Abstract:
Modular pack systems that may be used for backpacking, biking, hunting, fly fishing, or other indoor or outdoor activities are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system is adjustable to fit different user torso sizes and includes attachment structures that may removably secure various detachable packs, pouches, or containers for different items needed. The attachment structures are generally spaced apart evenly in groupings throughout various locations on shoulder straps, a torso structure, and/or waistband, providing for standardization of pouches for attachment to the harness. Certain embodiments may also include hydration and waist packs, fabric flex points on shoulder straps that provide more flexibility in fitting over the shoulders, an adjustable lumbar support system for additional back support for the wearer, and/or flaps on the waistband for securing excess belt webbing after adjustment by the wearer.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/755,040, filed Dec. 30, 2005, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention generally relates to pack systems, belts, harnesses and other devices for carrying objects other than in a user&#39;s hands and arms. More particularly, the invention relates to methods and systems for providing a modular pack and load carrying system including a multifunctional harness with attachment structures for holding different needed items.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]     Pack systems and belts have been used to transport items of various sizes and purposes. Many forms of backpacks, fanny packs, nap sacks, duffel bags, belts, and carriers have been used to carry loads on the back and shoulders or around the waist and are available in various sizes and shapes. These pack systems are used in walking, traveling, hiking, climbing, and other often strenuous activities. Similarly, tool users who want to carry tools they may need, such as an electrician&#39;s tools or a carpenter&#39;s tools, use pack systems, and a police officer or other public safety officer may carry public safety devices that are or utilze pack systems.  
         [0004]     Prior modular pack systems have been developed. Although a number of such systems have featured methods for adding packages and containers to pack systems, some such systems have drawbacks associated with the container attachment structures, and others do not adequately address the wearer&#39;s comfort. Some conventional pack systems require a user to carry multiple items that are not capable of interfacing with one another to provide a modular pack system. In other instances, such additional parts of a system are totally independent, bulky and cumbersome, and are not particularly attractive. Furthermore, these conventional systems do not allow for the easy attachment and removal of modular components based on advanced modular technology, and none of the available systems also allow for a hydration unit that may be removably attached to the system, as well as providing a lumber support system.  
         [0005]     Thus, there is a continuing need for a flexible, highly adaptable system that minimizes the need to carry unnecessary packs or components and/or that accommodates a hydration pack and additional lumbar support, while providing a system to conveniently carry diverse types of goods in a diverse range of environments. There is also a need for improved methods and systems for providing a modular pack system that allows for the efficient and effective attachment and removal of various packs, pouches, containers, or other useful components.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0006]     Certain embodiments of this invention include a modular pack system comprising a multifunctional harness and related components. In one embodiment, a multifunctional harness may be used for backpacking, biking, hunting, fly fishing, or other indoor or outdoor activities, including both work and recreational activities, specifically including industrial (like electrical, construction, or carpentry work) and military activities. The harness may be adjustable to fit different user torso sizes. The harness may have shoulder straps, a torso structure, a waistband, or a combination of any of these that are adjustable. The modular pack system may include attachment structures capable of removably and adjustably securing various detachable packs, pouches, or containers for different needed items, such as a GPS unit, knife, flashlight, mobile phone, hunting or fishing equipment, and the like. In one embodiment, shoulder straps may include fabric flex points that provide more flexibility in fitting over the shoulders depending on the adjustment to torso fitting components.  
         [0007]     In some embodiments, a modular pack system may be adjustable in the lumbar region, allowing the user to customize the fit of the harness to the user&#39;s unique upper torso. Adjustability may be provided by use of suitable adjustable materials such as spandex, which permits stretching at the neck. Certain embodiments may also include a movable, adjustable sternum strap. In some embodiments, fabrics that reduce noise may be used and are particularly useful in embodiments designed to be used in hunting, where materials that are noisy in use need to be avoided. In certain embodiments, a modular pack system may include waist straps that are adjustable or flexible for certain activities such as bicycling.  
