The No.1 Survival Backpack 

ALICE: my best girlfriend ever! I still have my issue one

From what I was taught, the small inside pouch is for a radio. The d-rings and cords attached at the bottom are used to make the pack smaller or an "assault pack". I've had my medium for 25 years and it's still in great shape. Better if you consider the new straps with extra padding I now have on it. I've picked up a few more over the years for family. I just wait until I find one for a great price in good condition. Peace.

I've still got mine I was issued over 40 years ago when I enlisted in the Marine Corps. Still in excellent shape . One thing I really like is being able to fold a Field Jacket and tie it inside of the frame with para cord . Also, to keep the snaps on the 3 outer pockets front corrosion is to put a very light coat of grease on them .

The metal rings inside the medium Alice are to compress the pack to make it an assault pack. You can find instructions on ‘you tube’ how to configure this. I share your enthusiasm for the medium Alice having had a new modified pack with Fastex buckles installed instead of the standard configuration. I have a (now) discontinued ShellBack frame which doesn’t allow the shelf, my only regret. You’ve provided me with valuable information in the past, and I thank you, sir.

I've had my ALICE medium for 20+ years. I got it when I was a Reservist and I took it to Europe with me and went on my first deployment with me. My wife hates it cuz it's what I travel with when we go on vacation or back out west on leave.

Great video. I have been using Alice packs for 4 decades. Got the super shoulder straps from Tactical Tailor. What a difference !!!!

I got issued mine in 1984 and it was 6 years old then. It’s still going and in great shape. Heavy Duty Quality. Unmatched. Yours is an original.. Vietnam era. Mine is the upgraded version with the newer style buckles

I used them daily in the 80's in the military before I switched over to the USAF and left the infantry behind, but the Alice Pack is still my number 1 pick for a survival backpack today.

I just purchased a large ALICE pack with frame and straps.... $50! The most expensive part was the frame. Actual pack was new at $15. MAN I LOVE IT!!!! My wife just inherited my hikers pack that cost $150.00.

I have the same size Alice Pack picked one up in 1983 still use it and to this day. everything you've said is 100% correct, rugged, roomy, strong, and many other uses besides a back pack and worth every penny. Great vid I have a lot of good memories and a couple not so good using the Alice Pack ;)

I just got this whole setup , shelf included, in great condition for free from a friend. Thanks for putting up the vid with all the useful info about my new pack.

Great point. Thanks for the comment.

It really changes the potential of this already excellent pack. The shelf option is huge for Preppers. Thanks~

I got my Alice Packs(Med. and Lrg.) a while back and it was because of this RU-vid video. I drooled over it for what seemed like days and couldn't wait to use em. Almost want to get the Tactical Tailor Molle version but ehh...might as well save my money for something really nice.

Just bought a medium for $20. Already have a large and love it. I even hiked an ultra with int in 2016. They are definitely great packs!!!

Well done Sootch, I love my ALICE pack. I own the large version, and I agree that the cargo-hauling versatility and value are great. Mil-surp is the way to go for the working man.

Yeah, it's an oldie and I need to replace it. Doing the review has motivated me as well! Lol! In the end, it may come down to black powder. Take care Bro

Cargo shelf = mind blown. Awesome discovery! Thanks so much for sharing. I have an Alice Pack already but heck if I don't want to get another one now...

Today I'm 43 and I still have the same ALICE pack dad carried in Nam. If you squint you can still make out the sharpie graffiti.

Thanks a ton Sootch00! I have had one of these for years and I had no idea it had so many capabilties.

Scored one at swapmeet for 8 bucks!! This guide is what I NEED, thanks S00tch!

i got one of these about a year ago. Ebay, $17. I paid another 10 for the shelf. Im an elk hunter, and that shelf is critical for supporting an elk quarter. you can get 3 of these for the price of a walmart pack frame. it has a Huge main compartment, and works as a BOB when not in hunting camp. Thanks for the vid Sootch.

