I admit my first response was a little flippant (sorry Picard), but it always gets my goat when people are self conscious about things that there is nothing wrong with.

My point being, if you know there is nothing wrong with what you are doing, hold your head high and don't sulk around.

Obviously, unless you are carrying illegal items, there is nothing wrong with being prepared. People might find it odd, but it certainly isn't illegal.

However, I get the impression that legality isn't really your issue. I get the impression that what you are really trying to ask about is getting hassled.

In that regard, I think the advice already posted is good. Your look is importaint (if you look scruffy people will think differently about you than if you are clean cut and well dressed).

Also, attitude is importaint - a good attitude is going to draw less attention and make it less likely that people (including police) are going to pay much attention to you than if you look guilty/shifty. It is also importaint if you end up dealing with police. A good attitude is going to make the interaction go much better.

If you look scruffy and are difficult/look guilty (etc), it is obviously going to be a much different interaction than if you look reasonable and have a good attitude.

Certainly, you could consider that you want to be scruffy and surly(or whatever) because it is your right. But extra attention is part of the price you get to pay for that privilege. The good part is you get to decide.

Good luck!

-john