         [0008]     In some exemplary embodiments, attachment structures, studs for example, are spaced apart at generally consistent distances within different groupings at various locations on shoulder straps, a torso structure, a waistband, and other components to permit standardization of attachment structure spacing on packs and other items that may attach to the modular pack system. In one embodiment, the stud comprises a head and a base joined by a shank. The stud is inserted into or received in a plastic clip mounted on a pouch, pack, or other item to be carried on the shoulder straps, waistband, or other part of the system. In one embodiment, the plastic clip is generally rectangular in shape with a slot for securely receiving the attachment stud in order to hold packs or other attachable components of varying sizes or additional items.  
         [0009]     In certain exemplary embodiments, a lower adjustable lumbar support strap may surround the waist of the user and may also attach to a pack or hydration pack. The lumbar support strap may include attachment studs generally evenly spaced along its length. At the end of each of the shoulder strap and the lumbar support strap are male and female quick-release fastener components securing the harness with the lumbar support strap. The lumbar support system may also use a compression molded lumbar pad for additional back support for the user. A waistband may include fabric flaps on each side that cover part of the lumbar support straps and allow the wearer to secure any excess belt webbing after adjustment. Thus is particularly desirable to wearers engaged in any outdoor, sporting, or similar activity.  
         [0010]     In one exemplary embodiment, a modular pack system harness comprises (a) an adjustable waistband comprising two ends and a middle; (b) a torso structure comprising a bottom attached to the middle of the waistband and a top; (c) two shoulder straps, each shoulder strap comprising an upper end attached to the top of the torso structure and a lower end; (i) a lower end of one of the two shoulder straps being adjustably attachable to the waistband between the waistband middle and one of the two waistband ends; and (ii) a lower end of the other of the two shoulder straps being adjustably attachable to the waistband between the waistband middle and the other of the two waistband ends; and (d) a plurality of first attachment structures secured to the harness, wherein at least two different packs are attachable to the first attachment structures utilizing a second attachment structure.  
         [0011]     In another exemplary embodiment, a waistband for supporting one or more of a plurality of packs and accessories comprises a belt to which studs are attached, each stud comprising a shank extending from the belt and topped by a head, wherein the studs are spaced apart from each other equidistantly. In another embodiment, a waistband for supporting one or more of a plurality of packs and accessories comprises: (a) a padded plate for positioning against a lower back of a wearer of the waistband, the plate comprising a first side edge and a second side edge opposite the first side edge; (b) waist-encircling structures connected to the plate for encircling a wearer&#39;s waist and attaching in the wearer&#39;s front, the waist-encircling structures comprising: (i) a first belt web and a second belt web; (ii) a first adjustable length lumbar strap attached between the first side edge and the first belt web, and a second adjustable length lumbar strap attached between the second side edge and the second belt web; (iii) a buckle for adjustably attaching the first and second belt webs to each other; (iv) underlying each of the first and second adjustable length lumbar straps, padding having an upper edge and a lower edge; (v) a cover overlying each of the first and second adjustable length lumbar straps; and (vi) a plurality of studs secured to the covering material.  
         [0012]     In yet another exemplary embodiment, a multifunctional modular pack system comprises a harness with two shoulder straps, at least one torso-encircling strap, multiple first attachment structures on the harness, and at least two different soft-sided packs; and each pack comprising at least one second attachment structure for mating with one of the first attachment structures, and at least one of the packs having at least two second attachment structures.  
         [0013]     In another exemplary embodiment, a modular pack system comprises a multifunctional harness assembly comprising shoulder straps, a lower lumbar support structure, connecting structure located on a distal end of each shoulder strap for securing the distal ends to the lumbar support structure, a plurality of studs spaced along a portion of each shoulder strap and a portion of the lumbar support structure, each stud comprising a shank, and one or more attachable components, each component including a clip that has a slot configured to securely receive a stud by forcing the shaft of the stud beyond a neck in the slot to capture the clip.  