Today I collected 3x lC2 packs in unused condition here in South Africa. I have always been a fan of the SADF pattern 83 pack but am loving the simplicity of the alice.

You answered my prayer tonight. Off to army-navy surplus tomorrow AND a off site storage container. Thank you

I've got miles and miles logged with one of those on my back, I never got a chance to use the new stuff they have now. I guess you could say I'm old Corps, no molle, no acog scope just my flak jacket, alice pack , kevlar helmet, and trusty A2 M16 with iron sights!! Good stuff. I need to get me one I have been shopping around.

The Alice packs are great , it's amazing how much stuff you can carry , these are so durable & you can get to any of your gear without unpacking everything , also buy the surplus dry bag to protect your sleeping bag , and rain pancho. These packs are tried and true. I got issued one that was a little beat so I tried to break mine to get a nice new one , I couldn't break or tear mine .

I have been looking for a good pack for awhile now. I think you have just convinced me that this is one that I need to have. And luckily enough I have a surplus store close by. I've been meaning to check it out. Now I have a specific reason to. Thanks Sootch. I love your channel and straight forward thinking. Keep up the good work.

Love your bloopers at the end, we're all human. You did a great review of this, worthy of the 281K views in the decade that it's been posted. I tie wrapped my cargo shelf onto the bottom of my pack just to keep it outside the pack for when I'll need it. I used to keep it inside the pack.

Now I can understand why those packs are so good. The shelf makes it all come together.

i love the packs, its what we had when i was in the army, i carried a large. so now i have a large as my bug out bag.......... love it love it love it

Alice Packs are great! While I don't have the one I used when I was in the USMC, I do have several. I have one large Alice Pack, which can carry a LOT of gear. I also have two medium packs, having just received the second one today. Never used the cargo shelf, but I might pick one up. Sportman's Guide usually has great deals on these mil-surp packs.

I carried one of these for many years as an infantryman, put it through a lot of hard use and never had any problems. They don't have the bells and whistles of modern gear, but they do their job just as well. Get a large, not a medium, and if you buy the frame make sure to check it thoroughly for cracks in the weld points, etc.

i had to get 2. admire and loving it.thanks update.

I bought an Alice backpack last month so I can put my clothes in it and tools for my bike. I went to visit my grandma about 350km away. When I arrived at her house, I was feeling a minor back pain.

That shelf is slicker than goose poop. Thanks for sharing

The ALICE is an Interesting and solid pack. I use the Canadian Forces P82 Pattern Rucksack which is rugged , adjustable and has many good features.

The shelf on that frame pack is priceless. Everyone should have one of these packs !

Hi, i agree. This Backpack is very Good! In Germany,where i live they cost 100 euro. That"s a lot Money, but it works. Greetings

Always loved my A.L.I.C.E. pack. Turned onto it while running with packs full of sand with a green beret friend of mine for exercise. His pack was ridiculously nicer than mine the way it felt.. so I ran out and bought one. I never knew about the shelf!

Alice packs are awesome have always used them since military days and love them. Molle gear is awesome and I have a lot of it but Alice is most used.

I love my Alice. I don't have a frame because when i got the pack it came with a lot of other Vietnam War surplus from a friend. It had the LC-1 Y suspenders for straps so i bought the right ones. Soooo comfortable. I love how much I can fit for camping or airsoft.

Sootch--nothing but the best from you. quality video,--quality gear--patriotism--everything. I bought my Large ALICE pack, brand new, (at least) a decade ago for all the same reasons. However---its that shelf that you profiled, that makes all the difference.. rock-on brother. Keep these high-class, quality vids coming. My best to you and yours.

I have a BOB and Get home bag video on my Sootch00 channel but an Urban bag would be a different set up......Thanks for the comment. I'll get started.

Great video!! The swiss m90 rucksack is great and so affordable($20)! But I agree, the Alice is a classic. Thanks for the great videos!

I have one, I love it. Rugged and durable.

What wonderful bag ! Strong compact ... Thanks.

