Interesting questions you've posed, MedB. My answer has several parts: (1) My Urban Search and Rescue deployment gear bags and web gear are Bright Red and equipped with Scotchlite trim. When involved in those operations I want to be visible.
These bags travel with me to all in state events, US&R or otherwise. (2) My SAR pack is equally bright and reflective, just not as well provisioned, but has all the required essentials for successful mission completion. Both of the aforementioned have additional bright colored signal panels and a strobe. (3) My Every Day Carry (SHTF,BOB,etc) bag is Tactical Black without any bright colored anything attached. Because I carry this multi-purpose bag during my normal tours and have occasion to be involved with LEO/SWAT ops this is the best color, 'cause I don't wanna be seen. (4) If I have to go into bug out mode, on foot, I'm planning to take the road less traveled and that could put me in places where I wouldn't want to visible. I am NOT a survivalist, but I plan, train, and equip myself to survive in a number of dynamic enviroments.
The US&R bags, SAR pack, and web gear might be deployed 3-4 times a year, while the "EDC bag" is carried daily and certain parts of the gear are used frequently.
I think it comes down to the situation you are trying to survive or the area you're bugging out of.