newsweek.ro/istorie/cand-a-aparut-primul-rucsac-un

The history of backpacks dates back thousands of years, with early humans using various methods to carry loads. The oldest known backpack, attributed to Ötzi the Iceman, dates back 5,300 years. However, the modern backpack design emerged during the American Civil War in the 1860s, when Henry Clay Merriam created a more functional version. Subsequent innovations in the 20th century, including metal frames and nylon materials, further refined the backpack. Today, backpacks are essential for travelers and students, with around 450 million sold annually worldwide.