I always get a chuckle out of the military naming convention . . .A.L.I.C.E. stands for "all-purpose, lightweight, individual, carrying equipment." At least it abbreviates well . . .

Large Pack

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I have used the large alice pack with frame on a number of day hikes and overnighters, and I find it to be comfortable, rugged and well suited to bigger guys, like myself.

A lot of people knock external frame packs, and indeed military surplus in general, but I like several things about the alice. First, it's standard. I can get accessories, parts, and repairs anywhere. Second, it's cheap. Third, it's tried and true, and when you're 15 miles from the nearest road, that's comforting.

I also like the external frame concept for a number of reasons. The extra space between pack and back add a fair amount of cooling, which is important when you sweat buckets like I do. Loading the pack is no big deal--simply throw in your stuff and go. Internal frame packs require careful balancing.

So what's the trade off? They say you can't carry as much with an external pack. For me, a 50 pound pack isn't that big of a deal, so I'm probably not the best judge of that. I like the convenience of the external frame, and the alice design as well.

What's good about the large alice, specifically?

There's a gigantic amount of room in the pack--enough for a five day outing. Inside the pack is basically one large 'stuff sack' with a smaller pouch near the top. The top pouch is easy to get to, and it holds all the stuff you'll want easy access to plus some.

Outside of the main compartment are a number of smaller pouches for 'on the fly' access. Three big pouches are about the size you need for a couple MRE's.

There are mounting points all over the pack, so adding alice compatible stuff is easy, and there are numerous, small web straps that will hold trekking poles, a rolled up hammock and other longer items. There is also a spot beneath the main compartment for a sleeping bag.

Some of the accessories available are waterproof liners, various pouches designed for magazines, grenades, compasses, etc., and there is even an upgrade kit available which adds a sternum strap (very handy) and quick release clasps in place of the web straps it comes with. Personally, I find the webbing easy to use and efficient--it's also one less thing to break out in the bush.

Medium Pack

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Everything is the same, but the main pouch is smaller, and there are straps to use it without the frame (the large pack requires a frame).

The size is nice for a day hike, and used as a rucksack, it is still quite comfortable. With a frame, it wouldn't hold quite enough for a week, but for overnighters or long weekends, it would be fine.

Here are some accessories available online from Brigade Quartermasters . . .
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Camo cover

Modernization kit with sternum strap

Waterproof Liner

ALICE pack frame assembly
 

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