USGI Large ALICE Pack w/out Frame

This is a vintage USGI large ALICE pack. The pack is in used, serviceable condition. This pack was well used. It has numerous professional repairs (some are pictured). The main compartment drawstring is frayed and may need to be replaced soon. The bottom right webbing loop is missing a grommet. Nonetheless, the pack has many more miles and years of rucking in it! The waterproofing under the top flap is still intact and supple. It has the name tape of the original owner as well as the "cat's eyes" for unit identification in the dark. The cat's eyes have been on the pack for years, but they are still luminescent. The pack is dated 1984.

This listing is for the pack only! No frame is included. The large ALICE pack does require a frame for use. Surplus frames can be found, but I recommend the current issue USMC FILBE frame, which was meant to accommodate both the FILBE and ALICE packs. I would not recommend commercial aftermarket frames as these are not made very well.

Although much heavier than a modern backpacking pack, the ALICE pack is a great choice for a budget backpacking pack, hunting pack or bug out bag. Unlike civilian packs the design makes it easy to compartmentalize and access critical items. Other ALICE or MOLLE items can be secured to the outside webbing, such as canteens or first aid packs. The frame can be used as a pack board (a separate purpose made pack shelf can be found in surplus stores). There are also many aftermarket add-on pockets and accessories. ALICE packs can also be modified and altered with extra pockets and quick release buckles by places like Tactical Tailor.

In spite of being dated, ALICE packs were the standard by which all other military packs were judged for decades. The design is simple and rugged, based off of previous successful military and mountaineering packs. The ALICE pack remained the preferred pack for Airborne units well after the adoption of the MOLLE system because the aluminum frame was less likely to break when released during a jump. In fact, the men of the 3rd Ranger Battalion could be seen carrying modified ALICE packs as late as 2014.

The ALICE system replaced the M-1956 and M-1967 Load Carrying Equipment systems in 1972. Issue of ALICE components lasted well into the early 2000's. The ALICE packs consisted of the "Medium" and "Large" variants. They incorporated the features first found in the WWII Mountain Pack. The U.S. Military's approach to rucksacks in the post-WWII years were frequently inadequate and culminated in the M-1956 buttpack, while the USMC retained the M-1943 haversack. The shortfalls of the minimalist approach to individual load carrying capacity was made clear in Vietnam. Following the Vietnam experience, the ALICE system was meant to address lessons learned in that war. The ALICE packs were an evolutionary design that reflected the previous Lightweight Rucksack and the Tropical Rucksack, with the "Medium" ALICE pack being virtually identical to the Tropical Ruck. The biggest difference from the Vietnam era rucks was the frame. The ALICE frame is heavier and more complex. Interestingly, according to the original technical manuals, the Medium ALICE pack was meant to be the primary rucksack for all soldiers and it was meant to be worn without the frame. The Large ALICE pack was intended to be a special issue pack for arctic combat. This intent also reflected the Vietnam experience with the desire to not burden fighting men with existence loads greater than 50 pounds. Actual practice in years to come reversed this intent, with the Large pack becoming the primary pack among infantrymen where expected loads were in the 70 - 90 pound range.