How to turn a US Issue Medium ALICE pack in the off frame configuration into an even smaller, compact, light weight assault pack without breaking a stitch. You'll be surprised!
Пікірлер: 113
@Druetty6 жыл бұрын
This is the greatest thing! Of all the Alice pack videos on the web, I've never seen this done. Thanks a million, this will be very useful!
@Bloated_Tony_Danza7 жыл бұрын
Selective fire back pack chambered in an intermediate canvas. AKA AK Assault Pack
@cizdetz8 жыл бұрын
"Too big and floppy". That's what she said. :))
@justinsomerset55878 жыл бұрын
LOL
@matthewprior37626 жыл бұрын
**************ATTENTION*************** -went poking around the Medium Alice bin at a surplus store. Checked the insides of the newer ones for the cords. Turns out only the LC-1 models have them. BUT.... you can fasten those side straps that attach the frame and you’ll still be fine. Mr. Somerset, thank you for this vid😁 this trick further sold me on the versatility of this pack.
@claymorelessbag30423 жыл бұрын
my lc2 has em
@kurtrussell52283 жыл бұрын
@@claymorelessbag3042 SHUT UP ABOUT YOUR LC2!!!!!! SHUT UP!!!!
@bartwalker4744 жыл бұрын
I always use the rings and paracord inside the pack on the bottom to secure extra clothing items or bits of gear to the bottom of the pack so it doesn't roll around when moving fast with your pack on your back. This works great, by the way. I don't really feel the need to remove over half of the packs capacity by tying ALICE all up and compressing the daylights out of her. We love ALICE after all! She's our go to girl!
@claychandler34682 жыл бұрын
He sounds like Libarache.
@leestephenson49526 жыл бұрын
Thanks. I purchased the medium Alice within this last week after at least two years of searching. Seems, all things considered, be hard pressed to find better. Since these packs are still readily available at very reasonable prices without the frame, I think you just sold me on buying at least one more without the frame to put in this configuration. Really slick.
@kaidenzaldumbide82459 жыл бұрын
Hey thanks for sharing, I just pulled my old alice pack out of the closet, bent/broke my frame long ago. I like that it doesn't flop around as much. Very cool, will be using my old alice pack again, most definitely, very cool.
@justinsomerset55878 жыл бұрын
+Kiana Zaldumbide Thanks for watching. Hope its useful. I want to make a vid on Alice Frames and repair sometime here.
@allenschmitz96445 жыл бұрын
@@justinsomerset5587 Now I know what those strings and loops are for..
@justinsomerset55878 жыл бұрын
Thanks and glad you enjoyed it. Works out conveniently for me, figured others could get some use out of it. As for the jacket, I just had an old beat up USN/MC aviator and kept adding patches every race I went to. Thanks for watching.
@chrisgriffith92523 жыл бұрын
Does this work with the frame? My thought would be putting something heavy on the pack frame shelf and the pack mounted above it similar to the vietnam packs that were on a frame.
@timothythomas16265 жыл бұрын
I modify cheaper or Budget gear all the time. I bought an AWL from Harbor Freight for 7 dollars . However I recommend not using the "String "That comes with the awl. Get some Nylon thread / wax or buy bees wax or buy waxed thread. I have made my own Carry belts or web belts with the AWL.
@robertmiller85787 жыл бұрын
Actually they are supposed to be longer to tie a ecw sleeping bag to the bottom of your pack.
@aleksfoxtrot80444 жыл бұрын
Why would you need to tie a sleep system to the INSIDE of your pack. That makes no sense.
@unaffiliatedperson9 жыл бұрын
had no idea, i have to empty mine out and check the inside
@justinsomerset55879 жыл бұрын
***** Absolutely. Alice packs are more versatile and modular than people think. Most people don't think about messing around and seeing all the things you can do. Thanks for watching.
@BorderCowboy662 жыл бұрын
abig problem I got with you utubing fellas......WHAT SERVICE WHERE YOU IN THAT A.L.I.C.E. PACKS HAD QUICK CLIPS !?!?!?! I mean WTF
@raymondnieves1285Ай бұрын
Great ideas, by the way I know there was an alice made for females but I need the correct ID number. I wish to get it for my wife and daughter, can you help me?? Thanks!!!
@RadMan420699 жыл бұрын
Great video! I just received my alice in the mail and couldn't figure out what the cords and rings were for on the inside. This video helped a lot, thanks!
