I carried that ruck for 10 years in the ARMY, still have my LG ALICE. it is a hell of a pack. I was in 85-94. and none of our packs had any water resistance. most of us took an old poncho, and cut it down to be a bit bigger than the pack, and had someone ( most of us knew someone with a sewing machine) set bungie cord all the way around the outside edge. so it would very quickly pull over the pack, or be able to pull it back to get into it. as a trooper, we used the large ALICE ( it had 3 smaller pouches built in above the 3 big front pouches. that perfectly fit a can of spaghetti-o's ) the shelf was not so much for jerry cans, it was specifically designed to carry the PR-77 field radio set ( affectionately called a Prick-77) the ammo packs were not used with the ALICE, they were more of the WW11 packs that were a heavy canvass. I have lived out of my ALICE for months at a time, in $#!tholes you are glad you never went to. we also would run our field jacket liners through between the frame and the bag so it gave a little more lumbar support, but was quick to get to if we needed it. separate from the M65, the liner was a great sleeping extra warmth layer when using the woobie and poncho as a hasty sleep shelter. our Field jackets were held under the cinch straps, on top of the ruck, with the foam sleeping pad rolled under it. the modified poncho rain fly would fit over the top of the whole thing, and be secure around the frame. the down side to trimming the shoulder straps is that it makes it harder to adjust when you add more layers of winter uniform. with long johns, t-shirt, sweater, blouse, liner and field jacket all on, you are several inches bigger around than you are with just the t-shirt and blouse in the summer months. and the layers you use can change drastically between day and night. if you ever plan to run a full battle rattle load in that ruck, you are going to want to learn the "over the head" method of putting it on. swinging it wide like you did will actually cause twist stress injuries that can reduce your ability to do what needs to be done.
Thank you for your service, from me as well. I had several items I purchased as "pack covers" that really resembled a tire cover. Any experience with those? Just a mushroom type bag with stretch cord around one diameter of the cover.
@@waynehendrix4806 that is basically the same thing we had, but when I was in, they didn't have commercial ones, so we would just make them out of old ponchos. the issue poncho was very heavy duty, and worked really well. but I can see that commercial ones would be a lot easier.
I used dayglow orange plastidip and sprayed the underside of the lid as a marker panel. Still had most of a can after 2 coats so, once it was dry I turned the pack inside out and sprayed the entire inside for a high contrast coating to make it easier to find stuff at night. The way Spec-Ops brand does their gear. Also use a DEI 1609 frame with improved ALICE straps and pad.
I'm guilty of binge-watching Alice pack videos and you probably mentioned everything everyone else doesn't! I normally keep a beach-towel sized waxed tarp just behind my back so when I get to the (pebble) beach, it's easy as -tarp out -pack off -sitting on my butt. Packing out is just as easy as the last thing to grab is the tarp, then it just slides behind me.
The secondary bucket pocket is to keep heavier items up towards the top of your pack which transfers the weight from your shoulders to your hips alleviating fatigue to your back. Additionally the strap closure cinches the weight closer to your back/center of gravity.
AND. When in assault mode it's now your bucket. I think the infamous mini Alice is a solution in search of a problem. Luke on The Outdoor Gear Review is the only guy reviewing one. I've never had or used one, but the nylon ones can be mounted on the frame. The canvas ones can't.
You know your stuff; holy crap! I was USN in the 80s and knew a guy had an aluminum box made for his he filled with liquor bottles. Put IV hoses to the bottles and ran them out a few extra drain holes in the bottom of his pack. Salt in a FAK and veg sticks lem n lime juice in a mag pouch, mix bottles in the outside pouches. Rented his mobile bar services on weekends or came out to the beach with us. Popular guy.
Hands down best video I've seen on the Alice pack! I did the molle 2 mods with quick release shoulder straps..had a full pack and decided to try the quick release..ALWAYS release belt first..ask me how I know this..haha..great stuff Blackie!
