The Best Prepper Back Pack 

Great video I worked at Tactical Tailor in Tacoma. We repair Alice packs from all over the world. Air born jumps with an Alice on a teather. God you ought to see what they do to them. I picked up a medium from the Goodwill store in Seattle for $1.99 w/o frame. I wash the pack in the bath tub with Dawn dish soap. Let it sit for a couple of hours in warm water and rince twice with cold. Let dry overnight. (No dryer). Do the same with the straps off the pack. If you clean the straps they will get more springy. So much gear gets tossed because nobody cleans it. Lastly all the Alice compatable gear is now at giveaway prices with many years of servicable life left . What could be more agreeable with a budget.

A boys camp was upgrading and they threw away 30 Alice packs. I saw them out there and i asked if i could take one. The owner of the camp said take them all. So I took them all and I have been issuing them to every friend that i have. The frame is only $30.00 make's a great bug out bag.

Mine has been from Vietnam to Falluja and still going!

i Double up on these i have one on my back.... and one.... in front of me can carry a lot more .

Very nice video! I still have my old LC-1 Medium with frame, and you are correct that all the accessories are readily available and using MOLLE attachments with the ALICE is easy. I'll have to get a shelf; you really showed the usefulness of it well.

had one throught my time in the U.S. Army 04-13. Best damn bag ever. I could fit 2 full ACU uniforms with boots no prob. Rain gear Plenty of room. Rugged, just awesome. I am going to buy one with frame just to have again.

hey scootch00 do you think you can make a video on everything that's in the Alice pack,I have one and wanted to know what I can and can't put in mine

I have a med. Alice pack with the frame and I was thinking about swapping it for a normal low-key backpack but the storage and durability of an Alice pack is simply unrivaled.

You rock, keep it up. Just looked at one alice pack today. May have to get one for the collection soon.

love these I use a Spec Ops brand Alice pack $80

great video sootch00. I'm just now getting mine. Who knows, with the politics going the way they are, they may outlaw using army surplus items. lol

I love my ALICE pack. However, I modified it into the Hellcat variant to make it more comfortable. The Hellcat modification means the shoulder and hip straps get replaced with the MOLLE 2 straps and a sleep system carrier is installed on the bottom of the frame. I highly recommend those modifications as they make the pack more comfortable.

Good. But why wreck it with tha 'god bless america' crap at the end. FFS.

I agree Sootch! I really like mine. Glad I never got rid of it. Great Vid.... Thank you.

I know this is an old video..but you sir just got another committed subscriber! looking forward to more of these fantastic videos

great video; it brings out the old days when I was in the army. yes the alice pack was great out in the field for the ground pounder. I use one today for my bug out bag.

i bought a brand new alice pack at a thrift store for 50 cents. there's all kinds of awesome deals out there.

yes you can, in the show LOST, John Lock runs around with an mil alice pack w/o the frame

Just picked up one from amazon sootch... awesome!!! great review buddy.

Could you wear a alice web belt with suspenders with this rig? Thanks

you should give the bag away in a contest since your replacing it

Synthetic dryer lint won't catch a spark like cotton dryer lint.

Alice Packs are great for the versatility and weight for sure. not to mention the affordability factor. Nice review Sootch!

Too much cheap plastic and non-standard Velcro with MOLLE. I will stick with the ALICE system since that is what I used most of the time while on active duty in the 70s-90s. Just keep all the metal waterproofed.

We still used Alice packs at 2nd Recon Bn.

Awesome pack. Have had mine for years.

I stil have one of these. Snipers and Recon Marines still use these packs or new packs that use the frame. I only replaced the shoulder straps on mine with straps that had longer padded portions

I have 4 of these plus the Desert Camo rain covers ... excellent Prepper Pack and really comfortable to wear. Superb quality - these were made to go through a WAR!

Awsom pack...ive replaced my shoulder straps and hip belt with Tactical Tayler replacements....not cheap to do...bur WELL worth it.

Value for the Allice Packs seems high indeed! A nice mill spec modulair mountain pack from Berghaus is atleast 180 euro last time I looked...

you may have an easier time if you put the .45 cal box on top. keeping the weight higher seems to give it less leverage to pull you backwards.

