LC2 Alice Packs?

mymindisamob

mymindisamob

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Feb 1, 2005
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I haven't carried an Alice Pack in years, but I am considering a purchase of the LC2 version. Does anyone here have some experience with these? How about pics in use?
I was converted to Kifaru packs awhile back, but I need something this size. The Kifaru X-Ray is about the size I want (1800+), but it's around $300.00. I'm wanting to use more fundage in the actual outing nowadays than in high priced gear. Kifaru makes an absolute bomb-proof pack, but I remember some posts somewhere saying the Alice Pack made now is waterproof and very tough. So, give me some feedback please.:thumbup:
 
don't know about the LC2 but www.lapolicegear.com has Maxpedition baby condor at 2000ci. at a very respestable price. I have heard nothing but good things about the company. Just thought it might be another option for you.

Paul.
 
I've had my ALICE pack for years and before that someone else had it for years. I'd reccomend it to anyone, at the price its hard to beat. The large central compartment with relatively large, adjustable pouches is an excellent design not to mention a lot better than most civilian packs IMHO. I suggest looking into an upgrade for the straps and such from:

http://tacticaltailor.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=14

http://www.optactical.com/alipad.html

http://www.blackhawk.com/category1.asp?D=D0059&S=S0546&G=G1&C=C1400&N=1&pricestart=&priceend=
 
Judging by the size you want, I take it you're looking at the medium ALICE without the frame?
IMO they make a good daypack, and the issued straps are fine. If they start getting uncomfortable, you're overloading the pack (they're good up to 25 pounds, and acceptable to 35, after that, you need the frame).
 
At those weights, a rolled closed cell foam sleeping pad lining the inside makes a decent internal "frame". Depending on the particular pad and pack, you may have to trim the pad width a bit.

Codger
 
get the large alice pack! make sure frame and straps/waist strap are with it. should be under $80. about a week worth of stuff can fit in it!(i pack lite) large alice packs weren't replaced until the mid 90's. the medium ones are for remf's! good luck (hunting)!
 
Alice - both versions - is state-of-the art -- for WWII (haversack; bergen Ski Pack)

There have been improvements, namely, shifting most of the load to the hips, where Design Central intended you to carry weight.\

If the load is light enough, who cares?
 
valcas1 said:
don't know about the LC2 but www.lapolicegear.com has Maxpedition baby condor at 2000ci. at a very respestable price. I have heard nothing but good things about the company. Just thought it might be another option for you.

Paul.
Click to expand...

I got one about a week ago. Fantastic pack, IMO. Very well made and comfortable with the light loads I carry. It's my new EDC bag.
 
They're not waterproof, but very good. Alice packs are in the love it or hate it area. I love mine, others hate them. I think they are very well made, sturdy, and very comfortable to carry. I've gone through many internal frames, my Alice has them all beat for comfort - for my back. YMMV.

I've been using the same one I was issued back in 1983. Still going strong.
 
Hammer27 said:
I'd have to strongly encourage you to get a frame. It's probably $30 more and it never hurt to have. But to each his own I suppose.
Click to expand...

Is it due to comfort or weight limits? Not that I am against the frame, I just wondered why the strong feelings for it.
 
I find that its more comfortable as your back is meeting the same thing everytime you put it on (contours don't change when you put different things in). Its also more secure strapping things to the bottom when you go through the loops sewn to the pack AND the aluminum frame's cut outs that correspond nicely. Same goes for the straps. Its always good to be redundant in rentention if you might push the limits. I've used my ALICE pack oncewithout the frame and it just didn't feel right, didn't ride as well on the back, etc.

I'll try to post some pics of mine with the frame soon.
 
Hammer27 said:
I find that its more comfortable as your back is meeting the same thing everytime you put it on (contours don't change when you put different things in). Its also more secure strapping things to the bottom when you go through the loops sewn to the pack AND the aluminum frame's cut outs that correspond nicely. Same goes for the straps. Its always good to be redundant in rentention if you might push the limits. I've used my ALICE pack oncewithout the frame and it just didn't feel right, didn't ride as well on the back, etc.

I'll try to post some pics of mine with the frame soon.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I appreciate the input.:thumbup:
 
Ok here we go. I actually have two ALICE packs in my house right now (mine and my brothers). His has the standard issue straps and mine has the Blackhawk aftermarket ones. So here are the pics (just click to see them bigger in the link):



Just the pack here. You can see that the Blackhawk straps have a sternum strapm are contoured, have dual quick release buckles, and D rings. The somewhat lighter piece of OD strap is just a loop I had sewn onto the frame to use as a carry handle.



Here we can see that the shoulder straps are looped through BOTH the D ring of the pack and the frame at the shoulders.




Here we see that the shoulder straps are attached to the aluminum frame on the bottom. The D ring I'm holding is what they'd be looped to without the frame.



This is what I was talking about when I spoke of lashing things to the pack. Its much more secure when you have both the nylon loop and the frame supporting whatever it is (sleeping bag, tent, etc.)



The quick release system on the inferior (IMHO) GI straps.

I hope this helps.
 
Sorry, my comments were assuming it has a frame - makes all the difference in the world.
 
Hammer27 said:
No problem, always a pleasure to help:thumbup:
Looking at the first picture, its amazing how many shades of OD green there are:eek:
Click to expand...

I've noticed that. I remember during bootcamp (many years ago) thinking that OD Green comes in many flavors, as does black.:D
 
One thing to remember with the frame is that it's designed for someone 70" (5' 10") tall. If you vary from that much, it may not be comfortable. I really can't get enough into my medium ALICE to need the frame, and I prefer it without. The large ALICE is another story.

I also tend towards traditional rucksacks, which have only shoulder straps, no frame, so the Medium ALICE doesn't feel strange. If you're used to framed packs, the ALICE without a frame will feel very different.
 
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