Question to anyone who has handled one of these backpacks..

Anthony · **on:** July 14, 2007, 10:11:03 PM

As far as I can tell, there are three parts to these US issue backpacks...the pack itself, the frame, and the straps. My question is: Can the bag be used with just the straps attached, and leave the frame out altogether?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Alice-Field-Pack-w-Straps-Frame-US-Army-Rucksack-GOOD-M_W0QQitemZ190131248309QQihZ009QQcategoryZ36110QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I might go on that camping trip I mentioned in another thread...I'd need a cheap, well made pack ;D

665ae · **Reply #1 on:** July 15, 2007, 12:55:13 AM

In the description for that item it says "The medium pack is used to carry the existence load with or without a frame." So I would think that you could use it without the frame.

Viper · **Reply #2 on:** July 23, 2007, 04:08:38 AM

ALICE was used in the Vietnam War by the Americans. It was a favorite, and the opinions on switching to the MOLLE are mixed. I personally like MOLLE better, it allows soldiers to customize their gear to suit them better.

Anthony · **Reply #3 on:** July 23, 2007, 04:32:34 AM

I ended up getting a large ALICE pack, and from the looks of it, it's pretty customizable...lots of attachment points for diffrent pouches/sheaths/etc.

I cord wrapped the frame with about 50 feet of paracord, and all in all it seems to fit me well...much better than what I read in some reviews. I should REALLY stuff it full to about 100 lbs then see if I think any diffrently

hawkchucker · **Reply #4 on:** July 23, 2007, 06:13:12 PM

Being a grad of Marine Force Recon I can say I have had more miles with Ol ALICE than I care to remember. It is customisable, and It will be bullett proof, that said your sides will take a beating. My advice is bring some old mattress pad you can cut up to pad the waist belt.