10 Commandments of Gray Man. Tactics and Mindset

1. Do not create excess stimuli for others.
2. Be aware of others and your surroundings.
3. Maintain calmness and self-control.
4. Do not wear tactical clothing or gear.
5. Avoid bright-colored clothing/accessories.
6. Practice good OPSEC and PERSEC protocols.
7. Do not seek out conflicts.
8. Choose flight over fight when possible.
9. Learn and use counter-surveillance tactics.
10. Your safety is YOUR responsibility.

OPSEC stands for Operations Security,
PERSEC - for Personal Security.

Source - Hidden Success Tactical

Gray Man Quick-Reference Guide for Urban Concealment Basics

Gadgets
Avoid technology distractions by:
1. Limiting dependence on mobile devices
2. Reducing focus on attention seekers
3. Limiting earbud and headphone use

Gear
Choose gear that:
1. You gain/maintain tactical proficiency
2. You can concealably carry
3. You can easily deploy

Guides
Obtain subject knowledge through:
1. Books and manuals
2. Training courses
3. Online materials

Gestures Use self-control to:
1. Reduce produced stimuli
2. Present neutral body language
3. Avoid conflict and offence

Gaps
Take advantage of gaps in:
1. CCTV coverage
2. Lapses of attention by others
3. Security oversights

Garments Choose clothing that:

1. Mirrors others
2. Respects cultural environment
3. Acknowledges social norms

Gait
Continually analyze your walk by:
1. Increasing or reducing speed
2. Changing direction when necessary
3. Go with the established pedestrian flow

Geo-spatial
Remain cognizant of:
1. The proximity of others
2. Changes in your environment
3. Points of egress/escape

Guile
Use your intelligence by:
1. Reading, learning and practicing to acquire skills
2. Heeding intuition/gut instincts
3. Using common sense

Source - Hidden Success Tactical

Men Chest Single Shoulder Bag. Grey color. Revision

Men Chest Single Shoulder Bag. Grey color. Revision.
Two unnecessary bright harnesses are removed to make the backpack completely gray.
For the gray man

How To Become A Gray Man in Urban Survival

Knowing how to be a grayman is probably the best urban survival skill that anybody can learn. No fancy equipment, no fancy gadgets, just good old fashion common sense integrated with instinct and innovation.
Find out how you can be invisible in a sea of a million people.
Being a grayman means moving amongst the crowd undetected. This is an essential skill in a survival situation and a real survivalist have to be always prepared when such event rises.

Gray Man Skills

This survival tactic is a form of urban camouflage referred to as “grayman”, and in the middle of an urban crisis or martial law, it ought to be the only thing that keeps you from having a target painted on your back and a bullet in your brain. Being a grayman and having the ability to seamlessly slip in and out of situations unnoticed is an art form mastered by few.
Do it wrong and you’re dead. Do it proper and you’re home free.

What Is a Gray Man?

A gray man is anyone who blends in where they go. It is a person who does now not stand out.
How is this accomplished? It seems easy enough – just blend in. But there is quite an art form to this.

Size

Height is an aspect of being a grayman that we have little control over.
The best grayman is ordinary in every respect. He’s of average height and weight.

For Men

Long shorts, monochromatic colors or horizontally striped clothing, flat shoes, leaving a longer shirt un-tucked, and slouching should all help you to appear shorter. The slouch will also help make you appear as less of a threat by making you seem unhealthy.

For Women

Try wearing capri pants, or pants with cuffs in them. Wear flats instead of heels that cover the tops of your feet.
Carrying a big bag will also help you appear smaller.

Dress

Natural or neutral colors work best - browns and grays. Highly colourful and graphic shirts have to be averted at all costs. Neither that shows off a lot of skin and nor too fashionable.

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Как стать серым человеком при выживании в городе

Gray or Grey man?

The name itself inspires a sense of mystery and conspiracy. When you hear it for the first time, you will immediately find yourself asking: "What is a gray man?"

About the first thing first. Before defining it, let’s spell it correctly. The spelling is with an “A”. Not an “E” in “Gray Man”.

These pouches caused an unhealthy interest for underground guards

Returning to the concept of the grayman.
These pouches (Tactical Phone Pouch in Army green color, Tactical Molle Phone Card Carrier Pouch in Army green color) were attached to the belt on 5.11 Tactical Taclite® Pro Pants of Tundra color, where I carried two smartphones, caused an unhealthy interest for the guards in subway, the guards wished to inspect my backpack, explaining that these pouches look like military-style and provoke suspicion

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Эти подсумки вызвали нездоровый интерес у охраны метрополитена
Возвращаясь к концепции Серого человека.
Эти подсумки (Tactical Phone Pouch зеленого цвета "Army", Tactical Molle Phone Card Carrier Pouch зеленого цвета "Army") были прикреплены к ремню 5.11 Tactical Taclite® Pro Pants цвета "тундра", в которых у меня было два смартфона, и вызвали нездоровый интерес у охранников в метро, охранники хотели осмотреть мой рюкзак, объяснив, что эти подсумки в военном стиле и вызывают подозрения.

How To Be A Gray Man

To be invisible, unremarkable, forgettable. Being a Gray Man is often referred to as the ultimate survival skill.
To be invisible, unremarkable, forgettable. This is the essence of a gray man. It is often referred to as the ultimate survival skill, and is one that every serious survivalist should become familiar with.
Being a gray man is sometimes criticized as extreme or only for those who believe in conspiracies. ...

What does the ultimate gray man look like?

The expert gray man (or woman) is hiding in plain sight.
...
Being a gray man means keeping a low profile. Avoid flashy and colorful clothing as well as tactical and military camouflage.

How to dress as a gray man

When you think “survivalist” you may imagine a person dressed in camouflage pants, big leather boots, a paracord belt and military-style backpack.
This is not the essence of a gray man! This is just a sure-fire way to paint a giant target on your back.
The key is to be unnoticed and indistinct. Wear what those around you are wearing, with no obvious emblems or slogans which might be remembered.
If you live in a suburban area: choose plain, casual clothes that one would wear day-to-day.
If you live in a city with lots of offices and corporate workers: consider a casual suit or smart attire that your average city worker wears. Your clothes should reflect the world around you, as the key is to totally blend in.
...
Try to conceal carry any gear (such as a survival knife, GPS, self defense pistol and so on) in other ways: under your shirt, in inside pockets or tucked inside your bag.
In a survival situation, a gray man will want to be able to move swiftly and silently.
Don’t dress in anything too tight, boots that make a lot of sound or jackets that crinkle as you move. Make sure you can walk easily in your chosen attire – and even run comfortably should you need to.

How to move as a gray man

A gray man wants to move with purpose and agility, but without drawing unwanted attention from onlookers or others in the crowd.
...
If you walk too slowly or start to run, you’ll be an immediate source of attention.
Don’t cut through the crowd at sharp angles. Try to follow the flow of people, gradually making your way to your chosen escape point.

How to carry your survival gear as a gray man

You will draw a lot of attention if you are seen carrying anything out of the ordinary. This means no camouflage backpacks, no clip-on accessories and no heavy-duty pocket-pants or jackets.
There are some simple things you can do to maximize your carrying capacity whilst not restricting your normal movement. Choose an everyday bag such as a simple duffle or messenger bag – common packs you see people carrying.
If you live in a more rural area then a sports or outdoor backpack would also be an acceptable option. Choose an overcoat with plenty of interior pockets for a knife, flashlight, cord and so on.
...

