ALICE Pack - Appalachian Trail

imported
#1

Has an body used a military A.L.I.C.E. pack on a long hike. Was it any good?

Bucky

#2

I went to an Alice pack last year after 4 years of section hiking the AT with traditional internal frame packs. I loved the Alice pack! It holds everything I need. Of course, I have learned to carry less and less! The only drawback I have found was the shoulder strapping wasnt padded enough for my shoulders and cut in badly. I am having those straps replaced before I go out again this year. Probably 2 more seasons before I will be done!

yaga

#3

I’ve used both the medium and large Alice Packs on weekend and 7 day trips with very good success. I also used one on almost a daily basis between 87-92 thanks to Uncle Sam. I love the design, but you are right with regards to the shoulder strapping. You can find a newer version of the shoulder harness that is much more comfortable, designed to “comfortably” carry a combat load of approx. 60lbs. :smiley:

Jay Davis

#4

I hiked with one in the early 80’s on short hikes (week or less). I got quit using it because of the weight. They are very heavy compared to the newer packs. On a long hike the extra pound or three (in the case of the ALICE) was too much for me. You get to where you can tell if you water bottle is half full. I only saw one last year on our thru-hike. A guy on a week long hike with some scouts had one on. He probably had 60 or 70 lbs in and on it and was really struggling. They had been out for 3 days and he was hurting from the load. Too much, too fast, sends you home too soon. Good luck on your hike.

Papa Smurf

#5

I used an ALICE pack (large) when I hiked the south shore of Lake Superior, about 1100 miles total over nearly 3 months. I was young(er), and in prime condition. At times my pack was 70+ pounds. At first, the straps bit a little, but I got used to it. They are incredibly durable, high capacity, all around packs, a rarity for military design.

I gave the pack to a man I knew who takes the family out for 3-4 day hikes. He acts as the family “sherpa” carrying a monster load, the wife carries a 25-30, and the kids get 10pd packs. The pack is still holding up well, although he isn’t!! :wink:

airferret

#6

The ALICE pack to me is a really bad design. Its durable, but dosent put the weight on your hips like the better hiking packs of the day.It seems to hang more on your shoulders. Yeah, I know someone will say I dont have it adjusted right. But,using one in the service tells me otherwise.Also by the time you add the frame, whats the point? Of course the last time I used one was during the Civil War

Virginian

#7

I forgot the mention the military has dropped the ALICE pack. Yep! They now have an internalframe pack with a waist belt. It looks just like a top of the line Gregory but in camo. It has some added straps for military equipment and is built of heavy duty material. Straycat’s husband hiked the 100 mile wilderness with us carring the new pack. He left for Qutar (with Cencom) two weeks after her hike. He is a special operations planner.

I imagine in a few years we will see them on the trail when they reach the surplus stores.

Papa Smurf

#8

Just to let you all know the new pack is called MOLLE. It stands for Modular Lightweight LoadCarrying Equipment. It is one of the best redesigns the military has made in many many years. If anyone is truly interested here’s a link to information about it.

https://secure.specialtydefense.com/molle/complete.htm

Pete