In 1998, Ian Ivarson was a high school student when he realized all backpacks had the same problem.

Load all your stuff into a typical pack and everything falls to a disorganized mess at the bottom with all the weight sitting on your lower back. It's not just uncomfortable;  it's also disorganized!

One day, while Ian was sitting in class, he took his pen and note pad, and sketched out his idea for a backpack that would be built with an internal (sewn-in) shelving design. Such a backpack design would evenly distribute the weight of your cargo and also keep your items separate and organized.

Beginning first with a sewer in Berkeley, California, Ian started development of the Ivar shelf design pack. Eventually, Ian traveled to Asia where - still to this day - Ivar works one on one with quality oriented and ethically responsible factories.

After nearly a decade of design, development, not to mention college at the University of Denver, and swimming NCAA Division 1 for the Denver Pioneers, Ian finally achieved his entrepreneurial dream. On the day of his 25th birthday, Ian launched Ivar in July 2006 from a small warehouse in San Anselmo, California.

Today, Ivar remains a family owned and operated business that is managed by a network of individuals passionate about great design, performance, innovation, and service. Currently, Ivar designs, manufactures, and distributes its patented shelf design packs into over 150 retailers in North America. Ivar's mission is to deliver patented ergonomics, superior organization, and a better way to carry your cargo.

Please let us know if we can answer any questions for you. Thank you for your interest and support of Ivar.