How to interact with others as a gray man

...
Try to maintain conversation within the limits of the group. Engage in small talk, discussions and plans but do not take charge.
Keep your opinions fairly neutral and try not to form close bonds as this will likely lead to personal questions, where others may become suspicious if you seem untruthful.
If you are asked direct questions, do not become standoffish; nor be honest about your levels of preparedness. Find a good middle-ground that sounds plausible but does not prompt further questions.
Try not to hold eye contact for too long when talking with others.
...

How to act at home as a gray man

With the exception of extreme survival scenarios, most situations can be played out comfortably from home.
...
Start preparing yourself early and bring home only slightly more food than you usually would each time you go to the store.
...
Try to disguise your survival shelter. The same goes for any survival gear. Do not make it obvious that you are loading up on technical gear, and transport it to the house in several goes. If you are building a structure or shelter somewhere on your property, try your best to disguise it as something else.
...

What to do as a gray man when disaster strikes

“Disaster” may come in many forms. One of the trickiest parts of being a gray man is not knowing what your survival scenario looks like, so you have to be prepared for them all.
...

If you are able to get to your safe zone

...

1. Limit your comings and goings. If you must leave the house to get extra supplies or run errands, try and do them all at once to limit your exposure time outside of your house.
2. If the power goes out, keep your house as dark as your neighbors’ even if you have extra power.
3. If you live in a densely populated area, try not to make it obvious that you are cooking many meals a day. The smell of food wafting through an open window is a sure giveaway! Close ventilation when you cook, try to boil and not fry food and try not to cook anything too potent.
4. Go offline. Don’t use social media, online credit cards or open email accounts. This is one of the easiest ways for you to leave a footprint and be tracked. Use a secure VPN and encrypted email client if you must communicate with anyone.

If you are unable to get to your safe zone

...

1. Get out of crowded areas immediately. Refrain from panic-buying goods or looting – even if that is what everyone else is doing. The biggest threat to your survival will likely be the panicked actions of others, so use these precious moments to distance yourself as much as possible.
2. Try not to make friends. Yes, really! Although it may seem natural to band together or to help those in need, the harsh reality is that these people may only end up slowing you down; or turn on you if it comes to a you vs. them scenario. It is unlikely that they will be as prepared as you are, and you will likely end up sharing your supplies, rations and gear with them which ultimately has a negative effect on your chances of survival.
3. Make your clothes and belongings look undesirable. Stick tape on your rain gear and sew some stitches into backpacks to make them look old. Keep your hair untidy and refrain from using cologne or deodorant – sweet smells can alert peoples’ attention and trigger their memories.
4. Move as much as you can by night. Wear dark clothes and use ambient or street lights. If you have to use a flashlight, use the red light only for very short periods of time.

One of the trickiest parts of being a gray man is not knowing what your survival scenario looks like, so you have to be prepared for all of them.

Gray Man Guide Conclusions

The art of being a gray man takes practice and patience. If you start now, you will increase your chances of being well-equipped should you ever need to disappear.
...

Full text - How To Be A Gray Man [A Prepper Guide]

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Как быть серым человеком

The gray man

The gray man doesn’t stand out. The gray man doesn’t seem any different from anyone else. Most of all, the gray man is good at hiding in plain sight.
This makes you less of a target. People will be less likely to approach you for any reason. It also makes it easier to move through the crowd and get to where you want to go.
And becoming a gray man isn’t difficult. But it does take some knowledge and preparation. I have broken this information up into three different sections, which represent the three different broad scenarios in which you might find yourself. These are At Home, On the Move, and Nighttime Camouflage.
41 Essential Rules to Become the Gray Man, Roman Zrazhevskiy

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Серый человек

The gray man. At Home

On the Move, Nighttime Camouflage
...With that in mind, here are some tips to being a gray man in the home environment.
1. NEVER let anyone know you are prepared. They should not know about your extra food, water, and supplies. They should not know about your security and defenses. Everything should be hidden well enough that even your nosiest neighbors have no idea of what you have on your property.
2. When you engage in political conversation with neighbors, keep any out of the ordinary political or world views to yourself.
3. Don’t dress in tactical clothing on a regular basis. Just LOOK as normal as possible!
4. Engage in OPSEC at all times—even before disaster strikes. You always need to know what is going on around your home.
5. When you make purchases, especially large ones, bring them home discreetly. And when you have deliveries being shipped your home, this is even more important because it’s harder to do. Piles of boxes of MREs WILL raise red flags for the neighbors. Try to take care of these things when the majority of people are away from home (such as at work for the day).
6. Cut out shipping labels from deliveries with a box cutter. It’s best not to have the names of the companies you’re buying from sitting out in the recycling pile for everyone to see.
7. If you are going to the range to practice, be discreet when loading your weapons into your vehicle.
8. When the SHTF, it will take people a few days to really wonder what’s happening and a few more to get really desperate. The gray man is out there every day, asking the same questions as the neighbors. What’s happening? When is help coming? Have you been able to get gas or money? We’re going to run out of food soon if help doesn’t arrive. The key is, if you look as desperate as everyone else, they won’t suspect you are going home to a decent meal, security, and relative comfort.
9. If the power is out, keep your home as dark as everyone else’s at night. You don’t want to attract attention.
10. Don’t let the smell of food go wafting from your home at all hours. That will let everyone know from miles around that you have food. There are ways of cooking that produce very little smell. For example, boiling water and use it to warm up and hydrate freeze-dried foods.
11. Don’t announce your comings and goings on social media. Letting the online world know you’re going to be away from home for a while can set you up to get robbed or looted.
12. Know how to get off the digital grid. This means giving up your smartphone, getting off social media, and paying for purchases with cash or gift cards. If you have to be online, use HTTPS to keep your connection secure, use a virtual private network (VPN), and get a secret email address. Change all passwords frequently. Use Proton Mail!
41 Essential Rules to Become the Gray Man, Roman Zrazhevskiy

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Серый человек. Дома

The gray man. On the Move

At Home, Nighttime Camouflage

Appearance

13. Always work out ahead of time the type of people, culture, and weather you are most likely to be in. Plan your general appearance based on that. Remember, staying concealed does not mean wearing a hoodie in the middle of August in Florida.
14. If you are able to plan ahead, wear neutral colors. You want to blend in with the surrounding city colors and the people as much as possible. Sure, people will still see you, but you won’t really stand out and attract attention the way someone in bright colors would. And NO tactical clothing.
15. The same goes for your backpack. This should be a neutral color, nothing bright that will stand out in a crowd. The less obvious it is that you even have a backpack the better it is for you.
16. Carry a get home bag. The chances of you getting caught away from home or a meetup point are high so you need supplies on hand to ensure you get there safely.
17. A backpack rain cover is your friend. Many preppers have tactical backpacks. These are definitely the better choice when it comes to utility and durability, but they stand out too much—especially in the city. For this reason, a rain cover is ideal. This makes it easy to cover the backpack so it isn’t obvious and the tactical features are concealed. Absolutely no tactical clothing or accessories should be visible.
18. Use pockets in clothing and your backpack to conceal tactical gear. Nothing shiny or obvious should be visible.
19. Extra camouflage NEVER hurts. Scuff up your rain cover or backpack to make it look less desirable. Put duct tape, dirt, or anything else on it that will make it look less desirable.
20. Carry an item or two with you that you can use to change the way you look quickly. This might be a hat, a different jacket, or a wig and sunglasses.
21. Avoid strong smelling deodorants or perfumes. Smells can attract attention. That attention might be innocent at first, but then people might notice you have more than they have.

