Ventilated backpack

A backpack for being carried while engaging the back of a user, the backpack comprising:

• a pocket having a bottom, a top, and a height extending from the bottom to the top, the pocket defining a storage compartment and an access opening in communication with the storage compartment and including a reclosable closure for selectively opening and closing the access opening, the pocket including a rear portion extending along the height having a rearward facing air flow guide surface and a forward facing surface defining a portion of the storage compartment;
• at least one shoulder strap connected to the pocket for suspending the backpack from a shoulder of the user such that the rear portion of the pocket is located adjacent the back of the user and the rearward facing air flow guide surface faces the back of the user;
• an air flow guide panel having a forward facing air flow guide surface connected to the pocket such that the forward facing air flow guide surface is spaced apart in opposing relationship with the rearward facing air flow guide surface to define an air flow channel between the forward and rearward facing air flow guide surfaces, the air flow guide panel and the pocket being shaped and arranged to define an inlet opening and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the air flow channel, the inlet opening being located adjacent the bottom of the pocket and the outlet opening being spaced apart along the height of the pocket from the inlet opening toward the top of the pocket;
• and
• a blower supported on the backpack for blowing air through the air flow channel along a flow path extending from the inlet opening through the outlet opening.