Quick release modular backpack system

A method of quickly releasing an auxiliary load module from a primary load support, the method comprising:

• providing a primary load support with a set of shoulder straps constructed to be releasably secured to a support surface;
• providing an auxiliary load bearing module;
• providing a quick release mechanism having a first position releasably coupling the auxiliary load bearing module with the primary load support, the quick release mechanism including an actuator constructed to shift the quick release mechanism into a second position with a single motion to completely shed the auxiliary load bearing module from the primary load support while the primary load support is releasably secured to the support surface;
• providing an actuator in communication with the quick release mechanism, the actuator being constructed to disengage the quick release mechanism;
• providing a bladder releasably secured to the primary load support;
• donning the primary load support;
• releasably coupling the auxiliary load bearing module to the primary load support to cover the bladder;
• actuating the actuator using a single motion to decouple the auxiliary load bearing module from the primary load support while retaining the primary load support in a donned configuration;
• and
• retaining the fluid holding bladder on the primary load support when the auxiliary load bearing module is shed.

A quick release modular backpack system comprising:

• a wearable chassis having a front surface, a rear surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, a left side edge, a right side edge, a pivot rest, and a left side shoulder strap and a right side shoulder strap with each strap having an upper end and a lower end connected to the chassis and at least one strap including one or more compartments with the straps cooperating to maintain the frame in an upright orientation when donned;
• a quick release mechanism including a capturing element positionable between a capturing position and a release position;
• an auxiliary load bearing carrier with a support bar releasably and pivotally engaged with the pivot rest of the chassis and at least one capture bar releasably captured by the quick release mechanism, the carrier and chassis defining an internal cavity when releasably coupled together;
• an actuator with at least one end extending from the quick release mechanism and disposed proximate at least one shoulder strap wherein the actuator may be grasped by the end and pulled to place the quick release mechanism into a release position and allow the capture bar to separate from the capturing element where continued rotation of the carrier relative to the chassis about the pivot point results in a complete separation of the carrier from the chassis while the chassis is retained when donned;
• and
• a bladder releasably secured to the wearable chassis and within the internal cavity, the bladder being retained on the wearable chassis even when the auxiliary load bearing carrier is shed.

A quick release modular backpack system comprising:

• a primary wearable load support including at least one retention strap constructed to position the chassis in an upright orientation when worn;
• an exchangeable auxiliary load module pivotally and releasably coupled to a first region of the primary wearable load support to define a first interior storage compartment;
• a pack releasably coupled to the auxiliary load module, the pack defining a second interior storage compartment and including a webbing constructed to receive one or more organizational pouches;
• a quick release mechanism releasably coupling the auxiliary load module to a second region of the primary load support;
• an actuator in communication with the quick release mechanism, the actuator being constructed to selectively decouple the quick release mechanism with one or more motions by the wearer of the primary load support to rotationally shed the auxiliary load bearing module away from and completely off the primary wearable load support while retaining the primary load support when worn;
• and
• a bladder releasably secured to the primary wearable load support within the first interior storage compartment when the auxiliary load module is coupled to the primary wearable load support, the bladder being retained on the primary wearable load support even when the auxiliary load module is shed.