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ALICE Gear Setups (Page 14 of 23)
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Originally Posted By xcibes:
I find Enforcer's ALICE/MOLLE Hybrids to be perfect for my needs. Though I had a Hellcat, I wanted to try it with the plastic frame. I got one of the Alice-compatible frames so it did not come out as Enforcer's since he used the earlier frame, and I also replaced the MSS bag with a MOLLE waist bag. I also needed to use the LC2 straps instead of the MOLLE. Below are the results. http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b379/xcibes/20130224_112312_zpsb8d1703a.jpg http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b379/xcibes/20130224_112344_zpsb3057402.jpg http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b379/xcibes/20130224_112809_zps44655bd2.jpg http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b379/xcibes/20130224_112749_zpsd3b1fa5c.jpg http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b379/xcibes/20130224_112700_zps10d5151b.jpg http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b379/xcibes/20130224_112456_zpse8ba215a.jpg http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b379/xcibes/20130224_112424_zps38b70832.jpg http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b379/xcibes/20130224_112400_zps5509afc6.jpg http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b379/xcibes/20130224_112737_zpscca6832b.jpg xcibes, Very nicely done. I have actually built 2 Hellcats on the DEI frame; one was pre ALICE and the other was on the ALICE compatible frame. I was able to use the MOLLE shoulder harness on both; but the LC 2's should be fine. The advantage to using the MOLLE harness is the extra padding it gives between the plastic frame and your shoulders. There isn't a lot of adjustment for torso length on the DEI frame. Thanks for posting Rod |
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Originally Posted By xcibes:
Thanks Rod! How did you manage to use the MOLLE shoulder straps on the AC frame? The only way I could figure it was using the stick on the ALICE, like you did on the older frame, or did I miss something? I was going to ask this also, as I am probaly going to replacd the metal ALICE frame on my Med ALICE pack with the plastic ABN frame. Rod, is the ABN frame GTG with the Med ALICE + MSS carrier on the bottom? Is it sufficiently long? |
"The M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised." General George S. Patton Jr.,US Army
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Originally Posted By xcibes:
Thanks Rod! How did you manage to use the MOLLE shoulder straps on the AC frame? The only way I could figure it was using the stick on the ALICE, like you did on the older frame, or did I miss something? The older frame was too wide to fit into the ALICE padded "pocket" ; thats why I used the "bobcat" so it would have a attachment point. The new ALICE compatible DEI frame easily accommodates the MOLLE shoulder harness without any modifications. |
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Originally Posted By raf:
Originally Posted By xcibes:
Thanks Rod! How did you manage to use the MOLLE shoulder straps on the AC frame? The only way I could figure it was using the stick on the ALICE, like you did on the older frame, or did I miss something? I was going to ask this also, as I am probaly going to replacd the metal ALICE frame on my Med ALICE pack with the plastic ABN frame. Rod, is the ABN frame GTG with the Med ALICE + MSS carrier on the bottom? Is it sufficiently long? Sorry for the late response. The MSS attaches easily; there is only about a 0.5-1' difference between the length of the two frames. The DEI is a little shorter but not enough to create a noticeable difference. I'll post some pics friday evening. of both frames using the MSS and the MOLLE shoulder harness. Rod |
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Originally Posted By Enforcer:
Originally Posted By raf:
Originally Posted By xcibes:
Thanks Rod! How did you manage to use the MOLLE shoulder straps on the AC frame? The only way I could figure it was using the stick on the ALICE, like you did on the older frame, or did I miss something? I was going to ask this also, as I am probaly going to replacd the metal ALICE frame on my Med ALICE pack with the plastic ABN frame. Rod, is the ABN frame GTG with the Med ALICE + MSS carrier on the bottom? Is it sufficiently long? Sorry for the late response. The MSS attaches easily; there is only about a 0.5-1' difference between the length of the two frames. The DEI is a little shorter but not enough to create a noticeable difference. I'll post some pics friday evening. of both frames using the MSS and the MOLLE shoulder harness. Rod Much obliged. I'll order an ABN frame from the mfr (unless you know of a cheaper vendor), and re-configure the metal frame with dedicated cargo shelves and straps for ammo and fuel carriage. |
