The versatility of the backpack, combined with the chic styling of a handbag, makes the backpack handbag a truly functional fashion accessory." Whether you like fabric or leather or prefer a slick or quilted look, there are plenty of great options available.

While backpacks had been used for practical purposes for centuries, it wasn't until the 20th century that they became a popular accessory for students. In the 1960s, school backpacks began to gain popularity as textbooks became larger and heavier.

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Backpacks are commonly used by hikers and students, and are often preferred to handbags for carrying heavy loads or carrying any sort of equipment, because of the limited capacity to carry heavy weights for long periods of time in the hands.

Before the term backpack was used, utility bags were known as knapsacks. Knapsack originated in Germany and has been around since 1603. It wasn't until 1910 that the term "backpack" gained its first printed attention. Soon, the term began to designate any bag worn on a person's back with a shoulder strap.

The word 'backpack' doesn't start to appear in print until around 1910 but 'Knapsack', from the German word knapp, meaning food, has been in use since 1603. By the end of the Nineteenth Century, 'rucksack', from the German for 'back', was the preferred usage.

: a large pack (as of canvas or nylon) that is supported by an external or internal frame (as of aluminum) and is used especially for carrying supplies when hiking and camping. The logistics of the trip required that I carry all my stuff in a backpack.

The first to officially move toward the modern backpack was Henry Merriam. In 1878, Merriam was issued a patent for his Knapsack: a pack which used an external sheet-metal frame.

It's tough to give credit to one person for inventing the backpack as there were a few people who deserve credit. Lloyd Nelson and Gerry Cunningham, two men in the hiking industry, created bags with lightweight materials, straps, and zippers in the 20's and 30's.

The First Discovery of Backpack

• A group of German hikers discover the world's earliest backpack - 3300BC.
• Bindles or canvas bags attached to a stick during the American Civil War - 1870.
• Henry Miriam designed a knapsack made of sheet metal for the US military - 1877.

By the end of the Nineteenth Century, 'rucksack', from the German for 'back', was the preferred usage. In 1874 the American, Colonel Henry C Merriam designed a backpack for use by the infantry which was the forerunner of today's small, frameless backpacks.

The first external frame rucksack to receive a patent was made by Henry Clay Merriam, a U.S. Army officer during the late 19th century. Introduced in 1887, Merriam's innovative pack was made with drab duck canvas, which was attached to a light steel frame.

China produces the largest number of the world's backpacks, but Vietnam is second and quickly surpassing it. Vietnam is branding itself as a destination for high-quality manufacturing backpacks. Premium brands such as Fjallraven are making a move by splitting their production between China and Vietnam.