@timothybobbitt79949 жыл бұрын
thanks for the great video. im getting my first Lg Alice pack and i mean my first but Im going over lots of youtube video's to see what modifications I may need to make with mine so that it works good for myself. again I just wanna say thank you and I appreciate you feed. god bless brother
@justinsomerset55878 жыл бұрын
+Timothy Bobbitt Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it. The medium tends to be a lot more versatile/ modular than the large. The large just carries a ton more of stuff. However, I did sew some rings on my Large so I could put straps on it while off the frame, but not fully or heavily loaded.It doesn't have the rings or strings but you could certainly sew them in. But if I load that sucker down and fill it I put it back on the frame. I tend to keep my medium in this configuration for a day pack, then I keep my Large loaded for camping, and I am also re-building a CFP-90. Thanks
@timothythomas16265 жыл бұрын
Around election time I pick up corrugated Plastic board. I use it for a Plethora of uses. 1 being rigidity
@rontate77193 жыл бұрын
Thx ,maybe tie a roll to pak with them cords hanging, But this is great ,thanks
@Rustyshackleford853 жыл бұрын
This is the best thing about the medium alice pack.
@stvnbryan55425 жыл бұрын
I have bought two "new" ALICE packs for this very reason. Only some have the d-rings so you have to search for them. The surplus guys were surprised when I showed them what these can do. They had no idea. Thanks for the manual link. S/F.
@timothycook35664 жыл бұрын
I dont know why I doubted you, that is badass. you can have a day pack, then turn around and put it back on the frame for cold weather gear, or long range patrols
@lankey69693 жыл бұрын
Was it designed this way or did you figure this out? Cool video either way!
@scarling93673 жыл бұрын
I don't know about designed, but the alice style gear has a long history and many hacks. A buddy and I modified our issued duffle bags as alice packs in upstate NY. Lots of good hiking. Same idea as here, we sewed in cordage at the seams so we could collapse or fold in the packs.
@desertratedc95967 жыл бұрын
hmm mine Genuine GI but non of those straps on the inside.... newer or older model?
@justinsomerset55877 жыл бұрын
Hi Shayne, looking at some newer production LC-2 Medium packs (darker green), as well as some M81 woodland camouflage pattern I have seen, don't appear to have the hooks or cords, some of the LC-1s have even had them cut out, I used to see guys do that when we didn't know what they were for, although they were never really in the way of anything. I remember we thought the hooks were for hanging equipment and the cords were for tying in the waterproof laundry bag liners somehow or something, but no one tried to figure out how, we just figured it was superfluous. - But ALL models still have the attachment straps, buckles, and more importantly the sideways web hangers. So if you want to try it out use those on the sides and then just take some cordage inside and tie it between the bottom vent holes and up to the radio compartment buckle to support the middle if needed. If you like the configuration it is not hard to sew in rings and 275 cord. Thanks for the question and clarification.
@desertratedc95967 жыл бұрын
Justin Somerset thanks I look into that. see if there is a good place to tie the pack up.
@nicholasfernandez77206 жыл бұрын
Justin, I have an m81 woodland alice and there are 2 problems, obviously no straps on the inside, but that's okay I will find another way and I'm missing the bottom half of the left shoulder strap. any chance you know where I can find one?
@theguywitheyebrows4 жыл бұрын
will still ride on the frame!! awesome! i use a bent sapling frame with a large alice pack, the large has the same strings and d-rings and also sets up well in this configuration!! thanks man! this is cool, will be using this for my lil neighborhood hikes!!
@BEARivrman813568 жыл бұрын
Does your wife know there is a chain saw on her kitchen counter?
@justinsomerset55878 жыл бұрын
+BEARivrman81356 Ahh Ha ha ha! #1 No wife as of yet #2 GF doesn't live here. #3 That's the workshop. Previous owner remodeled the kitchen and then built the workshop on the old half court out back of the house and then put the old cabinets and counter top in it.Makes a very nice workbench indeed. Thanks LOL
@RandomButtonPusher8 жыл бұрын
+BEARivrman81356 I was thinking almost the same thing, "His kitchen looks like my work bench"...then I thought, "He must be single and live alone." Great re-purposing by the previous owner.
@thomashansen345011 ай бұрын
I just have packed mine as you´ve advised, thanks v.m.
@elgavilansegoviano88584 жыл бұрын
Great video thank you for sharing it with us!
@gabbybaptist2 Жыл бұрын
I never knew that. Spent 10 years in d army.....