Blackie Thomas. Like you I was never issued an ALICE PACK. But shortly after I got out, I bought three, 2 large(with frames), and 1 medium with straps. Never carried the large, just used the frame with the medium. I can get anything and more in it!!! I've got a lot of modern hiking and camping gear, but unless my trek requires specialty equipment, I go with my ALICE pack, AND my old LBE belt, canteens, mag carriers, and all!!! I didn't have a K-Bar, but had a Camillus. I was a Navy Corpsman, assigned to various Marine combat units, so I carried pretty much what most of them carried(48 years ago, still holds a great edge)!! But back on topic, I never thought about making the permanent changes that you have. I'd just strap whatever didn't fit in the pack to the frame, roll up and tape excess straps, and used 1 gal zip-locks and large, heavy-duty construction type trash bags. This video has opened my eyes to the extra versatility of the ALICE system. AAMOF, it's the best video I've seen to date!!! Thanks, and keep 'em coming!!!
Found my medium LC2 in a pile of literally thousands of packs in a surplus warehouse in South Africa... dirt cheap and never issued ... it's now my favourite pack.
Thank you for sharing your backwoods wisdom. I'm from the southwest and have lived in the desert all my life. We used to go on long camp trips on horseback 50 years ago. I just appreciate your knowledge so much.
I did something similar with the Large Alice Pack. However, instead of removing the two roll cinch straps, I bought two sets of the plastic snap buckles and cut the original roll straps, attached one side of the buckle to the lower piece and sewed it down with thin bank line and threaded the top portion of the buckle with retaining loops to the remaining top strap. Also, being the large, I did not have to remove the inner pocket. I humped the Large Alice Pack many miles loaded with radio gear, personal gear, ammo, food, etc. (Sigint)
I’ve have an Alice pack exactly like the one in your video since 1991. I keep it in a thick black plastic garbage bag when not in use. Took it out in early December to go camping/fishing and found the bag still in excellent shape. The large straps are still supple and everything works well. Blackie, I have always used ziplock bags to water proof my gear in the pack because I have never seen the water proof bags you have shown in Australian disposal stores around Brisbane Australia.
This was an outstanding tutorial on how to upgrade an alice pack! I have set up quite a few of these and I have carried them many miles over the years. They are a timeless classic and still a good pack to own. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and suggestions on this brother.
Let's get Blackie Thomas over 100,000 followers, and keep going to 1 million! I watch everything he puts on here, and love his nature. He's helped me at 47 figure out so many things in the best way possible. Start sharing his videos, he deserves it!!!
Quick tip: for installing the grab handle on the Alice pack, if you're having a problem getting the bank line into fiddly areas, use a crochet hook that fits the outside diameter of the line to help pull it back up into position. If you don't have one or need to make one, get a chain saw file and a stick/ dowel and file the hook into one end after you make it conical.
A long doubled up zip tie works for routing cordage through tight spaces. Don't fasten it. Shove the loop through, insert your line, and pull. Works for paracording Alice pouches too. And it's easy to store. Depending on your resources, 550 cord may be easier to come by than zip ties. I recently got an LBV 88 and find that zip ties work better than Alice clips. But 550 cord is a good alternative/ back up. And if you must move something, 550 is reusable, zip ties aren't. Malice clips? $$$$
My favorite mod is removing the inner radio pouch and using the material to create a new long horizontal pocket and sew it to the back right above the pockets on the back. I am referring specifically to the medium ruck. Love to keep gloves and a folding saw in it. Also a few snacks 🙂
Meh. I have all three sizes. One is still (small) what I was issued with 30 years ago. Frankly I stopped watching this vid when he removed the radio pouch. I know he said he's doing it for civilian applications, but I've been out for years, and never had a problem with water proofing that pouch or reaching past it. I've always appreciated having the pack sorted into unobstrusive upper and lower organisation.
Awesome video as always Blackie! That secondary radio pocket that you cut out, is great for a water bladder, for those that like to use them. The Camelbak Mil Spec Crux™ 3L Lumbar Reservoir fits perfect in that which I use if for. I have both the medium and large packs. For me personally, I dumped the original shoulder straps and hip belt and upgraded them with the Super Straps and Super Belt offered by Tactical Tailor. Those made a world of difference for me in comfort. Also, if you want some even more shoulder padding, the MOLLE 2 shoulder straps work great. Just look up the Hellcat ALICE Pack mods. I put a paracord wrap over the frame for a handle, but really like your fuel line mod better. I'm going to have to mess with that :) Thank you again for your awesome content sir!
Also, Molle Sustainment pouches are available in woodland camo (for a minute). They attach well to the Alice straps on the sides and are great for extending the range of the pack. Unironically, I use them for food and the rest of the pack for gear. There is also an issue roll top (think dry bag) compression sack that carries civilian light weight sleeping bags very well that I use for overnighters.