         [0014]     In yet another exemplary embodiment, a system for attachment of an object to clothing or other articles worn by a mammal comprises (a) a stud comprising (i) a generally round flat base with a plurality of prongs extending from a bottom of the base; (ii) a shank having a diameter extending from a top of the base; (iii) a polygonal plate head having a thickness, the head attached to an upper end of the shank; and (iv) a threaded hole extending through the base and into the shank for receiving a screw for securing the stud to a fabric or other flat material by capturing the fabric or other flat material between the bottom of the base and the screw head, while drawing the prongs into the fabric or other flat material; and (b) a clip comprising (i) a base plate for securing to fabric or other flat material; and (ii) a slot plate attached to the base plate and elevated above the base plate at least the thickness of the stud head, the slot plate comprising a slot open at one end and defined by resilient slot sides that form a neck narrower than the shank diameter such that the shank can be forced through the neck to capture the stud within the clip.  
         [0015]     Additional embodiments include a method of providing a modular pack system with one or more of the components described herein and a method of preparing for an activity including donning a multi-functional harness and attaching to the harness at least two paks useful in the course of the activity by positioning a clip attached to each of the packs to a stud mounted on the harness.  
         [0016]     A few examples of the numerous possible embodiments of this invention are depicted in the drawings and described in the Detailed Description below. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]     These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention are better understood when the following Detailed Description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is a rear view of one embodiment of a modular pack system of this invention with one lumbar strap cover open and one lumbar strap cover closed.  
         [0019]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  with shoulder straps and an upper torso plate detached from a lower torso plate and waistband.  
         [0020]      FIG. 3  is a front view of the shoulder straps of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  with movable, adjustable sternum strap shown attached to the shoulder straps.  
         [0021]      FIG. 4  shows an embodiment of a hydration pack of this invention with the hydration unit open with a bladder inside and a tube extending therefrom.  
         [0022]      FIG. 5  is a rear view of the embodiment of the modular pack system of  FIG. 1  with embodiment of the hydration pack shown in  FIG. 4  mounted directly to the modular pack system and the hydration unit closed.  
         [0023]      FIG. 6  is a rear view of the embodiment of the modular pack system of  FIG. 1  with embodiment of a backpack attached to the modular pack system.  
         [0024]      FIG. 7  is a view of the backpack shown in  FIG. 6  in isolation showing the side of the backpack that mounts to the modular pack system.  
         [0025]      FIG. 8  is an exploded view of the backpack shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7  with the backpack open and a hydration pack that fits within the backpack.  
         [0026]      FIG. 9  is a rear view of the embodiment of the modular pack system of  FIG. 1  with an embodiment of a waist pack mounted to the modular pack system.  
         [0027]      FIG. 10  is a view of the waist pack shown in  FIG. 9  in isolation showing the side of the waist pack that mounts to the modular pack system.  
         [0028]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a top and one side of an embodiment of a stud according to the present invention.  
         [0029]      FIG. 12  is a top view of the stud of  FIG. 11 .  
         [0030]      FIG. 13  is a bottom view of the stud of  FIG. 11 .  
         [0031]      FIG. 14  is an exploded side view of the stud of  FIG. 11 , an embodiment of a screw that threadably engages the stud, and an embodiment of a cover that may cover the stud when not in use.  
         [0032]      FIG. 15  is a bottom perspective view of the cover of  FIG. 14 .  
         [0033]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of one side of an embodiment of a clip of this invention.  
         [0034]      FIG. 17  is a bottom view of the clip of  FIG. 16  that shows the inner, fabric-facing side of the clip.  
         [0035]      FIG. 18  is a top view of the clip of  FIG. 16  that shows the outward-facing side of the clip.  
         [0036]      FIG. 19  shows the stud of  FIG. 11  inserted within a slot of the clip of  FIG. 16 .  
         [0037]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a pack of this invention with two clips of  FIG. 16  attached to the pack for mounting the pack.  
         [0038]      FIG. 21  is a side view of an embodiment of a duffel bag of the present invention.  
         [0039]      FIG. 22  is an interior view of the duffel bag of  FIG. 21 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0040]     Referring now to the drawings in which like numerals indicate like elements throughout the several figures,  FIG. 1  is a rear view of one embodiment of a modular pack system  40  in accordance with the present invention. Modular pack system  40  includes a harness  42  with two shoulder straps  44 , a torso structure  70 , and a waistband  80 . In this embodiment, the structure of each shoulder strap  44  is generally the same, so further description of an exemplary shoulder strap  44  applies to both shoulder straps, but it should be understood that some embodiments may include shoulder straps that are not identical to one another.  
