Pack parts

Discussion in 'Functional Gear & Equipment' started by Huntinbull, Jun 13, 2011.


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  1. Huntinbull

    Huntinbull Monkey+

    Moderators, Not sure if this is in the right spot. Move it if you feel the need.

    I have an ALICE pack on a PRC24 frame (as far as I can tell). The shoulder straps are attached at the bottom by simply tying them to a frame bracket. Didn't notice this when i bought the pack and am not sure of the durability of this. Also there is a section of padded kidney belt but no straps to come around the body and clasp, just the padded section in back. Anyone have any remedies for these situations? Anyone know where to get parts, not whole packs?

    Thanks
     
  2. Falcon15

    Falcon15 Falco Peregrinus

    Try Ebay or a local surplus store. You may need a new complete frame with straps and kidney belt. Then use the current frame for spares. Additionally you can convert your current frame to a radio pack by adding a shelf, loading on batteries, a CB, and attaching a whip antenna to the frame members.
     
    Brokor likes this.
  3. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    Yeah, aside from using as a water carrier or mobile radio platform, the ALICE pack has long since been buried in the closet for eternity. You can search EvilBay for any required pieces, and it may be best to get the whole strap assembly (best pricing). Yes, the top straps attach via a loop/tying method to the frame. There was never any real technology back then for packing.

    I highly suggest buying a PLCE Bergen ruck, or a USMC pack by Proper/Arcteryx, maybe even a current issue Army pack: ACU MOLLE II Large Ruck Sack Military Issue Backpack us | eBay

    Look at spending about $100 or more, but it will be worth every penny. Brand new, you are looking at 3 times the price, so I would get one of these types of newer military packs while you still can. The ALICE packs are pretty much garbage...don't listen to anybody out there who hasn't carried the damn thing on his back for 20+ miles, because I HAVE. They suck. Buy a newer pack, save yourself the heartache, and soldier onward.
     
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  4. beast

    beast backwoodsman

    the only thing nice about "alice" was taking her off....lol
     
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  5. Falcon15

    Falcon15 Falco Peregrinus

    I love my ALICE. It is not only my BOB but also my regular camping pack. I keep her waterproofed, clean, and patched. I have gotten nearly 20 years of use out of mine.
     
  6. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    Goodness gracious, man! [LMAO] I am so very sorry!
     
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  7. Falcon15

    Falcon15 Falco Peregrinus


    Different strokes for different folks... =)
     
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  8. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    Yeah, I know people who have duct-taped seat cushions to the back of those meat grinders just to keep them from chafing their skin off, lol. :rolleyes: I will admit, about ten years ago, I did keep an ALICE pack fully outfitted as a B.O.B., but after I went on a few long range hikes, I quickly remembered why I dreaded going out on road marches. Over flat ground, those packs are somewhat manageable, but in the woods and over hills, the old style external frame was too small and always shifted around, causing a lot of uncomfortable moments. I can see how it can be used with less than 30 lbs., but perhaps it is just a matter of personal preference. I know some folks don't have the funds to invest in more expensive packs, but there really are a lot of great alternatives out there. [beer]
     
  9. beast

    beast backwoodsman

    my alice pack came equipped with the butt plate for an 81mm that was occasionally swapped out for a prick radio
    they were on an endless quest to prove i was too big for duty and never missed an opportunity to overload me in the field
    so yeah, im not fond of alice.....lol
     
  10. Huntinbull

    Huntinbull Monkey+

    Beast, it turns out I am "squad machine gunner" sized as well. LOL

    I have done three to five day trips with my old ALICE with minimal complaints. Wish I could remember how the shoulder straps attached at the bottom. Thought it was a clip or buckle of some kind. Anyone able to send me a picture of what it should look like? Email is fine with me. Same with the kidney belt. Pics with just those details would be appreciated. Will work for info. Great at carrying and splitting wood, digging, etc. LOL
     
  11. Huntinbull

    Huntinbull Monkey+

    Okay. Pulled my BOB back out of the closet. Evidently i have been mixing up my old pack and my "new" pack. This one seems to be on the LC-2 frame.