The MOLLE waist pack should be mountable on the web bars above the pockets with the belt going around the pack body like a GP strap. The lid would protect it. I've not used one but it seems it would work.
Great video once again. I carried and have both versions of the ALICE (Ruck Sac) pack. The original OD green and the Woodlands Camo Pattern. Before the ALICE was issued we carried the “Fanny” (Butt) Pack. I actually preferred the Butt pack. I digress. The big ole interior pocket was primarily for the AN-PRC-24/27 or SINGAR Radios, if you were the unlucky joe designated as the RTO… which at one time or another had to do my share of humping in the bush. The three large pouches would fit the brick batteries for the radio and depending on how long we were going out on patrol determined how many grunts were going to be carrying extra radio batteries. My career spanned long enough that we also carried our C-Rations and later the MREs! The first thing we did in Ranger school was to remove every slider clip from ammo pouches, first aid pouches or any other piece of equipment the attached to the LBE web gear using any sort of metal attaching device. We substituted those for parachute cord to tie our gear onto the RUCK or LBE. I can’t ever remember carrying anything attached to those exterior attachment points. We didn’t want anything snagging on branches, brush or wait-a-minute vines. We wanted to reduce the silhouette of the pack. The first thing that happened to the frame was it somehow got run over by a truck or some other accident led to its demise. We used some of the tips you described in the video even in the military. One of the things we did was tie a small arms caliber ammo can to the bottom of the ruck or put it inside at the bottom. Ammo cans had a waterproof seal and thats where we keep our important stuff we wanted to stay dry… writing paper, smokes, etc. Again great video…
thank you for your service i have seen the ammo can set sideways under the ruck and a pair of bolt holes were drilled to match the drain holes of the alice..then a aluminum bar was matched with holes the small bolts were passed up from inside the ammo can thru the drain holes and into the aluminum bar.when it was all tight it was a ammo can stuck tothe bottom for a base and water tight storage
I have an older OD pack like this and I always used the inner pocket to put a folded up wool blanket that I always carried in addition to a sleeping bag. It padded my back (I gave up on using the frame years ago because the pack stood out so far on my back). These days though, I have switched to a SnugPak Endurance pack (Longer bag to fit my longer torso) which has PALS webbing all over it. I put three USMC sustainment pouches on it in roughly the same places as the ALICE pack's outer pockets and now I have an "ALICE" internal frame pack that actually fits my body.
The medium alice is still my go to bushcraft pack and I have done many modifications to mine, including swapping the original shoulder and waist straps to molle II shoulder and waist straps. Yeah, the inside pocket must go. Great video. Subbed.
Humped one of these for decades. Finally got rid of the large ALICE with frame and kept the medium without the frame as a quick grab and go. One thing I'd add is, on the inside of the frame (where you were putting the tent stakes) is a great place for a couple of three long bungie cords. I find those super helpful for getting quick shelter up in an unexpected rain event. Anyway, thanks for the video.
Best mod I've done to my large alice is put the kidney belt made for the newer issue packs. It made a big difference when carrying heavy loads. I have other big packs but I use my Alice for my INCH bag because I have faith that it won't break when I need it. I use a big contractor bag on the inside and Ziploc bags for a lot of stuff inside of it. I have a poncho in the top pouch that's big enough to cover me and the pack if it rains. I think I'll do what you do and waterproof it too. You have some great ideas to make the pack more functional. Good video!
I seen some one on RU-vid show how to fold and buckle a medium Alice into a smaller assault pack with out the frame . Did not permanently alter the pack . I had two med. Alice that I ran without the frame . Some of my scum family stole them along with all of my best survival gear , it set me back years , something I'm not over a decade later . Dig your mods and easy way of instructing , brother your a natural !!! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Great video! Informative and enjoyable as always. ALICE has earned her 'classic' status. Started (scouting) with the then ubiquitous WWII bring-backs. Much later embraced ALICE when she became available in the civilian world (70s). As you say: versatile. As part a small functional collection, I enjoy four minty ALICEs - three mediums of various vintages plus one fairly late large. What I don't have is a late cammo issue. As such, I readily admit to breaking into a rash when you first revealed those shears!! Alas... Congrats on another winner.