Sometimes simpler is better. I've used Kifaru, and Mystery Ranch (Overload, an $800 pack), along with the modern issued packs. Still come back to the ALICE. Something refreshing about its simplicity and versatility.

Nice vid!!! I have a question: I've got an ALICE medium pack 4 years ago but I've noticed that the buckles of the bottom are quite rusty. How can I remove rust from those buckles o what can I do to avoid rust?

Hi Don, I have repeatedly watched this (and your other videos) over the years. GREAT VIDEO! I am a big fan of the Alice pack. FYI one of the restoration tips for the water resistant map compartment / top lid on the A.L.I.C.E packs is to mask it off and spray it with Flex Seal. Also another not well known gear location on the A.L.I.C.E. packs, is in-between the three outside compartments and the main compartment.. There are slots behind the three outer compartments (behind two of them on the large A.L.I.C.E. packs. That location is perfect to slide a hatchet or small axe etc... into.

For years I've had a medium ALICE that I upgraded with side release buckles on the main straps and pockets, and added the pouch liners. I like the pack; but after buying a Condor compact assault pack as my Get Home Bag, I really liked being able to organize everything where it could be so easily seen and found ... now I no longer like the bottomless pit aspect of the ALICE and am thinking about replacing it with a Condor 3 Day Assault Pack. Does anyone have both the 3-day assault pack and the Med ALICE? How does the size compare? Does the 3-day assault pack have any kind of an internal frame? Thanks!!

Modded and "upgraded" my regular and large ALICE packs - fastex buckles, replaced alice clip webbing with molle/pals webbing etc. Sewing machine made it all easy. I even put a regular size pack with frame onto a LBV type vest. They are just so easily modded and for budget happy prices they are a great alternative to the more pricey options.

Good video sootch00, but We think THEHOSSUSMCbeat you to this video Haha. Thanks for the video though good info.

Hi Sootch! Thanks for all the great videos and information. I really enjoy your channel. I did a Google search: ALICE PACK HELLCAT and found some threads that discuss adding MOLLE II shoulder straps and kidney pad along with the modular sleep system carrier to an ALICE pack. I'm in the process of doing that to my ALICE pack and I think it's a great idea. Just wanted to let others know about it. Keep the good videos coming! YOU ROCK, SOOTCH!

I'm kinda nervous. You say this is good prepper gear, yet I have some of the same gear you've been posting about lately. Just, I don't get it for survival, I got it simply as good deal priced for camping & such. I got a large Alice Pack since I really didn't want to pay $300 for a camping packpack, or have one that can't do as well. I got mine new from Captain Dave's. I think my only real complaint is I tend to overpack (trying to keep a 80 lbs limit) I just think the pack sensible in general.

When a pack gets anywhere over 40lbs, weight distribution is key to wishing whether or not you were dead! A 60-70lb. ALICE pack, properly loaded, is a world-of-comfort better than a 60-70lb. acu pack. The really crap part is we were forced to deploy to OEF8-9 with the new packs, leaving the ALICE packs state-side...As much as it would suck either way, humping through desert and mountains carrying over 100lbs.(sometimes WELL over) of gear would have been a lot better with the more comfortable

I bought one of these from the surplus store right before I ets'd from the army in 2010...When I first enlisted this was the issue pack, around 2007/2008 they started issuing the new polymer frame acu color packs, even though we'd been issued the new packs, my unit used the ALICE packs until they were basically pried from our hands. On extended ruck marches (8,10,12,16+ miles) the alice pack is SO MUCH more comfortable, it allows weight to be built up higher than the ACU packs...

Kelty makes several external frame packs which mimic the old Alice pack. They have more modern design and materials, but don't have the benefit of the Alice clips/webbing and availability of replacement parts. I think the old standby is better by far and the fact that companies continue to mimic the Alice pack testifies to its greatness. (The old Alice bags can be attached to a newer Kelty frame though, which can be a great option.)

