Ultralight Backpack

Abstract

A backpack of very simple construction is disclosed, which uses modern materials and elements to achieve great comfort and extreme light weight. A sheath is made of light, strong cloth or other pliable material, constructed so as to contain a folded backpacker's sleeping pad or other suitable removable pad, and hold it against the bearer's back. To said sheath are attached a plurality of spaced-apart vertical support members made of a light, rigid but flexible material, for attachment and support of the load. A pair of shoulder straps and a hip belt are attached for securing the backpack to the bearer's back.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A backpack comprising: a flexible sheath of dimensions suitable for the insertion of a folded commercial backpacker's sleeping pad or other pad;
 a plurality of substantially rigid vertical support members attached to said sheath in a spaced-apart configuration; a pair of flexible shoulder straps attached to said sheath; a flexible hip belt attached to said vertical support members.   
     
     
         2 . The backpack of  claim 1 , wherein the vertical support members are constructed of a single member bent into a u-shape. 
     
     
         3 . The backpack of  claim 1 , wherein said vertical support members are connected by one or more horizontal cross members. 
     
     
         4 . The backpack of  claim 1 , wherein said vertical support members are connected to each other by one or more diagonal cross members. 
     
     
         5 . The backpack of  claim 1 , wherein said shoulder straps are attached to said vertical support members. 
     
     
         6 . The backpack of  claim 1 , wherein said hip belt is attached to said sheath. 
     
     
         7 . The backpack of  claim 1 , wherein no hip belt is attached to the pack. 
     
     
         8 . The backpack of  claim 1 , wherein a container for the carrying of items is attached to said sheath. 
     
     
         9 . The backpack of  claim 1 , wherein a container for the carrying of items is attached to said vertical support members.
 Thereby providing a means for using a removable pad, of a sort which is commonly carried by backpackers for other uses, as padding for the backpacker's back, and also providing a means to secure and carry the rest of the backpacker's load.