The Version we got over here in NZ ... had additional pockets above the bottom 3 ( just big enough for a cooker & Hexamine tabs) ... but the bottom of the pocket was not sewn closed so anything smaller would fall out ... 1st job was always to sew them shut along the bottom!
Great video....I don't even have an ALICE pak......can'yt believe I watched the whole thing! Loved the handle made of tube. Thanks. Sent over by Waypoint Survival....another cool dude!!
Myself, I always carried my compass on my webbing not in the pack. Things I "am going to be always using, Map, Compass and protractor with a small, waterproofed notebook are in my webbing or my pockets for easy access. When I used that top velcroed pocket on the packs lid, I put items I did not want to get wet in a gas mask filter bag, supply had tons of them. The gas mask filter bag is heavy heavy duty and fits nearly perfectly into that packs lid. I pushed into the lid before filling it with contents. Like a small book and or bible and other items. I always packed the outer three pockets on the pack first then the packs main compartment. The ALICE is still my main stay today. Although no longer on active duty, it's still a great rucksack. Oh Blackie Thomas, check out Hell CAT modification for the ALICE pack. It will fit and wear a whole lot better. I did that. Totally changed the pack. I enjoyed your video. Have a great day.
For whatever reason, I watch the ENTIRE thing in one sitting and learned a TON, even though I have used A.L.I.C.E packs for many years..... Thanks brother...!!
Sewing? E 6000 RULES. No kidding. It even comes in smaller tubes now. The only drawback is having to go to the old ladies section at Walmart. Make sure to clip or tape it down. Leave overnight and you're good to go.
I carried one of these when I was first enlisted in the early 80s. The internal pocket was for a prc-77 radio. I now use it for a 3L hydration bag (which we didn’t have back in the day) instead of carrying canteens. On the waterproof clothing bag, ROLL the top down (like a modern dry bag), then wrap the cords around either side, pull them tight, and tie with a shoelace knot. That will keep the bag from leaking. 👍🏼
I was in the Marine Corps during the switch from ALICE to MOLLE between the back and the pack frame was were we strapped down a shelter half. My ALICE frame has a reflector oven, just big enough for a pie pan or an MSR Alpine plate, tied to the frame.
This brought back many memories as a kid. I never saw a new pack and it seemed like everyone had their 2 cents to make a change to it for there needs. At least you didnt bring out the sewing needles and extra fabric to stitch on. This was a long video but by far the best explanation of the minimum stuff that people should do to that pack. FYI I dont have those packs anymore and I am okay with that. I cant believe that they are still around. Gave me a smile when the I first hit play and saw an almost new pack. But then those memories.... I cant tell you how many times I left the pack at home and just took a waterproof boat bag and a bedroll. Yeah, I looked like a poor boy, but I was comfortable and my stuff was dry. Many kids couldn't handle the full trips because of one thing or another and it always started with their packs. For me, I never wanted to leave. Keep up the great work!
Good tips. I modified my Alice because I did not like all those straps dangling all the time. I removed the straps holding the small pockets and had velcro sewn into them. Now the flaps are sealed with velcro. I also used all your other mods. Thank you.
Brother, I just started trialing this pack for work doing patrolling and various infantry jobs as a DI. Your explanation of modifications and maintenance of this pack has opened my eyes and I just want to say thanks for being a dude and sharing your knowledge. I hate the newer, heavier (and often weaker) gear we have today and still rock an LBE rig as it "just works" better for me than some highspeed plate carier. I will be sharing what you've shared here with my candidates. Hua, from Canada
This is the best instruction on Alice pack hacks , I’m from the UK & have owned one for the last 25 years , fortunately I’m one that it fits ! 😂 the reason it works for me is I’m a cross country backpacker /skier , which means in the Lakedistrict the snow is above 1,000 feet requiring a trek of a few mile s to the snowline .sliding the skis down the back of the accessory pockets makes life much easier , as does the gap between the frame & bag so sweat does not build up & freeze later . There’s a few Macgyver hacks too, that I’d never heard of , nail Polish as a locking agent . The fuel pipe as handle . Amazing sir ! One of my A packs I’ve altered with using an ex large Molle frame . Any thoughts ? From the UK a big thanks 🙏 , I’ve been listening to these all afternoon.
Blackie, just when I thought I saw all of the possible changes to the medium Alice, here you come with the best ones and it is easy to tell this comes from experience. Good video!