@dirtbleepdigger99117 жыл бұрын
Wow thanks Justin, I will try this.....sometimes we can have a little to much space for certain events.....I'm working on my pack right now....I have the woodland camo and really like it. Got it for 28.00 bucks....they are a lot higher on internet. Bought it at a military surplus store, might go back for one more. God bless thanks for a great video.....!
@justinsomerset55877 жыл бұрын
Wow, that is a good price, especially for a woodland camo. Most of them I see in surplus stores were going for around $50, and they don't always come with the straps, which will cost you another $7-15, the camo ones being more popular as they are thicker and people also use them for Hellcat mods etc. I wonder if the woodland ones have the rings and cords inside them, the one's I've seen don't, same thing with the newest more blue-green LC-2 ones, so you would have to sew in some stuff. But let us know what you find. Thanks for watching.
@Marcos.konkle3 жыл бұрын
is that a mexican flag? 👍🏼👍🏼 good video I learned something new greetings from Mexico
@WhiteWolf-md7ro7 жыл бұрын
Thanks man, I've been wondering what those tie strings were for :)
@DeathFromAbove_5.569 жыл бұрын
Didn't find the rings or straps.
@justinsomerset55879 жыл бұрын
Oscar Pantaleon Hi Oscar, not all production models have them 1. Try attaching the side frame attachment straps on the outside through the web hanger as shown without tying up the bottom. See if it holds. 2. If not enough then pass some paracord (or substitute) looped through the two drain grommet holes in the floor of the pack and then pull up and tie around the inner radio compartment buckle for an anchor. 3. If you like the set up just get some 550, gutted 550, or 275 cord, three D-rings and a bit of webbing and sew them in. I may do another ALICE care and repair video on it if it helps. Try it and let me know. Thanks
@benhansford85245 жыл бұрын
Flag on jacket is facing wrong way, will this configuration work mounted to the alice frame??
@claymorelessbag30423 жыл бұрын
yes
@oiitzME12668 жыл бұрын
can you also do this with the large alice?
@justinsomerset55878 жыл бұрын
The Large ALICE does have the side straps and hangers, but you will need to tie some line through the bottom floor grommets to pull it up, or install the line and rings for a more permanent set-up. Also, I have sewn some buckles to the top of my Large ALICE to be able to use the straps off the frame although it's recommended to not do this for anything too heavy, just bulky. If you put a little work in, it can be done. Otherwise, a variation of this can be tried even on the frame by using the outer straps and some cord through the drain holes to compress down the size for smaller loads or to see if you like the configuration before deciding to modify your pack. Thanks for watching. See the later part of the vid on how easy it is to get line and rings, and you can watch some of my other vids on repairing ALICE gear. Let me know if you need any help on doing anything specific.
@oiitzME12668 жыл бұрын
+Justin Somerset thank You for the info !
@stefanobarenghi20797 жыл бұрын
Man, this is gold!
@nationalmatch18 жыл бұрын
Excellent info!!! Thanks for sharing useful knowledge.
@justinsomerset55877 жыл бұрын
Thank you, glad you liked it and thank you for watching. I love the versatile medium ALICE. All the various fittings provide a lot of potential, so I chomped on the idea until I figured it out. They are really great packs.
@CivilianAF.14834 ай бұрын
Great video
@gman32158 жыл бұрын
This is some good info. Thanks. Worked wonderfully on my medium pack.
@justinsomerset55877 жыл бұрын
Excellent! Glad that helps out. I really love my LC 1 and it gives a lot more potential to an already great design. I get a lot more use out of it, and efficient use. I love my CFP-90 and my Large Alice pack, but this shows that from this small config all the way up to full frame with room for more you can get a lot out of this pack.
@collectornick42707 жыл бұрын
Is that a Civil Air Patrol pin on the back?
@DankTwank7 жыл бұрын
Nick Kochutin yes it is
@solidsnake49048 жыл бұрын
i agree on amazing explanation!! ur jacket rocks man! hehe
@justinsomerset55877 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.
@AnnamarieSnow8 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video - Great idea! It was exactly what I needed!
@justinsomerset55878 жыл бұрын
+Annamarie Snow You're welcome. I'm glad it was of use. The medium pack in particular and ALICE gear in general is very versatile stuff, intentionally designed into it. So many possibilities. Its very handily modifiable to so many different uses, and with tons of it produced it is still widely available and CHEAP! I want to make some more vids on the packs and gear into the future as soon as I get some more time. So thanks again for watching, hopefully more to come.
