BPJ - I have assisted police several times with large scale security and riot control. (The G8 summit for example) and from my experiences I can tell you this.

No one gives a sweet damn what type or colour your backpack is. It's an individuals actions that draw attention, not their choice of backpack.

Look around, depending on which part of ontario you are in you would be the odd one out if you didn't have a black/hunter camo pack...or shirt...or pants.

Thinking you will be sticking out because of a black bag on your back is survival forum paranoia. And no offence, but a middle aged pregnant woman is going to stick out slightly in a croud and it will not be because of your pack. It could be black, pink or with glowing lights and a large sponge bob mural across it.

If you are in the market for a possible upgrade, check out the blackhawk 3 day assault pack. The name is cooler than it sounds. Its just a bacic pack but built super strong. It only comes in green, tan and black (maybe digi-cam now) and can be had for under 100 bones.

It looks like a school bag really.