Always heard about the alice packs but never understood how they work. Now I've had a graduate class on them. I may get one now that I understand how they can be used. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Outstanding video Blackie! really appreciate you doing one on the Alice Pack. These mods I've never seen before. Didn't know about the back loop inside and running the cinch cord through the back loop and using that to also carry an axe, the fuel tube grab handle and main pack straps totally cutting them off and replacing them, never seen that before. Thank you, I knew I would learn something new from your video. I bought a shelf for my pack but never utilized it. I also would have my waist pad too tight and never thought about keeping it loose enough to wrap around you. And all the other great tips you gave. Thank you! 👍👍
Oh my God. Your the first person I ever seen to cut that raido pouch out of an alais pack. Well it use to be a hundred dollars pack. Look out people. Don't let blackie near you pack. Great video. God bless. From Glenn CATT in Massachusetts.
@@BLACKIETHOMAS it is a great video. I learned a lot. I found that we can fit a lot more gear in the pack with out the frame but it hard on the back. And your right that damn pouch was asking for it . But that pouch holds a lot of weight that raido isn't light. I was laughing it seems you and that pouch have a long history. God bless. Blackie. Keep up the great work. From Glenn CATT in Massachusetts. The ground pounder series is a good topic .
Thank you for the video. I make similar mods. I take the whole pack off the frame to spray and make mods to the inside, etc. and makes it easier to spray the exterior. It also let's me use an old sodering iron or fire to burn all exposed or new edges. I also use a piece of an old GI sleeping pad over the waist pad taped down to give me more pad over my kidneys.
Half gallon milk jugs with the top and bottom cut out make the pouches stand up without collapsing. A PVC frame in a simple L shape will let the pack stand up straight. I use my LC2 middie as a seat bag driving trucks. CDs, rain gear, Thermos, all go seamlessly from 4 wheeler to truck. It then rides on the jump seat or between seats up front.
Don't have an alice pack but watching the mods gave me great ideas for use on other gear. Can't believe I watched the whole thing and was fascinated. Ha!
I really appreciate your detail. When I first saw this video was over an hour-long, I almost avoided it. However, your detail and tips kept me hooked for the entire video. Thanks for the thorough presentation.
Thank you for putting this video out. I have fond and sour memories of alice pack, from time in marines 77-81. I now have made some mods and plan on using it during deer bow season. I went with a braided paracord handle for top. I will put an anchor screw through the shelf, excellent idea and instruction video. Did you ever consider a kidney pad upgrade?
Great tips on a conversions. The grab handle is a great addition! When Uncle SAM didn't incorporate one is really something I can't understand. However, like they always told us when I was in... If the US Army wanted you to have comfort, they would have issued you some comfort. LOL
thank you for your service.. the only reason i could see for no grab handle was the grab the wounded mans L.B.E. harness to drag him out of line of fire.. i guess they did not want ya to grab a pack by accident
Outdoor Products dry bags make great inserts for the Alice pack. A pack of 3 are about 10$. The middle size is perfect for the outer pouches. And when closed the strap & buckle makes a grab handle. They're also in 3 different colors for organization. Only drawbacks? For all 3 pouches you must have 3 sets. And the newest version comes in black, dark green, and some kind of weird teal day glo. No more red, blue, and yellow. Still, worth the $.
I'm with you, most of my time in the woods has been for hunting. People get their cover scent, they camo up, then they stand still (probably sky lined) and the stupid straps waving in the breeze give them away. MOTION is what the animals key on after scent. I always find a way to roll/secure straps. Nice mods to that pack.
Where were you in 1988 when I was marching around Ft.Dix ,New Jersey during basic training. Our lives would have been a bit more comfortable on our 15 mile bivouac. Man we needed that insight
Brother I joined your channel just recently and I've Larned more from you in that short time than I've Larned in years past. So glad I've found your channel. BUT I got to admit when you took the scissors to that beautiful woodland camo pack I about cried !! Lol !! But hey Brother it's your pack so no harm . I actually utilized the space behind my alice pack by installing a water blader system, it works great. Also I just use a pack cover for mine to keep it dry it does a pretty decent job. Thank you so much for your wisdom and noladge I look forward to learning more in the future.
I use a FILBE 1606 AC pack frame with a medium alice pack. Works perfect for me. Then again Im not jumping out of aircraft with 180 pounds of mission critical gear either.