@RandomButtonPusher8 жыл бұрын
Excellent explanation. Makes me want to get one now.
@justinsomerset55878 жыл бұрын
+Random Button Pusher Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. I highly recommend it. They can be had for pretty cheap and are so versatile with so many configurations you will get your money's worth out of it.
@jackson1027887 жыл бұрын
Great Video! very useful
@justinsomerset55877 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it, and it helped .
@duffweld8 жыл бұрын
Great information. Love the Alice pack system. I gotta say that American flag patch is on the wrong sleeve though.
@justinsomerset55878 жыл бұрын
+duffweld Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it! Yes, The ALICE is so utilitarian. As for the flag, yeah man, your'e right, I hear you. There's been a lot debate over that. According to everyone's OMs and regs; yes you are correct right shoulder, union to the right, stripes facing back. Rarely authorized pre-2001, But it is contrary to US Flag Code 175 sub C through O, for civilian display. Everyone still agrees it is top, right, front - place of prominence and honor, (so thus I made it top, right sleeve, bigger than the others to show multinational racing but US deference) however, the code says the front of the flag is always to show the union to the flag's right "to the observer's left". The other way looks backward to how we've always seen it, lapel pins, painted etc... because according to the code that is the back of the flag, But that's way the generals and admirals say it is, so you know, their way or the highway, so all our blouses are that way squared away. But racing displays FIA driver flags, car liveries and badges will always deffer respectfully to their respective nation's flag codes for legal and ethically permissible display. For example, Mexican cars can have the tri-color, but the center badge is only authorized through their government The Brits have their their own rules on display, and so fourth, and should all rightfully be followed. We just passed a law not too long ago that now legally permits saluting OoU, but that never stopped people before. So long as it is tasteful, respectful and shows proper honor and deference, so on a civilian racing jacket your guess is as good as mine man, I just did it as close to US Flag code and authorized US team examples as possible to be safe. But really, thanks for the comment, this is something we should discuss to make sure we are always showing proper deference. We have been breaking into international Rally over the last few years and Now Ford has announced they have built their new GT (43) to go back to 24 hours of LeMans and challenge the GT class for our national honor on the 50th anniversary of our 3 year GT40MkII 1,2,3 smack-downs on Ferrari (sorry Ferrari fans, but remember about Ford&Enzo 1967) and we want to make sure we are always looking proper doing it! Sorry about the long-winded answer, but to you and others it is important we are rightfully cognizant of these things. Thanks man.
@TheMisterMonkeyman8 жыл бұрын
+Justin Somerset Very nice reply to this comment. So many times I have seen people get upset/mad when someone comments that there is something "wrong" in their video. Well done. Also, for what it's worth I am a long time user of a med. ALICE pack and I believe they are strong and versatile as hell. And you can get them for good deals. Thanks for posting the video. Peace.
@justinsomerset55877 жыл бұрын
Thank you. Most everyone seems to be enjoying the video and finding it useful. I'm glad it worked out for you. The Medium is indeed very versatile. From this config on up to full frame with extra room there is a lot more you can do with it. Lots of surplus, so indeed there are a lot out there for good prices. I always encourage people to shop around. Prices can be competitive, some places overcharge,. Price it, and only pay top dollar if you know you are getting new quality or cannot get the item anywhere else. I personally will pay a bit more, within reason, at a brick and mortar store to support a local business and re-assure them to keep carrying stuff if there is a market for it. But, as I said, within reason, so research pricing. On line, I would tell people to be patient, stuff comes around all the time. As for the vid, thanks for the vote of confidence. As for picking at the video, or details regarding US flag, it is a free country. I'm glad no one has been inappropriate. Flag code is optional. I personally show respect for the flag due to my heritage, but I am not disturbed a bit by those who do not. My convictions, love of country and my fellow Americans, are intangible ideas deep in my heart, not a piece of Nylon, so defacement or burning won't change a thing. I hope everyone develops that kind of deepness of faith However, some people are still very sensitive about those things and I respect that as well. And as for (x)military, that disposition, as well as the exact fraction of inch spacing, name tag, ribbons, badges etc.. are drilled in and tough habits to break "Hello, My name is:" stickers in civilian life may still get put on with ruler precision... and that's not a bad thing at all. What did our English teacher always tell us? "Neatness counts.",.. funny.... she also said "So long as you can read your own writing", but I digress. So thanks everyone for watching.
@hidrocloruro64039 жыл бұрын
¡Thank you very much! Greetings from Spain.
