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Seraphin Posted 18 years ago
Vocabulary

knapsack vs. backpack

Are there differences between knapsack and backpack ?
I have a Jansport knapsack or backpack ?
  

Top answer

Recalling my Boy Scout days, I believe "knapsack" was the earlier term. It was usually a small pack suitable for a one-day hike, carrying little more than a lunch. It seems like the term "backpack" came into use when they developed hiking packs with aluminum frames, allowing one to comfortably carry a heavier load.

— Avangi

  • Recalling my Boy Scout days, I believe "knapsack" was the earlier term.
  • It was usually a small pack suitable for a one-day hike, carrying little more than a lunch.
  • It seems like the term "backpack" came into use when they developed hiking packs with aluminum frames, allowing one to comfortably carry a heavier load.
  • Perhaps serious hikers learned of these before I did.
  • I expect early explorers hired people to "pack" heavy loads on frames on their backs.
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3 Answers
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Recalling my Boy Scout days, I believe "knapsack" was the earlier term. It was usually a small pack suitable for a one-day hike, carrying little more than a lunch.

It seems like the term "backpack" came into use when they developed hiking packs with aluminum frames, allowing one to comfortably carry a heavier load.

Perhaps serious hikers learned of these before I did. I expe
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Backpack think student. Knapsack think a hiker or tourist.

anyone with the name seth or initals SAGL will always be wearing knapsacks.
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I'd add that for me a knapsack (probably from knappen "to eat") is now a 'daypack'.
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