Ah, the rugged backpack – ready to lug camping supplies along the hiking trail, rations and equipment among the military troops, and millions of books and supplies for young students around the world. But while nobody would argue their practicality, few ever imagined that they would one day achieve the status of fashion statement. Besides a limited palette of earth tones available, they were bulky, uncomfortable to wear and generally quickly discarded once the final destination was reached. And then, somewhere along their history, they became cool.

Of course, the coolness factor was all in how they were worn. While the studious geeks still chose to use both straps to safely secure their backpacks, the trendier student, otherwise known as a preppy, made due with just a single strap, ensuring that their beloved sweaters slung over the other shoulder weren’t disturbed. After all, in the world of fashion, looks always transcend mere practicality. And for the youths leaning more towards anarchy, their backpacks were easily transformed into a political statement, adorned with patches, stickers and even hand-drawn symbols, displaying their anti-social discontent for all to see.

But while the backpack may have been temporarily hijacked as a social or political statement, eventually the 90s saw the general public embracing the backpack again for practical purposes - a way to keep all their life’s accoutrements close at hand. In a world where one feels naked without a cell phone, laptop computer, water bottle, sunglasses, snacks, keys, wallet, spare clothes and whatever else might be needed on any journey away from home, the backpack came full-circle - reverting back from fashion statement to necessity. Today, they are utilized by all segments of society, young and old, in nearly every occupation or scholastic endeavor that requires carrying lots of stuff. But the cardinal rule still applies, the one holdover from the decade when backpack was king – always opt for the single strap style, lest you get branded a geek. It’s the little things that make all the difference.