"The M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised." General George S. Patton Jr.,US Army
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Originally Posted By bigstick61:
Very nice. So the suspenders were custom-made? It'd be sweet to have some M1967 suspenders made in coyote brown. M-1967? good choice. That would be cool 
When I got to my NG unit thats all I wore in the pre-molle days. |
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Originally Posted By JPN:
Other than cost, does the Hellcat have any advantage over the MOLLE ruck? Cost is the main advantage; I also believe it has bigger advantage when it comes to fit and modularity.Thats just my opinion. YMMV BTW still working on the photos; just about have everything ready to publish and post. Rod |
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Originally Posted By Enforcer:
Originally Posted By JPN:
Other than cost, does the Hellcat have any advantage over the MOLLE ruck? Cost is the main advantage; I also believe it has bigger advantage when it comes to fit and modularity.Thats just my opinion. YMMV BTW still working on the photos; just about have everything ready to publish and post. Rod I can see how a Hellcat with the medium ALICE pack would be much more comfortable than the medium pack with no frame, while providing a smaller alternative to the MOLLE ruck. I might have to order one of the DEI Airborne frames and try it out. ETA: Ordered MOLLE shoulder straps and waistbelt in ACU. I've had a MSS carrier and waistpack in DCU laying around for a while. Looks like I need to add some dark green RIT dye to the shopping list. Dug out the OD medium ALICE pack that I got as a spare, when I bought one for my daughter to use as a bookbag, 5 or 6 years ago. Anybody found a cheaper source for the ALICE compatible frames, than ordering them from DEI? |
Earthsheltered house - a steel reinforced concrete bunker that even the treehuggers consider to be socially acceptable.
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Thanks to Enforcer I put together a Hellcat.
I also mounted a large ALICE pack to the regular MOLLE frame that USRO is selling, with MOLLE shoulder straps and waist belt. I first cut down a section of an old aluminum broomstick, filed and duct-taped the ends, and inserted it into the large ALICE pack per the Bobcat mod. One of these days I will pick up an AC frame for the Hellcat. ETA: pics of the large ALICE on a regular MOLLE frame: Here is the top of the bag with the Bobcat rod inserted. The two black straps I added to cinch the bag tightly to the frame. 
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Here are a few pics showing how the 1606ac is attached at the top of the medium ALICE ruck; and showing how I attached the old 1606 airborne frame. In a couple of days I'll put together a more extensive tutorial.
Slip up into yoke 
Locate slots for the shoulder harness attachment straps 
Set up and attachment is identical to the Hellcat 
Frame side view of a Hellcat using a 1606ac frame 
Same view of a Hellcat using a older 1606; it was much wider at the top and was not compatible with ALICE. 
I took a page out of my Bobcat mod and used the rod sleeved in the tubed webbing 
and ran the attachment straps around the metal rod and frame 
In order to stabilize the top of the ruck(it had a tendency to pivot because the yoke would not fit over the frame) I ran the compression straps thru the outer top, slot on the wing and cinched it down with a 1" slider ala molle style. Then ran the remaining webbing back thru the slot so it still perform it's primary function of compressing the main ruck. 
Look for another post in a few days that will go into more detail regarding the build of a Hellcat on a 1606ac frame. Regards Rod |
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Another source for the ALICE compatible plastic frames (1606AC).
Tactical Advantage They have them in black, foliage, and tan, but they don't price them any lower than buying one from DEI. They also have new MOLLE shoulder straps in coyote and woodland, and waistbelts in woodland, but they are pricey (compared to surplus). |
Earthsheltered house - a steel reinforced concrete bunker that even the treehuggers consider to be socially acceptable.
