Military Dudes Please Evaluate

[Nemo]

these packs, prices and such.  Are they worthwhile?  Sturdy enough?  Cost reasonable?  Primarily interested in the 2 Alice Packs and not so much the Fox Outdoors.  Unless that one is the best.  Frame?  Worth the $10?  Talk to me.  You have the experience.  I do not.

Nemo

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/productlist?k=alice+pack

[JohnyMac]

I am not military however I have backpacked thousands of miles in my youth. You need a frame and hearty hip strap.

On another note: I own the large Military Alice pack. Bought it about 10 years ago for $90- from a retiring solider. I have NO issues with it.

[Erick]

Alice packs are comfortable packs.
They used ot have problems with their straps but I understand those were fixed in the 90s.

very ergonomic and adjustable on my frame.

I actually prefetr the color of the military "style" one that was shown BUT the term "military style" is a bit of  a red flag to me "military surplus" has the better pedigree

[Nemo]

Thats what has me wondering.  The Military Surplus Spec and Military-style ALICE Pack.  The other one is described as Used U.S. Military Surplus.  I figure that was about the best one of the bunch as far as reliability and such.  Probably going to get one of those.  $45 with the frame ain't bad methinks.

Nemo

[Kbop]

This may not be what your looking for;
   but I've used Alice and several other external frame packs.  later I tried a few I frame systems.
I haven't camped a lot in the last 10 years but have gone camping and hiking from BSA, US Army, Personal - fun, I hiked the ATC in pieces I was a trail maintainer on Sandy Hook and Pine Knob in Maryland for years.

in the frame packs I like the Alice rig- I have the little load carrying plate for it too.  it is versatile and comfortable.  I don't like the way I Frames don't let my back breathe.  it is pretty quick and easy to drop your pack, remove the frame and start carrying the scepter cans or other heavy items.  you can adjust the straps and re-settle the load as needed.  I took a couple of the black cottonwebbing belts - used for the BDU pants and wrapped them around the load plate for storage and used them to secure a load when I used the load plate.  I have two old moose packs and frames - Alice large - I've never worn them out.  repaired them but never had them fail on me.
I like the system better than I frames for anything except climbing - steep enough I need to use three point holds in places.

I've never tried the "Alice Style".  I do recommend getting a couple of waist bands if you are planning on heavy use - I wear them out the most.

[gadget99]

Hi All,

I will chime in here.

Two decades as an Infantryman and huge amount of time using the Large Alice Pack with frame here.

I cannot fault them at all. They are robust and can carry alot packed properly. You would be hard pressed to find a rucksack that can take punishment like the Large Alice.

Once you get one, you can look up the Malice modifications that make it unbeatable in my opinion.

My old one is and always will be my Bob.

[thatGuy]

Yeah the Alice rig was a standard setter for sure.

There are some great tutorials on upgrading the suspension and I would suggest you do so, I would also suggest that you stay away from anything "style." Spend the money and get the real thing, then take it out and use it!

[Reaver]

They hurt but they work.

Don't get the medium or small. Go for the large even if you think it's ganna be to much. Trust me

[Currahee]

As has been said, get the used military one, not the ALICE "style"

I would suggest upgrading the pads.  But I moved many a mile with a loaded ALICE with the old pads.

[Burt Gummer]

Alice pack & frame 3 / 10
The frame puts the center of gravity too far away from your lumbar region, also the frame is designed for a "medium" high guy.

Hill People Gear Ute Pack 10 / 10
Integrated frame & modular pad/belt
http://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/tabid/762/CategoryID/3/ProductID/10/Default.aspx
http://www.itstactical.com/gearcom/packs/hill-people-gear-ute-pack-a-modular-backcountry-platform/

[Nemo]

Burt, I think I have to date Alice, not Ms. Hill.  $50 works better for my pocket than $400.  But if you send me $350 . . ..

Nemo

[Grudgie]

I have never used an Alice pack, but if we are throwing around suggestions I'll put in mine. Granted, this is the only pack I have ever used. The improved load bearing equipment pack, or the ILBE for short.

http://www.amazon.com/ILBE-Main-Pack-Generation-Assault/dp/B009ES1OK4

You could find a good one on Ebay or military surplus for $100. It is definitely comfortable. I hardly noticed the weight at all until I took it off after a hike. I felt like I was wearing moon boots afterwards. One of the best parts about it is it floats in water.

[gadget99]

As has been said, get the used military one, not the ALICE "style"

I would suggest upgrading the pads.  But I moved many a mile with a loaded ALICE with the old pads.

Sorry to hijack the thread here...

Currahee...... My first unit in the Army was Aco. 1/506th Inf. with the 101st just before it changed to Aco. 3/502nd Inf.

Of interest is that I got sent after that to Korea and was assigned to Cco. 1/9th Inf. and not long after I leaft they were re-designated 1/506th.

Nice to see a Currahee  brother here.

[WhiskeyJack]

I used alice gear for 8 yrs and i have a medium surpluss alice pack for my bob. I will be getting a lg and giving my wife the medium. They are good packs. But i wouldnt buy the ones your looking at. Go fing a good surplus one and be rdy to pay $75-$110. I always added a lil extra padding to the kidney pad and the back. You can store a few more items inbetween the frame and the added pad. I am very leary of things labeled military or alice style. The stitching dosnt hold up. And you can add some molle pouches to an alice pack. A couple of things to check on alice packs before buying. Frame rivets, the frames are rivetet together so check those rivets for signs of wear and pulling. the stiching on all seams. just good policy to look at that. and fraying on all the straps. the retention and shoulder straps are made really well but the edges can fray out a lil bit over time. so good hunting man hope you get a good bag.