Pack with integrated ski and snowboard cuff system

Abstract

A pack (10) for selectively carrying either relatively wide elongate articles, or relatively narrow elongate articles. The pack includes a bag (14) for carrying smaller articles internally. Near the top forward edge of the bag, shoulder straps (16a, 16b) are attached, extending downwardly to attachment points adjacent the lower sides of the bag. A waistband (22) extends forwardly from each side of the pack. The waistband extends continuously around the rearwardly facing surface of the pack, forming webs (28, 30) that are attached to cuffs (32, 34). The cuffs are tapered, each having a slot (36,38) formed at its wider end where the cuff attaches to the bag. Similar cuffs (54, 56) are attached at their wider ends at opposite sides of the bag, near its top, and webs (46, 48) are attached to these cuffs. When the pack is used to carry a wider article, the cuffs overlap the surface of the article and the webs are connected with quick release buckles 40, under tension, providing a compressive force against the cuffs to hold the article against the bag. When carrying one or more relatively narrow elongate articles such as skis, one or more of the cuffs is wrapped around the article(s) and the web attached to that cuff is passed through the slot of the cuff before being connected to the other web. Thus, either a snowboard or skis can be carried in a stable manner and rigidly held in place on the pack.