ALICE Packs

[twostrings]

Hey everyone,

I'm looking into buying a backpack this year. I have checked out a ton of great packs online (products like badlands), but they are outside the limits of my budget. I have been checking out ALICE packs online, but have never handled one. Do any of you use one of these? If so, does it work for you? and probably most importantly: What size do you carry?

Ideally, I'd like something that I can carry a heavy coat + My TreeSaddle I hunt in.

thanks,
mh

[LBR]

I have a large U.S. Army issue ALICE pack I used in CO one year, with the frame.  It held plenty, but I'd opt for a better frame before I used it again.

[Andrew Wesley]

the ALICE is a great pack. has a ridged frame.
but it can be a little uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time.

i prefer the MOLLE pack. which is similar except that it has a semi hard plastic frame and much better padding for comfort.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

look for a good exterior frame pack. the best way to find what works for you would be to try them on... Cabela's has some nice ones.

[twostrings]

Thanks guys. I should probably add a little more detail to what I am looking for. This pack will pretty much be a day pack only. Used for chasing whitetails from trees. So, though a small light frame would be fine, a frame is not needed. The max distance that I cover is a couple of miles one way. Basically, it will hold rain gear, coat, tree saddle, calls, etc.

Does your opinion change any with my added information?

Thanks,
Matthew

[lpcjon2]

I love the Alice pack,You should also get the frame they are very roomy and come in two sizes.I would also get the waterproof bag that goes inside.Check out google colemans military surplus.Highly recomend it!I carried it through the desert, the jungles, mountaians and some of the most extreme cold weather areas Uncle Sam put me in.

[michaelschwister]

Any alice pack can be used with or without a frame.  I love my large ALICE for hauling stuff.  Had 200# of elk meat in it one time in an emergency.  I hear there are many newer and better packs out there, but I learned to love the large alice in the Army, it was my home for many years.

[Grabwad]

I love mine and don't have a frame.  I have no need for one and for my hunting its just extra weight.  I have the med pack and I can field quarter a southern whitetail and pack it out.  It very rugged but the material is loud.  I just do what i need to do before I get settled.

[Tsalagi]

I humped an Alice pack on road marches in the army. I hated it. Very uncomfortable. There are much better packs out there. Some former army dogs are going to disagree with me. But usually, the civilian world has better gear than the army buys. Go online and look for a used civilian pack if budget is an issue. There are tons of high quality packs out there from people who "got into backpacking", walked a total of 2 miles, then gave it up.

[DannyBows]

I've been using a Molle Patrol pack for months to haul my gear around on my motorcycle. I'm going to get another for hunting. I like it, as it's just big enough, has an internal plastic support, is Hydration Bag capable, and with all the Molle webbing I can easily add sustainment pouches or a wide assortment of pouches etc as needed. You can get a nice one, in Woodland Camo right now for about $30 shipped on the auction site. I love military spec gear, it's well made and can usually be obtained for a decent price.

[ron w]

I have used an Alice for years...with a frame and with out.They work very well, the only reason I don't now is I'm going a lot lighter than before.