Backpack - Military Style/Pattern - Negative Attention?

Hey all,

I have a military style pack I used when I was deployed overseas to Afghanistan. It's super durable, plenty of room, and comfortable. However, because of the camouflage pattern and overall look of it, it screams military. Should I get a more neutral pack or will it be fine. I don't want to attract any negative attention. Even more so, I don't look like the typical military guy. (Longer, wild, curly hair, some facial hair, and am always smiling haha)

To provide some context, I'm spending little over a week in Antigua and Lake Atitlan.

IMO it is not an issue.

You'll be fine.

I was very fond of my ILBE rucksack, but it depends too much on where youre going. Another Marine who did some travel/safety consuting on the side confirmed what I think, which is just dont take the risk. In some places, it just makes sense that you Will get negative attention. Its ridiculous that they would, but hes also well traveled and says that it has got him or someone else interrogated. So youre very wise to ask, and probably even wiser to use civvi equipment - in general anyway :-)

D.S. Dando

"Negative attention" in Antigua and Lake Atitlan?

No.

Mind you, there are rucks made in gray or black with PALS webbing, that from what I can see are pretty faithful replicas but some with thinner straps. I guess even with the ladder system youre still taking a risk...hard to know without asking someone. I would be interested as well, if anyone has got aggro with a PALS back pack in civvi colors... cos they really are awesome.

meetandgreet0929
http://mypashminasource.com/index.php?cPath=37 I would accessorize with the classic shemagh.

standalone
There is a reason.

In the 90s it might have been déclassé, but I think Guatemalans have gotten over that. They'll read it as military surplus.

Those are actually heavy compared to a lightweight nylon....

But doubt anyone will care or notice...maybe a fellow traveler that dislikes American military...

I predict zero drama. I don't think the baby killers got around in cammo gear in the 80s, either. If you were sporting a crew cut, mirrored shades and went around introducing yourself as a "trade analyst" you would probably dredge up unhappier memories.

Probably stay out of the El Chorillo area of Panama City. The US bombed the poorest neighborhood and burnt it to the ground. They are still a bit pissed.

No problem with the pack but you will be treated better if you look clean and neat.. Teens in Guat are now wearing camp print pants. It used to be a no no for anything that smacks of the military but those days are gone.

You will be fine. patywolf is right about what teens there are now wearing. If anything, you might offend a European traveler who has an axe to grind against the United States. I have seen one travel blogger online who purposely puts an American flag prominently on his backpack, etc. so that people will try to speak English with him and so that people who don't like the US won't talk to him lol. I have seen retired Americans sitting in Parque Central in Antigua many times with VFW or American Legion hats, and no one seems to bother them.

If anything, you might offend a European traveler who has an axe to grind against the United States.
Really? Because the Euro is in free fall? They don't like Obamacare?

Put a Greek Flag on the backpack, everyone knows they are dead broke, nobody will mug you.

I just asked a European. He told me the whole world recession that still has great effects was caused by U.S. banks. It was a more detailed explanation but those bloody money exchangers have endangered US citizens around the world.
Maybe go with this look.
http://tinyurl.com/q3wssyw

First time Ive ever used the word, but.......... TROLLS.

This OP question was summed up nicely in the very first response. It is true that everything after that was superfluous nonsense.

Forum candy, as it were.

Actually cracks me up my husband was worried about the same thing with his pack! He hauled it over half the country on buses and shuttles, not a problem. Seems like people worry about everything.

This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you.