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Posted: 3/9/2026 11:25:37 PM EDT
[Last Edit: marnsdorff][Edited]
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So I'm starting to work on a pattern for some modded large ALICE packs to do a few for myself and some friends. I'm not really interested in making them for others - I don't want to just copy what everyone else is doing - but I might make a small batch to pay for the packs I'm going to make for myself. I learned alot from the medium ALICE packs and I've got the pattern from that to start to work off of, and this Fireforce Large ALICE that I picked up. Give me some ideas on what to do with the pack - ie, pockets, etc. How many columns of MOLLE should I put on the side? There are 7" of room between the seam and the edge of the closest pocket. That's 4 columns of molle + 1 extra inch. Should I put 4 columns of MOLLE on there? Or try and squeeze 5 in there like I did with the mediums, so that people can attach the issue sustainment pouches? Or should I go with all sewn on pockets? (I'm going to do that with at least one of them for myself) Anyways. Pitch me some ideas. EDIT: The more I measure, the dimensions on the sides are different. The pack gets bigger (wider) towards the top. At the bottom of the side pockets, it's about 7" to the side of the pack. At the top of the pockets, it's 8" to the edge. |
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I like the molle option like you’ve done on the mediums. One thing I would like is integrated side cinching straps on the large packs. Having 3 rows of molle on top of the sewn in standard pouches would be cool If you’re willing to sell just a few to fund the project, count me in. I’m really enjoying the medium so far but need a DTS large to round out my collection. |
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Originally Posted By MrJonesandMe: I like the molle option like you’ve done on the mediums. One thing I would like is integrated side cinching straps on the large packs. Having 3 rows of molle on top of the sewn in standard pouches would be cool If you’re willing to sell just a few to fund the project, count me in. I’m really enjoying the medium so far but need a DTS large to round out my collection. You really think MOLLE over the regular 3 pouches instead of sewn on pouches is the way to go? I get it on the sides kinda. But on top too? I wouldn't be against doing a small run again, like you said, to pay for my project. |
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I dont have a dog in this race, but as many rows/columns of PALS is my suggestion. I have mixed feelings on all the sewn on pockets. It limits you to what you can carry. Which is a good and bad thing. But the area above the three sewn on pouches begs to have a Molle waist pack attached there. |
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Originally Posted By cap6888: I dont have a dog in this race, but as many rows/columns of PALS is my suggestion. I have mixed feelings on all the sewn on pockets. It limits you to what you can carry. Which is a good and bad thing. But the area above the three sewn on pouches begs to have a Molle waist pack attached there. Naw bro, I'm asking the hive for thoughts. You have good opinions on stuff, I'm all ears. And yea, those molle waist packs do fit well above the regular pockets. Personally I like sewn on pockets because they are significantly lighter than MOLLE stuff - the webbing weighs more than the pouches do on molle gear. Usually. And it's stronger sewn on, and less 'floppy'. But like you said, it limits you. Pros and cons. Maybe doing the molle for the regular packs is the way to go. |
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Side sinch straps. Fixed pocket on the bottom of one side, like a bottom pouch to catch something like a tripod to strap to the side. To balance things maybe a fixed saw sized pouch that will take a 2qt canteen on the other side. Could do an LTAS row on the top of the inside to take the mesh crossfire bags for optional inside organization. Zipper for lid. Mesh pouch under lid for maps and other admin documents. Better cargo hitching points for the bottom. Maybe a Y strap on top, to attach the main two vertical sinch straps, and additional buckles to secure the lid. Like crossfire. |
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Originally Posted By WillieTangoFox: Side sinch straps. Fixed pocket on the bottom of one side, like a bottom pouch to catch something like a tripod to strap to the side. To balance things maybe a fixed saw sized pouch that will take a 2qt canteen on the other side. Could do an LTAS row on the top of the inside to take the mesh crossfire bags for optional inside organization. Zipper for lid. Mesh pouch under lid for maps and other admin documents. Better cargo hitching points for the bottom. Maybe a Y strap on top, to attach the main two vertical sinch straps, and additional buckles to secure the lid. Like crossfire. Yea, side straps, one way or the other is on the list. I'm doing fixed 'slightly oversized SAW pouches' on the bottom of each side of my personal ones, like I did with my medium packs that I did for myself. I like them there, I think that's a legit set of pouches that go there. Really multi purpose. (Slightly oversized to fit 2 x nalgene bottles) I'm planning on at least my packs for myself to NOT do a 'radio pocket' on the inside - and put a series of loops on the top to hold a water bladder if I choose to put one in there. I can see doing more for hanging pouches like Crossfire does. Good idea there. I'm definitely doing an upgraded lid - at least zippers and such like I did with the medium ALICE packs...though my Crossfire daypack lid is going on the main one I'm doing for myself. |
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Originally Posted By marnsdorff: You really think MOLLE over the regular 3 pouches instead of sewn on pouches is the way to go? I get it on the sides kinda. But on top too? I wouldn't be against doing a small run again, like you said, to pay for my project. Let me rephrase- molle above the sewn in pouches, similar to what you did on the medium packs. |
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Originally Posted By marnsdorff: I'm planning on at least my packs for myself to NOT do a 'radio pocket' on the inside - and put a series of loops on the top to hold a water bladder if I choose to put one in there. I can see doing more for hanging pouches like Crossfire does. Good idea there. Good idea…..  " /> " />Webbing tabs and Molle Tee clips work perfectly here. |
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Originally Posted By cap6888: Good idea….. https://i.postimg.cc/qMbMnjz2/IMG_0369.jpg" target="_blank">https://i.postimg.cc/qMbMnjz2/IMG_0369.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/PfMqftH2/IMG_0370.jpg" target="_blank">https://i.postimg.cc/PfMqftH2/IMG_0370.jpg Webbing tabs and Molle Tee clips work perfectly here. Yea, I don't like bladders, and the sleeves get in the way when you try to stuff things down into the main pack bag, and that's super annoying. Plus adds weight that you might not use. BUT I DO want the option to hang a bladder if I wanted to - or other pouch / sleeve / whatever if I wanted to for some reason. Like that pouch you have hanging there - that seems super useful as a pouch outside of a waterproof bag liner to hold various things that I might want to get at easily. I do something similar in my hill people ruck. |
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