         [0041]     Harness  42  includes padding  50  in the area that is adjacent the wearer&#39;s neck when harness  42  is being worn. Each strap  44  also includes padding  48  and an elastic fabric loop  52  attached to strap  44 . An elastic fabric includes any textile fabric with elastic strands, solid elastic bands similar to a large, wide rubber band, or any other flexible elastic material. Elastic fabric loop  52  may be used for several purposes, including to hold a tube  116  that is connected to a hydration pack, water bottle, or other liquid source, as is further described below with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , one of shoulder straps  44  also includes a tube clip  60  that may be used to assist with keeping the tube in place along strap  44  and out of the wearer&#39;s way.  
         [0042]     At a lower end of each shoulder strap  44  is a pivotable buckle  54  for attaching the lower end of shoulder strap  44  to waistband  80  of the modular pack system. One pivotable buckle suitable for use is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,769, entitled “Combination Buoyancy Compensator and Support for a Diver&#39;s Backpack with a Swivel Buckle and Triangular Holder,” which is hereby incorporated by reference. Another suitable pivotable buckle  54  is available from Duraflex, a licensee of National Molding Corporation. Pivotable buckle  54  is attached to a strap  56  that has a male end  58  of a quick-release fastener on its opposite end. A male end  58  on each shoulder strap  44  is inserted into a female end  100  secured to waistband  80  in order to attach shoulder straps  44  to waistband  80 .  
         [0043]     Each shoulder strap  44  also includes studs  46  that may be used to attach packs to harness  42 . As used herein, a pack includes any pack, pouch, container, case, kit, organizer, holder, or other attachable component including, but not limited to, a backpack, a waist pack, a bottle holder, a binocular pouch, a drink pouch, a mobile phone holder, a range finder pouch, a GPS holder, a radio holder, a flashlight pouch, a knife pouch, a flashlight/knife pouch, a sunglasses case, a camera pouch, an accessories pouch, a medical kit, an MP3 player pouch, a multi-purpose organizer, a ripple foam fly pad, a fly fishing organizer or chest pack, a field organizer, a grunt tube holder, a turkey organizer, a turkey seat, an ammunition holder, a combination of any of the above, or any other component attachable to one or more studs.  
         [0044]     As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 ,  5 ,  6 , and  9 , the studs  46  on each shoulder strap  44  include two studs  46  near the top of shoulder strap  44  that are near the wearer&#39;s neck or shoulder tops in use and six studs  46  that are arranged generally in a row down the length of shoulder strap  44  that are in front of a wearer&#39;s chest in use. It should be well understood that the particular number of studs or groupings of studs on a shoulder strap  44 , or other part of modular pack system  40 , is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. However, it is desirable to place studs  46  so that they are a generally consistent, even distance from one another within a grouping of studs  46 .  
         [0045]     For example, in one embodiment, the two studs  46  in the grouping at the top of shoulder strap  44  are spaced about 1.5 inches apart, as are the six studs  46  in the grouping down the length of shoulder strap  44 . Of course, however, there is greater space between the grouping of two studs and the grouping of six studs than 1.5 inches. Although it has been found that a spacing of 1.5 inches between adjacent studs in a grouping works well, other spacing may be used. The use of generally consistently and even-spaced studs permits standardization of attachment structure (such as clips  160 ) spacing on packs that may attach to modular pack system  40 . The structure of an exemplary stud  46  is described further below with reference to  FIGS. 11-14 . In order to attach to studs  46 , a pack preferably includes one or more clips  160 , which are described in detail below with reference to  FIGS. 16-19 .  
         [0046]      FIG. 3  shows a front view of harness  42  that includes an adjustable sternum strap  62 . Sternum strap  62  comprises two straps  64  and  66 . The adjoining ends of straps  64  and  66  are fastened with a quick-release fastener  68 , and the opposite ends each have a clip (not shown) that secures the strap to a stud  46  on each shoulder strap  44 . Sternum strap  62  adjustably secure harness  42  across a wearer&#39;s chest. In one embodiment, fastener  68  may also be used a distress whistle, and a suitable fastener/whistle is available commercially from ITW Nexus.  
