A backpack or knapsack, typically used for hiking or carrying supplies. The word emphasizes the bag's utility for outdoor activities and travel.
From German 'Rucksack', literally meaning 'back sack' (Rücken 'back' + Sack 'sack'). Borrowed into English in the late 19th century as Alpine hiking became popular among English speakers.
The word 'rucksack' reveals how German hiking culture influenced English vocabulary during the golden age of mountaineering. While Americans typically say 'backpack,' British English retained this Germanic loan word, showing how outdoor recreation terminology often crosses linguistic borders along with the activities themselves.
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