I used the large frame alice for many years in the army before it was replaced by the new MOLLE ruck. As an infantry soldier, I've lived out of it, humped it across mountain and desert alike, and filled it with more weight than I cared to put on my back or feet. It's been all over the world with me and through all types of climates and I still adore it today as it is my go to pack. Just make sure you water proof everything inside your alice and it will sustain you for a long time.

Hey Don, I picked up my first ALICE from sportsmansguide the other day, $24 and free shipping as I got some stuff that went over $50. I thought the frame would be an accessory i'd not be wanting, but it's not that heavy and seems like a good idea. i'm going to try and put the straps just on the pack only tomorrow and see how it hangs. I was thinking the very same thing about the air gap too. my pack is in nearly new condition, flap is a little faded, otherwise mint. looks circa late 90's

Great video. I have had my large Alice pack for about 12 years. My Father is a 30 year veteran and he got it for me. Cause he is awesome. I recenlt bought a Drago 5 day pack. It's nice but, not nearly as adaptable as my Alice pack. So my girlfriend is using it for her B.O.B. As I want her to carry less equipment so she can maneuver easier.

I'd be all about one of these. But being that I would use this most of the time on my dual sport bike, I'd be worried about having an accident with that metal frame on my back. Seems like it could turn an accident that might just result in road rash into a fatal crash if you land on it right. But I love Cheap and Proven, so I'm going to try one on.

Just recently got a ALICE pack of eBay for $32 shipping included to free a nice internal frame pack. Once loaded up as my bug out bag I realized I should of spent that $30 ages ago. I didn't know about the cargo plate, thanks! For that kind of money it's perfect to be packed up and put away for a time when things get rough...

Great video Sootch! Just one feature you neglected to point out-- The quick release pull tabs on the shoulder harness. It's a great feature if/when you ever need to dump off your pack in a hurry. I love the A.L.I.C.E. pack. I used my dad's old issue ruck sack back when I was in Boy Scouts. You could stuff 2 MREs in each of the smaller ouside pockets and you were good to go. ;)

All-purpose Load Bearing Individual Carrying Equipment

After watching your video I found a 1976 issue Alice pack at Salvation army for $7.00 wow! The frame had four bad rivets,so I put new rivets in and mixed mineral spirits and silicone to waterproof and sewed new webbing on the bag with quick disconnects for the outside pockets and top flap. I replaced the hip belt with a Molle hip belt and sewed a top carry strap on the frame too. Thank you for your video and giving me the joy of modifying one. I think this will last me my lifetime!

It took me a long time... But, watching this, I realized that I always come to this channel for pack/prepper advice. I guess I better subscribe, huh? :)

Great packs...if you replace shoulder straps, hip belt, back pads....oh, and repair bag and frame...rather like the hatchet with which George Washington chopped down the cherry tree...one two new heads and thrre new handles...ALICE packs are a good stop-gap pack, but there are a LOT better packs on the market for function and total price point...

When I was on my way out of the Marine Corps (late 2011, early 2012) deploying guys got issued large ALICE packs because the issued ILBE's and plastic frames were breaking (including mine). For my money, the ALICE is still the most versatile pack, and the external frame is awesome.

Great packs. Had them in the Marines in '77, got a couple more and retro-fitted them to be saddlebags for my M.C. for a cross country trip from Oregon to Florida. Never went back. The packs are still in my closets & I still use them from time to time. I need to get frames, tho.

hey @sootch00 great vid - love the Alice pack, had a couple for years of use.. only problem was when I got frames & straps delivered to the UK, they didnt send the waist belt to frame tension attachment.. so have always used bungies instead.. any ideas on where to get 2 of those straps to the UK?

I love my old Alice pack. Some great points in the vid, I would also add, that on the long tie down straps I added a couple of high quality snap buckles so I can more easily open the pack top. The new molle is great equipment, but this pack is still bomb proof.

Old grouch surplus has some large with frame for 27.95 plus shipping. They had mediums, but sold out. Great video by the way. We still had these in 88 when I went in the service. I was running around in the woods as a kid with one in the early 80's. Back before it was some kind of mischief, like today.

Can someone please tell me what is the difference between a regular medium Alice pack and a medium RADIO Alice pack?Thanks.

