There are new regulations on backpacks for military and uniform wear and appearance of army uniforms.
I want to use the 5.11 backpack as a back up assault pack, so I'm going to buy it for civilian use.I prefer the color dark earth, it's basically the marine coyote brown.I have seen army people with it, but I remember one who was mocked by the drill sergeants for getting a marine color.I'm currently in the reserves and ROTC hoping to go active duty and 5.11 bags aren't cheap so I want to know what the norm is on post/overseas.
Soldiers may carry similar bags while in uniform.Soldiers can carry these bags by hand, on one shoulder, or over both shoulders.If the soldier chooses to carry a bag over one shoulder, the bag must be carried on the same side of the body as the shoulder strap.If soldiers choose to carry a shoulder bag, it must be black with no other colors and not have a logo.See-through plastic or mesh bags are not authorized because the contents of the bag may not be visible.There is no restriction on the bag's color.The purses covered in chapter 27 of this regulation are not subject to these rules.The wear of organizational issue rucksacks in garrison and field environments is controlled by commanders.
I will tell you that I see soldiers wearing backpacks of all different colors, and nobody says anything about it.The Army approves accessory colors that include Desert tan, Black, ACU pattern, or subdued shades of Brown, Green, Navy/Dark Blue.The Army color of coyote brown is only seen in theatre with MultiCAM.
I carry a pattern assault pack most of the time.I would get desert tan or OD green.If it's not the same color as everyone else, some people will get hurt.
I have a black backpack with 2 silver reflective patches and a small red logo, and once I colored in the red, the only time an NCO gave me grief was when I carried a water bottle.