What is your favorite pack and why?

[2dumb2kwit]

My ALICE. Medium-sized, cause I don't like 'em too big or too small. She's cheap, sturdy, and dependable. I can do things to her that my friends would never dream of doing to their high-dollar trophy pieces, and she looks just as good or better when I'm done. She may be a little scuffed on the corners and frayed on the edges, but I wouldn't trade her for the latest lightweight model if you paid me.

Hey....that's how I feel about my other half!

Oop's...did I actually type that?

[Rick]

And yet another vacancy looms on the horizon.

[el-amigo]

It's great to read about your experience and knowledge about these rucksacks. I own a cheap, simple (and I think it is unknown at the overseas) Quechua rucksack for my day trips. It's just 30l and I can carry what I need. Safety is the highest priority of course. She has a built-in rain cover and I have an old UK military poncho in it for my safety. Certainly I am just a beginner thus I feel this gear is totally enough for me at the moment.

What is your opinion about the backpacks of the Macpac and the Osprey brand. As far as I know there is an ex soldier who uses the Macpac Cascade 90FL for his adventures. (Ed Stafford ex British army captain.)

The following page will be Hungarian but there are two pictures about theoretically military packs. Do you know something about these rucksacks? Are they really military stuff? Here is the link. I am just curious. I would like to order one. Any comments?

[wetzel]

What's the weight of a medium alice pack unloaded? I certainly like the price, and the fact that so many have put it through the paces and found it functional.

[Rick]

I don't have an empty one to weigh for you so all I can do is give you a SWAG. Someone chime in if you think I'm off.

I'd guess the medium pack at about 3 pounds. With Frame closer to 6. It will also depend on which version you get. The old cotton canvas were pretty heavy, around 5 pounds or so. The nylon ones that came out in the early 60's dropped a couple of pounds.

[wetzel]

Are the Alice packs pretty comfortable to wear without the frame? Say for a hunting/hiking daypack. Is there a spot in there to put a bladder?

[Winter]

Med ALICE is 5.8 lbs and 2350 cubic inches.

Durable, proven, cheap, and I'm used to the system.

[Winter]

Are the Alice packs pretty comfortable to wear without the frame? Say for a hunting/hiking daypack. Is there a spot in there to put a bladder?

Not with any real weight. The radio pouch can carry a bladder.

[sh4d0wm4573ri7]

It does have the aluminum brace for a frame yes its very comfy even with a 40-50 lb load.

[el-amigo]

Hello,

Any response for my questions? I'd like to buy the military backpack in December.

Cheers,
Tom

[Rick]

Winter - Is that with the frame?

Tom - The packs you listed are not U.S. military packs. Whether they are use by a European country is not something I would know. We have plenty of commercial packs like that here in the States. It depends on the brand name as to whether you are getting a quality pack.

The Alice pack is prolific throughout the world since so many of them were made and so many used by other countries. You should be able to pick one up in Europe at a decent price. I don't think you'll be disappointed with it.

[el-amigo]

Tom - The packs you listed are not U.S. military packs. Whether they are use by a European country is not something I would know. We have plenty of commercial packs like that here in the States. It depends on the brand name as to whether you are getting a quality pack.

The Alice pack is prolific throughout the world since so many of them were made and so many used by other countries. You should be able to pick one up in Europe at a decent price. I don't think you'll be disappointed with it.

Sir, yes, sir!
I will check the Alice packs in Europe!

[el-amigo]

Sir, yes, sir!
I will check the Alice packs in Europe!

I've checked the ALICE and MOLLE packs at my area after reading the sticky backpack topic. Unfortunately the ALICE packs are quite expensive here but I found great MOLLE rucksacks. I'll check them at the military store. Aaaand thank you for the comments.

[wetzel]

Midwayusa.com has army surplus alice packs for what seem like a pretty good deal. 34.99 for a medium and 39.99 for a large. They come with the frame. Are these good ones?

[Rick]

The large is on sale for $29.99 but they are currently out of stock. They look like the real deal to me but the large one isn't a very good picture.

[Sticky]

I also vote for a medium ALICE. I've been using one since 1970, so I know exactly where all my gear will go. I find it fits me well with the frame. I use it for canoeing, backpacking, etc...

[el-amigo]

The medium ALICE pack (without the frame) is $75.59 here.
The MOLLE 30l pack is $35.57.

According to the information from the store they are not waterproof.

It's a funny part of the world.

[Rick]

A quick check of Google indicates you may be looking at the same pack you posted. Not a true Molle pack. Here's a pic of the true Molle Rucksack. You aren't going to pick it up for $35.00.

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You probably want to stay away from the Molle 3-Day assault pack since the should straps a pretty thin.

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[el-amigo]

You are definitely right, Rick.
Sorry for the confusion, I'm a beginner but I would like to fit into the community quickly.
Now I see what I have found is a fake military backpack.

[Rick]

I have one very similar to the one you posted and it's a good day pack. I could probably get by with it for a few days but I have more comfortable packs that I prefer.