I agree. The main reason why it’s the ultimate pepper pack is because it is basic. Not made to be comfortable, not made to be convenient, and last but not least not made to be posh for anyone who wants survival to be a walk in the park. Yes it’s not the most advanced equipment. However it is the most budget survival equipment. It’s totally worth the buy IF you are not a high maintenance survivalists which sorta is a contradictory honestly. I love cheap well made multi functional gear that make survival hard BUT possible. Thank you sensible prepper for the wonderful review

Hey Sootch00, Just picked up a couple of Woodland shovel pouches. One holds my Estwing camp axe and on the other side one holds my Glock. Pretty dam covert and handy

pack...of course we used smaller assault packs most of the time, but sometimes rucks became required (mostly to carry LUDICROUS amounts of batteries and ridiculous electronics (BAT/HIIDE anybody?)).....anyways, yes the ALICE pack is awesome!

aside from how great it still is to use, the ALICE setup is a great piece of military history. think of it this way: if the ALICE clips hadn't been invented, how long would it have taken for somebody to think of the MOLLE setup?

I had one and had real bad luck with the snaps on the outer poackets pulling out. Like if you went to unsnap them, instead of coming apart, it just pulled out of the fabric rendering the pouch closeable. Anyone else have that problem?

Great review! I remember when these were first issued, ~late '76. Prior to that we had the web gear with butt lacks which didn't carry much. The ALICE packs were a god send.

Thanks so much for this video. I have a couple of Alice Packs and a USGI sleep system that I wish to attache to bottom of Alice pack. I just got some Alice cargo tie downs from eBay but I can't work out how they work? Any chance of a video or explanation or a link you know of, how to use the tie downs and put them together?

Agreed, the utility shelf is quite handy. While in the bush, I've bungied cut dead fall and transported back to camp.

They're god-awful uncomfortable. I can't believe our troops hiked with them for any length of time

Hey Sootch, When you have the medium pack on the shelf, there seems to be enough room underneath to still fit things. Is it possible to squeeze an M2 ammo can on the shelf while the pack is attached? Thanks.

I'd take an ALICE pack over a civilian recreational pack costing 10 times as much any day of the week. I used to have an ALICE Hellcat modified to the hilt (medium ALICE, MOLLE II shoulder straps & waist belt, Fastex Buckle conversion, 200RD SAW & canteen pouches, hydration pouch, rain cover, dry bag, King Cobra Weave Paracord Handle...all USGI and all in matching Woodland Camo). Outstanding piece of kit. It can be customized to any number of configurations. Loved mine.

Sootch00, Do you know where there is a military instructional video illustrating the proper way to load out the LARGE LC-2 like they showed on OneShepherdVideo..I just remember it saying this is BATTLE RATTLE RADIO .lol. they did the complete med version w/ issued gear for basic. there are only 3 vids from 1 year ago? any help would be appreciated .. Thanks Oh yea! everyone, when he says lube buckles don't forget buttons and vasoline works great, seriously..Support Our 2nd Amendment..Thank you

Sootch00, I couldn't agree more. An awesome pack. Why do you (not you actually) think that the Marines. Army ..as U said still use these. Because they're just flat out excellent. Hint, know what style of frame you have .Hint is that the first LC-1 is Black and requires a rounded shelf. The Lc-2 frames are Anodized green or Later versions are painted aluminum green. colmans has em for 5.99 as of 3-30-2013 plus shipping so try to order somthing else to get the most out of shipping price grt video

Love me some Alice. I have a Camo Alice pack on the way, good condition and got with shipping for about $20. Im going to do the wildcat mod on it using the kidney belt and straps from the MOLLE II rucksack and am also the MSR sleep carrier as well. The Alice pack has stood the test of time and they are still being used to this day. Companies make aftermarket Alice packs. Its the B52 of rucksacks.

My local surplus store was selling them all rusted and beaten up for 79.99 for the medium one. walk into the gun store down the road from me, large pack, frame, and all for 25$!! bought it in a heartbeat!

Very cool plan I have and old one and after seeing your vid I now plan to restore it for using it as my oficial bug out bag. I just need to buy a frame and remake the rain cover inside the flap.

