08/17/2026
Summer in the Rockies is the season of hiking, backpacking, and climbing. For generations people have been exploring the trails and peaks of the Canadian Rockies, carrying backpacks stuffed full of essential supplies. These packs, well used, customized, accessorized, and full of stories, show the evolution in the backpacks used for a variety of outdoor pursuits over the course of the 20th century.
1. Photo 2: Bergan Backpack, 1915 – 1918, canvas and leather with steel frame, 103.08.1027.
Belonged to Erling Strom who used it at Mount Assiniboine for 50 years. There are holes in the bottom for his daughter's legs when carried in it. Bergan external frame backpacks first were made in 1908 after founder, Ole F. Bergan bent a juniper branch to relieve the chafing on his back from his backpack during a hunting trip. On returning home he produced a tubular steel frame and leather straps to hold the canvas bag. Bergan packs were used by the Norwegian Armed forces starting in 1913 and quickly became popular among hikers and mountaineers, being used in the British Expedition to Mount Everest in 1922.
2. Photo 3: Trapper Nelson Style Backpack, c. 1920 – 1950, canvas with wood and metal frame, 103.08.1123
"Trapper Nelson" style backpack. The original “Trapper Nelson” was patented by Lloyd F. Nelson in 1922, he based his design on wood and sealskin packs used by Indigenous people in Alaska. The design was copied and produced by other companies, including this one by Jones Tent and Awning Company of Vancouver, British Columbia. This pack was used by Banff National Park Wardens.
3. Photo's 4 & 5: Abercrombie and Fitch backpack, 1930 -1940, canvas; leather; metal, 103.08.1135.
A green canvas backpack with leather straps and metal buckles. Sewn in label “Abercrombie & Fitch Co.” Underneath the label the word “MILLS” is hand printed in black indelible ink. Belonged to Edwin Mills, a climber from Ontario who climbed in the region in the 1930s and attended Alpine Club of Canada camps.
3. Photo 6 & 7: Alpina backpack, 1930-1950, canvas and metal frame, 103.08.1104.
Made in Spain and used by Bunty Nelson, Banff. Well used and in use until 1989 as evidenced by Nakiska tag with July 29, 1989 date. Miniature “Apple Juice” can opener and pocket knife on keychains attached to bag.
4. Photo 8: Kelty Frame Pack, 1969 – 1972, nylon with aluminum frame, 103.08.1118.
Kelty BB5 “mountaineer model” frame pack belonging to climber Arnold Wexler. Red nylon fabric pack with aluminum frame, padded shoulder straps and hip belt. Manufacturer’s label on top flap of pack: “KELTY Pack. SUN VALLEY, CALIF. 91352”. Representing the evolution of the external frame pack from the Trapper Nelson and Bergan packs by using lighter, modern materials.
5. Photo 1, 9: Hine Snowbridge Expedition Pack, 1977 – 1978, canvas; metal; leather, 103.08.1062.
Internal frame packs began to replace the Kelty style external frame packs as the slightly flexible frame was comfortable for climbing and mountaineering. Chic Scott received this backpack free from the company for the 1977 Mount Logan Expedition, was also used 1978 for East Ridge trip.
6. Photo 10: Nylon day pack, 1970 – 1980, nylon; metal, 103.08.1036.
"Lake O'Hara Trails Club" and "The Alpine Club of Canada" patches sewn on to the flap of the pack. Lillian Gest was a climber and writer who wrote “History of Lake O'Hara in the Canadian Rockies at Hector, British Columbia, Canada” in 1961 as well as two subsequent books about the history of the Canadian Rockies.
