thanks guys, the advice is much appriciated! lucky, i've pretty much been saving every Sand Trooper picture i found on the web for years, heh, i've always loved Sand Trooper's best, so i have lots of reference photos. and i have been scanning the net recently for info on making backpacks and such. and this site is great! it has lots of great info on how to get dirty and how to make diamond knee pads and everything. i truly am lucky! thanks to everyone again, i will no doubt be back with lots of questions!