advice on militairy backpack

K

Kevin the grey

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Aug 26, 2005
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I have what I was told is a U:S: militairy backpack . Very well made strong olive drab all things you would expect in a pack that sees rough useage .
It is not in the least water resistant . It almost seems to wick the water inside . I,m not expecting waterproof as that may be counterproductive . I thought there would be some resistance . Is it possible because the sack was brand new that it did not receive a treatment ?

Also all external pockets have a tightened strap double snap quick release system . The main sack has two straps that tighten or slacken with no quick release . You have to loosen the two straps and shove them to the side which seems innefficient .
Who has got more experience with this sack and knows the ins and outs a bit more ?
 
sounds like the standard US military A.L.I.C.E. pack. We ALWAYS use a waterproof bag ($10 item) inside of the main compartment. As to the straps, they do suck, but there are aftermarket kits you can get that convert it into a QD clip system. You pull the long strap out of the bottom adjuster and then a short strap sewn onto the female end of the qd clip is inserted into the adjuster. The male end of the qd clip is then threaded onto the long stap and voila, quicker, easier system although not as strong. But you can carry an extra clip or if one breaks just thread the long strap back into the adjuster. When used with the standard frame the pack is not very comfortable but it is strong and can carry alot of gear without killing you. The pack is uncomfy because it sits so low, the reason being they want you to be able to turn your head and look around with a helmet on.
 
Plow 2 There are several features that I like about the sack or I,d just give it up to one of its constant admirers . It is very strong . The many outside pockets are roomy and actually carry as much as the inner main compartment . There is an outer side sleeve that will carry a 3 c maglite in a secure manner . There is a hole with a black grommet insert in the lower frame on both sides . It seems like a design feature to carry something .
You have given me reason to have hope for this pack . Is there anything else about it that is an obvious feature I haven,t mentioned ?
 
here is a pic of the usgi alice pack. If this is not what you have, then you'll have to tailor my response to fit what you do have.

alc264a.jpg


The ALICE pack is meant to be a strong pack that will allow soldiers to get from point a to point b and still have all of your equipment with you. To make it more user friendly outside of military service (some mods would not be allowed) there are a few things you can do. First I have seen but never tried a composite frame that is supposed to be quieter and more comfortable. There are aftermarket pouches that you can get that connect via ALICE or maxpeditions MALICE clips to the loops placed around the sack, including the Army's standard 2 qt canteen pouch and entrenching tool case. Also the waterproof bag is a MUST, and you can even find small waterproof bags for the small pockets.
It's a strong pack but nas been pretty much the same since vietnam. The Army has recently gone to a new pack system.
I recently purchased the Spec-Ops T.H.E. pack
THE pack
It is smaller than the large ALICE but has more versatility for adding pouches and such and is also more comfortable.
 
First off thanks for the effort you,ve put into this .

My pack has four external pockets deeper than they are wide . The flap over the main pack appears to be smaller on mine .There is a drawstring closure on the opening of the main pack with a pocket on the inside of the opening . Your material seems to be more canvas like . Mine is a very heavy duty nylon material . Overall mine seems to be a slightly smaller pack though its hard to tell without scale .
Whatever mine is its very good quality . I acquired it around 1986 if thats any help .
 
no alice pack has 4 external pockets. Alice packs have either 3 or 6. You might have a CPF-90, or any of the aftermarket packs that some unit SOP's might allow you to have.
 
Do any of these four pocket aftermarket sacks have a hole in the frame on either side with a black grommet insert ?
 
I have a medium frame ALICE pack and love it. Enough room for all of my gear, but not too big. My wife and I hike to the top of a lot of the mountains here in Colorado, and this is the perfect weekend pack for us. I find it very comfortable, and prefer an external frame. I went through a lot of the newer designs at REI, but they all gave me neck and back problems, where the military pack doesn't. Enjoy!
 
Tactical Tailor Does some really sweet Ruck mods.. including getting rid of all those snap closures and replacing them with Fastex buckles..

They'll even do custom jobs if they can.. like I had the Bottom extension done with just the clinch straps.. Oh, and I love thier shoulder straps and belts!
 
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