         [0047]     Returning now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , each shoulder strap  44  contains flexible fabric such as spandex or LYCRA® for flexible fitting of the shoulder straps to the wearer and are joined with stitching to a torso structure  70  so as to be connected behind the neck of the wearer. Torso structure  70  is attached to harness  42  at its top and to waistband  80  at its bottom. Torso structure  70  comprises two plates, an upper torso plate  72  and a lower torso plate  74 . Upper torso plate includes two studs  46 , one positioned in each upper corner of upper torso plate  72 .  
         [0048]     Hook and loop fabric (e.g., Velcro®) is attached to adjacent surfaces of upper and lower torso plates  72  and  74  so that plates  72  and  74  may be detachably secured to each other. The use of hook and loop fabric also allows the extent to which one of plates  72  and  74  overlies the other of plates  72  and  74  to be changed, thereby adjusting the height of torso structure  70 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , upper torso plate  72  and lower torso plate  74  are detached. As an example, a surface  76  of lower torso plate  74  includes loop fabric, and the adjoining underside (not shown) of upper torso plate  72  includes hook fabric. Either or both of torso plates  72  and  74  may include padding for contact with the wearer&#39;s back in use.  
         [0049]     Waistband  80  is attached to the bottom of lower torso plate  74 . Waistband  80  include a centrally-located lumbar plate  82 . Lumbar plate  82  may include padding on its inside surface (not shown) to support the lower back of the wearer when modular pack system  40  is in use. The outside surface of lumbar plate  82  includes two groupings of studs  46 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Lumbar plate  82  may be made from a compression molded panel made from any suitable material such as polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or similar materials.  
         [0050]     Connected to opposite edges of lumbar plate  82  are two side panels  86 . A composite of foam bonded to a mesh panel with a foam-knit laminate secured thereto may form a portion of lumbar plate  82  and side panels  86 . Extending from the end of each side panel  86  is a belt web  88  that terminates in a quick-release fastener component. As shown in the figures, female component  90 A is on the left side and male component  90 B is on the right side. A wearer secures waistband  80  around the waist by inserting male component  90 B into female component  90 A. Each side panel  86  also includes a female end  100  of a quick-release fastener configured to receive a male end  58  to secure shoulder straps  44  to waistband  80 .  
         [0051]     Each side panel  86  underlies a lumbar adjustment strap  84 . Each lumbar adjustment strap  84  extends from an opposite edge of lumbar plate  82  and terminates on the underlying side panel  86 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . Each lumbar adjustable strap is adjustable so that waistband  80  can be tightened or loosened around the wearer&#39;s waist as desired. Each side panel  86  includes a cover  92  comprised of a bottom fabric flap  94  and a top fabric flap  96 .  
         [0052]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , cover  92  is closed on the right side, with bottom and top fabric flaps  94  and  96  attached to one another, and cover  92  is open on the left side, where fabric flaps  94  and  96  are not attached. As shown on the left side, the interior surface of top fabric flap  96  includes a strip  98  of one of hook and loop fabric. The top of the outer surface (not shown) of bottom fabric flap  94  includes the other of the hook and loop fabric so that fabric flaps  94  and  96  can be detachably secured to one another using hook and loop fabric, forming cover  92  when secured. Flaps  94  and  96  of cover  92  provide the wearer with the ability to secure excess belt webbing of straps  84  underneath the flaps after the wearer has adjusted the straps. Thus, cover  92  keeps portions of lumbar adjustment strap  84  from hanging loose during use of modular pack system  40  or being bothersome for the wearer, which is particularly desirable to wearers engaged in any outdoor, sporting, or similar activity.  
