FWIW, my Alice frame seems to have those bends in the waist attachment designed in from the factory. No hammering needed. Maybe your frame is Alice I and mine is Alice II.
On the waist belt, if you run the excess strap back through the metal loops that you originally put them through, it makes it MUCH easier to tighten them.
Thats a big help, SF. I've had my Alice II pack and frame for many years but recently discovered on YT how popular they still are. Surplus Molle II gear in UCP camo are being replaced by the US Army with OCP versions. So, used surplus shoulder straps and belts in UPC pattern are available on ebay for very reasonable prices. I ordered what I needed and when it comes in your instructions will guide me. Thx - Z
Alice doesn't have a waist belt. It has a kidney belt. It sits higher on your back than the Molle, to clear the Alice belt and harness. That's why the frame hits your waist wrong. I don't know if the Molle shoulder straps can be adjusted to the correct height for the Molle frame. Watching you hit that frame like that, made every welder in the audience cry out in pain.
well ive red a lot about the molle ii on the alicepack. but it looks (to me at least) like the attatchmentpoints will bust sooner or later. to begin with: the adjustment straps at the shoulders look like they will shatter the plastic attatched to them. the straps crossed and tied to the frame, looks like they will tear the seams on the molle ii straps, and/or tear the tied straps. the tied straps n the lower part liik like they will tear sooner or later on the sharp edge of the alice carrying system. although ive red a lot of good things about the combination of the alicepack with molle ii. im not to sure if i would want to keep the aluminum frame. the newer frames for molle ii arent that expensive and are made for the molle ii system, so it might be more durable to attatch the pack to a molle ii frame. Just me thinking. Im not willing to risk having a broken carrying system on top of the mountains on a hike. greetings! Jeff
Hi Jeff, thank you for your input. I carried the ALICE pack with the MOLLE 2 system for 2 years, heavily loaded, long distances. Nothing tore apart or ripped off. It was in perfect condition. So I can't second your concerns. But for sure you made some points to consider! Cheers, Marc
Well that is what heared; the 1606 frame bends and tears through. So i am not sure but there is a newer frame right? The molle ii 1606AC right? I need to be sure im buying something that does not break on me.
A lot of the appeal for the Alice frame is the ability to add a shelf for cargo. These are plentiful, so far, and cheap, so far. Boonedockery has a whole series of videos on Alice ruck mods. Ruckdiculousness. Another good source on Alice and other old school stuff is Blackie Thomas. I just hope that Ghostbuster cosplayers don't buy up all of the available (so far) and cheap supply of all things Alice.😊
I know this is a old video but I still go back and watch it all over again its a great video with close up and the ABC on how to install I read all the comments some were negative I believe this is a great video and a start for beginners like me and maybe others who done this may give there experience thank again
I'm so glad I found this video. I bought the Molle II set up but could not figure out how to put it on the ALICE frame. Thank you so much for posting this.
Thank you so much for the video! Wow you said my name right the first way you said it!, your the second person who has said it right and the first one was Uddoo in Germany! It is a Hungarian name. Nice video, I think I need to get the Molle II system for my Alice pack for sure! You explained everything in such nice detail and I loved the close ups too! I think the mods on the frame will work too! I've heard from others women that the Alice pack system is not made for a woman's body frame but that mod might do the trick!!Thanks again for taking the time to do this for me! Blessings and Take Care
Your welcome Karen, well if your lastname is a european name, this might be the reason why we germans pronounce it right, lol. I figured out btw, that you can bend the frame up to 3 more cm. So if you're carefully hitting it with a hammer it might get comfortable for you. Atb and take care too, Marc
If you mean the newer issue Molle 2 Large Ruck then you can go buy a cheap alice LC1 frame and medium Alice Pack like in this video and you'll shed roughly 3 pounds. You can also attach the Molle waist pack to the bottom, 2 molle sustainment pouches one on each side, and 2 molle canteens on the padded belt one on each side like I did. Then you have a light weight and totally modular system. The Medium Alice can also be made into an ultralight assault pack by taking it off the frame and attaching directly to the harness straps.