Behavior

22. Behavioral camouflage is critical. This is the same idea as when you were at home, asking the same questions as all the neighbor. Act as though you are just as lost as confused as the rest of the crowd to avoid drawing attention of your unnatural level of confidence.
23. Confrontation must be avoided at all costs. Keep your head down and act like everyone else. If someone seems aggressive, do your best to stay away from them.
24. Avoid eye contact with everyone. Even if you act as though you are panicking like everyone else, your eyes will tell the truth. Plus, once you make eye contact, it will be a lot harder to ignore others who need help and it will be a lot harder for them to forget you.
25. Always make it appear that you are simply going with the flow of the crowd. Move as naturally as possible and gradually make your way in the direction you want to go.
26. If something extraordinary happens, act as astonished and panicked as everyone else.
27. If you do speak to anyone, be very careful about what you say. Antagonism is not your friend. Keep your speech in line with what you are hearing around you.
28. Even when you are doing something relatively normal, make it as mundane as possible.
29. Maintain situational awareness, but don’t make it obvious. You might be acting like everyone else, but in reality, you should be assessing who and what are around you at all times.
30. Do a risk assessment of any potential destination. You might not be able to head home. Maybe you need to take shelter or get off the streets. But before you head to any location, you need to be sure it is safe and accessible.
31. Know your surrounding area, including streets and landmarks, as well as possible. This will allow you to better navigate the crowd while appearing natural. It will also help you avoid areas where there is more likely to be trouble.
32. If you need to move away from the main crowd, try to blend in with a smaller group of people. Get just close enough to look like you are with them.
33. If you need to do something that will be noisy, then try to time it with some sort of natural background noise. For example, breaking a window can be done as a siren or bus goes by.

Extras

34. Carry all your important documents on you at all times via an encrypted USB. If you ever need to go off the grid at a moments notice, at least you’ll have all the documents you need with you, just in case.
35. Protect your credit cards from RFID thieves. Use an RFID blocking wallet.
36. Clean up after yourself while traveling during an emergency. Leaving trash or poop behind can alert bad guys that there’s prey in the area. Having a trowel in your backpack could help you bury the poop.
41 Essential Rules to Become the Gray Man, Roman Zrazhevskiy

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Серый человек. В движении

The gray man. Nighttime Camouflage

At Home, On the Move
...
37. If things are really bad, move at night to avoid being seen. Keep to the shadows as much as possible.
38. Keep the noise down. It is likely to be quieter at night and sound carries, even in the city.
39. No fire! Use a JetBoil type of system instead of building a fire to avoid extra light exposure.
40. Avoid smells. Cooking food will create smells that will attract people. Use water to rehydrate freeze-dried foods or simply eat your meals cold if necessary.

And Above all...

41. Know when to go from being the gray man to not being noticed at all, to not existing. After all, there may come a time when being “one of the crowd” might not be to your advantage. Maybe they are being attacked or reigned in by the military.
41 Essential Rules to Become the Gray Man, Roman Zrazhevskiy

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Серый человек. Камуфляж в ночное время

Develop "Gray Man" Survival Skills!

Some ways to be invisible:

Wear muted colors.
Skip the prints, stripes and embellishments.
Avoid military-like clothing.
Shun the branded clothing (for the most part).
Choose the same style of clothing as others in your baseline.
Be cognizant of the color range to fit in.
Create a non-threatening appearance.
Don't wear jewelry and watches.
Hide anything distinguishable.

Here's how to move about to avoid conflict.

Be boring.
Pay attention to cadence.
Walk with purpose and confidence.
Avoid sudden movements.
Avoid eye contact.
Minimize interactions with people.
Keep a show of hands.
Know that smell is a factor.
Gray Man Survival

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Развивайте навыки выживания «Серого человека»!

The Gray Man

The Gray Man is the antithesis of individual expression. He hides in the corners of conformity. He only flaunts a quotidian nature. He meanders through the mundane and occupies the ordinary. Individual expression and exceptionalism are his enemies. The Gray Man is the forgettable face, the ghost guy, the hidden human. Implementing the concepts is more than looking less tactical, less hostile, or less threatening. It is the willful abandonment of anything and everything that defines oneself as different.

10 Gray Man Tips To Help You Blend In During A Crisis

By  Nicholas Oetken

1. Wear Neutral Colors

First, stick with neutral colors for your clothing This means avoiding both bright colors (yellow, red, orange, pink, etc.) and tactical colors (black, camouflage, etc). Bright colors will make it insanely difficult for you to hide, whereas tactical colors will also stand out and make people think you’re a threat.
Examples of neutral colors include dark blue, dark green, gray, or brown. A simple dark-colored T-shirt and pair of jeans is an excellent example of clothing that will blend in nicely with any crowd.

2. Don’t Wear a Hat

You may believe that wearing a hat is wise because you’ll be keeping your face partially covered (especially if you look down). However, if you look around you, you’ll also see that the majority of people do not wear hats.
Furthermore, the authorities will be on a close lookout for suspects after a disaster or catastrophe has taken place, and they’ll zero in on anybody who’s wearing a hat because they know that could mean you’re trying to keep your face covered.

3. Avoid Eye Contact

Don’t make eye contact with anyone while you’re on the move. This only increases the chances of them confronting you, and even if they don’t, at the very least they will remember you, but being a gray man means that you can slip in and out of a public location without anyone even realizing you were there.

4. Don’t Walk Too Fast

You don’t want to walk too slowly, but you don’t want to walk too fast either. This will especially make you an obvious target for authorities such as law enforcement units; for example, if a bomb has recently gone off in town and they see you running away from it, that will immediately arouse suspicion and they will give chase.

5. Keep Your Valuables Hidden

If you have any valuable items on you such as jewelry, electronics, money, and so forth, keep those items hidden at all costs. Not doing so makes you a prime target for looters or robbers in a disaster scenario who will take advantage of the situation to rob innocent people.
Granted, this can be more complicated if you have a backpack or a messenger bag of some kind over your shoulders (this signals to people that you could have a computer or even weapons with you), so be sure to have the straps firmly around your shoulder and one hand on the pack at all times.

6. Don’t Take Pictures or Record Video

It can certainly be tempting to take pictures or record video during a disaster. You could submit the footage to major news stations or upload it on YouTube and potentially get thousands if not millions of views.
Nonetheless, taking pictures or videos of a disaster is not something a gray man would do as it automatically makes you stand out. Remember, if you have any electronic devices on you, keep them hidden.

7. Stick To Areas Of Cover

The gray man always travels by sticking close to areas of shadow or cover where they can hide at a moment’s notice. Don’t walk out in the open where you are clearly visible to anyone and everyone. Rather, stick close to buildings or natural foliage, but do it in a way that looks natural. Don’t skulk around, quickly moving from way hedge to another. That will just make you stand out even more.