I just got one of those load shelves for mine. Is it suppossed to be such a loose fit? It barely stays on without a load, making it a little poor to lash down to, given all the lashing slots.

the alice is a great pack. the molle ruck is a better one. It becomes noticeable around mile 3. At mile 6 it is obvious. Around mile 12 you want to stop no matter what ruck your wearing.

Ive had a medium alice pack for many years, since I was 12. Used it all the way through boy scouts, school, lots of hiking/fishing/etc. I have BEAT THE SHIT out of that pack and Its still kicking.

I can see it's benefits for after a long term event has started, for acquisitions and hardware transport as showed. i would want to be low profile initially. But the flexibility is very good.

I just got my Alice pack the frame was ten dollars and the bag was 15 they didn’t know what it was I am very glad I did and bought it so fast

I'm still using some old alice clips with a US canteen on my Maxpedition falcon, they DON'T break.

During my time in the military the Alice pack was the primary pack. We called the Alice pack the torture pack or torture pack. They are a horrible pain in the back. I think I'd rather do to laundry bags on a stick than an ALICE pack.

hey scooch love ur videos. I have 2 Alice packs ur right u can't beat them.I like just about all Vietnam era military issue equipment.I have a load gearing vest that is very adaptable.like it alot. keepdoin what ur doing.b safe.

I will say, the A.L.I.C.E. pack is a great budget pack. I actually have two of them, ones a medium that I used when I was in ROTC, the other is a Large. The large alice is big enough to carry a couple of toddlers in it! I dont have any plans of getting rid of either pack because of their versatility! Great vid Sootch00!

I was looking for a new pack and got a medium alice after watching this. I love it. Its everything i was looking for. Got it on ebay for 22 bucks with frame and straps. Great vid.

No it should be snug somewhat,if it was used It may have been "broken in " meaning pressure on shelf ,slightly bending the clasping groove...Just take a rubber mallet and carefully ,laying the attaching side on a bench and , then carefully hit the bent part to tighten it up ..

The ALICE pack was the issued backpack when I was active duty Army. It is very rugged and durable. When I got out I bought one at a surplus store that was in like new condition along with the frame. Sadly I cannot use it because after years in the gym my shoulder area got so broad that the straps literally dig in and leave deep bruises on my inner bicep area and it makes for a very uncomfortable carry. I still keep it on hand because it's always good to have extras or a pack I can loan to someone in a pinch.

I have both the medium and the large, love them. I use the medium one as my BoB/hurricane bag and replaced the straps with the molle II straps. Much more comfortable.

I just ordered a large alice pack with frame exc. cond. on Ebay for $34 plus $14 shipping. I was wondering is the frame the same for the large and medium pack?

hey Sootch, have you ever considered attaching molle gear to your alice pack using the molle to alice adapters? I'd love to hear your thoughts on the subject

These packs are awesome. And they are still in use by the US military. It he large held enough stuff to hold me over for 7 days plus mission essential gear.

That platform for the frame is the best idea ive seen on a pack yet. It would make carrying large loads of firewood back to basecamp a breeze. Great video Sootch

Sportsman's Guide sells new surplus. I have had a used Medium and a used Large for years. Both are great packs.

I have spent months researching into prepping and found a fantastic resource at Micaden Survive System (check it out on google)

i try to do this kind of stuff but im 14 and my parents dont care about this so i cant relly do it untile i move out but alote can happen in four years

Lol I LOOOVE how you model your gear Sootch. It makes me laugh every time. but It really is a great addition to your videos, beyond the humor aspect.

I agree ! Great valued pack. I still use Alice clips on my more modern gear. The frames are great for hauling meat out of the woods! Great vid sootch

My bug out bag is a M1936 Haversack. Think I need to upgrade?

Great video, thanks! I actually have an alice pack. Good stuff! By the way, did you know that if you throw the entire thing into water, metal frame and all, unloaded or loaded, it floats?

Couldn't agree with you more. Like you I have a number of packs. I own the large Alice Pack. its my go to, even over my $275 hunting pack for BOB

I agree.. Nice pack. Have you seen the new one at Spec Ops. Check it out. Usually really good sales and great people