The Backpack Challenge first gained viral momentum on platforms like Twitter and Instagram around 2016, featuring a person attempting to run through a gauntlet of classmates who pelt them with heavy backpacks. It became an instant hit due to its chaotic, slapstick nature and the sheer absurdity of the physical impact shown in the videos. Beyond the original social media clips, the imagery evolved into a versatile meme template used to represent someone trying to achieve a goal while being bombarded by obstacles, responsibilities, or unexpected setbacks. Today, it remains a nostalgic symbol of mid-2010s internet culture and the relatable feeling of being overwhelmed by life's daily 'hits'.