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Originally Posted By xcibes:
Thanks for the photos Rod! I will try it that way on mine. I might also just get the NON-ALICE COMPATIBLE FRAME, I think I like it better. Hell I might just get a whole bunch of packs and try all different kinds of variations.
This morning, I was looking at a site that listed good condition OD medium ALICE packs for $10 and 'minor repair needed' large ALICE packs for $6, and started thinking that it wouldn't be too expensive to buy a couple of those to take apart and use to make patterns... there are places that sell Cordura fabric in various camo patterns, and there are modifications that would be much easier to do while making a pack from scratch... 
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Earthsheltered house - a steel reinforced concrete bunker that even the treehuggers consider to be socially acceptable.
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Originally Posted By JPN:
Originally Posted By xcibes:
Thanks for the photos Rod! I will try it that way on mine. I might also just get the NON-ALICE COMPATIBLE FRAME, I think I like it better. Hell I might just get a whole bunch of packs and try all different kinds of variations.
This morning, I was looking at a site that listed good condition OD medium ALICE packs for $10 and 'minor repair needed' large ALICE packs for $6, and started thinking that it wouldn't be too expensive to buy a couple of those to take apart and use to make patterns... there are places that sell Cordura fabric in various camo patterns, and there are modifications that would be much easier to do while making a pack from scratch... Except there are better designs than the ALICE. I agree with making it compatible to an ALICE frame, but why limit yourself? That being said, my dream is a MOLLE pack modified to work on an M1941 type frame, so I'm not really one to talk I guess... 
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Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing - Benjamin Franklin
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Originally Posted By Morg308:
Originally Posted By JPN:
This morning, I was looking at a site that listed good condition OD medium ALICE packs for $10 and 'minor repair needed' large ALICE packs for $6, and started thinking that it wouldn't be too expensive to buy a couple of those to take apart and use to make patterns... there are places that sell Cordura fabric in various camo patterns, and there are modifications that would be much easier to do while making a pack from scratch... Except there are better designs than the ALICE. I agree with making it compatible to an ALICE frame, but why limit yourself? That being said, my dream is a MOLLE pack modified to work on an M1941 type frame, so I'm not really one to talk I guess... When I start trying to figure out modifications, things can progress to the point that I have to take a step back and figure out if I've gone too far from the starting point. One of my first thoughts, was to make the sides of a medium pack a little wider, to allow space for more loops of MOLLE webbing than could be added to a standard medium pack. Then I thought about leaving off the three external pouches, to allow more webbing for attaching pouches as needed (MOLLE sustainment pouches are a little too big for a medium pack... maybe on a large pack?). There is a point where it could be said that the only reason for starting from the ALICE design (or the Hellcat design), is to have a relatively inexpensive frame and straps readily available for the end design. I don't know if I will get to that point, or if I will do anything more than try out a couple of ideas for 'improvements', but anything would require a starting point. |
Earthsheltered house - a steel reinforced concrete bunker that even the treehuggers consider to be socially acceptable.