    Dug through my extra gear and found a sturdy nylon web belt with buckle and threaded it around the kidney pad through the frame rings and the remainder of the side buckles. Holds well and seems to work.

    Still trying to figure out some type of buckle attachment for the bottom of the shoulder straps.

    My apologies for the misinformation in the original post. "Built" the BOB and stored it in the closet with the intention of working on the belt/strap situation and sorta confused myself with thinking back to my old pack (the prc24 framed one) in the interim.
    Mea Culpe
     
  12. Hispeedal2

    Hispeedal2 Nay Sayer

    Huntinbull- I would suggest upgrading the pack straps and waistbelt. There are several different companies that offer this. Take a look at Tactical Tailor's website.

    On the ALICE pack... I have a couple great scars on my back from the the "meat grinder" that Brokor was referring to. I think the ALICE pack has some good points... price, easy to fix, and probably the most rugged. They aren't impossible to break (top rivet is most broken part), but it sure is tough.

    If that is your chosen pack, I say mod it. Several companies offer additional pouches sewn on the outside. Again I refer you to Tactical Tailor. I used to wrap a USGI sleep mat around the frame with PX bungee cords securing it. The mat was cut so that it would fit, but still provide the needed cushion and insulation to my upper torso when used. It also keeps that cursed center rivet out of your spine. The bungee cords are used to secure your poncho hooch. Some other common mods are fastex buckles for the straps. It makes it a ton faster to get in and out of the main compartment.

    If you aren't stuck on ALICE, I suggest an internal frame pack. I have used and would recommend any of these- Kelty Tactical, Kifaru, and Eberlestock. Expect to pay about $200+. The USMC pack is a good one for right around $100.

    I don't recommend MOLLE. The old style GEN I frames crack in cold weather or under heavy weight. The GEN II models are made more bendable and less breakable... of course that means the intent of an external frame is kind of ruined. The MOLLE packs will most off break on top near where the pack and strap connect to frame. The other thing I dislike is the sustainment pouches on the MOLLE pack. They make the pack so wide, you can't walk through a door way. Forget about heavy brush. You could remove them, but you lose capacity. Note the USMC was the first to adopt the MOLLE pack... since, they have ditched it for a really good internal frame pack. The Army has not caught up (as usual). There was a push for a better pack deployable to Afghanistan. There, guys started noticing that MOLLE was built for use without armor... no good in an environment where you always wear armor.

    I mentioned how wide MOLLE was. Another thing to be aware of is how tall your pack is. ALICE is made low for a reason. Some of the commercial-military packs forget this aspect. You aren't going on a leisurely backpacking trip on a well maintained trail. Keep the height under the height of your head. It will save you a ton of trouble while stuck in wait-a-minute vines. This has a lot to do with how you pack too.
     
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  13. Witch Doctor 01

    Witch Doctor 01 Mojo Maker

    Anyone have any thoughts about keeping the alice pack and placing it on another type of external pack frame? I keep mine on an old pack frame i've had for years it seems to work well without the added costs...
     
  14. Hispeedal2

    Hispeedal2 Nay Sayer

    I have seen mods to put a MOLLE pack on a ALICE frame and an ALICE pack on an MOLLE frame... different strokes for different folks I guess.

    Used ALICE packs and frames can be had in the $20 range.
     
  15. Gunny Highway

    Gunny Highway Hard Work and Sacrifice blessed by God's Grace

    I like my alice but retrofitted straps with aftermarkets and beefed up all the padding. I own 5 different packs but this was the first I bought and kept. My son will be inheriting it next year. I hope it serves him as well as it did me. Haven't found a better framed pack for my money. took it with a full load ( as full as you can get on a 1 day ascent of Mt Whitney ) 22 hours later and the pack was 20 lbs lighter. I pack all my water in and since it was me and my ER Doc friend making the 22 + mile round trip we packed for every eventuality. My Boy Scout training and my Dad's non-stop words about never getting stuck without in the wilderness really took hold of me LOL
     
  16. Huntinbull

    Huntinbull Monkey+

    Pack the weight, sleep great.
     
  17. Gunny Highway

    Gunny Highway Hard Work and Sacrifice blessed by God's Grace


    amen brother...preach on
     
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