I love the Alice pack it's one of my favorite rucksacks I used it and the molle. I like the Alice pack much better. If the pack is on the ground and you're not wearing it. and you're worried about water getting in it from rain. we would use our ponchos and wrap it in a poncho. Great video. lol I learn things I didn't know about a ruck that I carried for years packed I carried for years
Blackie it's obvious you never had to run with gear in that pack no matter the gear that divider is a lifesaver to contain and tie down that gear so it's not poundiding you to death also help keep it gear quiet . I agree what your doing is more practical for your us . Happy Trails keep up your great videos' .
i have ran with gear before but only a few times were bullets involved. lol i know some guys love the pouch and other like me dont.. it all comes down to your choice..and in truth that is what really matters make the gear fit your needs thanks for the comment safe journeys to you
A lot of this info had me nodding along. I agree with most stuff about its perks and issues, and most of the mods. The fastex buckles were my first mod. Lol. I use the radio pocket to hold a hydration pouch and other small things, strapped in tight as it can. Not ideal, but more woeking with whats available as i dont hate it enough to get rid of it as its sometimes handy.
i just ordered a lc2, it'll be my first ever alice pack. I plan on using it for hiking and as a bug out bag incase there's ever another global pandemic/emergancy. i particulary like your tip for using the cord to hold up the weight of an axe and keeping the metal blade protected under the hood.
Excellent video, Blackie! I have a love/hate relationship with Alice too. 😂 I have a large Alice and about 3 medium Alices. The first mod I made on one of the medium Alices was to add a fastex buckle kit to the main flap and the 3 pouches making a lot easier access. You don't need to use the snaps on the pouches and you don't need to move those 2 straps to the side. I agree completely about getting rid of the radio pocket. It just gets in the way and makes no sense. I did not know about using that back loop. One of the things I don't like about the Alice is how it rides on the back esp with the frame. A pack should ride high and close to the back imo. The Alice tends to ride low and out. It's possible I'm not adjusting it correctly on my back.
from what I've read, it's designed low so with a helmet on you can be in the prone position looking up and the pack is out of your way as a riflemen. Remember, its a military pack.
I just picked up a Large Alice pack and frame at my local flea market. Looking to make it into a fun project and build out a nice ruck. Thank you for the video, I'm going to be using some of those mods on my pack.
Sir, one of the things about the pouch that you cut out of your bag, is that it doesn’t have to be used at full size. The Canadian pack from the same era had a pocket in the same location, but it was much smaller in terms of its depth. Now, that’s really and truly useful. So if you find yourself with another one of those bags, may I suggest falling over some of the excess fabric and just sewing it, so that you’ve got a spot to put some things without interfering with your access to the bottom of the bag? You did mention that there’s a difference between the way Civilian people use a bad versus military people, and I did learn the military way, but I still think that that particular mod would add a whole lot of utility for your purposes. And you’ll still have the option of cutting it out if you still like it better without it. It’s an excellent spot to put things such as your plate, and other things that would otherwise be a nuisance and in the way in the pack, yet protected from getting dented up and dinged with wear & tear and compression in any other part of the pack. In terms of waterproofing, there’s a spray product that does an amazing job. That will make life a whole lot easier in terms of applying waterproofing to the bag. You can get the stuff to paint on, but the spray stuff is so much easier, and seems to do a better job. You can spray it right on the outside of your ruck, and that way the top part of your bag that isn’t waterproofed and tends to wake so much moisture into it, could be waterproof from the outside, invisibly, In terms of having your bag free and clear of moisture during torrential downpours, the Americans issue a rain poncho that is absolutely 2nd to none. If you put on your rucksack first, and then put on your poncho, Your rucksack stays absolutely bone dry. Every time. It won’t win any beauty contests in that configuration, but sometimes looks aren’t everything. That book sawblade is sheer genius. I’ve been thinking for sometime about the best way to get one into my pack. Thank you for that!
I have found a SILKY Gomboy 240 will fit behind the kidney pad and anchor in place using some 2 sided velcro available at Walmart. While there I found 3 toiletry bags that were the exact size of the outside pockets of the alice pack. They slide right in and make it easy to secure small things .
