I was going to post a question about BOB color. I use a mil spec ruck (black) but have realized that I'm using it more for carrying my laptop than being a dedicated BOB.

I want to get another ruck just like it, but was wondering about the color. I though to myself, "If I get tan/khaki, then it will not draw so much attention if I encounter others in a long term survival situation, or (may the universe forbid) I end up in a shelter." Then I thought, "If I get ACU camo, it will be less noticable from a distance if staying out of sight is required, but that might draw unwelcome attention from others."

Then I came up with this solution: get the ACU pack and a brightly colored rain cover.

If I need to blend in, I can go without the rain cover, and if I need to look like an average guy, I can put the rain cover on...to blend in with a crowd.

Comments? Suggestions?

My attache bag is black, my daypack is OD green. I prefer the solid colors myself, but that's just a personal preference.

The ACU pack, with or without a brightly-colored rain cover, will still be attracting some attention. Then again, how much attention depends on where you're going or where you might wind up.

I guess it depends on where you're planning to be with it. In the middle of L.A. or NYC I'd imagine a few people would notice. In a rural area or small town, I doubt anyone would care.

I think anything that is military is not going to be what you want to have on if somthing major happens and we have military personnel or civ. police checking. When they empty out all you gear on the sidewalk just to make sure you are not a bad guy in camo. or a terroist.

Mine is black. DW's is grey. Both are KMart cheapies. Yes, I know, they won't last long, but all they have to do is get our gear to either the car, or the Government Kamp (depending on what kind of emergency). They might only have to get to the back garden.

I am thinking of buying a rain cover- I saw a rucksack with one built in to a small compartment at the bottom. Most things in my Bob are in Ziploc bags however.

A

I would go for a "normal" colored pack (as in nothing that looks military), and if you really think you need it, an ACU cover.

Your way, if you need anything out of the pack in that crowd, it will scream military when you remove the plain cover...

Use a pink bag with a glittered pony on it, and no one will think you're dangerous. They may snicker, but I doubt they will see you as a terrorist. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Sue

Basic black is always good. Just don't hang a lot of stuff off it.

For years I've used an series of ALICE packs, OD. It's on a civilian frame, which helps, and the old one had a bunch of stuff like Greatful Dead bears on it in the form of patches. That went through customs on the Canadian border many times, and it never raised an eyebrow (Dead Head hippie looking pack, long hair, goatee, it's all camoflauge. :P ) Unfortuantely, I had a seam failure on the pack (it WAS produced the same year I was born, go figure) while test loading it last spring, so the new ALICE bag never got the bears. I also modified a spare tire cover for a Jeep to use as a pack cover.

I would say that if you only have a slightly military looking pack, you are probably fine. I do think that if you are going to wear utilities, no camo, no black, no OD, plain tan or grey or navy blue. The risk is looking TOO military. I think there are enough miltiary surplus backpacks out there that they won't be seen, even in Time Square. That being said, the new BOB just got here today, and he's woodland THE Pack that is going to have pouches hung on him. But I'm also not urban. :P

This is my first post here, so I hope I don't step on my tail...

Personally, I don't think any specific color really matters. Some folks prefer to have a civilian looking pack mainly for the reason, if applicable, they do not want to look like LEO or military. Depending upon the situation, that kind of attention could be less than desirable.

I would concentrate on the kind of equipment you plan on carrying, how you may wish to organize it, and make sure the pack you get can withstand anything and everything you throw at it.

Personally, I use a khaki Eagle AIII MOLLE pack, for both my assault pack (when I'm in the field) and as my BOB. It can be found here

Are there any specific options or features you prefer on your pack?

Hazmat_USMC,

Welcome to the board. I just looked at your profile and must you'll be a great addition!

-Blast

Okay Sue, I'm a music therapist (90% of which are women) and I'm a tenor, so people already assume certain things about me. A big guy like me carrying a glittery pony pink bag? I think that's an open invitation for a whoopin'!

Way to go Sue...now the terrorists will get pink glittery pony bags to carry their suicide bombs in! Isn't that called aiding and abetting? <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />