Still unable to locate anywhere the Blackhawk Slimline Backpack used in the show.I have found what might be the most reasonable alternative. Reasonable in terms of look, but not price.
This is the X-3 Raptor, found at www.copsplus.com priced at just under $250.00. Even with free shipping, that's a purchase my wife is really going to balk at for a costume accessory.
Still, if you gotta have it, you gotta have it. This pack is pretty nice, and has two pockets on one side, one on the other. That means if you can live with it not being completely canon, you won't have the headaches of converting the M16 pouches you'd have if you did find a Slimline somewhere. Bear in mind, even though all the websites still listing the Slimline at $74-$79 are Out of Stock and you'd likely end up paying more than $250 to get someone to part with their "collectible" item if you did find one some place.
Here is the product description:
Blackhawk X-3 RAPTOR Pack
The latest in free fall and static line jumpable packs, the X3 R.A.P.T.O.R. is made with heavy-duty 1000 denier nylon with quad-stitched seams and trim-taped edges. This ruck has it all! The main compartment has three securing cinch straps, two horizontal and one centered vertically. Drain holes are provided for each compartment for maximum efficiency during maritime operations.
- Includes 100 oz. HydraStorm™ Hydration System
- Ventilating back panel
- Built-in jump harness with heavy-duty parachute webbing
- Built-in drop line pouch and routing system
- Fully accessible main compartment
- Silent zipper pulls
- Webbing on outside of pack for modular gear attachment
- Main Compartment: 23.5"H X 13.5"W X 9"D
- Front Pocket: 20"H X 10.5"W X 3.5"D
- Right Side Pocket: 15"H X 4"W X 2"D
- Upper Left Side Pocket: 8.5"H X 4"W X 2"D
- Lower Left Side Pocket: 6.5"H X 4"W X 2"D
- Overall Cubic Inches: 3,830
- Approximate Weight: 6.8 lbs
So, there you have it. I'm saving my pennies and keeping secrets. I think this is the pack I'm going to go with.
The thing about canon is that we're talking about a TV show here, and a storyline that spans ten years. I think that allows you some leeway, and I'm going to consider anything that might be used by the actual US military to be fair game, whether it ever appeared on the show or not.
For example, I just got a screenworn away jacket from the show. Because it was made in Candada by a costume shop, the zipper is backwards from most US military wear. Does that mean that only jackets with backwards zippers are canon? I certainly wouldn't want to impose that restriction.
Anyway, if you find a better backpack alternative than the X-3, let me know. I'll be grateful, especially if you find it before I save up the $250!
