems typically have independent straps that are independently adjustable.

It is noted that the routing of the tension strap may be wholly or partially visible on the exterior of the pack. In the example embodiments, the routing is substantially hidden from view, except for a few small sections that are exposed. Accordingly, routing channels may be on the inner or outer sides of surfaces 14, 16, 18, 20 and 24 or associated shoulder straps or hip belts. The channels may be formed in between most any layers or assemblies of materials used in the construction of the pack. They may also be discrete structures located among the layers.

FIG. 9 shows the embodiment of FIG. 3 having an optional backside-accessible compartment 35, separated from the main compartment 24, for storing an object such as a laptop 3. The compartment may be accessed by, for example a closeable flap 37.

FIG. 10 shows another possible embodiment of a backpack 110 with inventive features. In this example, two tension straps are used, similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-9. In this embodiment, the tensions straps 140, 142 each have one of their ends anchored on a lower portion of the front surface of the pack, e.g., anchor point 141. The straps route from the anchor points across the bottom surface, and upwardly across the back surface. They are routed from the top of the back surface to the shoulder straps 136, 138, where they are adjustably secured. FIG. 10A shows a detail of encircled area 10A-10A. A slot or other aperture 137 allows a tension strap 140, 142 to route out of the topside of the pack onto a strap 136, 138. Similarly, FIG. 10B shows a detail of encircled area 10B-10B. A slot or anchor point 139 allows a tension strap 140, 142 to route into the bottom side of the pack with routing schemes discussed elsewhere.

The anchor points used with strap portions may be fixed using known means, such as stitching (anchor points 41, 43), gluing, stapling, bolting, riveting, or thermally fusing. Or the relationship may be adjustable using known adjustment means, such as clasps, buckles, clamps, hook and loop fasteners, etc. One particularly suitable buckle type is a hinged cam buckle (e.g., adjustment mechanisms 48 and 50), which allows the wearer to tension a tension strap by pulling on the portion of the strap extending from the buckle. During tensioning, a pulled angling of the strap disengage the hinge mechanism, rotating it open and allowing the strap to slide through. When the user is done and releases the strap, the angle is lost and the tensioned strap the hinge mechanism to engage the strap, keeping it from slipping back. The adjustment mechanisms described herein are well known in the art and need not be detailed further.

FIGS. 11A-B indicates a mode of tensioning a wearable pack according to the inventive subject matter. In FIG. 11A, the pack has not been tensioned fully. In FIG. 11B, Arrow 154 shows the path of tension for the tension straps as the user applies tension to the tension straps on the shoulder straps. From that path, it can be understood that the tension simultaneous lifts up the bottom of the pack, decreasing pack height, and also compresses the lower portion of pack in depth.

As noted, a tension strap may route from an anchor point on the pack to the entry in a channel on, for example, the shoulder strap and out an exit of the channel. The channel may be an elongate tunnel-like structure integrated into the shoulder strap by, for example, overlapping fabric and stitching in parallel spaced lines. The channel may be simply a clamp or buckle-like structure disposed on or in the shoulder strap. For example, in a center-bar buckle, the buckle has one or more bars disposed in a frame. The combination of the frame and a center bar define two openings on either side of the center bar. One opening may be considered the opening of a channel and the other side may be considered the exit from the channel.

The exit of the channel allows for the exit of a section of the tension strap, which could be grabbed by a wearer. An adjustment mechanism may be associated with the section, typically a free end portion, to allow for adjustment in the tension of the tension strap, in the same way that an adjustment mechanism for a shoulder strap allows adjustment in tension. Generally, the same kinds of adjustment mechanisms could be used for both the tension straps and the shoulder straps. It is noted, that free ends of the straps need not actually exit a channel; instead, they could remain routed within the shoulder strap. All that is needed is that a non-free end portion of the tension strap be accessible at the exit so that it can be grabbed by a wearer.

The tension strap also could be based on a loop and not have free-ends. Instead the ends of the loop are secured at different anchor points. A loop end could be routed through an adjustment mechanism at one or both anchor points, to provide adjustments in tension between the anchor points.

As used herein, “strap” is meant to refer to not only pliable, webbing and band-like structures but also individual filaments or bundles of filaments, chains, cords, cables, etc. that provide the functionality for the purposes described herein. A strap may have an elastic or inelastic construction. It may also have a construction of elastic and inelastic sections.

The shoulder strap systems may be a pair of shoulder straps, as is known in conventional backpacks or a long, single strap that fits over one shoulder, across a wearer's chest and under the arm opposite the shoulder, as is known in messenger bags.

The shoulder strap system can be based on single-ply straps of material or they can be a composite of materials, as is known in higher-end backpacks for carrying heavier loads. Often, the portion of the shoulder strap that bears against a wearer's body is made using a padded or cushioning material or construction. For example, it may be a composite of a cellular foam material, such as polyurethane, molded or cut EVA foam (ethylene-vinyl acetate), padded mesh—often known as nylon or polyester spacer mesh-surrounded by or joined to a fabric such as nylon.

In addition to the shoulder straps for carrying the body of the pack on the body of a wearer, the pack may also optionally include a handle 22.

The body 12 may be constructed of one or more plies of thin, pliable material. Typical pliable materials for use in the body include, natural and synthetic materials, Nylon fabrics, polyester fabrics, natural or synthetic rubber or rubber-like plies of material, animal hides (e.g., leather), cotton, canvas, hemp, wool, and fabric blends. These materials can be used singly or in combination with each other. The body may be formed using materials having continuous surfaces such as Nylon plain weave or twill fabric or perforated surfaces such as net or web structures. As a main consideration, the body should be able to contain the kinds of articles intended to be carried within the compartment or compartments of the body.