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Originally Posted By JPN:
Originally Posted By Morg308:
Originally Posted By JPN:
This morning, I was looking at a site that listed good condition OD medium ALICE packs for $10 and 'minor repair needed' large ALICE packs for $6, and started thinking that it wouldn't be too expensive to buy a couple of those to take apart and use to make patterns... there are places that sell Cordura fabric in various camo patterns, and there are modifications that would be much easier to do while making a pack from scratch... Except there are better designs than the ALICE. I agree with making it compatible to an ALICE frame, but why limit yourself? That being said, my dream is a MOLLE pack modified to work on an M1941 type frame, so I'm not really one to talk I guess... When I start trying to figure out modifications, things can progress to the point that I have to take a step back and figure out if I've gone too far from the starting point. One of my first thoughts, was to make the sides of a medium pack a little wider, to allow space for more loops of MOLLE webbing than could be added to a standard medium pack. Then I thought about leaving off the three external pouches, to allow more webbing for attaching pouches as needed (MOLLE sustainment pouches are a little too big for a medium pack... maybe on a large pack?). There is a point where it could be said that the only reason for starting from the ALICE design (or the Hellcat design), is to have a relatively inexpensive frame and straps readily available for the end design. I don't know if I will get to that point, or if I will do anything more than try out a couple of ideas for 'improvements', but anything would require a starting point. Just for kicks and giggles I started comparing cost of surplus MOLLE Rifleman packs verses components for a Hellcat. I am finding Rifleman packs with 2 sustainment pouches running between $50-$75. A complete Hellcat looks to be between $30-$75 depending on condition of the surplus and vender. Still a pretty good bargain; but one needs to be selective and patient in order to capitalize on the good deals. These prices do not reflect shipping costs; which would need to be factored in. Whats interesting is, surplus Rifleman packs were averaging $100-$150 when I started the Hellcat development. The cost differential has narrowed considerably. It is obvious the volume of ALICE rucks and frames has diminished considerably and demand is still there. Which in my opinion; is responsible for the increase in pricing for the better quality ALICE components. MOLLE surplus is very plentiful at this time with about the same demand. This IMO is the best opportunity to capitalize on some great deals with regard to Rifleman packs. In particular Rifleman II in ACU. As always YMMV. Regards Rod |
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I agree on the price difference between MOLLE and ALICE...it is getting smaller. Also, on the supply of ALICE packs. I used to see NEW woodland medium packs everywhere. The NEW ones are hard to find now.
By the way, I did follow your instructions for using the MOLLE straps on the AC frame and it worked like a charm. I like it!!!! |
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They must have changed the design of the straps that connect the shoulder straps to the top of the pack/frame. I've got the MOLLE 2 enhanced shoulder straps that USRO has been selling, and instead of the short length of one inch webbing with a buckle that can be removed from the adjustment buckle, these have very short (inch and a half long) pieces of one inch webbing that is looped and sewn onto the adjustment buckle. I've got a roll of one inch OD webbing around here somewhere, but the buckle is something I'll have to look for.
Medium ALICE pack, 1606ac frame, MOLLE 2 waistbelt and enhanced shoulder straps. Trying it on, even without the straps at the top being hooked up, and with the MSS carrier still off, it's obvious that there is just no point in trying to compare this to using the medium ALICE pack without a frame. Still waiting on a large ALICE pack and an ALICE frame to come in, so I can compare them to the components in this setup. ETA: These are the short straps that I have. |
Earthsheltered house - a steel reinforced concrete bunker that even the treehuggers consider to be socially acceptable.
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Originally Posted By JPN:
They must have changed the design of the straps that connect the shoulder straps to the top of the pack/frame. I've got the MOLLE 2 enhanced shoulder straps that USRO has been selling, and instead of the short length of one inch webbing with a buckle that can be removed from the adjustment buckle, these have very short (inch and a half long) pieces of one inch webbing that is looped and sewn onto the adjustment buckle. I've got a roll of one inch OD webbing around here somewhere, but the buckle is something I'll have to look for. Medium ALICE pack, 1606ac frame, MOLLE 2 waistbelt and enhanced shoulder straps. Trying it on, even without the straps at the top being hooked up, and with the MSS carrier still off, it's obvious that there is just no point in trying to compare this to using the medium ALICE pack without a frame. Still waiting on a large ALICE pack and an ALICE frame to come in, so I can compare them to the components in this setup. ETA: These are the short straps that I have. The short straps linked above are the new style anchor points for the load-lifter straps on all versions of the MOLLE shoulder. The same task can be performed with an 8" strap sewn to a tri-glide buckle (original version), but doing so involves an incredibly convoluted threading of the strap. Pix of original arrangement here:http://www.campingsurvivalgearreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/MOLLE_Care_and_use_manual.pdf The metal buckle is inserted into one of the two slots available at top of frame, and the load-lifter strap is threaded onto the plastic tri-glide. Taller users use top slot, shorter users the bottom. You have all you need for the MOLLE frame. I strongly suggest using the newer style |
"The M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised." General George S. Patton Jr.,US Army
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I agree that the newer style straps are an improvement, if you are using a standard MOLLE pack frame.