8. Avoid Choke Points

Choke points are any location in a city that will become highly congested with people and traffic during a disaster. They will be the most dangerous and chaotic places thanks to a possible combination of law enforcement units, angry mobs and looters, and swarms of desperate people.
Examples of choke points in a disaster scenario include bridges, tunnels, intersections, stadiums, public parks, grocery stores, sporting goods stores, restaurants, gasoline stations, police stations, hotels, train stations, airports, and even churches.

9. Analyze a Street Before Continuing

The gray man never directly walks down a new street without first inspecting it. Closely observe a new street or block with extreme caution before continuing down it. Again, don’t walk too fast or else you’ll stand out to any law enforcement or dangerous people that are present.

10. Don’t Let Your Guard Down

Finally, just don’t let your guard down. You must be on high alert for potential threats and practice situational awareness. Examples of situational awareness skills include reading the people around you (without staring at them), always identifying at least one exit route before entering a new building or area, and being prepared defend yourself in the event that someone confronts you.
...

Full version - urbansurvivalsite.com

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10 подсказок от "серого человека", которые помогут вам растовриться во время кризиса

Best Gray Man Backpack

Being noticed is usually a great feeling. But there are times when staying unnoticed is the real deal. That includes emergency situations when everyone acts irrationally to fight for their survival.
...
The best gray man backpack should be as ordinary as the JanSport Big Student Backpack and have these 5 attributes:

1. Dull colors and simple design to avoid drawing attention.
2. An average size, not too big to draw attention or too small to leave out vital survival gear.
3. A stealth backpack, with multiple and secret compartments.
4. Made of durable and safe nylon or polyester material.
5. Comfortable to carry with padded straps and back panel.

...

What is a Gray Man Bag?

A gray man bag is a stealth backpack, one that you can carry around without alerting everyone that you are prepared for survival should SHTF or any disaster situation threaten your life and wellbeing.
...
Specifically, being a gray man means concealing your survival preparedness by:

• The way you move in a crowd during an emergency situation.
• Wearing ordinary clothes that do not attract attention but instead help you blend into the crowd.
• Taking a normal posture and maintaining a general appearance so you don’t stand out.
• Carrying a stealth backpack in a way that does not suggest you are an equipped survivalist.

...

Attributes of a Good Gray Man Backpack

When purchasing a gray man bag you should keep in mind the two purposes it must serve:

• Carry your survival gear without giving in to the elements or abrasion.
• Fit into your gray man plan and not draw attention from those around you.

To meet these functions, the best gray man backpack must have these 5 attributes.

1. An ordinary look (should not draw attention)

The obvious statement that ‘eyes were made to see’ makes us put this attribute first. If you are walking in town with a brightly colored backpack, one with innumerable external pockets, one with a rare design, or a huge one that completely covers your back, you will certainly draw the attention of those around you.
A good gray man backpack is the most ordinary one that you see around often. The commonness of a backpack may be defined by:

• A trending brand, which means a lot of people are going for it and no one will consider your bag as out of the ordinary (consider our JanSport top pick).
• Dull colors that don’t attract people’s attention as would shouting colors.
• Simple designs without MOLLE straps, ALICE clips, or military colors such as ACU (Army Combat Uniform) and MARPAT.
• Neatly packed without gear items such as paracords or sleeping bags hanging in the outside.

2. Average size

...
An average size bag will also fit all the items that you need in a gray man EDC backpack including:

• Bottled water and canned/freeze-dried food
• A smartphone and portable charger
• A wallet (with cash)
• A watch cum compass
• A multi-tool
• A folding/fixed blade knife
• A water filter
• A flashlight
• A mini first aid kit
• A self-defense tool

Read our article on Gray Man Gear for a more comprehensive list of what you should include in your EDC gray man gear list.

3. A stealthy backpack (with multiple and secret compartments)

Part of carrying a gray man bag is to conceal crucial survival tools so that no one guesses you have them. Besides, it’s important that your backpack is well packed and does not look bloated as this could attract attention.
A multi-pocket/compartment bag allows you to do this in several ways:

Concealment and organization
Multiple internal pockets, main compartments, front and back pockets as well as elasticized side pockets allow for easy and organized packing so that your survival gear items are evenly distributed and your gray man backpack does not look stuffed.

Anti-theft pockets
A gray man bag with anti-theft secret pockets like the reviewed Business Travel Backpack will let you carry valuables and personal/family documents without the risk of losing them or having them stolen.

Firearm and valuables’ pockets Other stealthy pockets include the Roll-down Assault Compartment (R.A.C.) for concealing firearms as with the 5.11 COVRT18 Tactical Covert Military Backpack or the secret back pockets that keep valuables safely lying on your back.
Some essential items any gray-man minded prepper should have in their gray man backpack are self-defense tools. Check out our guide for the best non-lethal self-defense tools for preppers.

4. Durability and safety

A good gray man bag should be made of high-quality material that can withstand the elements, the strain of carrying the weight of the survival gear, as well as the test of consistent use with time.
Backpack material Nylon and polyester readily pass the test for heavy-duty backpacks and are recommended for gray man bags. Even though leather is also used, it is stylish and can draw the attention that you are trying to avoid, and so could a canvas bag for its rarity.
Nylon and polyester are majorly water-resistant (not necessarily waterproof). Additional waterproof quality is provided by the waterproof lining that is placed in the interior of your backpack.

Backpack hardware
Most people throw away ‘good as new’ bags because of broken zippers, shoulder straps, and O/D rings. It would be unwise to buy an extra-strong nylon bag with weak zippers or loosely stitched straps.
Go for bags with YKK-grade zippers and ensure any O/D rings used on your bag are good value. Also, check that the shoulder straps are reinforced and that the thread used on bag seams and strap joints is strong enough to resist weight. Double or triple stitching is recommended.

5. Comfortable to carry

Carrying your backpack with comfort has a lot to do with:

• The pressure that its weight exacts on your back and shoulders.
• Your daily activities (whether you are walking a lot or sitting in an office or class for the better part of the day).
• The possibility of changing the carrying position if you need to.

If your gray man bag feels uncomfortable on your back, you are not going to persist carrying it daily as an emergency readiness gear bag, which means limiting your survival chances in such situations. Besides, you could hurt your back carrying an uncomfortable backpack.
There are two major features to a comfortable backpack carry:

Padded and contoured shoulder straps, a grab handle, and hip belt
A backpack with adjustable padded shoulder traps feels comfortable and reduces the strain of the bag’s weight on your shoulders and back. If the straps are also contoured, they’ll take a natural shape that makes carrying your backpack even more comfortable.
A padded or rugged grab handle gives you a strong grip if you have to ‘grab and hang’ your bag in a hurry or need to rest your back and shoulders when walking for long distances.
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Padded and breathable back panel
A padded and breathable back panel enhances comfort when carrying your backpack because it not only feels soft but it also lets your back breathe, excluding the discomfort that could come with perspiration during the hot seasons.
If you would like to know more about stealth in emergency situations, check out our guide on how to be a gray man.

Best Gray Man Backpack FAQs

Now you know what to consider when ordering your gray man backpack. To complete your backpack carry and shopping knowledge, check these 3 FAQ:

Must a gray man’s backpack be grey?
The gray man is a concept used by survivalists to describe how blending into a crowd or the surroundings is key in helping you conceal from everyone that you are carrying survival gear during an emergency situation.
Gray is considered a neutral non-shouting color and is, therefore, used to imply that your clothing, actions, posture, and backpack should not stand out, but should instead make you look like everyone else. As such, any ordinary dull and non-shouting color is a gray color.