I've watched you two different channels I passed it on everybody I know thanks for the information on the Alice pack I've got an ALICE pack as a result of your video. I really like your multiple use household item series tell everybody that I think of about it and send them copies of it. I'm a big supporter 👹💀👍

My dad bought me an Alice pack when I joined the boy scouts. I used it all the way threw to achieving eagle scout. I still use the damn thing to this day for hunting and camping.

Converting one of my alice set ups to a hellcat. going to use it for hiking. I love these packs and the durability of them. The new stuff doesn't seem to be made as well.

I took the assault pack off the CFP90 and placed it on my lg alice pack. this makes for a great scouting bag after you set up camp,Plus it gives Woodland Camo to the packs back. And of course the molle shoulder straps and kidney belt.

I like em "very flexible and very open" to sootch! lol great vid of a great pack, my grandfather gave me his from vietnam era when he was on tour and i still have it! love your vids!

just so you know. we still use that pack in the military. great video, thanks!

Very informative and good reasons to buy an alice pack ,I am considering teaming the pack with The Tatonka Freighter,or Lastenkraxe heavy duty frame pack as its known for exactly the reasons you have given,sure its a few more bucks but it appears to be a good investment,anyway thanks for a really good and fun video ,regards Tom Adair in sunny Australia.

I just watch for the simulated situations now. Kidding. Great info.

Had one of these in army basic training a year back, its amazing how much shit you can fit in it. defiantly recommend.

I have one of the newer backpacks which I purchased from the area Army National Guard Exchange and it is great and I got it at a bargain price. The brand is now used by the military and that was the reason I purchased it from them. The pack have the insert for a bladder, but I didn't get that and chose to use an extra canteen when going camping. The pack has plenty of room and is designed to be zipped up in each compartment and has the outer cover on it to secure my goods.

I stole mine from Supply a while back and have gotten so much use out of it. Loved the video; keep it up!

Ahhhh the alice packs do rock and are of great value and quality..!!! Many many options there indeed and affordable... I have two - one small and one med... I decided to upgrade to something as good or better which I found the Eberlestock Warhammer that is built using the alice frame... its a bit spendy for the whole system and all the options but dang buddy its a great pack system worth every penny...!!! Check it out when you can - you will enjoy:)

I have the large ALICE;best pack out there without a doubt! Easily modified too. I put quick release buckles on the compression straps for faster opening & made a handle on the frame to lift it easier.

Found one at a garage sale, original owner, with frame $15! Another great vid sootch!

A great pack! I carried one for 20 years. You forgot to mention the quick release feature on the shoulder strap. Something I’ve never seen on any other backpack.

Such good info, I watched it again. Thanks#

agree sir ,i have one too and i consider it the best ever back pack i owned

You can also pick up the frame alone with the shelf very reasonably. Every time I see one of those I think of Dick Proenneke toting in firewood in those great videos. That was well before the Alice pack, but it is the same idea. I picked up a large Alice with new belt and the wider straps for less than $30. What a great deal.

I have an Alice pack and am using the wildcat mod. Makes the pack so much more comfortable than those old, straps and kidney pad.

These are great little packs. You can do anything with them.

If you do use one of these. Get yourself some silicon spray and hose down the whole pack. The material the ALICE pack is made from is easily waterproofed with silicon (unlike some more modern synthetic packs).

a lot of military guys still love & use the ALICE pack. I prefer it because of the external frame. If you want to haul over 80lbs on your back external frame is a MUST

Tactical Tailor will modernize your Alice pack. They do good work. I also found sleeves for hydration bladders online. Alice packs are a very practical choice and there isn't a pen holder or any of those small pockets cluttering up the larger one you see in so many packs these days.

I got a Medium pack at a gun show last year for $30 that was in better shape than the ones I was issued in the service. Best value for your money, definitely.