An option for quick release closure straps is to buy a pair of 1” surplus quick release buckles. I used a hack saw to cut the female half of the buckles into “repair” buckles. I slipped them into the webbing loop along with the metal buckle at the bottom of the pack. The male half of the buckle gets threaded onto the factory straps, creating both adjustability and quick release.
@@richromano1093 Sorry, think side release buckles. Amazon has “Condor Outdoor Buckle Repair Kit” as an example of how to cut the buckles. Only the female buckle need be cut. I used heavy duty milsurp buckles. Lotta guys cut the old metal buckles off the pack. I left mine on as cutting felt permanent. Warning, the buckles are not fun to get on to the webbing loop, but solid upon success. Hope this is a better description.
I also carried an Alice pack for a few years and had a love/hate thing with it also for a lot of the same reasons plus the weight of the frame. I ended up making l lighter strong plastic frame out of schedule 80 pvc pipe that was very strong and lighter weight and because being hollow helps for flotation to I also do ranger rolls with clothing inside of tall white kitchen garbage bags I helps to keep things dry. Good idea about the bread bags plus with the excess webbing you cut off it will be usefull for other projects along will the excess material that you cut off from inside. I am thinking bags or tool rolls or something. Keep up the good work and keep your powder dry.
I have a large Alice but I have never set it up the way I new it needed to be and this video helps a lot. I have most of what I need to do these mods, so it looks I have a new project. Thanks for the video!
I cut the radio pouch out of my medium pack, for that reason. Its a day pack for me, and I will occasionally throw my ham radio in there to work in the field. My large Alice, I kept it in there. It actually serves a purpose for secondary quick grab gear.
Those plastic buckles are ok, but... the metal ones will never fail you. I carry a maxpedition mongo versipak, since about 2012. I use it daily for my lunch box. I have had to replace the 2" male buckle 3 times in 12 yrs. The tabs get week flexing open/close, several times a day. Stick with metal.
Excellent video! Very useful information even for old timer Army like me who has carried many of these and didn't know some the the tricks you showed here.
Blackie you are the best. Your skills and experience is above and beyond. I have learned so much from you and Dan Lutz and William Collins you guys are the greatest. Your skills I have learned so much from you Blackie you are the greatest please keep it the great content. Have a Great day Blackie 👍
I have a Alice I bought for 10 $ I appreciate the mods and had not considered any of them that is my lack of experience with backpacking. I think removing the pocket simplified packing and changing the closure straps to quick connects was a great idea .love the simple handle idea . I considered the paracord route for a handle so I could use the cordage if necessary after some quick thought I really need to have the cordage for other things thanks for sharing your experience
I believe that pocket... the only pocket inside of the ALICE... was specifically designed to carry not just a radio battery but the radio and battery. The radio antenna/whip would go to the side of the lid. I suppose it would take a number of different sized ammunition boxes but those are best just cinched on the exterior of the pack. Which is another reason the main straps, as you mentioned... suck. They need to be modified with FASTEX buckles (WHICH CAN BE DONE WITHOUT DESTROYING OR ALTERING THE PACK IN ANY WAY BESIDES CUTTING THE "J" STITCHIN AT THE VERY END OF THE MAIN STAP... which can be resewn if necessary to turn back in to the Consolidated Issuing Facility Nazi's... side note: worst scum on the plant work at CIF... they rounded up all the soup NAZI's and put them in the CIF) There is always a new style of radio but I'm sure the Corps is still using the AN/PRC-119. The "prick 19". If you are from a different era or just aren't familiar with it... the radio and battery are huge. you say it takes up half the ruck... yup! lol It's more long and flat though so don't think of that pouch as being a "top half". it's a "back upper 3/4". We often would just strap the radio itself onto the frame and then attach a single MOLLE radio pouch swiped from the MOLLE. The MOLLE people got that 100% right because that pouch is compatible with not only the MOLLE pack obviously but also the Alice frame. I guarantee it was designed that way. You could then take the sustainment pouch (also from MOLLE system) and put that on the radio and frame to put snivel gear or smoke grenades and VS17 marker panels etc. Oh I also highly recommend people grab the MOLLE sustainment pouches and put two of them on the large ALICE pack. It gives sooo much more volume for carrying a burden and again can be done without sewing or permanently altering the pack in any way.
Both my deployments had the alice pack and by god it is the best pack ive ever used. I even used it in college and still have one prepped akd ready for minute man.