Who can be a gray man?
Anyone can be a gray man. That includes children and women.

What characteristics does a gray man have?
A gray man has these 7 characteristics:

• He/she dresses in muted dull-colored clothes or those that look like everyone else’s.
• He/she avoids tactical/military wear and gear.
• He/she walks, moves, and carries a natural posture.
• He/she does not appear to be threatening or defensive.
• He/she goes with the flow of the crowd.
• He/she keeps firearms or self-defense tools concealed.
• He/she does not panic but remains calm during an emergency.

Final thoughts on the Best Gray Man Backpack
Everyone hopes to come out alive and unscathed from any SHTF situation. But not everyone may be keen about maximizing their chances of survival by having their gray man backpack handy all the time.
While carrying a gray man backpack can be lifesaving, carrying one that announces to everyone that you are prepared for survival should SHTF is counterproductive. You run the risk of redirecting everyone towards you to share or even forcefully take your survival gear items and save themselves.
To avoid such a scenario, carry a stealth gray man backpack, one that has neutral colors, and without designs that make it stand out from the rest. Also, ensure your gray man bag is sturdy and comfortable to carry since you do not know for how long you’ll have it on your back.
In a survival situation, “being my brother’s/sister’s keeper” is a sham. So work on your chances of survival by jealously carrying your survival gear in a stealth gray man gear.

Full text is Best Gray Man Backpack [8 Stealth Backpacks]

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Лучший рюкзак для "серого человека"

Gray Man Theory: How to Be a Gray Man

Article by Secretive Survivalist
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Gray Man Theory

... The best way to explain this is by giving you an example. Let’s say you are in a crowded train station. You’re a survivalist and as a consequence, you feel reasonably prepared for any eventuality. You have some basic gear concealed beneath your clothing, and an EDC bag slung over your shoulders with a few potentially useful items inside. Then, suddenly, chaos breaks out. A group of violent individuals have seized the train station and are taking hostages. People are panicked.
And there you are, in a real life survival situation… and you might even have some of the skills and equipment to be able to not just survive, but to help save lives.
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“Don’t be a hero” ...
You’ll blend in perfectly, not raising any suspicion from the attackers or from anyone else. This will allow you to plot and take action without being targeted, which could save your life and potentially help you save the lives of others.
There are many different dangerous situations that could arise similar to the one we laid out. In the event of a great disaster, an unexpected bombing, or full-blown civil unrest and rioting, you might be well prepared. But it’s crucial that nobody knows that you’re prepared.
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People, particularly when they’re in groups, are prone to completely lose control in the midst of chaos or disaster. There’s a reason they call it “mob mentality”.

How to Be a Gray Man

Really, being a gray man is very easy – you just need to be completely unremarkable. That’s not so difficult, considering that 99% of the people we interact with daily are completely unremarkable. The tricky thing is knowing how to be unremarkable even when you’re actually quite remarkable (at least from a survival or preparedness perspective).
Becoming a gray man involves the ability to mimic your surroundings. For example, if you’re in a bank that’s being robbed and you’re the only person among the hostages who’s completely calm, the bank robbers are definitely going to spot you. The point is to move with the herd.
Being a gray man is all about being adaptable. It’s a form of urban camouflage. This is not about surveillance, it is not about being stealthy; it is all about appearing to be normal.
That means, for example, if you’re in Europe, you need to blend in with the Europeans – with the way they dress, the way they act, and so forth. On average, Europeans dress and act differently than Americans, so the way you would approach being a gray man in Europe would involve very different behavior than how you would approach it in the US. That’s what we mean by being adaptable. This also means that you would act and dress differently if you’re in New York City versus in a suburb of Pittsburgh. The goal is to always be about average for whatever environment you’re in.

Why The Gray Man Theory Is Important

Firstly, we’ll note that the concept of the gray man only makes sense in an urban context. You only need to “blend in” with other people if there are other people around. If your primarily interested in wilderness survival, or if you already live in a rural area where there aren’t a lot of people, most of these ideas probably won’t be particularly useful to you.
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On the other hand, if you’re in an urban environment, then knowing the technique of how to be a gray man is arguably a more important survival skill than some other things that you might think of as “essential” (e.g knowing how to make a fire). In our urban survival guide, we talk about how the biggest danger in any urban disaster/crisis is other people. This is one of the reasons why the Gray Man Theory is important to survival.

The Psychology of the Gray Man Concept

Before we get into the actual practice of being a gray man, is important to understand the psychology of gray man theory. While dressing to blend in obviously has an important place in the theory, it is actually a little deeper than that. Most of it comes down to plain old psychology. Just because you have a gray hoodie and gray sweatpants, with a baseball cap pulled down over your eyes, it does not mean you won’t be recognized. As an example, if you were in the financial district of a major city and everyone is in a suit, your gray hoodie and gray sweatpants would definitely stand out like a sore thumb.

Understanding RAS (Reticular Activating System)

To understand the psychology of gray man theory, you need to learn about RAS, also known as the reticular activating system. This is a part of your brain located near the top of your spinal column which filters your sensory input. It is the part of your brain that filters everything you see so that your mind is not overwhelmed with information.
This is the key part of the brain that plays into gray man theory. When your eyes wash over a crowd of people, your reticular activating system is scanning the faces and quickly dismissing them as unimportant. This is what you want to be to everyone else: unimportant.
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This is a consequence of our natural, “caveman” instincts. Our brains are hardwired to spot differences. A flash of brown in a sea of green bush indicates a potential predator (or prey).
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Our brains are looking for shapes and colors that stand out. Beyond RAS, similar ideas can be applied to sound and smell. When we’re in the wilderness, our ears get used to the sound of crickets, but a car horn stands out. That same car horn, in the soundscape of a city, fades into the background.

How to Be a Gray Man: Appearing Unremarkable

We need to take the psychological aspect of gray man theory and apply it in the real world. This is not an easy thing to do, but there are habits you can get into that allow you to become invisible no matter where you go.

Everyday Life

In day-to-day life, one of the biggest tips we can give you is that you need to act as if you are supposed to be wherever you are. Know what kind of place you’re heading to, and always be aware of the environments you move and interact with. This means you want to dress how you imagine the people around you are going to be dressed.
If you are going to and from work, taking the train, and just generally commuting, there is a particular way you can dress to be noticed less. The idea is to look like everyone else at eight in the morning on their way to their jobs. That might mean a suit and tie, or if your area is more blue collar, this might mean old jeans and work boots.
As a general rule, people tend to notice bright colors. Also, particularly expensive wardrobes stand out, as does particularly shabby clothing g. If you look homeless, people are going to take notice of you in the wrong way, and if you look like you just walked off the cover of a fashion magazine, people are also going to take notice.
In daily life, try to dress in bland colors, unless for some reason it’s common in your area to wear bright colors. Generally, black, gray, and dark blue work well. If you live in a place with cold winters you can always go with the typical black coat. Almost everyone in any cold city is wearing some kind of black coat from September to May.

Don’t draw attention to yourself with “tactical” or “survival” clothing

You’ll sometimes see fake “survivalists” wearing full camo gear and military boots in grocery stores or big box stores.

