Posted: 2/29/2008 8:39:45 PM EDT
|
Right now i have a bright blue pack. Needless to say, it stands out far to much for my likings. But i have a plan, i just want to make sure it doesnt suck completely. I want to take 1 yard of fabric and one decent section or drawstring to produce a cover that both, makes my pack dry and fulfills my desire to not be the cookie monster storming through the wilderness. Is it really that simple? Thanks again for letting me pick the mind here as i move closer to being able to survive. Brandon |
Not sure if you are wanting to preserve the blue color for more mundane uses but when I was in the Army we were able to make use of some civilian 'camping' gear that was non subdued by just painting it. In your case, if a permanent color change is OK then I would say get a can of Krylon "Fusion" Satin black or similar subdued color. Take the pack somewhere suitable for paint use and begin to apply light coats, almost dusting, the blue sections. Once you get the base coat/color change coat right then you can apply other colors in a typical disruptive pattern of varying colors. It wont win a fashion parade but it works surprisingly well  Might also try out Pepboys for the interior/vinyl spray paints for other color options. Anything that is intended to be painted on a synthetic surface should do well. Use light coats in many passes to allow it to work into the fabric instead of just a heavy coat that will crack/peel/flake off. Just another option - back in Gulf War I the Army had a stop gap 3 color desert cover for the ALICE rucks that was basically a giant cloth 'shower cap' that fit all over/around the back side of the ruck to allow the big green monster to look more desert like. Example click on the pic for a better photo...either one would lend it self to a paint job as well. |
|
i dig the pack cover idea, allows you a few more options as far as camoflauge than you may realise... blue definatelly sticks out in the woods, but camo of any varitey kinda sticks out in urban environments(unless there's a .mil base real close by)... this pack and cover setup would allow you to be inconspicous in both the field and on the street... you will probably need more than 1yd. of fabric, better plan on 2yds. might want to get even more, if this works you'll be "covering" all kinds of things... i'd like to offer a suggestion though... start of with an old white bedsheet or cheap white fabric for a couple of reasons: 1. it will be free or cost very little extra to do this 2. if or when you F' up you're not out much of anything 3. gives you expierence in sewing, pattern designing, and a working prototype to go by for your more expensive fabric 4. if it does work well the first time, you now have an inexpensive "snow camo" pack-cover also... ETA: only question is who is this "cooking monster" you don't want to be associated with  ? |
|
It's a great plan. Most civilian, "bright blue" backpacks are more comfortable than the military Alice packs and much cheaper than the uber-tactical packs like Kifaru. Taking your civilian pack that is comfortable and handles a load well and putting a camo pack cover for when in the woods just makes good sense. Plus you have the option to take it off and look just like sheeple Joe when you need to have urban camo. |
BAH..its better to buy the 90$ one made by kifaru or wiggy's..buy once you know...and why risk a needle puncture wound on your thumb! 
|
+1 on the shower cap model. You might also consider a very light weight waterproof liner - combined your camoflage with weather protection.  Since PROTUS seems to be having needle stick problems doing his tarps  , make sure you have a current tetnus shot before you do this project though. 
|