Backpacks may seem like a simple school essential, but their history stretches back thousands of years. From ancient hunters carrying supplies in animal skins, to Roman soldiers with leather packs, to the invention of the zippered backpack in 1938, these handy bags have always been a part of human life. In this history-sode, we’ll explore how kids used to carry their books with straps instead of bags, how the yellow pencil revolution inspired colorful, stylish backpacks, and even how modern versions can charge your devices!

Sources:

• “Backpack” – Britannica Kids (history of carrying packs and early school use).

• John C. Cunningham’s 1938 invention of the zippered backpack: Smithsonian / hiking history archives.

• “Book straps before backpacks” – Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

• Brand history: Faber-Castell (on the spread of writing tools, pencils and packs for school).

• Cultural history of yellow pencils and school supplies: Pencils.com