Knapsack facts for kids

A knapsack is another word for a backpack. It is a type of bag that you carry on your back. Knapsacks usually have two straps that go over your shoulders. People use them to carry many different things, like books for school, clothes for a trip, or gear for hiking and camping.

What is a Knapsack?

The word "knapsack" comes from an old German word. It means a bag for food or supplies. For a long time, soldiers and travelers used knapsacks to carry their belongings. Today, most people call them backpacks.

Knapsacks come in many sizes and styles. Some are small "daypacks" for carrying a few items for a day trip. Others are large "trekking packs" designed for long hikes or camping trips. These bigger knapsacks can hold a lot of gear. They often have special frames to help distribute the weight evenly.

Knapsacks in Math

Sometimes, the word "knapsack" is used in math. It refers to a famous puzzle called the knapsack problem. Imagine you have a knapsack that can only hold a certain amount of weight. You also have many items, each with its own weight and value. The puzzle is to figure out which items to put in your knapsack to get the highest total value, without going over the weight limit.

This problem is used in many real-world situations. For example, it helps companies decide how to load a truck to carry the most valuable goods. It also helps with planning projects or managing resources.

Knapsack the Band

Knapsack is also the name of an American band. They play rock music. The band was formed in California in the 1990s. They released several albums and toured before breaking up. Later, they got back together to play music again.

Images for kids

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  A modern Deuter backpack

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  Swiss army backpack c. 1960

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  Integrated bearer (internal) frame

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  Frameless backpack

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  A back frame with shelf used to carry loads in the Allgäu, where it is known as a Reff

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  Two examples of external frame backpack designs dating to the 1860s

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  Modern frame

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  Backpack with non flexible composite straps

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  Daypack

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  School bag

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  Loose carrying

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  Luggage and backpacks

See also

In Spanish: Mochila para niños