I need a new EDC bag, and I like the utility of some of the tactical briefcases and messengers. But, I don't like the attention tactical gear gets. Given something like a Red Rock Navigator bag, what's everybody's thoughts on stripping off the PALS webbing and velcro? Turn it into one of the ubiquitous black nylon bags. https://www.amazon.com/Red-Rock-Outdoor-Gear-Navigator/dp/B0088QMOCU/
Take a look at the Vertx EDC Satchel and Courier. Well, look at their whole lineup. Awesome kit that doesn't have to be too tactical. https://www.amazon.com/Vertx-VTX5005-P-EDC-Courier-Bag/dp/B07DNT28CL/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?keywords=vertx&qid=1551050799&s=gateway&sr=8-8 Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
No need to get a pouch that will attach to and cover the molle and a velcro patch to cover the velcro , I used a red hot chilli peppers patch on my pack velcro and put a random pin type badge on there. Patch even a plain black square or you can add a design that deflects a tactical look a band or brand ( Jansport or truck\tool brand )
I find that generally the laser cut webbing doesn't stand out as much as the traditional kind. It's kind of the best of both worlds; functional and subtle. Probably isn't quite as strong as the sewn on type, and if it fails the whole panel will fail rather than just the one line but I don't see how you'll be pushing a pack hard enough to rip the webbing in everyday life
If you are going to remove the webbing and disguise it as a Jansport messenger, why not simply buy a Jansport messenger? Heck, they might even be made in the same factory as the other import bags, might save a little effort.
My Kaito doesn't really look too Tactical anyway,or at least no one has ever given it a second thought? Great Bag Too!
The following suggestions are a bit more expensive than the Red Rock you linked, but they're all great bags, and very well made. 5.11 Tactical has been doing a good job lately of releasing low-profile tactical bags. Check out their COVRT Box Messenger, Mission Ready Document Bag, just for starters. They also have a nice range of backpack-type packs that are low-profile. Also, check out the line of bags from Vertx (you can use the code "garandthumb" to get a 25% discount!). I have their Gamut backpack and it's a very nice grey-man pack.
Does it matter? Inside the U.S., most Americans aren't under surveillance and most other Americans will never even notice your presence so what's to disappear from? A daily bag will likely never see apocalypse so you won't need to fear another taking your Clif bars and N95 mask. I kind of got into th gray man, subtlety some time ago then realized there was no need. I'm a 6'2" ginger, and I work in a medical office building. Nobody cares if I have a GORUCK or a watch with a NATO strap sometimes. If I were going to third world dustville, I'd examine some options.
I can understand the point of choosing the bag from "tactical" breed - it is more rectangular, more durable, more tend to allow internal customizing. But. If you rip off the PALs, it will leave small nasty holes all over the exterior. Not from ripper, from the stitching. So my advice is - in case you want to go cheap - look at some chinese offerings, some of them are nice and PALs-free.
There are tons of quality non-tactical bags out there which is why it drives me nuts that the tactical companies like 5.11 continue to double down on their "Covert" lines when they could improve and evolve their existing quality tac gear. Carrying a tactical bag will gain you no odd looks unless you're also sporting tac hat, boots, clothing, etc. Hazard 4 and Maxped seem to be successfully combining both with their Grayman and Entity lines respectively, but I still wish they would focus more on what made them successful. While the 5.11 Rush series are fantastic, wouldn't it be great if they updated them with all the lessons they've learned up until now? Sent from my LM-G710VM using Tapatalk
I used to be overly concerned about embracing the whole gray man thing but between seeing 4-foot tall tween girls, to elderly gents in ball caps, to middle aged men in business suits carrying tactical bags, to mainstream bag companies designing "faux tactical" looking bags and packs, it doesn't really matter in the end. If we're in an apocalypse situation tomorrow, and suddenly everyone with a 5.11 Rush is a potential enemy combatant, then I'll gladly eat my words. Unless you've got a million offensive patches, pouches protruding left and right like bulbous tumors, gadgets jingling and jangling about like a wind chime, you're decked out head-to-toe in full tactical gear, or you're blatantly and obviously acting in a suspicious manner, the attention and scrutiny I "thought" I was getting was all in my head. This says nothing about each person's personal and subjective concerns about the outward appearance of a bag, but this notion that most gear heads have about automatically being perceived as a hostile or nefarious target simply due to a type of bag is largely inflated IMHO. Most people have their noses glued to their smartphones or are in their own little world with headphones on anyway. If your aim is to be on the low-low from LEOs, well, that could be another discussion entirely. But, to each their own. Sorry for the unsolicited opinion and thread derail. Back to regular programming....
First Tactical Summit Side Satchel. I changed out the zipper pulls and added a couple pouches to either side. Sent from my LM-G710VM using Tapatalk
Why not just get a functional, non-"tactical" bag and use tactical organizers inside to achieve the function that you want? Timbuk2 messenger bags are sturdy, durable, and more ubiquitous than a black nylon bag.
Most of the bags above look pretty tactical too me. Why not just a plain old North Face or Tinbuk2? if you want grey man with tactical DNA, try Arcteryz or this grey man pack that holds a broken down AR https://www.amazon.com/Copper-Basin-Takedown-Backpack-Discrete/dp/B079Z2MBVK/ref=lp_15997840011_1_1?srs=15997840011&ie=UTF8&qid=1561650997&sr=8-1
I have never been one to carry a tactical style backpack or something covered in PALS, webbing, etc. I went "gray" a long time ago. When carrying a backpack for work, it was a non descript Swiss Gear laptop bag, but as an executive in a large company involved in client meetings, etc., I carried a Saddleback briefcase for years. About 2 months ago, I pulled this dinosaur out of retirement. I purchased this Lands End Deluxe Attache in 1992, and used it until 2004. It's well thought out, has lots of internal organization, carries my FAK easily (Maxpedition Fatty pouch), and is invisible to the masses. I love this bag. I'm not sure why the second photo came out with waves on the bag (at least on my screen). Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
I really like my Hazard 4 Kato. I have been carrying it for a little over a year. With the front flap that covers the molle, it doesn’t look tactical at all in my opinion. I got mine for $60 on amazon. If you look around you can find a good deal on one it’s an excellent bag. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Good point, Mystery Ranch also sells tamed down bags at REI. Heck even check out their bags too while your there, they have killer sales. I picked up a Flash 22 for under $30 on sale. Its is a cool ultralight durable backpack.