Hey Marc ! Is bushcraft dead ? Saw that you deleted all your vids except this one. I recently deleted all mine too...but plan to do some more...and maybe actually learn to edit once I get my iMovie program running on my Mac (still waiting to update it and wasn't able to recall my username / password and it takes them time to okay a change in those security thingies). Wondered if it was mainly the covid restrictions that has kept you from getting out and doing more videos ? I miss watching you and Emer (?) go on campouts !
Hi man. Thanks for catching up. I set all my vids on private because I don't feel like being part of this right now. Covid restrictions did have nothing to do with this at all. There are still few good channels out there, doing a great job and enjoy doing it. But the majority turned into baseless reviewers, self promoting Bullshitters and even worse. I just couldn't stand being in that realm and even being associated with what is called "Bushcraft" on YT anymore. I got more and more negative in my attitude and it killed my joy for making videos about this. And even though there were many people saying "Thanks for standing up or telling the truth" (etc) 99% didn't stand up themselves at all. The 1% who did, quit YT as well and I completely understand why. When I started 7 years ago there was a vibrant community with interesting people, we had great chats and talks. Up to today I call some of these people family. But the bullshitters took over and it just makes me mad. May I coome back? I really don't know, unless the spirit of 7 years ago returns, I might just watch in silence. Anyway, I will watch your new vids for sure :-)
Dear +SmashJazz BlammyMataz I'm very happy that this video helped you out. Due to my experience I just wanted to add this: If you're planning to hike for a longer period of time, I'd recommend the large ALICE-Pack (same frame - bigger bag). The medium is imho too small for 3-4 day trips. All the best, Marc
I have not been logged in on youtube for a long time. I am kind of sad to see all your videos gone. I am sure there is a reason for that. no explanation needed. The community changed a lot.
My shoulder straps had a metal buckle that I passed through the frames connectors and then into the bags little d rings or o rings I don’t know how to send you a picture
Don't worry Chris, I know what you mean. There have been several versions of hip-belts and shoulder straps during the last 30 years. One of them was a version with that metal buckle. Cheers, Marc
I keep repeating myself repeating myself I keep repeating myself repeating myself. Great video great idea I'm looking for an idea you may have been the one to watch, just a bit longer video than it needed to be but I do appreciate it nonetheless
As far as I was told and from my experience, when the round side of the belt looks upwards, it pinches your lower back. If it goes upside down, the curve actually supports the weight on your butt. I hope that explains it a little. Cheers, Marc
Hey Marc , Wo sind das Tragegestell käuflich zu erwerben ? Ich meine die Gurte und den Belt , Alice-Rucksack habe ich . Für eine Antwort bedanke ich mich im voraus. Joachim
Hi Joachim, als ich das Video vor 7 Jahren gemacht habe, konnte man gebrauchte Rahmen, sowie Gurte und Hüftgurte via ebay erwerben. Ansonsten würde ich es in Militaryshops probieren. Greetz Marc
Most importantly kiddies, Make sure you pound the hell out of that metal frame on your hardwood floor. Your landlord will LOVE that stressed look you gave it, free of charge. Sure to get your security deposit returned and maybe a pat on the back.
Love the mods I made on my pack but,the bottom of the frame kills me. Tks for your post! When you bang out,the hip belt part of the frame, how far are you actually bending it...1/8", 1/4", 3/8" or half inch (2mm. - 10mm)?
I plan on walking across the country (US) starting this spring. I love my medium ALICE but I find that the straps and waist/kidney pad should be replaced for optimum comfort. I was curious to know if the MOLLE II support system would work properly with the ALICE frame. Thanks to your video I now know that it will indeed function properly and I have a step by step guide on how to apply the new support system. I am very grateful for your sharing of this information. Keep doing what you do sir and many thanks.
