back-pack, n. Chiefly U.S.
[back- A. 3, pack n.1 1.]
A pack carried on the back; spec. one consisting of a folded parachute. Also attrib.
| 1914 Outing (U.S.) June 312/1 By folding a blanket..it is convenient as a back-pack. 1921 Ibid. Mar. 254/1 How about that little back-pack tent you are going to have for your trip? 1930 C. Dixon Parachuting 160 (caption) The Back Pack is usually used. 1946 W. F. Burbidge From Balloon to Bomber iii. 45 One type [of parachute] is carried on the airman's lap..a ‘back pack’ fastens below the shoulders. 1966 Economist 23 July 353/1 The back-pack manoeuvering unit that was to have been tried out by Gemini 9. 1969 Times 22 July (Moon Rep.) p. i/3 The mass of the back-pack does have some effect on inertia. |
Hence as v. intr., to carry a pack on the back: used esp. of hiking, camping, etc. Also trans. So back-packer, -packing.
| 1916 H. C. Kephart Camping & Woodcraft I. 143 Back-packing is the cheapest possible way to spend one's vacation in the wilderness. 1940 W. S. Gilkison Peaks, Packs xiii. 102 Swagging—or, if you prefer it, back-packing—is more or less an essential part of every climbing trip. 1946 Trail & Timberline June 88/1 (D.A.), The deplorable housing situation could never really affect a certain group of enthusiasts known as back-packers. 1956 J. D. Leechman Native Tribes Canada 37 Whatever was not carried on the toboggans had to be backpacked. 1961 Times 18 July 11/6 Back-packing is the only means of transport. |