Whatever color the pack has, all parts contacting the body should be black or another very dark color, to let dry off the sweat in the sun faster.
On all my older Lowe packs its designed like this, but in the newer packs (various Deuters, a Gregory, a Lightwave and some nonames) it isn't.
Seems that pack designers are focussing on the more fancy features nowadays, than on the basic ones.
Hmm well I am not sure what Mr. Smith actually said exactly, but it is certain that bears do not see oranges or reds anywhere near as well as we do. Most of what people think about various animals eyesight is wrong (excepting those who spend the time to learn the specifics - I don't know how many times I have had to explain to people that dogs 'can' see colors and not just black and white, though they are red/green color blind). Bears are primarily scent driven as the link explains.
http://www.outdoorhub.com/stories/20...bear-eyesight/
I have about 8000 miles of real desert hiking experience and wanted to add a little to your skepticism.
I think the only physical effect which might come into play with a dark pack over a lighter (more reflective) color pack is the extra heat it would hold 'might' spoil your food quicker. But since most of us don't carry spoilable food it would not matter.
Now when it comes to what you are actually wearing it does make a big difference. Black (or dark color) shirts, pants, shoes and especially hats is definitely a bad idea in really hot sunny locations.
A recent study proved that those with yellow packs finished the trail more often than all other packs combined. Purple packs were more apt to quit.
If you find yourself in a fair fight; your tactics suck.
I don't care what color my pack is, as long as it coordinates with my outfit.
I have to admit -it's easier to find stuff in a light-colored pack, that's the only practical consideration I have color-wise. Except of course avoiding annoying bulls or hunters.
I'm still looking for a paisley colored pack; that way I will have all color variations covered!!
I use a black pack but I tend to wear bright colors un treat warmer months. In the colder months I use an orange pack cover.
Sent from my N9519 using Tapatalk
I'm not too concerned with the pack color as exposed to following hikers' eyes, but I really don't want the part nearest my back to be dark. Any chance the sun has to heat that up will, by Murphy's grace, be sufficient to make you feel like you're wearing a heating pad. That's the biggest downside to the ULA Circuit: regardless of the fabric color chosen, the majority of that pack is black. Sweat city!