Well, it's just my take on this, there's always more than one way to do things :-) Thanks for the compliment, I learn every day new phrases and words watching my british and american friends on YT. Cheers, Marc
@@teru797 Ah I see, I'd spent the 20 bucks for a new Molle 2 frame, just because it's built wider and way more comfortable than the Alice frame. Even with my mods on the Alice frame, it tends to pull you backwards a lot.
I've seen a lot of you guys make the paracord handles for your pack frames. I have one myself, it's a super handy mod. But when you tie it, put the cord through the metal keepers for the straps on the top rail. Not only does it look neater, but it keeps the handle in place from flopping around like that.
I've never had a problem with Alice digging into my waist or touching my hips :) However, with the shiny, Taiwan hip-belt that often come with the G.I. medium ruck, and the black LC1 replica frame, it's the other way around...it's too small, so the hip-belt flops from side to side :/ However, that is no problem with the LC2 or the IIFS upgrades
Hello,nice video.Question: Will this work with Gen 4 Molle system please? I have no idea about MOLLE at all,I have had a Large ALICE for many years now,and would like to make it more comfortable.Thanks.
You can use the buckle on the vertical strap instead of tying it around the frame. Run it first before attaching the horizontal straps to ease access to the buckle. Run the strap down behind the horizontal bar on the frame, across the vertical bar then behind the other side of the horizontal bar back up to the buckle. I took the excess and wrapped it in the same manner between the frame and the strap to prevent wear on the load bearing portion of the strap. My straps were made slightly different than yours and I didn't use the top horizontal straps.
Hello Scouting Free I have the same setup in certain forums it is called "Hellcat Mod". However it also uses a plastic frame ALICE Pack Frame Model #1606 or MOLLE II GEN 3 RUCKSACK PACK FRAME 1602 you can look them up on eBay etc.... Where in Germany do you live? Ich bin aus der nahe Frankfurt in Hanau gerboren? Bin aber jetzt im Ami Land. Freundliche grusse
+Ghillie Ops (ACCIDENT PRONE) Hey Ghillie, thanks for the info, "Hellcat Mod"...interesting. I live in Darmstadt, pretty close to Hanau :-) Cheers, Marc
Danke für die super Anleitung und danke auch an Udo Klos-Sartorius für den Tipp der Ersatzteilbeschaffung. Hab ich gemacht und bin fündig geworden. Bin gespannt wie sich Alice dann trägt
By far the best hellcat mod video on you tube, everybody else's video the pack is put together and its hard to follow. If you have woodland straps where do you place the thick middle strap??
Thank you very much! About the woodland straps I would suggest try to weave it around the middle metal cross. But I really don't have experience with them. Cheers, Marc
+Todd Perry Good question Todd. In this case ( in a makeshift or provisional way ) I would try to get some straps, weave them trough the buckles on the left, pull straight and attach them on the buckles of the right. The buckles will hold up very good, the closing system does a great job. Imho the valcro is just an aditional safety aspect but the straps are held in place just by the buckles. ( I hope I did understand your question correct) Cheers, Marc
Hallöchen alles gut und schön! Wo bekommt man die Ersatzteile her, bin mir einen Wolf am suchen und komme immer nur auf die gleichen Seiten, selbst bei ebay nix gefunden. Kannst du mir einen empfehlen, der sowas führt? Danke im vorraus.