Unfortunately, the 1606ac frame is designed to be compatible with ALICE shoulder straps (from what I have read), so it doesn't work with the new style MOLLE straps. The frame holes are too big to hold the buckle on the new style straps. It's an easy enough fix. I just have to find the buckles and make my own straps, or find a cheap enough source for the original strap (not the whole set of shoulder straps). |
Earthsheltered house - a steel reinforced concrete bunker that even the treehuggers consider to be socially acceptable.
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Originally Posted By JPN:
I agree that the newer style straps are an improvement, if you are using a standard MOLLE pack frame. Unfortunately, the 1606ac frame is designed to be compatible with ALICE shoulder straps (from what I have read), so it doesn't work with the new style MOLLE straps. The frame holes are too big to hold the buckle on the new style straps. It's an easy enough fix. I just have to find the buckles and make my own straps, or find a cheap enough source for the original strap (not the whole set of shoulder straps). Read a few posts up, and IIRC, you will find at least one user successfully mounting MOLLE shoulder straps to the ABN frame, as well as Enforcer's tutorial on how to do it. As per the tutorial, if you use the MOLLE shoulder straps, you will need to use the short MOLLE attachment straps/anchors for the lifting straps on the MOLLE shoulder straps. By this, I mean a short 1" wide strap with a sewn-on tri-glide buckle. See the tutorial pix. If using the standard frame, then use the even shorter plastic buckle/strap/metal toggle buckle assembly, as it is easier to install. In this instance, the short sewn-in triglide/1" strap assy can also be used, although it is a PITA to rig up. If you use ALICE shoulder straps, the included top strap on the ALICE shoulder straps should suffice, as there is no lifting strap on the ALICE shoulder straps. Obviously, if there is no lifting strap on the ALICE shoulder straps, no anchor strap is needed in that case. In any event, you should try to use the MOLLE shoulder straps, as they are the best for this application. If you don't wish to do so, then use the LC-2 version ALICE shoulder straps, in Woodland camo. While not quite as desirable as the MOLLE shoulder straps, the LC-2 shoulder straps are miles ahead of the original LC-1 ALICE shoulder straps, which I consider worthless for heavy pack-type loads, although all right for water bladder carriers and small, patrol packs, especially if a sternum strap is added. |
"The M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised." General George S. Patton Jr.,US Army
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Just to clarify,
there's the standard MOLLE frame (1603) the ABN or 'Airborne' frame (1606) and the 'ALICE Compatible' frame (1606ac) Taking another look at DEI's website, they state that they do not recommend using MOLLE straps on the 1606ac (ALICE Compatible) frame. After trying it with MOLLE shoulder straps that have the new style load lifter straps, I can see why they made that statement. Once the ALICE pack is slipped over the top of the 1606ac frame, the only frame holes left accessible (at the top edge of the frame) are too large to hold the new style load lifter straps (a light tug pulls them loose). If the new style load lifter straps are not used, I don't see any problem with using MOLLE straps and an ALICE pack on the 1606ac frame. |
Earthsheltered house - a steel reinforced concrete bunker that even the treehuggers consider to be socially acceptable.