I love both of mine large and med.use then for camping all the time.But the one thing thats always bothered me was the shoulder straps.Never felt they had enough padding so I rigged up a set of molle shoulder straps on the pack without the frame feels great now

Tried and true, Alice is my to go backpack! I have medium size and I have plenty spaces with attachments.

Great job man. Perfect review. I kinda like the older Alice packs like yours better than the newer ones with plastic clips. But all are nice!

Thank you very much! I needed the nfo...

I've been struggling over what packs I need to pick up. I don't see how I can go wrong with this. Thanks for the demo.

This one get job done, good video, sir.

I would agree with you a great pack where it with frame or without I have my old med and large there are also waterproof bags for each compartment great video

I carried one for years with the 82nd. Jumped out of airplanes with one of those between my legs dozens of times. I was going to spend some money to get a newer one but I think I'll go out to my surplus store and pick up an old Alice pack.

11:36 I thought he was considering taking a piss when he stopped. then he thought "Oh wait.. im filming a video"

Wow this vid was very informative. totally took me by surprise with the wealth of information all the way to the presentation.. and I have seen alice pack reviews in my time i can vouch for that. have one myself..

You just cant beat a good ol Alice,,,great video bro.

I wish I never turned mine back into uncle sam!!! Now I use a fleet farm pack, which I had to buy...The ALICE pack will always be one of the great packs ever made, great video!

I love the Alice pack!

I found one at Good will about 8 years ago the large size 12 dollars in absolute new condition just the other day went down to our local G I joe's store one pouch cost 8 dollars total rip but you need what you need . I also bought another Alice pack there but just the bag no frame for 39 bucks I have been looking for original buckles and strapping can't find them any where so bought the bag now I have what I need to improve the pack make it bit bigger .I have to say to every one out there Good Will is hard to beat on price ,I've also found so much goretex clothing there just can pace it up hell I have 3 camo jackets and pants just can leave it there .Great video we are like minded with the Alice for sure.

thx much for the information,very helpful

great video,thanks for sharing!

wow 2018 now and this is a huge throwback lol

as a self proclaimed back pack snob i like the Alice pack it is my go to bag for bags for outer people and i carry my heavy winter clothes i keep in my jeep in a large Alice pack

looks good, i was looking at something that your could go through a river with and it will still be dry inside

I still have my large ALICE ruck, E tool and magazine pouches. Thanks for the video. To protect your maps you can use zip lock bags.

It’s expensive, but have you looked into the hidden woodsmens more modern take on an Alice? Called “Tropical Lightweight Rucksack”. It’s $150 for the pack. ~$300 for the full setup (upgraded straps and kidney belt) still uses the tried and true Alice frame aswell. Works with all 3 models. Great video!

I have 2 large(B.O.B) and 2 medium (get home bag) alice packs. Love them and they hold anything and everything!! I didnt know about the shelf. Just order 2 of them. Thanks for the great tip!!

Thanks for the vedio, didn't know about the com[partment on the upper flap!

Love my Large Alice pack!!

Wow, this was very helpful. I have been wondering what type of bug out bag (B.O.B.) I could use for the most versatile ways. Well this video really answered it for me, but I would want to get the larger bag one, even though that one you showed was still pretty big.

Another great vid. Thanks.

I bought a large and medium sized ALICE pack with frame for 40$ The packs are interchangeable using the same frame. They are the toughest packs bar none.

I just got one from my local surplus store. Brand new without frame for 35$.. Im pretty happy with the pack

I really like this pack and the simple design, versatility, and durability. I was highly considering this, but had to consider the many different scenarios in which I would need to grab my go bag. While some instances it wouldnt matter, there are other circumstances that this pack may result in unwanted attention. I love the frame versatility, that was a big one for me. But again, during many situations (like natural disasters, smaller localized emergencies), then this pack would likely cause “some” of the people to take notice of you and ultimately make assumptions that arent true. Those assumptions may result in even more unwanted attention to myself. There are just too many people that have unjustified fears that end up being directed toward those that they deem as a threat in any form.

Thanks for the reminder! I forgot about the shelf!