Hallo Udo, ich habe vor drei Jahren noch eine Menge Ersatzteile via Ebay bekommen. Gerade habe ich nochmal reingeschaut und das Molle 2 Sytem ist tatsächlich nicht mehr zu finden. Ich kann nur vermuten, dass Du da noch was in diversen Military-Army-Shops bekommen kannst. Beste Grüße, Marc
Hallo lieber Marc, hatte auch in den Einschlägigen Armeeshops kein glück. Shit happens, hatte ich gedacht und auf einmal gab ich Molle 2 to Alice Pack ein und schon wurde ich fündig, bei ebay USA und dort sind sie drin inklusive neuer Pack frame für schlappe 40 US$ max für ein komplettes System und einen Cargoshelf für 10 US$, um aus dem Alice eine Lastenkraxe zu machen. Die Shipping kosten schwanken erheblich, von Gratis bis 77,10 $! Ich habe da mein neues Tragesystem geordert und das Umbauen ist ja auch kein Hexenwerk. Vielen Dank für deine schnelle Antwort. Schöne grüße Udo
Marc... just discovered your site. Excellent demonstration on butting the Molle straps and hip belt on the ALICE!! Thanks for the terrific job and demo. Keep up the good work!!
I used the molle 2 frame and harness to attach a F 1 French Army pack to. It fits like it was made for it. It is a 100 litre pack and 2 10 litre pouches. It holds a lot and it is very comfortable to carry.
molli 4 is the back plate the rest is the same. the back plate well not fit and its not needed as ive just fitted my molli 2 which is molli 4 with back plate.i wipped the back plate off and followed instructions from this video and it fit great......one thing i would suggest as somone has mentioned on another you tube video.. if the put the hip belt on the the alice upside down it is more comfortable which i can say is very true....awsome back pack now...thanks for upload helped me alot..many thanks..
Großartig!!! Habe mir jetzt auch ein Alice Pack large bestellt. Genau das wonach ich schon lange gesucht habe. Ich danke Dir für Deine Videos. Viele Grüße vom Steffen aus dem Thüringer Wald
I just watched another video, were the guy uses carabiners attached to the angled bar at the bottom of the pack. So he could attach the strap that you wrapped around the frame, centered at the bottom of the frame. Plus it should give you a spot to put gear behind it. Two thumbs up on this excellent vid.
@ Bo Skarr: Thanks for the comment Bo, give it a try, it improves the Alice-Pack a lot! Didn't know that firefighters use this technique too :-) Cheers, Marc
Congrats, you just converted a molle II waist belt into a belly belt effectively defeating it's purpose... a waist belt (hip belt is more accurate) is there too take the load off your shoulders and lowering your centre off gravity for balance during hikes. By wearing the belt on your belly it won't transfer the load as effectively and once you pull it tight enough to do so you'll limit your ability to breath properly. Still i think the belt would work great without using the Molle II shoulder straps, they lift the allready short frame of the alice pack way too high on your back. I've been there and since made a PVC frame from simple plumbers materials and made it to fit my torso length, i use a similar waist belt (battle belt) won't ever go back to the stock alice frame . my 2 cents
Good video. If you want the color scheme to match those acu straps take apple green or Peacock green rit dye very well. Planned on doing a alice frame for a filbe ruck and using the acu straps with a rit dye chocolate which makes coyote with a camo patter.
i have 2 alice packs (large and med) with frames with the mollie belts and straps. i would like to find a medium mollie pack to attach to the alice frame since i like them. what ruck should i look for of it can be done? maybe i should mention that the straps are not connected with the rear square pad like yours. they are more like the original alice attachment points
Hi could you please tell me where i can buy this system for my alice pack. Only ones i have seen are in usa and postage costs are silly...im in the uk....if anyone know could you please let me know asap....and great vodeo very well presented...
Hi thanks mark...i purchased molle system from the states now. Cost fortune to post. But. I love my alice pack and it well be worth the investmentment..i well watch your video again when the system gets here and follow your guidance..many thanks..arron...
A pair of tri glides on the top straps are better. Tighten up and now the web part is on the frame. The web is stronger than plastic in this configuration.
@@SalusaSecundas The little square buckle that adjusts tension on a strap. Some call it a keeper. As did I, until the term tri glide entered my lexicon. LOL, tri glide is way cooler.
man I had to stop and pause. your English is fricken scary good. my grandfather was from Germany and i swear to Bob you sound exactly like him. thx for making me tear up lol.
