It's very big for EDC but if that's what you want go for it. I have used them and they are very comfortable. What else can I say? They are built tough and sturdy. I've seen them tossed around, thrown on the ground, shoved full to the brim with heavy crap, and I've swam with one. They have to be to survive the hell that Marines put them through. I'm not sure about dyeing the marpat, but marpat is very effective on the East Coast.
Now I didn't believe this until I saw it, but the ILBE floats. I can just about ride one down a river like a canoe.
EDIT: Nevermind, you were talking about the assualt pack. It's tough as hell too. Not to comfortable. Just an ordinary back pack. But it gets the job done.