| I have been looking for M1967 nylon M14 magazine pouches for my ALICE setup for a long time but these are almost impossible to find. I did find a set of Nylon M14 magazine pouches but they are different from the M1967 ones developed for the Marines. Since they were cheap, I ordered a pair and Just got two "Navy Contract" Nylon M14 magazine pouches. Although they where sold to me as genuine issue gear, I had a feeling they were not. It makes no difference to me as I was not looking for collectible gear, I wanted an ALICE-type pouch for my M14 magazines, and these will probably work nicely. While they look good, when you look at the details, you can immediately see they are not like the issue stuff. The plastic stiffeners are not the same material, the snaps on the grenade straps are different, the drain hole is different, the grenade loops are not the same material either, and the way they are sown is just plain weird, the stiffener is not sown in all the way, the stamping is not right either. They are nice, but IMHO not issue. I'll try to take some pictures later on. On the plus side, you can use them and abuse them without feeling guilty about ruining a very expensive and hard to replace collectible. |
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Originally Posted By xcibes:
I have been looking for M1967 nylon M14 magazine pouches for my ALICE setup for a long time but these are almost impossible to find. I did find a set of Nylon M14 magazine pouches but they are different from the M1967 ones developed for the Marines. Since they were cheap, I ordered a pair and Just got two "Navy Contract" Nylon M14 magazine pouches. Although they where sold to me as genuine issue gear, I had a feeling they were not. It makes no difference to me as I was not looking for collectible gear, I wanted an ALICE-type pouch for my M14 magazines, and these will probably work nicely. While they look good, when you look at the details, you can immediately see they are not like the issue stuff. The plastic stiffeners are not the same material, the snaps on the grenade straps are different, the drain hole is different, the grenade loops are not the same material either, and the way they are sown is just plain weird, the stiffener is not sown in all the way, the stamping is not right either. They are nice, but IMHO not issue. I'll try to take some pictures later on. On the plus side, you can use them and abuse them without feeling guilty about ruining a very expensive and hard to replace collectible. I got 4 of supposedly Navy contract 2-mag M-14 pouches. I can't make up my mind if they're GI or not. Frankly, FMCO makes just what you were looking for. Excellent quality stuff. |
"The M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised." General George S. Patton Jr.,US Army
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I was originally going to order from FMCO but they are out of business.
I compared construction and materials of the M14 pouches with different GI pouches from different eras from the 60s to the 90s and AFAICT some of the materials and the construction are different. When placed side-to-side, the differences are obvious. They appear to be good pouches, but not the real deal. |
Anybody got a good alternative source for H harness?
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Originally Posted By xcibes:
I was originally going to order from FMCO but they are out of business. I compared construction and materials of the M14 pouches with different GI pouches from different eras from the 60s to the 90s and AFAICT some of the materials and the construction are different. When placed side-to-side, the differences are obvious. They appear to be good pouches, but not the real deal. Site says closed for reorganization until further notice. I hope they re-appear, as some of their stuff was unique. Sad news if they don't make it. |
"The M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised." General George S. Patton Jr.,US Army
Finally got my SpecOps Combat Master sheath to go on my ALICE pack, just like Enforcer's setup. Will post pics of installed later. It took months for me to find one in green as apparently they had stopped making them in OD. I guess they started making them again.
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I have had this for years, never thought to post it up here:
Large pistol belt, woodycam suspenders with home-made sternum strap (really adds stability to the Yharness) Metal hooks removed and paracord added. Probably saved a pound by doing this (ha) GI 9mm pouch, SAW pouch (holds pmags better than the LC2 m16 pouches) Speaking of, next is an M16 pouch used for a blowout kit, and another SAW pouch as a small buttpack. Canteen, M7 bayonet and m12 holster (thumb snap and a trigger guard strap are musts for this holster) Finally a plain old first aid pouch with a dressing inside. I also recently added some fastex buckles on the shoulder straps and by the kidneys on the belt to snap in a CFP90 patrol pack. It works... Ok so far. Haven't really put it through any meaningful paces yet. |
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Sorry if this has already been covered, but what is the difference between the LC-1 and LC-2 mag pouches for the M-16?
UPS dropped off a package today, and part of the order was some LC-1 mag pouches. They had been advertised as pouches for a single 30 round mag, but a quick look confirmed my suspicion that the advertised description was off. Three 30 round mags fit nicely, and two .308 Pmags fit almost as nicely. |
Earthsheltered house - a steel reinforced concrete bunker that even the treehuggers consider to be socially acceptable.