         [0053]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , each side panel  86  includes a plurality of studs  46  mounted to top fabric flap  96 . In the embodiment shown, seven studs  46  are mounted to each top fabric flap  96  and are spaced apart in a row at even distances from one another. It should be understood that more, fewer, or differently arranged studs  46  could be used on a side panel  86 . In one embodiment, studs  46  are mounted on polyethylene board stitched in place in modular pack system  40 .  
         [0054]      FIGS. 11-14  show various views of one embodiment of stud  46 . Stud  46  includes a head  190  connected to a base  194  by a shank  196 . In one embodiment, epoxy may be used to secure the parts of stud  46  to provide additional strength. In the embodiment shown, base  194  is generally circular and of a larger diameter than head  190 . Head  190  has a generally octagonal shape with a slight indentation  192  or inward curve in each side edge. It should be understood that head  190  may be of a variety of polygonal or other shapes and that base  194  may have a shape other than generally circular. As shown best in  FIG. 14 , stud  46  includes a bottom portion  198  extending down from the center of base  194 . Bottom portion  198  may be of the same diameter as shank  196  or slightly wider and/or tapered, as shown in  FIG. 14 . A threaded hole  199  extends up through bottom portion  198  and into shank  196 . Three pointed prongs  200  extend down from base  194  and are generally located as shown in  FIG. 13 .  
         [0055]     To mount a stud into a polyethylene board, wooden board, or other similar mounting material that is typically backed by fabric, a screw  202  with threads  204  is threaded into hole  199  in stud  46  from a side of the mounting material opposite stud  46 . As screw  202  is inserted further into hole  199 , stud  46  is pulled into the fabric or other mounting material and prongs  200  extending from base  194  engage the fabric to help hold stud  46  in place. A stud cover  206 , shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , may optionally be placed over stud  46  when the wearer is not using stud  46 . In one embodiment, stud cover  206  is a generally oval-shaped dome made of a flexible plastic material and includes a stepped, curved opening  208  in its underside. Stud cover  206  fits over stud  46  such that head  190  and shank  196  are covered. This may be useful to keep studs  46  that are not in use from catching on or interfering with packs or other attachable components that are mounted to other studs  46  of modular pack system  40 .  
         [0056]      FIGS. 16-19  show various views of one embodiment of a clip  160 . Clip  160  includes a base plate  162  and slot plate  164 . In this embodiment, base plate  162  has a generally rectangular shape with rounded corners and is open at one end. Base plate  162  is the part of clip  160  that is mounted or otherwise attached to the pack or other attachable component that is mountable on one or more of studs  46 . Slot plate  164  is attached to base plate  162  and is elevated above base plate  162  a distance that is at least the same or greater than the thickness of head  190  of stud  46 . Slot plate  164  comprises a slot  166  open at one end. Slot  166  is defined by resilient slot sides  168  that form a neck  170  narrower than the diameter of shank  196  of stud  46 . Slot  166  and neck  170  are sized relative to shank  196  of stud  46  so that shank  196  is forced through neck  170  to capture stud  46  within slot  166  of clip  160 .  
         [0057]      FIG. 19  shows a top view of stud  46  captured within clip  160 . Clip  160  also includes a protrusion  172  with a pointed end. Protrusion  172  is positioned to prevent free rotation of clip  160  once stud  46  is captured within slot  166 . The point of protrusion  172  is located within an indentation  192  in head  190  of stud  46  and provides resistance to rotation of clip  160  about stud  46  to keep packs from swinging about stud  46  while the wearer is engaged in an activity. However, the wearer, with some applied manual force, may rotate clip  160  about stud  46  into a desired position. For example, an octagonal-shaped head  190  of stud  46  provides eight possible positions, as protrusion  172  may rest within any one of indentations  192 . Stud  46  and clip  160  are configured for quiet, easy attachment and detachment from one another. By attaching one or more clips  160  to a pack, the pack may be mounted to one or more studs  46 , and thus attached to various locations on modular pack system  40 , such as shoulder straps  44 , torso structure  70 , and waistband  80 .  
