A backpack apparatus is disclosed. The backpack apparatus includes a backpack harness, an external frame, and a backpack. The backpack harness includes a vertical support element, shoulder straps, and a hip belt. The shoulder straps and hip belt couple to the vertical support element. The backpack harness includes a first portion of a coupling mechanism. The external frame includes a second portion of the coupling mechanism. The external frame releasably couples to the backpack harness by coupling the first portion to the second portion. The backpack releasably couples to the backpack harness by coupling a first portion of the coupling mechanism on the backpack harness to a second portion of the coupling mechanism on the backpack. The backpack releasably couples to the external frame.