Don’t be one of these people.
If SHTF, regardless of whether the threat comes from terrorists or a tyrannical government, you know who they’ll target first? The guy wearing camo pants, mil-spec sunglasses, and tactical boots. That person is pretty much walking around with a sign on his back saying “I’m carrying a weapon! Regardless of who the attackers are, people with weapons are a threat, and anybody who’s a threat will be the first to be dispatched.
It also makes sense to avoid clothing with symbols or insignias on them, and “loud” clothing is your enemy. You should have no affiliation, no outstanding characteristics, and no reason to be noticed.
For anyone who works in a service industry where you must wear a uniform, one of the best suggestions we can give you is to change into your uniform at work. Be as discreet as possible to and from work so that even if you board the same train every day, nobody is going to remember you. If you have to wear a blue uniform at work with a bright yellow logo, people are going to remember you each time you get on the train. Keep your change of clothes in your bag and change at work.
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Accessories & Gear in Everyday Life

If a major disaster were to occur and looters were running rampant on the streets, you’d definitely want to avoid wearing any form of expensive jewelry or adornment, including any kind of expensive watch. A normal watch (or maybe a survival watch) is fine, but you definitely don’t want to be wearing an expensive Rolex.
Rings, necklaces, earrings, and all that type of stuff is probably a bad idea regardless of your gender. Not everyone wears jewelry, so you can blend in without wearing any, and from a survival perspective it only adds risk.
There are other types of accessories to consider. If you live in the city, many people will have either a backpack, a briefcase, or a purse. People take their backpack to school, to work, and nowadays even just to the cafe so they can work on their laptops. When it comes to being a gray man, having a bag with you is a good idea – it’s a way you can have useful tactical or survival gear with you all the time, but without giving yourself away.
You can use a shoulder bag or a backpack, as both are common. Ideally you want your bag to be black or gray, to have nothing that discerns it as a piece of tactical equipment, and it should have some easy-access pockets. There are many “tactical” bags available that look like“normal” backpacks but that have multiple concealed areas available. These are ideal for any urban environment.
If your goal is to blend in, it’s also important that you don’t appear too “clean”. If you’re walking around wearing brand new clothes, shoes and carrying a brand new backpack, that can also draw attention. In order to be a proper gray mm and go completely unnoticed, most of the things you use and wear should be slightly worn. Not so old that you look shabby, not so new that you look like you just finished a shopping spree at the mall. Your stuff doesn’t need to look old, but it should never look desirable. You should never be displaying anything that anyone may want to take from you. That how you can avoid becoming a target when chaos bubbles over and the mugging and looting start.

The Face of a Gray Man

For Men
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People, when engaged, have a strong tendency only to look at the person’s face. They may know you are wearing a jacket, they may be half aware that you have jeans on, but when you walk away, they won’t remember much except your face.
To help remain invisible, you need an “ordinary” face. So, you like having a handlebar mustache? Well, nobody else does – so get rid of it! As a man, you should never have any particularly distinctive facial hair. You may keep a beard, but keep it trimmed and neat and boring. Beards can be helpful because they can help disguise the shape of your jaw. However, a large beard will definitely get you noticed.
The same must be said for your hair. Regardless of what the fad is, people notice men who have ponytails, mullets, or long locks of hair. On the flip side, extremely short hair or shaved heads are also pretty distinct (we’ve all seen someone’s haircut and wondered to ourselves if they’re a member of the military – that’s our brains actively noticing them). To remain as unremarkable as possible, try to get a boring, mid length haircut that helps you fit in with other people who look similar to you. If you’re younger, and other people of your age style their hair, then you want to follow suit and style your hair. If you’re older and you notice most of your buddies sporting similar haircuts, it makes sense to get the same haircut.

For Women
As for a female “gray man”, you want to follow the same rules. You probably don’t have much of an issue with facial hair in the first place, but try not to go heavy on the makeup. You don’t want to be the first thing every man notices when he steps into the train. Bright lipsticks, flashy earrings, dark rings of mascara – it’s going to draw eyes. For daily life, the plain Jane routine is best. Go light on the makeup and use neutral colors. If you truly want to blend in, then your goal is not to look beautiful – it’s to look average.
As for your haircut, you have more choices than men do because the range for “typical” female haircuts is wider than it is for men. Ideally, your hair should be at least to your shoulders – this gives you an advantage as it allows you to “hide” your face with your hair. This is one of the huge advantages female “gray men” have over males. If you have your haircut done right, nobody will be able to clearly see your face if you don’t want them to, and the people around won’t think anything of it.

Also be Aware of Smells

Scent is far more important than you may realize. Scent carries memory, and the one thing you don’t want is to be remembered. Avoid perfume, cologne, or anything that will give you a distinct smell. Cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, and even something like cat litter can make you “memorable”. Keep yourself completely neutral if possible.

How to Be a Gray Man: Behaving “Normally”

Even more important than your physical camouflage is your “behavioral camouflage”. This is key to becoming an effective gray man. From speaking with your neighbors to your behavior in a full-fledged emergency situation, if you want to be seen as unremarkable and “normal”, it is critical that you keep your behavior in check. The ideal situation is that your neighbor thinks of you as someone who’s pleasant, nice enough, but ultimately uninteresting. That’s what you’re shooting for.
This doesn’t mean keeping it cool in the face of danger, it means remaining invisible by way of your mannerisms and behavior. As an example, if martial law is declared and a military coup has taken place… perhaps you understand what’s happening but others around you don’t. If everyone around you is confused and panicking, you need to appear as confused as the next person. The key here is, just like with your attire and gear, to blend in.

Keeping Up the Facade in Daily Life

If you want to put the gray man philosophy into practice, you should try to maintain your “behavioral camouflage” as much as possible. Ideally, this is a disguise that will never leave you. Never purposely draw attention to yourself in a public place, whether there is an emergency or not. Never tell your friends or neighbors about your survivalist or preparedness activities. Never mention your stockpiles and preps. If you’re a crack shot with a rifle, or if you’re a self defense expert, you want as few people to know these things about you as possible.
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At most, you can perhaps trust your immediate family and a couple of your closest friends. Outside of a small circle, you don’t want anybody to know you’re any kind of prepper or survivalist. The threat may come from a tyrannical government or an angry mob, but either way, being known as the guy who’s fully prepared for any eventuality paints a massive target on your back.
One factor that tends to throw people off their behavioral camouflage is pride. You need to keep your pride in check. If somebody tries to make trouble with you, even if it is unwarranted, you need to swallow your pride and walk away from the situation if at all possible. A true gray man would prefer to appear weak rather than give themselves up.
This means you want to avoid being aggressive or confrontational. Never become hostile with another person, and don’t stick your neck into other people’s business. The key here is to keep your head down, to not ever appear threatening, and to act like everyone else.
You should also generally stay away from rash or aggressive people. People like this often get into difficult situations, and difficult situations stay in memories and leave records.
As a final tip on your behavior, you should know that eye contact is generally a bad idea if you don’t want to be noteworthy. They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, and the second you lock eyes with someone they’ll get a read on you no matter how good an actor you are. If you’re in a SHTF scenario, keep your eyes (and head) down and don’t look at other people. There’s a reason why the phrase “keep your head down” means what it does.
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Moving Through a Crowd

One of the most important things to learn is how to navigate your way out of a crowd during a calamity. If you are in a busy street, in a train station, or even in an airport, and something has gone terribly wrong, as a survivalist, you’ll already have some idea of the safest areas, the best escape routes, and the best hiding spots. You definitely do not want to give these places away, and if the situation calls for a hiding spot, the last thing you want is to share it with a clueless stranger who could get you both killed.
But it’s tough being trapped in a crowd. If someone sees you moving with purpose away from the main body of people, they might get curious and follow you. If people think you know what you’re doing, chances are they will look to you for help and this will cause you big problems. You need to remove yourself from the crowd quickly without drawing attention to yourself.
The worst thing you could do is cut a harsh diagonal line through the crowd. People will see you doing this and instinctively flock to where you’re going. Instead, you want to mimic the crowd, whether panicked, afraid, or angry, and move slowly and casually towards the edge of the mass.
The edge of the crowd is generally a good place to be. You can act like you’re looking for someone, like you’re trying to get away from the mass of people, and from there quietly make your inconspicuous escape.