         [0058]     Several exemplary packs are now described with reference to  FIGS. 4-10  and  20  and may be included as part of modular pack system  40 . It should be understood that packs of numerous sizes, types, and configurations may be utilized with modular pack system  40  including those shown in the figures, those identified in the list recited above, or others, and that the invention is not limited to the use of a particular pack. One embodiment of a hydration pack  10  is shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 .  FIG. 4  shows hydration pack  110  open, while  FIG. 5  shows hydration pack  110  closed and mounted to torso structure  70  of modular pack system  40 . Specifically, hydration pack  110  includes two clips  160  (not shown) on the surface adjacent torso structure, and the two clips are mounted on studs  46  of upper torso plate  72  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). Alternatively, hydration pack  110  may be mounted within a backpack  130  that attaches to modular pack system  40 , as shown in the exploded view of  FIG. 8 . In another alternative embodiment, hydration pack  110  (and its contents) may be permanently attached to torso structure  70 .  
         [0059]     Hydration pack  110  includes an outer fabric shell  112  with a zipper  124  to open and close outer shell  112 . Outer shell  112  surrounds a bladder  114 , and a top  122  on bladder  114  may be removed to fill bladder  114  with liquid or to empty bladder  114  between uses of hydration pack  110 . A tube  116  extends from bladder  114  and has a mouthpiece  118  on its end. Outer shell  112  includes two openings  120  surrounded by elastic fabric, and tube  116  may be inserted through either opening  120  to exit outer shell  112 . Referring now to  FIG. 5 , tube  116  may be inserted through tube clip  60 , which is on the left shoulder strap  44  but may be attached to a stud  46  on either shoulder strap  44 . Tube  116  may also be inserted through one of elastic fabric loops  52  present each shoulder strap  44 . Tube clip  60  and elastic fabric loop  52  aid in holding tube  116  in position along one of shoulder straps  44  such that tube  116  does not hinder the wearer during the activity in which the wearer is engaged, while also allowing the wearer to position mouthpiece  118  as desired and adjacent the wearer&#39;s mouth when modular pack system  40  is being worn.  
         [0060]      FIGS. 6-8  show an embodiment of a backpack  130  for use with modular pack system  40 . Backpack  130  includes a plurality of outer pockets  132 , a zip-out raincover pocket  138  at the bottom, and a handle  144  at the top. Belt webs  134  extend from each side of the central outer pocket  132  and each includes a female component  136  of a quick-release fastener, as shown in  FIG. 6 . Straps  140  extend from near the top of central outer pocket  132 , and each strap  140  includes a male component  142  of a quick-release fastener. Female components  136  and male components  142  attach to components of fasteners extending from straps on the other side of backpack  130  that are shown in  FIG. 7 .  
         [0061]      FIG. 7  shows a side  158  of backpack  130  that mounts to shoulder straps  44 , torso structure  72 , and waistband  80  of modular pack system  40 . Straps  146  extend from opposite edges of backpack  130 , and each strap  146  includes a male component  148  of a quick-release fastener. Male components  148  may be coupled to female components  136  (see  FIG. 6 ) to secure belt webs  134  along the sides of backpack  130 . A zipped pocket  150  may include straps (not shown) that may be used if the wearer desires to use backpack  130  without the remainder of modular pack system  40 . Straps  152  extend from the top of side  158  of backpack  130 , and each strap includes a female component  154  of a quick-release fastener. Female components  154  may be secured to male components  142  (see  FIG. 6 ) to secure the top of backpack  130 .  
         [0062]     Load-stabilizing buckles  156  are also provided at the bottom of backpack  130 . Buckles  156  increase the ability of backpack  130  to carry more weight and to stabilize the load being carried. When using backpack  130  with modular pack system  40 , it is desirable to detach straps  56  from female ends  100  on waistband  80  and secure male ends  58  of straps  56  to buckles  156  on backpack  130 . This pulls the lower load of backpack  130  into the body for load stabilization, in conjunction with two aluminum support bars (not shown) in backpack  130 .  
