ALICE #4

[Lowdown3]

I can't escape it....

I'm stuck in the 80's, 70's or whatever (I got my 1st in 87).

I keep going back to the ol skewl medium Alice pack as my main pack. I know, I know, I've just crushed any thoughts of me being ubertacticool with anyone out there ;) Specially Protus who loves all that multi cam MOLLE gear ;)

We have a couple of the newer packs. The smaller ones like the 3 day "assault" packs are o.k. but don't hold enough IMO. Great for car kits and that's what we use them for.

Recently got a USMC digital 3 day "assault pack" and thought- "this will make a good new BOB for the boy."

That was fun. We hadn't repacked his pack in a good while.... I took out the plastic utensils- the bright green Alligator knife, the orange'ish Monkey shaped spoon, etc. LOL I looked at him and laughed. "Here you are whacking targets at 100 yards with your .22 AK, choking people out and you have these as a backup" (holding up the Eddie the Alligator plastic knife) LMAO!!

I like the USMC pack, but again, it's too small for a main pack IMO.

Went the cool daddy new MOLLE pack route about a year ago after one of the flat "O" shaped shoulder strap attachments to ALICE #3 broke off. Plastic frame, waist strap (I don't think packs used in a tactical situation should have a waist strap- just the way we trained way back in the day). Lots of compartments, attachment points, etc.

Never learned to like it.

So, 24 years later, "the circle is now complete" and I'm right back with the pack (style) I originally started out with. Call me a creature of habit, call me resistant to change, you just can't call me a gear snob ;) LOL

Tactical Tailor shoulder straps are about the biggest "upgrade" I've done to the old gals. I'd like to make or buy a semi rigid sheet type internal frame dealee (you gear guys correct my wording on this huh?) as I don't like the ALICE frame.

FWIW, I've carried a good bit of poundage over the years in the first 3 of these. You don't "have" to have a frame to carry upwards of 60 lbs. in one. You'll WANT a frame... but it's not 100% necessary.

Anyone still using the old gal other than me? How long you had one? Any good modifications or upgrades?

[610Alpha]

Still got one...no mods as of yet....still adding to it. Mine still has that stale musty smell it had when they first gave it to me.

[Lowdown3]

E- you'd probably love those Tactical Tailor straps. They have beau coup padding on them. No quick release though, which I don't care for- a simple quality fastex buckle would be sufficient probably.

[eeyore]

Mine is an Alice also, thanks for the reminder i need to repack mine also, i'm sure there is a china made rambo knock off knife with the serrated blade in there some where lol

[Grand58742]

If you don't care for the frame, you could try the Down East 1606. New build specifically made for the ALICE, but made by the same folks who make the MOLLE II frame

http://downeastinc.com/cgi-bin/online/storepro.php

Seems to be good reviews on it

ETA: The website is probably the most hateful one I think I've ever encountered. Down East needs a new web page designer...bad.

[Klayton]

Thanks for the link Grand58742

[Bill Foster]

I finally had to admit that I am not 18 anymore and I went with a lighter load. I purchased a Maxpedition Falcon II. It is smaller and carries less than my old Alice pack, but that was the point; less weight for old bones. It forced me to take out the kitchen sink and 4-piece place setting of stoneware. I have added-on some pouches; one for my first aid kit, one for my mess kit, and one canteen (in addition to the one on my belt). I have always liked the East German mess kit, you know, the one that is shaped like a kidney? It fits well in a saw pouch. After experimenting with all the fasteners, I still prefer the Alice snaps vs. Velcro, the old metal stays, or the new Malice clips. Arthritis makes one change their tactics (see the rule about picking a fight with an old guy).

[protus]

there are a ton of mods for the alice.
1- the down east frame sheet
2- TT wasit and shoulder pads
3- hellcat - this is where the molle 2 ruck shoulder pads, wasit belt and sleep carrier frame are added to the alice pack.
4- set it on fire and get a good pack.

I have my med alice. Ive used it since 91' i dunno i was 16/17 when i got it.
About 3 -4 years ago was the last time i used it on a hike. I gave it one last huurahh. My shoulders/back were killing me and i only have maybe 40 lbs in it.
but i can not get rid of it no matter how much i want to. My wife actaully laughed at me when i said that....

the med alice is only about 2300 ci's. It seems bigger due to its lay out.( one big compartment ). Most newer packs that are that size wont hold as much becasue they have all the fancy little pockets and zipper areas to hold stuff.

My BHI 3 day is 2200 ci and change. But since it is divided into 3 sections it isnt as "big" per say as the med alice. It also have no frame. I however built a frame sheet for it. I almost got rid of it, till i did that. worlds of difference.
its the only 3 day/assualt pack i own. Honestly , i think 3 day/assualt packs are nothing more than school backpacks. The usgi one with a frame sheet wouldnt be to bad. but they really arent made for large loads.
the last time my med alice got used a may/june summer hike back in 08...

im more than happy with my kelty falcon 4k military ruck.
Once i remove the top lid its about 1500ci bigger than my med Alice(3300 ci irrc), has a lower profile, is 150% more comfortable with the same loads, plus is covered in molle- meaning i can add to it if need be to make it large( for longer hauls).
It has QD buckles on all straps, and the hipd belt is removable.

when it was new. ive had around 60 lbs in it once. nothing like the med alice was with that weight.

base wt of 38 lbs with 4 liters of h20.........with 6 extra liters of h20 in her to make it to camp ( water source was 1/2 mile away so we filterd 8 liters i carried the extra 6 since i had the bigger pack). besides the "heavy" feeling it had...no comfort issues.




maybe one day i'll upgrade the alice to beter straps than what i have done already.....but the newer rucks plain ole beat it right now imho.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Still using a large with frame as my main BOB. I still have a medium that my Son is eyeballing. I really havent mod mine too much, it's heavy no matter what LOL

[Cimarron]

Still use a no-frame pack that I have only had 55# in. I don't think I would like to add much more but I know there is other items I need to add to a serious 3-day pack. Maybe I will put a frame pack on my Christmas list since..

@Protus- Thanks for the pics. Those are some sweet "tactical" molle-multi-cam-flip-flops hanging off your pack. :cool:

[Hawkeye]

LD, there are some benefits to the ALICE, so your not alone. My buddy and I are working on a few ideas.... ;)

[610Alpha]

E- you'd probably love those Tactical Tailor straps. They have beau coup padding on them. No quick release though, which I don't care for- a simple quality fastex buckle would be sufficient probably.

Thanks LD!! I'll check them out. I do kind of like the quick release though. I remember using it A LOT in basic....found it handy to be able to drop the ruck in a hurry.

[tarheelsman71]

mystery ranch has some pretty cool features, but they sure think alot of them. www.mysteryranch.com

[protus]

Still use a no-frame pack that I have only had 55# in. I don't think I would like to add much more but I know there is other items I need to add to a serious 3-day pack. Maybe I will put a frame pack on my Christmas list since..

@Protus- Thanks for the pics. Those are some sweet "tactical" molle-multi-cam-flip-flops hanging off your pack. :cool:

LOL

yip my camo fojo's. i always biner' them off to my rucks when i hike. That way my feet can air out in camp and i dont have to walk bare foot.

i dont own any multicam........i promise you....lol

[Grand58742]

LD, there are some benefits to the ALICE, so your not alone. My buddy and I are working on a few ideas.... ;)

Are you taking requests?