A Gray Man Should be “Average”

Becoming a gray man is not as difficult as it may seem. You don’t need to take any kind of class or learn how to operate covertly. You just need some basic understanding of human psychology and some common sense. But above all you need situational awareness.
The reason being a gray man works so well is because you understand the situation at hand and how to manipulate it to your advantage so as not to be noticed. But this doesn’t just mean wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses and pretending to stare at a newspaper. Being a gray man is about understanding where you are, who the people around you are, what people are paying attention to, and what people are not paying attention to. Then adapting to your surroundings such that you appear pretty average.
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Full text is - Gray Man Theory: How to Be a Gray Man

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Теория "серого человека": как быть "серым человеком"

The Gray Man Concept. Are You Getting it Wrong?

By now, we have all heard of the concept of “being the gray man”. This concept advocates blending in with your environment, and dressing in a manner that does not attract any undesired attention.
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Avoiding Identification

Truly experienced law enforcement, military and security professionals can spot each other a mile away. Often the giveaways are in the clothing and personal accessories that we choose. Watches, shoes and belts are accessories that are often overlooked by those attempting to be “Gray”. Wearing Soloman’s or Merrel’s, a Suunto/Garmin/Pathfinder watch and an Ares Gear/511, or another tactical belt is not being gray. Each of those accessories, gives up information about you, that you say you are trying to conceal.

“Your Khul pants and button-down outdoor shirts are not making me think you are going on a hike.”

Dressing like a REI catalog model isn’t fooling anyone anymore either. Your Khul pants and button-down outdoor shirts are not making me think you are going on a hike. They are letting me know that you are likely someone in the security/LE/Mil profession and that information in and of itself tells me a lot about you. It tells me that you may be carrying a weapon, or you may be currently on task. It tells me that you may be capable of handling yourself more than the average person. As a bad guy, it tells me that you may be a threat to me and therefore I am paying more attention to you not less, as you perhaps you intended. All of this information is information that a true “Gray Man” would want to conceal.

Shades of Gray?

Does it even matter? For most of us, the idea of being a gray man is largely irrelevant. Unless you are working in a covert profession, where being outed puts you in danger or compromises your objective, there is really no need to be completely “Gray”. Someone seeing you at the airport with your Solomans, Suunto and your Vertx backpack, probably doesn’t put you in any real danger, but it does put you on my radar as a potential asset should things go awry. If your goal is to conceal your true agenda and your capabilities, then being a true “Gray Man” is really much simpler then we are making it.
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The Value of Being the Gray Man

A surveillance professional is someone paid to obtain information about others through hours of observation, both static and mobile. If I set up to observe my target in a 511 tactical tuxedo, I will stand out like a sore thumb, and thus detract from my abilities to provide the services for which I was retained. On the other hand, if I were to dress in slacks, shoes and a button-down shirt (tucked in), I could probably move around most places quite freely, without attracting any undesired attention. It’s important to remember that if you are truly trying to remain “Gray”, it will likely require a departure from your normal style. Dressing for the environment you will be operating in requires effort, and often means dressing in a manner that contradicts your day to day attire.

Practical Application

Going to a business meeting as an EP professional with a client? Dress like the client. Suit, tie, appropriate footwear, belt and watch to match (can be selected for comfort but still non-tactical). Leave the G shock at home and go with something more appropriate for the business setting that doesn’t stand out. Metal or leather bands with analog-style watches are a good start in most cases. Even something as minor as wearing a rubber wedding ring vs a real one can be a tell that I am someone who is there for security purposes.

“If everyone is wearing stylish, modern sunglasses and I am wearing wrap-around Oakley’s, guess who stands out?”

If you’re carrying a bag with support equipment (medical, AED, spare ammunition, batteries etc.), then select a briefcase that doesn’t advertise itself as tactical or covert. Buy a regular leather briefcase and modify the inside to meet your requirements. I have modified more bags than I can count, and none of them look any different from the outside. If everyone at the office carries brown leather messenger style bags, then that’s what I want. If everyone is wearing stylish, modern sunglasses and I am wearing wrap-around Oakley’s, guess who stands out? Anything that makes me stand out from the baseline makes me more likely to be identified as the security guy in the room. If my goal is to blend in, then I need to make a concerted effort to leave all my cop clothing and accessories at home.

Weapon Concealment

What about all the tactical toys I need to have with me? How will I conceal and carry them without my covert 511 bag and my tactical belt? We all know that if we are carrying a firearm, a belt is the foundation on which your carry system is built. If you are carrying OWB then, in my opinion, you are risking exposure and defeating your “Gray Man” status. True concealment is IWB and my personal preference is AIWB. I generally use holsters that allow me to tuck my shirt in my pants over the holster if need be. This allows me to better conceal my weapon, in an environment where printing, or possible accidental exposure of the weapons, could compromise my mission.
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Accessories for the Gray Man

Consider making good use of suit jacket pockets for things like a flat folded tourniquet or a pack of Quick Clot Combat Gauze. Flashlights and knives must also be hidden. The pocket clip sticking out is a dead giveaway and should be avoided at all costs. Consider something like the Raven Concealment Systems Pocket Shield for mounting support gear to be carried inside a pants pocket. The Phlster Flex also offers some great options for concealing spare magazines, tourniquets, flashlights and other support gear below your waistline but out of sight.
Take a look at others in the environment you are working in. Dress like everyone else. Pay special attention to details like watches, shoes, belts, sunglasses, and bags. They are often overlooked when trying to stay “Gray”. Always remember that you may still need to get physical, so wearing clothing that has some flex to it, will allow you to remain capable, without dressing like a slob. Wearing clothing that is too loose-fitting makes you look sloppy and unprofessional. Pay attention to hairstyles and facial hair of those around you. If everyone in the office is clean-shaven, then you should be too.

“Wearing clothing that has some flex to it, will allow you to remain capable, without dressing like a slob.”

Being gray is really quite simple. Establish a baseline for the environment you work in, and make sure your clothing, physical appearance, and accessories all fit that baseline. Avoid any products that tout themselves as discrete, covert, low-viz, etc. Dress like everyone else. Pay attention to detail and make sure there is nothing in your appearance or demeanor that could give away information about you that you are trying to conceal. Dressing like a fortune 500 executive and then pulling out an iPhone in a Magpul case is only going to attract undesired attention. The devil is in the details!

