Backpack with integrated rigid storage container

A carrying bag with multiple independent storage regions, comprising:

• a primary storage compartment for storing articles;
• a secondary storage compartment comprising a separate compartment from said primary storage compartment and wherein said secondary storage compartment is defined by a plurality of substantially rigid sidewalls to provide a protective space for storing articles;
• a substantially rigid door for selectively closing the secondary storage compartment, wherein the substantially rigid door comprising a first end and a second end and a planar portion therebetween, the first end attached to the carrying bag at a hinge;
• the second end of the substantially rigid door comprising a flange, the flange extending at an angle to a planar portion of the door and extending beyond at least one of the plurality of substantially rigid sidewalls of the secondary storage compartment and wherein the flange extends at least partially into the carrying bag and does not extend into the secondary storage compartment;
• wherein the substantially rigid door is substantially flush with an exterior of the carrying bag when the door is provided in a closed position;
• and
• wherein the secondary storage compartment is accessible from an exterior of the carrying bag and wherein a zipper member is provided to selectively close the secondary storage compartment.

A carrying bag with at least two independent storage compartments which are accessible from the exterior of the carrying bag, comprising:

• a primary storage compartment for storing articles;
• a secondary storage compartment comprising a separate compartment from said primary storage compartment and wherein said secondary storage compartment is defined by a plurality of substantially rigid sidewalls to provide a protective space for storing articles and which is accessible from an exterior portion of the carrying bag;
• a substantially rigid door for selectively closing the secondary storage compartment, wherein the substantially rigid door is attached to the carrying bag at a hinge and wherein the door comprises a depression in a central portion of the door to provide structural rigidity and reduce at least one of deflection and deformation of the door;
• the substantially rigid door comprising a flange opposite the hinge, the flange extending at an angle to a planar portion of the door and oriented substantially parallel to at least one side wall of the secondary storage compartment when the substantially rigid door is in a closed position;
• wherein the flange extends at least partially along an exterior of the secondary storage compartment when the door is provided in a closed position;
• and
• wherein the carrying bag comprises an outer fabric layer, the outer fabric layer extending along said hinge of said substantially rigid door and wherein after closure of said substantially rigid door a substantially flush outer surface of the carrying bag is provided with respect to the substantially rigid door.