backpacks

[turkeywayne]

has anyone ever carried the military ALICE rucksack on the at hike. i humped it for years and it is almost indestructable, i used it with and without the netal frame. any suggestions would be sppreciated. i used it in the army and camping. this will be my first at hike, wayne

[swjohnsey]

has anyone ever carried the military ALICE rucksack on the at hike. i humped it for years and it is almost indestructable, i used it with and without the netal frame. any suggestions would be sppreciated. i used it in the army and camping. this will be my first at hike, wayne

Yep, Jon started out with one but had a ULA before Fontana Dam. I wouldn't carry one without a frame. With a frame it weighs about 6 pounds.

[Tenderheart]

Yes, they are very durable, but also very heavy. I probably would re-think carrying one. Unfortunately, almost all military gear is uncomfortable. I think that's intentional, for some strange reason.

[TOMP]

I dont know if this will work. But it is a video of a former army guy that did just what you are asking and his take on it. Basically says its the wrong tool for the job.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBiqeXwhYqI&feature=plcp&context=C38a8673U DOEgsToPDskJwPpMoLGRjW_P-2j927fgV

Here is the link if the enbedding doesnt work.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBiqeXwhYqI&feature=plcp&context=C38a8673UDOEgsToPDskJwPpMoLGRjW_P-2j927fgV

[turkeywayne]

thenk you very much. i forgot how little i did remember about the weight. back then i was ten foot tall and bulletproff i thought. i will keep asking the white blaze hikers all my crazy questions in hopes of not going there unprepared.

[jelloitsalive]

Im thinking about using an alice pack to for the A.T Maryland Hike. I had one in the army then they switched to MOLLE And most of still used the alice not a fan of molle.... Any sugestions on where to purchase an Authentic U.S alice pack and know for sure its not a replica??? Thanx

[swjohnsey]

Im thinking about using an alice pack to for the A.T Maryland Hike. I had one in the army then they switched to MOLLE And most of still used the alice not a fan of molle.... Any sugestions on where to purchase an Authentic U.S alice pack and know for sure its not a replica??? Thanx

Look on eBay. You need a frame and a bag. Bag comes in large and medium. Large has three little pockets above the three big pockets. It will hold about 3,600 ci. They will usually say "issue" if it is the real deal.

I like the ALICE, carried it 'bout a million miles. It is comfortable and will carry alot of weight. It is also heavy (about 6 lbs) wide and noisey. I still keep a few around mostly for nostalgia and to loan to folks.

edit: Checked eBay, this one is the real deal, looks to be in pretty good shape, only twenty bucks plus another twenty for shipping.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LARGE-OD-ALICE-Field-Pack-LC-1-w-FRAME-Rucksack-VG-Condition-/250889015715?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a6a2691a3

[swjohnsey]

I dont know if this will work. But it is a video of a former army guy that did just what you are asking and his take on it. Basically says its the wrong tool for the job.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBiqeXwhYqI&feature=plcp&context=C38a8673U DOEgsToPDskJwPpMoLGRjW_P-2j927fgV

Here is the link if the enbedding doesnt work.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBiqeXwhYqI&feature=plcp&context=C38a8673UDOEgsToPDskJwPpMoLGRjW_P-2j927fgV


Sounds like a garrison Ranger. He can talk more and say less . . .

[turkeywayne]

looked at some of the homemade videos of making own backpack. took one of my alice pacs and modified it , removed two pockets, modified top, changed straps and put sleeping pad inside for back support. added one d ring to eack strap high up on top to allow sleeping bag mounting, got the weight down to approx 2 and half pounds. emailed tennessee viking for outfitter in or around nashville to try fitting some of the factory packs. i cant see me buying a 150..00 pack for my first one week trip with grandson. your video was spot on and we appreciate your honesty. will let you know how it works out. thanks

[hunter121]

Oh, thank God I can grow a beard and am uninterested in picking up other men on message forums!
http://www.primeaffiliate.com/track/images/20.creation.jpg
http://www.canadablackberry.com/imgs/images/2.tod.gif

[Uncle Walkie]

I've been a Marine infantryman for 18 years and have hiked the ALICE pack many, many miles. I have the goal and dream of thru hiking the AT when I retire from this career. I have a large ALICE pack (we refer to as the mountain ruck) that has been modified with fastex buckles, a modular panel to attach canteen/water bottle pouch, as well as upgraded the pack straps and waist belt to much more padded ones.

For years and years I've said I will thru hike with this pack. Yes it is simple in design and indestructable,and quite frankly I just love this pack.

HOWEVER, last month I did a 21 mile overnight hike on the Nuesiok Trail (all flat here in coastal NC) carry this pack...and it was awful. Only carried about 33 lbs, but the waist belt rides too high (I am 5' 9") and all of the weight rides on the shoulders. My shoulders were knotted and sore after the trip. I really wanted this thing to work for me, mostly out of nostalgia and stubborness I suppose, but this will be a NO GO.

Anyway a good economical choice if just starting and if infrequent trips, but if you get the hiking bug I recommend upgrading. This was a lesson learned for me and serves as an example that one must do shake down hikes and figure out what works for them. I have found that I disagree with the advice of some here and simply have to convince myself sometimes by practical application.

Happy trails friend