The Gray Man Concept. Are You Getting it Wrong?
By: Adam Scholl

Adam Scholl is a project manager for LaSorsa and Associates where he is currently serving as the Director of Operations for a large-scale executive protection project. Adam is a former law enforcement officer who served on violent crime task forces with the FBI and US Marshals. As a Sergeant, Adam was his agency’s firearms, defensive tactics, and close-quarters battle instructor. Later working for the U.S. Department of Defense as a Fieldcraft Instructor. Presently, Adam instructs Krav Maga and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu through his own company, Scholl Security Group.

Full text - The Gray Man Concept. Are You Getting it Wrong?

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The Best Gray Man Backpack for Survival and Prepping

A good gray man backpack is a huge upgrade for a variety of survival kits.
The “gray man concept”, simply put, is the ability to blend into a crowd and not draw attention to yourself. Many tactical backpacks do the opposite of this, which can work against you in a wide range of situations: from survival to every day encounters.
The best gray man backpack is versatile and functional enough to withstand all sorts of punishment, yet it still blends in.

The Best Gray Man Backpack

5.11 COVRT18 Tactical Backpack
The backpack that provided the best functionality, versatility, durability, and value.

EDC Gray Man Backpack

Vertx EDC Ready Pack
Blend in every day.
Trusted by operators. Ridiculously durable. Low visual profile.

Gray Man Messenger Bag

Blackhawk Covert Messenger Bag
One strap, many uses.
Use for your BOB, GHB, EDC, INCH, or even as your CCP range bag.

Budget Gray Man Backpack

Venture Pal Hiking Backpack
Cheap but functional.
Extremely light with a smaller backpacking profile. Inexpensive and unassuming.

What is a Gray Man Backpack?

• Hiding in plain sight
• Wolf in sheep’s clothing
• Middle of the pack

The concept of being a gray man is simple: blend in and do not draw attention to yourself. We’ll get into more gray man detail in a section below, and share some resources to point you to where you can learn more about it.
Unfortunately, for many military members, first responders, preppers and survivalists: tactical gear does not achieve this goal. There are plenty of signs that can instantly give away your job, affiliation, and intentions. A few of those include:

• Your gait, or how you move
• Your posture
• How you are dressed
• Your appearance and hygiene
• What you are carrying

Just a few details of a bag that could torpedo your attempt to blend in:

1. MOLLE – Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment straps and gear is a sure-fire giveaway that you are carrying useful equipment for survival.
2. ALICE Clips – Less noticeable than MOLLE, but a telltale sign of someone with military gear.
3. Paracord – Yeah, we know it is useful: but do not hang it off your bag. It screams ‘military’ and adds a motion component to your bag. Take off the paracord bracelet while you are at it.
4. Attached Gear – Rapid access gear is awesome in deployment zones. If you are trying to blend in, that folding shovel and firearm maybe should be concealed either within the bag or on your person.
5. Military Colors – MARPAT, ACU, or really any camouflage will, ironically, not do you any favors blending in. Even olive drab green is heavily associated with the military. Bright colors are also good to avoid, but as the name may suggest: gray is always a solid choice.
6. Size and Profile – A bag shaped like an AR will draw attention. A stuffed 60L backpacking bag will draw attention. A middle-of-the-road size with a standard profile is best here.

How to Use a Gray Man Backpack

A gray man backpack is versatile, and you should pick one similarly to how you pick out a backpacking backpack. Size is always a consideration, since you must balance comfort and capacity. Backpacks are typically measured in cubic inches or liters, which make them pretty easy to compare against each other.
Here you can see how the backpack capacity compares to the average male’s profile:

Some examples of kits matched up with appropriate sizes include:

• EDC (Everyday Carry) – 10L – 30L
• BOB (Bug Out Bag) – 30L – 60L
• INCH (I’m Never Coming Home) Bag – 40L – 75L +
• GHB (Get Home Bag) – 20L – 30L
• SCARE (Social Chaos and Response Emergency) Bag – 10L – 20L

Full text:
The Best Gray Man Backpack for Survival and Prepping

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Лучший рюкзак "серого человека" для выживания и готовности

5.11 Tactical Insulator Jacket

Engineered to provide versatile thermal protection in a broad range of climates, the Insulator Jacket is built from 62% nylon / 38% polyester fabric for an ideal blend of comfort, warmth, and weather resistance.

Style# 78006. Product Page
Color: Storm (092)

• Versatile thermal protection
  
• RAPIDraw™ pockets
  
• DWR treated exterior
  
• 62% nylon / 38% polyester
  
• Low-profile chest pockets
  
• Performance fit stretch panels
  
• 100 gm Primaloft® Silver lining
  
• 2-way YKK® front zipper
  
• Tonal 5.11® branding

Made in Vietnam

Tactical Insulator Jacket and Stryke™ Long Sleeve Shirt

Both 5.11 Tactical Insulator Jacket and Stryke™ Long Sleeve Shirt are in Storm Color (092).
The shirt was put on the bottom for the hues comparison.
The closest to the Storm (092) color in 5.11 Tactical Insulator Jacket has its lining!
The idea is to become a gray and inconspicuous, genuine grayman.
Be utmost careful while crossing the street in the evenings wearing clothes in such colors.
The zippers in the upper pockets are very tight. It is clear that the manufacturer wanted made invisible pockets. Because of fear to tear during use, smeared zippers with silicone. The water rolls off the jacket in the rain.
I purchased them from the dealer - 5.11 tactical in Belarus

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Мужская куртка - ветровка 5.11 Tactical Insulator Jacket, цвет шторм

Мужская модель куртки Insulator Jacket компании 5.11 Tactical отлично держит тепло, при своем незначительном весе, такое сочитание происходит благодаря ткани PrimaLoft Silver ( плотностью 100г/м2). Внешняя ткань (62% нейлона и 38% полиэстер) имеет долговечное водоотталкивающее покрытие (DWR), по бокам - эластичные вставкаи из ткани (93% полиэстера, 7% спандекс). Куртка Insulator Jacket при различных погодных условиях сохраняет тепло. Карманы RAPIDraw - обеспечивают доступ к скрытому оружию. В нагрудных карманах, которые не выделяются можно носить небольшие предметы.

• Характеристики мужской куртки - ветровки INSULATOR JACKET:
• Функциональный крой с эластичными боковыми вставками.
• Двустороняя молния YKK.
• Нагрудные карманы с низким профилем.

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Молнии в верхних карманах ходят очень туго. Понятно что, производитель хотел сделал незаметные карманы. Из-за боязни порвать при пользовании смазал молнии силиконом. Вода с куртки в дождь скатывается.

How to be a Gray Man

• Wear nondescript clothes.
• Dress for the occasion.
• Hide distinguishable features.
• Lose the scent.
• Control your movements.
• Adapt to your surroundings.
• Minimize interaction.
• Get rid of old habits.
• Don’t play the hero or the villain.
• Know the ins and outs of the city.
• Observe people.
• Be careful what you post online.

The concept of the gray man revolves around the idea of a person who does not draw attention to himself, who does not stand out from the normal inhabitants of a location in any way. A gray man can move through an area, even through a large group of people, without anyone taking special notice of him.
While it may sound like the province of airport spy novels and clandestine agency activity, this is undoubtedly useful in situations such as:

• Martial law and state of emergency
• Getting clear of a riot
• Post SHTF bartering
• Moving while carrying valuables
• Avoiding attention from authorities or criminal elements

Full text is here. Author - Dan “Survival” Sullivan

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Как быть "Серым Человеком"