         [0063]     As shown in  FIG. 7 , this embodiment of backpack  130  has six clips  160  mounted to side  158 . Clips  160  engage studs  46  attached to modular pack system  40  to mount backpack  130  to system  40 . As may be seen by reference to FIGS. I and  6 , four clips  160  are at the top of backpack  130 . The uppermost two clips  160  attach to two studs  46 , one on each shoulder strap  44 , while the other two clips  160  near the top of backpack  130  attach to the two studs  46  on upper torso plate  72 . Two clips  160  positioned near the bottom of backpack  130  attach to the studs  46  on lumbar plate, one in each grouping near opposite edges of lumbar plate  82 . It should be understood that clips  160  (and studs  46 ) may be positioned other than as shown in the drawings, provided that clips  160  are positioned to mount to a number of studs  46  on modular pack system  40  to effectively secure backpack  130  to system  40 .  
         [0064]      FIG. 8  shows an exploded view of backpack  130  open and hydration pack  110  exploded out of a location in backpack  130  in which hydration pack  110  may be mounted. The inside surface of backpack  130  includes two studs  46  that may be used to mount hydration pack  110  or other packs. As described above, hydration pack  110  includes two clips for mounting pack  110  onto studs  46  inside of backpack  130 . Additional studs  46  may be positioned in various locations inside backpack  130 , as well as inside any of outer pockets  132  of backpack  130  or on the outside of backpack  130 , so that packs or other attachable components may be attached within or on backpack  130  or its various pockets.  
         [0065]      FIGS. 9 and 10  show an embodiment of a waist pack  180  that may be used with modular pack system  40 .  FIG. 9  shows waist pack  180  attached to waistband  80 , and  FIG. 10  shows a view of the side of waist pack  180  that mounts onto waistband  80 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , waist pack  180  has four clips  160  that attach to studs  46  of lumbar plate  82 . Thus, when modular pack system  40  is being worn, waist pack  180  is attached around the back of the wearer&#39;s waist. A wearer may use waist pack for storage of items as desired.  
         [0066]     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , waist pack includes a pocket  182  located on its front and a top hatch flap  184 , both opened with zippers in this embodiment. Top hatch flap  184  provides easy top entry into the interior of waist pack  180 . The interior of waist pack  180  or pocket  182  may have organizers or studs  46  for the attachment or storage of smaller items. Adjustable straps  186  extend from opposite edges of pocket  182  to near opposite ends of waist pack  180 , and webbing of the straps is stitched to the body of waist pack  180 . At the ends of each strap  186  are a clip  160  (not shown) that attaches to one of studs  46  on waistband  80 . Straps  186  then act as additional lumbar support that may be pulled tight so that waist pack  180  hugs the wearer&#39;s body.  
         [0067]      FIG. 20  shows a perspective view of a generic pack  220  that has two clips  160  attached thereto for mounting pack  220  on studs  46  of modular pack system  40 . As described above, any of numerous types of packs or other attachable components may be used, including, but not limited to, those listed herein and other structures for holding fishing equipment, ammunition, camping equipment, tactical or military equipment, industrial tools, (such as electrical, construction, or carpentry) and the like. Additionally, certain embodiments of methods of this invention may include providing a modular pack system with one or more of the components described herein and preparing for an activity by donning a modular pack system with one or more of such components and attaching to the system two or more packs useful for the activity.  
         [0068]      FIGS. 21 and 22  show a duffel bag  230  that may be used to transport a modular pack system, such as system  40 , or other packs. Duffel bag  230  has two straps  232  for carrying bag  230 . Straps  232  may be secured together using a hook and loop fabric cover  234 . Elastic straps  240  may be pulled to secure bag  230  for easy transport on all-terrain vehicles and the like. Duffel bag  230  also includes pockets  236  on one or more sides for storage. The interior of duffel bag  230  is sized so that it has sufficient space to hold modular pack system  40 . Duffel bag  230  also includes one or more panels  238  that may be detachably removed from the interior of duffel bag  230  using a hook and loop fabric connection or similar mechanism. Each panel  238  has a plurality of studs  46  to allow addditional packs or other attachable components to be secured within duffel bag  230 . The number of studs  46  on each panel  238  may vary.  
         [0069]     The foregoing description of exemplary embodiments of the invention has been presented only for the purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and their practical application so as to enable others skilled in the art to make and utilize the invention and various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from its spirit and scope.