Spec-Ops has their Recon Ruck Ultra marked down from $140.00 to $89.95, with an additional 20% off if code "FALL13" is entered:http://www.specopsbrand.com/tactical-gear/clearance-blow-outs/recon-ruck-ultra.html

The 20%-off code is apparently good site-wide, although the fine print says some restrictions.

Basically it's a slightly smaller version of the medium ALICE pack, with some upgrades.  If you are going to use this pack with the GI ALICE frame, consider adding a HUMP bladder carrier, which nestles between the pack frame and the pack.  Also note the wide choice of colors/camo, including Multicam.

Disclaimer: no financial interest

I don't know for sure, since I just ordered mine, but my guess is yes.  After looking closely at the pix on SpecOps site, I don't see anything that would prevent this pack from being mounted on the Abn frame from DE.  Of course, you will need a  MOLLE waistbelt and shoulder straps for the Abn frame.

Since it is a little smaller than the GI Med ALICE pack, maybe a real frame would not be necessary.  I think I'll try it without a frame for a while, and assess.  YMMV.

Try these:http://www.supplycaptain.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=900&ParentCat=30

Shameless bump.  FWIW, my Recon ruck is on the way.

Yep, just posted a thread in this forum about it

Received my Recon Ruck the other day.  Well-constructed.  Very little finishing work required.  Little to add to the two reviews above except the following:

1) There are no drain grommets in the bottom of the main compartment of the pack.  Two or three #2 grommets should be added, similar to the original ALICE.  

2) The two top straps that secure the top flap and which are also vertical compression straps are too short, so only the smallest item can be strapped onto the top of the pack.  They should be lengthened, similar to the original ALICE.

3) The two straps on the bottom of the pack are too short to allow anything to be secured to the bottom of the pack.  They should be lengthened, and QD, adjustable side-release buckles added.  An alternative approach would be to add two webbing loops, exactly as was done on the original ALICE packs, which would allow use of the USGI MOLLE Modular Sleeping System Carrier, the USGI MOLLE waist pack, or long webbing loops with adjustable QD buckles could also be used.

4) At least one, and possibly two horizontal compression straps should be added.

5) The pack, if worn without a frame, should have a frame sheet added.

6) No map pocket on the pack's lid, as has the ALICE pack.

7) No snow collar--although the ALICE also lacks this feature.

Many of these  features, with the possible exception of an optional frame sheet, map pocket, and the snow collar could have been incorporated into the original construction of the pack, adding very little extra cost in materials/labor, but adding very considerably to the utility and value of the pack itself.  Fortunately, most any user can add most of these these features by themselves at little cost and /or effort.

As things stand, the as-bought pack is still an excellent deal for the sale price.  To reiterate, a few very low-cost features added to this pack would enhance its' value and utility greatly.

There are no exposed fabric edges anywhere in the inside of the pack-- I just double-checked.  Every fabric edge is bound with what appears to be thick grosgrain or thin webbing, depending on how you look at it.  The only exposed fabric edges are on the outer edges of the two outer pockets, on the inside of the pocket.  That fabric there is properly sear-cut.

The no-sew user simply has to install two field-expedient buckles on either end of the short straps on the bottom of the pack.  Four lengths of webbing can be threaded through the stationary field-expedient buckles, and then back-threaded to anchor those ends.  The four remaining running ends of webbing can have Dual Adjust, side release QD buckles attached.   Or one could use two FE buckles, and two FE single-adjust QD side-release buckles.  The compression straps would be anchored on one side by FE buckles (back-threaded), and on the other side by FE QD single-adjust side release buckles.

The sewing-capable user can simply install webbing loops on the bottom of the pack, exactly like those on the bottom of the USGI ALICE pack, and in that way be able to install the GI MSS or the GI waist pack, or any other item that has straps that will interface with such an arrangement through the use of adjustable QD straps run through such loops and then around the item.  Doing it this way is a lot simpler and a lot less expensive than covering the bottom of the pack with PALS webbing, and achieves the primary goal of attaching a fairly large, wide object, such as a sleeping pad or sleeping bag.

As far as attaching anything to the top of the pack lit, while it can be done, I'm not a big fan of doing so if such can be avoided.  The reason for this is that if the top of the pack rises high enough, it interferes with the user assuming a good prone position.  Since the Recon pack lacks a snow collar, (as does the original ALICE)  adding anything to the top flap of the pack which would serve to prevent the top flap from  fully covering the top opening of the pack might let snow/water/debris into the top of the pack.   IOW, adding a wide pouch to the top might lift the sides of the top flap letting things into the pack. YMMV

Looks like a frame sheet for this pack would be approx. 13-3/4" wide, and 19" tall rectangle.  Measure YOUR pack before ordering/cutting.

It appears that the Spec-Ops frame sheet intended for THE PACK might fit;http://www.specopsbrand.com/tactical-gear/backpacks-rucksacks-tactical-bags/t-h-e-pack-frame-black.html
Just going by the dimensions of MY Ruck, and guessing at dimensions of Spec-Ops Frame sheet (non-published) by using published specs for dimensions of THE pack.  Should work all right, but haven't tried it.

Using the straps on the MSS carrier as a guide to placement. orientation, and size, you will need to sew two strips of webbing, such as found on the bottom of any GI ALICE pack, onto the bottom of the Recon ruck in order to attach the MSS and/or the waist pack.  Check the fit of both prior to sewing down the webbing.

A NO-SEW alternative would be to attach  four field-expedient QD side-release buckles to the existing straps that cover the bottom of the pack, and running straps between the pairs.  The straps would hold the MSS carrier and/or waistpack.

The plastic DEI ABN frame, which mates to the Recon Ruck is designed to be armor compatible; it's the frame the marines selected to use with their new FILBE pack.  The ABN frame is designed to work with the MOLLE or FILBE waist belt and shoulder straps.

I suggest dyeing the ACU waist belt and shoulder straps with Rit Apple Green dye.

In the following pic, observe the ACU items dyed with Rit Apple Green dye:

It's easy--and fairly cheap-- to replace the metal ALICE buckles with these: http://www.supplycaptain.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=11&ParentCat=30.  Just use a couple pairs of pliers to bend the old metal buckle back and forth enough to break it, and then remove it.  Slipping-in the new buckle is straightforward, and needle-nosed pliers will help.  I'd leave the two lower metal buckles that secure the straps attaching the bottom of the pack to the frame as-is, though.  QD buckles are too bulky, and no need for a QD buckle at that place anyways.

As mentioned above, it may be necessary to remove the folded-over ends on the straps, and carefully cutting the stitching holding the fold-over together is much preferred to cutting the fold-over off.  Just peel the fold-over apart, and use a single-edged razor blade to cut the exposed stitching.  Cut the very end at a 45 deg angle and sear it with a Bic, unless you are going to re-sew it.  Use a flat-iron to heat the webbing to straighten it out, using as little heat as will do the job.

OTOH, sometimes a little hammering on the fold-overs will flatten them just enough to allow them to be threaded through the adjustable portion of the new buckles.  Needle-nosed pliers will help a lot.

Shop around for different colors on the QD buckles.  IIRC, Foliage, Tan, CB, and Black are all offered, but black is not suggested on account of its IR properties.