Genuine G.I. Alice Pack

“What is the story on these packs? How big are they? Do they have a frame? Lets here it from all of you flat foots out there.”

“I would not reccomend it. Durability is it's main asset.”

“They make two different sizes. For years I used the smaller version (actually caled a medium) which is about a 2900ci pack according to US Cav's catalog, and weighs 4.1 pounds with the standard frame and straps. It packs pretty clean and has lots of places on the outside for strapping down gear.

I now use the larger version carries 3800ci and has a few more pockets - small ones for M16 magazines. It also sticks out forther to the rear, which typically means you need to hunch over more while hiking. It weighs 4.7 pounds with the frame and straps.

When I say use, I mean at work. I own my own backpacks that are lighter and more comfortable.

As backpacks go, the ALICE pack is very durable and gives you the benifits of a frame pack -ventilation, external storage, and ability to dissassemble and clean; with the benifits of an external - lower center of gravity. It is a great hybrid for cross country or trail hiking. I think the best thing is you can get a complete set without spending a lot of money from a surplus store - then modify it for your needs. A cool modification I have seen is to take the smaller size, leave off the frame and make a frame sheet from a military sleeping pad cut to about 36"x20" and folded in half, use the shouldr straps and kidney pad, cut off the center rear pocket, the radio pocket (it's inside), most of the superfluous external strap down points, and the rubber liner on the lid. You could have a lightweight 2500ci backpack for about $25-$35 bucks that wieghs about 1.75-2 pounds.”

“One should note though that the ALICE is made for short people. Not that I have ever been able to find a great fitting pack, but the ALICE was the worst, the hip belt was always at my naval.”

“I hated them for years! I am a tall kinda guy with a long torso and they were very uncomfortable. The new ones that GI's use are much better but are still made specifically for soldiers to do their jobs. If thats all you can afford then go for it, at least you can get on the trail with it.

SFC Harrison”

“You tell em Spam! U DaMAN!”

“ALICE is the old style. what are the new ones called? MARCY, or something like that. it has a quick release to drop that pack, so you can haul ass while being shot at.

this could be useful in north georgia.”

“Does the Military use Internal frame packs yet at all (besides them little ruck sacks)? I've only Externals.”

“They were looking at an internal frame, hell I've got a friend that was issued a Lowe military version with a built in swiss seat.

The new one they settled on is the MOLE or the MOLLLIE or something like that. It weighs 20 pounds (including removeable assault pack andsleeping bag carrier) empty and uses a Kevelar external frame. The LBE is replaced by a tack vest wich also serves as the harness system for the pack.

IMHO it is over-engineered by someone who dosen't have to carry it.

I didn't like the issue rucksacks for a while until I beefed up the kidney pad, that made a huge difference.”

“THAT's what it must be! the MOLLIE!”

“Military equipment is generally ill suited for backpacking. The packs are no different.”

“Don't take bacpac's statement literally although he is half correct. There are many items that the military uses that are great for backpacking i.e. there's not a better lensatic compass on the market or one that will last any longer,polypro undergarments good,G.I. canteen cup is a great item and the Army is also using a military version of Cameback hydration systems.I also use a military scarf in the winter because it is tubular. You take one end, turn it inside itself put it on your head like a skicap and wind the rest around your face and neck. I use to use this when riding my Harley in cold weather and it worked great. There are alot of primitive things that the military uses but you also have to take into consideration that their equipment gets used much much more than you will use it and it has to be cost effective and last longer than the average Joe's stuff. There is a method to their madness.”

“Dead on SPAM!”

“I think the question should be, to those who have been forced to carry one, would you spend the money on one?

I know I wouldn't, but that could be because one followed me home but has never been used since.”

“This is obviously subjective, but I have military poly pro and I much prefer microfiber fleece. It is lighter, warmer, and better wicking. I have a military canteen cup I never use, I found something lighter with a broader base for heating. I suppose there may be some military items that have no equal, but as a rule I will stand by my previous statement.”

“I have used lots of military gear, not all as designed. I have been slowly replacing most of my military gear over the years with lighter civilian stuff. I wouldn't get a rucksack neccissarily just to buy one for backpacking, but if I was on a tight budget and wanted to get some gear cheap that would definately be bombproof, an ALICE pack fits the bill.

I also still use polypro, a field jacket liner, polypro glove liners, wool mittens, knit PT hat, a sleeping shirt, 100 mph tape, parachute cord, and a cut down foam sleeping pad.”

“walkindude, you asked about military internals. I had one (as a civilian)built by Lowe Alpine . It was HUGE, 6400 cubic inches and about 7 lbs empty! It had 4 external side pockets, the top removed to form a 3 pocket day pack, made of cordura. I carried it for 5 years. Finally gave it away, to Alpine as a matter of fact.

I would not carry a military pack, at least not an issued pack. Companies like "BlackHawk" make packs that are usable in some units ( my buddy in the 82nd Airborne carries one). And it looks to be pretty nice except that it costs $169 for a 24oo cu inch pack. eeeeeK!”

“And ya gotta love them MRE's, Right Hyperpacker. LOL! LMFAO!!!!!
(inside joke)”

“I have an external frame rucksack (Alice?) that I bought from a friend last year. I keep it as a spare for when I'm joined by someone who doesn't have a pack. That's occured only once.

I used it once on an experimental lightweight trip - I was packing only about 15 lbs. I got lots of suspiscious looks from fellow hikers - I think they thought I was some kinda survivalist or something.

I find it rather comfortable, and will surely use it again - especially now that I have Belle to share the load.”

“MREs, I wouldn't ever take those hiking. I did it once for someone that wanted to try them. I can carry a whole days food for the same weight as one of those.

I know what wou mean Gojo. I wore my PC (patrol cap for you civilians) on some hiking trips and used to get lots of questions and looks. Like I said, I've slowly been replacing all my gear with civilian gear. I think the next to go will be the wool mittens for some flece, and a new cap for the PC. Oh yes, my poncho liner and my field jacket liner will probably be replaced by thinsulate versions, but those are still military stuff IMO.

Who knows, someday I may not carry any Military stuff.”

“Walkindude... MREs HAHAHAHAHAHA. Lets not go through that again! LOL”

“GI gear is heavy.”