The tension strap may be constructed of material similar to the shoulder strap. However, a padded section would generally not be needed. The tension strap may be secured to anchor points on the body of the pack and a shoulder strap by means similar to the fixed or adjustable means for securing the shoulder strap. The tension strap may be made of an inelastic or an elastic material. It is noted that the tension strap may be a single unit of material extending between an anchor point on the body of a pack and the exit of a channel on a shoulder strap. Or it may be separate units of strap material or structure that are coupled together and adjustably provide a path of tension between the anchor point and the exit of the channel.

Persons skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and variations are possible in the details, materials, and arrangements of the parts and actions which have been described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the inventive subject matter, and that such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit and scope of the teachings and claims contained therein.

Claims

1. A wearable pack, comprising: a generally pliable body defining a volume for the containment of articles, the body generally having a height, width, and depth;at least one shoulder strap secured to the body; andat least one tension strap secured to the body at a first anchor point and adjustably secured to the body at a second anchor point, the tension strap routing through at least one channel disposed on the body between the anchor points so that the tension strap is accessible in a frontal plane of the wearer so that the wearer while wearing the pack does not need to reach rearwardly of the frontal plane to pull the tension strap, wherein at least a portion of one channel is disposed at a front surface of the pack.

2. A wearable pack, comprising: a generally pliable body defining a volume for the containment of articles, the body generally having dimensions of height, width, and depth, and at least three of a front surface, a back surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, and left and right side surfaces defining the volume for containment of articles;at least one shoulder strap secured to the body; andat least one tension strap secured to the body at a first anchor point and adjustably secured to the body at a second anchor point, the tension strap routing through at least one channel disposed on the body between the anchor points so that adjustment of tension on the tension strap adjusts two or more of the dimensions simultaneously. at least one of the dimensions being the height of the pack.

3. The wearable pack of claim 2 wherein the tension strap is routed to a shoulder strap or hip belt disposed on the pack so that wearer can access a portion of the strap at that location and adjust tension.

4. The wearable pack of claim 3 wherein the routing of the tension strap is to the shoulder strap.

5. The wearable pack of claim 4 wherein the wearable pack comprises a backpack and further comprises a second shoulder strap and a second tension strap, the second tension strap routing to the second shoulder strap in like fashion to the routing of the first tension strap to the first shoulder strap, the tension straps being arranged in spaced relationship generally similar to the spacing and orientation of the shoulder straps.

6. The wearable pack of claim 1 wherein a tension strap routes across a bottom surface of the pack, upwards over the front surface and to the top or back surface of the pack.

7. The wearable pack of claim 6 wherein the tension strap routes from the top or back surface to a channel disposed on a shoulder strap.

8. The wearable pack of claim 7 wherein a second tension strap is routed in like fashion to a second shoulder strap in like fashion to the routing of the first tension strap to the first shoulder strap.

9. The wearable pack of claim 1 wherein a tension strap has a portion slideably secured to the pack using an adjustment mechanism anchored to the pack at an anchor point.

10. The wearable pack of claim 1 wherein at least one tension strap comprises two or more separate sections that are coupled together.

11. The wearable pack of claim 10 wherein the sections are arranged linearly or sequentially.

12. The wearable pack of claim 10 wherein one section is oriented transversely to another section so that the tension strap has at least two arms branching off a common section.

13. The wearable pack of claim 1 wherein a tension strap is arranged so that adjustment of tension simultaneously changes the height and depth of the pack by lifting or dropping the bottom surface and moving in or out the front surface from the back surface.

14. The wearable pack of claim 1 wherein the pack includes a protective compartment configured for securing a laptop, other computing device or other device with an electronic display.

15. The wearable pack of claim 14 wherein the protective compartment is accessible from the side or back of the pack.

16. The wearable pack of claim 3 wherein a tension strap is arranged so that adjustment of tension simultaneously changes the height and depth of the pack by lifting or dropping the bottom surface and moving in or out the front surface from the back surface.

17. The wearable pack of claim 16 wherein the pack includes a protective compartment configured for securing a laptop or computer computing device or other device with an electronic display.

18. The wearable pack of claim 14 wherein the protective compartment is accessible from the side or back of the pack.

19. The wearable pack of claim 17 wherein the protective compartment is accessible from the side or back of the pack.

20. A method of making a wearable pack, comprising: providing a generally pliable body defining a volume for the containment of articles, the body generally having dimensions of height, width, and depth, and at least three of a front surface, a back surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, and left and right side surfaces defining the volume for containment of articles;assembling at least one shoulder strap secured to the body; and assembling at least one tension strap secured to the body at a first anchor point and adjustably secured to the body at a second anchor point, the tension strap routing through at least one channel disposed on the body between the anchor points so that adjustment of tension on the tension strap adjusts two or more of the dimensions simultaneously, at least one of the dimensions being the height of the pack.

21. The wearable pack of claim 1 wherein a majority of the channel portion that is disposed at the front surface of the pack is routed along an internal side of the front surface so as to be hidden from external view.

22. The wearable pack of claim 2 wherein at least a portion of one channel is disposed at the front surface of the pack and is routed along an internal side of the front surface so as to be hidden from external view.