Well, it's time to show a bit more progress! I have the very rough beginnings of my comms back pack.

This is the view from someone behind me if I had it on. Currently, it's little more than an aluminum box, but it's a start.

This is the top view. It's a bit hard to see, but there's a plate with rounded ends welded on there, on the right side. That's a reinforcement plate for other things to be added later.
This is the right side. The machete I posted earlier will be in a sheath that'll hang on this side.

Here's the left side. I designed what I think is a pretty cool ventilation plate here. Eventually, I'll put mosquito screening inside behind this. Also, there's a toggle switch and a blue LED in there. They'll have to come out before I paint this thing, but I just wanted an idea of what they'd look like.

And lastly, a shot of me holding this thing up to my chest. I know, I know, it goes on my back!

But I just wanted people to get an idea of the size of the pack.
Anyway, this is where mu time is going right now. I hope to have more updates/finished product soon!