A backpack comprising: a main body comprising a front exterior surface and a rear exterior surface disposed opposite the front exterior surface, the main body further comprising one or more interior surfaces defining a first compartment; a first shoulder strap extending from the main body; a second shoulder strap extending from the main body; a cinching layer disposed adjacent the front exterior surface of the main body; a first cinching cord coupled to the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap, wherein the coupling between the first cinching cord and one or more of the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap comprises an adjustable coupling mechanism, and wherein at least a portion of the first cinching cord is disposed adjacent a top end of the front exterior surface of the main body; a second cinching cord coupled to the main body and extending through at least a portion of the cinching layer, wherein at least a portion of the second cinching cord is disposed adjacent a top end of the cinching layer and is coupled to the first cinching cord such that a tension applied to the first cinching cord causes the cinching layer to apply a compression force from the cinching layer toward the front exterior surface of the main body; characterized in that the backpack further comprises: a first hip member extending through at least one first main body device coupled to the main body and at least one first shoulder strap device coupled to the first shoulder strap, the first hip member adjustably coupled to a first anchor coupled to the main body; and a second hip member extending through at least one second main body device coupled to the main body and at least one second shoulder strap device coupled to the second shoulder strap, the second hip member adjustably coupled to a second anchor coupled to the main body, wherein the second hip member is configured to be releasably coupled with the first hip member to define an adjustable hip belt, and wherein adjustment of a tension in the hip belt causes adjustment of a cinching force between the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap and the main body. a main body comprising a front exterior surface and a rear exterior surface disposed opposite the front exterior surface, the main body further comprising one or more interior surfaces defining a first compartment; a first shoulder strap extending from the main body; a second shoulder strap extending from the main body; a cinching layer disposed adjacent the front exterior surface of the main body; a first cinching cord coupled to the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap, wherein the coupling between the first cinching cord and one or more of the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap comprises an adjustable coupling mechanism, and wherein at least a portion of the first cinching cord is disposed adjacent a top end of the front exterior surface of the main body; a second cinching cord coupled to the main body and extending through at least a portion of the cinching layer, wherein at least a portion of the second cinching cord is disposed adjacent a top end of the cinching layer and is coupled to the first cinching cord such that a tension applied to the first cinching cord causes the cinching layer to apply a compression force from the cinching layer toward the front exterior surface of the main body; characterized in that the backpack further comprises: a first hip member extending through at least one first main body device coupled to the main body and at least one first shoulder strap device coupled to the first shoulder strap, the first hip member adjustably coupled to a first anchor coupled to the main body; and a second hip member extending through at least one second main body device coupled to the main body and at least one second shoulder strap device coupled to the second shoulder strap, the second hip member adjustably coupled to a second anchor coupled to the main body, wherein the second hip member is configured to be releasably coupled with the first hip member to define an adjustable hip belt, and wherein adjustment of a tension in the hip belt causes adjustment of a cinching force between the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap and the main body. a first hip member extending through at least one first main body device coupled to the main body and at least one first shoulder strap device coupled to the first shoulder strap, the first hip member adjustably coupled to a first anchor coupled to the main body; and a second hip member extending through at least one second main body device coupled to the main body and at least one second shoulder strap device coupled to the second shoulder strap, the second hip member adjustably coupled to a second anchor coupled to the main body, wherein the second hip member is configured to be releasably coupled with the first hip member to define an adjustable hip belt, and wherein adjustment of a tension in the hip belt causes adjustment of a cinching force between the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap and the main body.