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Originally Posted By JPN:
Sorry if this has already been covered, but what is the difference between the LC-1 and LC-2 mag pouches for the M-16? UPS dropped off a package today, and part of the order was some LC-1 mag pouches. They had been advertised as pouches for a single 30 round mag, but a quick look confirmed my suspicion that the advertised description was off. Three 30 round mags fit nicely, and two .308 Pmags fit almost as nicely. LC-1 mag pouches and LC-2 mag pouches are identical except for nomenclature. Some LC-1 items are different than LC-2 and there are variations within the LC-1 and LC-2 on some items as well. Dustin |
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Originally Posted By sic_ness:
Want to see something crazy? Here are the markings on three separate ALICE suspenders http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b248/NickHugelarge/5953b0b76eb1fb7a77fabba58797fca1_zps5ed3704d.jpg http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b248/NickHugelarge/26b837cc-89e6-46f1-9844-84b14277d895_zpsd2bf6779.jpg Over the span of 33 years, they hade three different "official" names for the same piece of gear with the same NSN WARNING: I have done business with the following vendor, and the experience was entirely UNSAT; I had to dispute the charge on my CC before the issue was resolved. Thesehttp://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-13847541009239_2250_30218338 are the only ALICE shoulder straps worth using, unless the item carried is a water bladder carrier or something of similar weight, in which case the older types will be fine, especially if a sternum strap is added. These later-style ALICE shoulder straps are most often seen in Woodland, but I have seen (not handled) some in OD. Becoming increasingly hard to find, and price is going up a bit. If you are not inclined to upgrade your ALICE rig by using the even better MOLLE shoulder straps and waist belt, the shoulder straps linked above are the ones to get. The high-quality aftermarket types similar to the USGI ones linked above are basically copies, and cost a good deal more. |
"The M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised." General George S. Patton Jr.,US Army
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Originally Posted By raf:
Site says closed for reorganization until further notice. I hope they re-appear, as some of their stuff was unique. Sad news if they don't make it. Originally Posted By raf:
Originally Posted By xcibes:
I was originally going to order from FMCO but they are out of business. I compared construction and materials of the M14 pouches with different GI pouches from different eras from the 60s to the 90s and AFAICT some of the materials and the construction are different. When placed side-to-side, the differences are obvious. They appear to be good pouches, but not the real deal. Site says closed for reorganization until further notice. I hope they re-appear, as some of their stuff was unique. Sad news if they don't make it. They make some good set ups. I have one of there vests and it is well made. They open back up in August. www.antipersonnel.net/fmco/index.html |
Buy It Cheap!
Stack It Deep!
Stack It Deep!
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You can always cinch 'er down a bit if need be; There's all sorts of loops and tunnels on the ALICE that will accept 1" width circumferential compression straps. IIRC, I mentioned such in a post above, but briefly, the sewn loops on the sides of the pack body are useable for such. Also, the sewn-on loops which hold the male snap on the body of the 3 large pockets are also locations for 1" circumferential compression straps.
