I had recently got a screaming deal on a new climbing pack that is perfect for what I need, minus the visible-in-all-wooded-settings-and-probably-from-space color. Most of my gear is bright, half for visibility in poor conditions, half for…well, the vanity of climbing photos, if we're being honest here. But the idea of gear being orange-on-orange-on-yellow just seemed a little excessive. Especially because I don't climb fast enough to be that loud and obnoxious! I had never given thought to dyeing gear. As a climber, the idea of imparting any foreign substance to my gear is taboo. But, I recently saw a thread where someone was selling the same pack that had been dyed, and I decided to give it a shot. I couldn't find info on the process or risks or really good outcomes, so this thread is my attempt at contribution. Starting: pack, two liquid dye bottles to ensure a dark color, and some vinegar (supposed to help with dying nylon). Holy crap this thing is bright. MY EYES!! 
The pot. Sorry for crappy angle. Used a big turkey-frying pot on my big Coleman stove. Hot water helps the dyeing process. Water wasn't boiling, but just short. 
Added dye bottles and vinegar. 
About three minutes after adding the pack to the pot with dye. 
Ten minutes. Note the screen print doesn't take the dye. 
The finished product, after fifteen minutes in the pot, followed by rinsing with cool water and a cycle in the washer. 
A couple of findings: The high(er) denier nylon on the bottom of the pack came out slightly lighter…interesting it's not completely black, and still has an orange hue. The silnylon expansion sleeve didn't take the dye, as expected. The screenprint didn't take at all, as expected. Made a great pack for an SF Giants fan! The pack feels exactly the same to hand. No stiffness, it doesn't seem quieter or louder. All the foam padding still feels good and soft. I'd be curious to see anyone else's results, and how the dye stands up to some longer term abuse.