Part of your problem is that the MSS carrier is oriented incorrectly. Looking at the (user's) right side of the pack, the MSS carrier needs to be rotated 90 deg counter-clockwise. That will shorten things up, and make bag insertion and extraction a lot easier. Basically this is the same MSS carrier mounting configuration as used on the MOLLE system. |
"The M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised." General George S. Patton Jr.,US Army
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Originally Posted By xcibes:
Here is my latest. I think it is too big as configured though. http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b379/xcibes/20130802_072247_zpscd0784d0.jpg http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b379/xcibes/20130802_072317_zps2475a588.jpg Originally Posted By xcibes:
Here is my latest. I think it is too big as configured though. http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b379/xcibes/20130802_072247_zpscd0784d0.jpg http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b379/xcibes/20130802_072317_zps2475a588.jpg You can always cinch 'er down a bit if need be; There's all sorts of loops and tunnels on the ALICE that will accept 1" width circumferential compression straps. Ya see that vertical slot near the tip of the stabilizer arm on that frame? The one about mid-way from top to bottom of the frame? Guess what you can put there? In fact, I think I have just such a critter on mine that I ordered from downeast when I ordered my frame. Came in the strap conversion kit that I didn't need the rest of. |
I suppose it is possible to convey more ignorance with less words, but I doubt I will ever see it in my lifetime.--Bohr Adam
If LAV promotes using the slide lock/release to chamber a round after a mag change, then he should be ignored.-MP0117
If LAV promotes using the slide lock/release to chamber a round after a mag change, then he should be ignored.-MP0117
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Originally Posted By HeavyMetal:
Ya see that vertical slot near the tip of the stabilizer arm on that frame? The one about mid-way from top to bottom of the frame? Guess what you can put there? In fact, I think I have just such a critter on mine that I ordered from downeast when I ordered my frame. Came in the strap conversion kit that I didn't need the rest of. Originally Posted By HeavyMetal:
Originally Posted By xcibes:
Here is my latest. I think it is too big as configured though. http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b379/xcibes/20130802_072247_zpscd0784d0.jpg http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b379/xcibes/20130802_072317_zps2475a588.jpg You can always cinch 'er down a bit if need be; There's all sorts of loops and tunnels on the ALICE that will accept 1" width circumferential compression straps. Ya see that vertical slot near the tip of the stabilizer arm on that frame? The one about mid-way from top to bottom of the frame? Guess what you can put there? In fact, I think I have just such a critter on mine that I ordered from downeast when I ordered my frame. Came in the strap conversion kit that I didn't need the rest of. Yep, a compression strap could be rigged in the slot on the frame, all right. But take another look at the side of the pack itself. See those two smaller strips of webbing sewn horizontally top and bottom? Guess what goes there? Even without attaching anything to the frame. And the tunnels on the pockets offer a third possible location. IOW, locations for three horizontal circumferential compression straps on the Lg ALICE, even w/o frame. Same thing on the Med ALICE, and the compression straps come in real handy on the Med ALICE, if used w/o frame. |
"The M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised." General George S. Patton Jr.,US Army
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Hi all...new to the site and really like the info in this topic. I am looking for a new pack for an elk hunt I am going on in December and have been back and forth between an Alice pack and many others. I have also looked at eberlestock warhammer which is built on the Alice frame. I would love to get your thoughts on using an Alice pack as a day pack as well as a meat hauler. I am trying to find a good pack to meet both uses, which is tough but the Alice pack seems like a good choice.
I have also seen the DEi frames and am curious which you would recommend. I would love to see some picks of an Alice pack in use and shouldered with a small amount of gear in it. I wish I could see one in person before I buy but can't seem to find one close to me. Thanks in advance for your feedback!! |
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If you scroll through this thread, you will see plenty of Medium and Large ALICE packs filled-up.
The only Down East frame that is ALICE-compatible is this one:http://downeastinc.com/Products.php/?Link=1606AC If using this frame with an ALICE pack, you will need to also obtain a MOLLE waist belt, and a set of MOLLE shoulder straps. The MOLLE Modular sleeping System Carrier is a strongly suggested option. |
"The M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised." General George S. Patton Jr.,US Army
| The Medium ALICE pack could be used, with Late-issue ALICE shoulder straps and no frame as a lightly-loaded day pack, but it is almost too big for such a purpose, even if the user adds a pair of compression straps around the pack (horizontally) to compress it and prevent it from flopping around when only partially filled. You could certainly make it work, though. Better as a day pack is the MOLLE II Assault pack, and there are plenty of them around. |
"The M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised." General George S. Patton Jr.,US Army
ALICE Gear Setups (Page 14 of 23)
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