@justinsomerset55879 жыл бұрын
Hidrocloruro De nada amigo y muchas gracias a tí por verlo. Me gusta que lo encuentras utíl. Saludos a España.
@hidrocloruro64039 жыл бұрын
+Justin Somerset Woah, very good Spanish! :)
@fenrirwolf21558 жыл бұрын
Dude, I never knew this!
@justinsomerset55877 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it. Hope it came in handy. Thanks for watching.
@grainplaner2163 жыл бұрын
just search for the ALICE pack pdf
@tuckerbeckman66008 жыл бұрын
Excelent video. I just tried it out. It will be perfect for my day patrols in the woods!
@justinsomerset55878 жыл бұрын
+Tucker Beckman Thanks for watching and I'm glad it came in handy.
@justinsomerset55878 жыл бұрын
+Tucker Beckman let us know how that works out on your next trip.
@tuckerbeckman66008 жыл бұрын
I have found it works great in conjunction with the alice belt, suspenders, and butt pack. It distributes the weight perfectly. I keep rations blanket and poncho in the Alice pack and my mess tin, e tool and camp stove in the butt pack. It also allows me to carry four canteens with ease.
@grandmotherbrownie5 жыл бұрын
How did you fasting the back straps without the frame
@5x5354 жыл бұрын
very cool, thanks. I wonder how many guys ever read the manual?
@zackwolf13 жыл бұрын
Does this work with the woodland alice medium pack
@CorneliusFahey5 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the video. Very informative!
@steppib.45983 жыл бұрын
Is this a hack or was the Alice designed for that? Does someone know all Hacks, Tricks and Features of the Alice Pack??? 😮😮
@patrickbateman3122 жыл бұрын
It was designed that way
@Brykk5 жыл бұрын
Thank you. Great video
@allenschmitz96445 жыл бұрын
Now that is down right crafty..
@patgray54029 жыл бұрын
Cool
@justinsomerset55879 жыл бұрын
Luke William Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.
@muleyscousin62586 жыл бұрын
Well done ! Who'd a thunk it ?
@Breaker1977 жыл бұрын
Damn, i need to see if i can dig out mine
@drew32607 жыл бұрын
I would rather do a bucket mod. More space.
@claymorelessbag30423 жыл бұрын
its for light patrols/day hikes
@wombatwave10975 жыл бұрын
Can this be done with a large?
@patrickbateman3122 жыл бұрын
No it can't
@marcosmacoeove59154 жыл бұрын
Nice. Ty
@ahmad444alnaeemy58 жыл бұрын
انا من العراق كيف احصل على الحقيبه
@justinsomerset55877 жыл бұрын
Hello. Thank you for watching.خوار الترجمة. If you are military, ask your Supply Sergeant or Logistics Officer for a -Medium A.L.I.C.E.: Field Pack, LC-1 medium NSN 8465-00-001-6480". Also, "NSN 8465-00-269-0482" and "NSN 8465-00-269-0483" for left and right shoulder straps. The frame and belt are optional extra, but not necessary, they have other catalog numbers. -If you are a civilian, look on EBAY or outdoor camping websites, Also look in markets, many country's military used these, so there are many old surplus ones around. Also, if you know anyone in the military, European military, Asian military, or specifically, US military, you can ask them about "US Medium A.L.I.C.E.backpack" and they probably understand and might be able to help you find one. -Also, there are camping and outdoor companies who manufacture reproductions, but quality usually depends on price. مرحبا. شكرا لكم على مشاهدة. إذا كنت عسكري، أطلب من الرقيب توريد أو موظفي النقل والإمداد-"أليس المتوسطة": "حقل حزمة"، LC-1 توسطة الزلزالين Field Pack, LC-1 medium NSN 8465-00-001-6480". أيضا، "NSN 8465-00-269-0482"و "NSN 8465-00-269-0483" للكتف الأيمن والأيسر. الإطار وحزام إضافي اختياري، ولكن ليس ضروريا، لديهم أرقام النشرة المصورة الأخرى. - إذا كنت مدني، نظرة على موقع ئي بأي أو مواقع التخييم في الهواء الطلق، كما تبدو في الأسواق، جيش البلاد العديد من استخدام هذه، حيث هناك الكثير من فائض القديمة حول. أيضا، إذا كنت تعرف أي شخص في القوات المسلحة، القوات العسكرية الأوروبية، العسكرية الآسيوية، أو على وجه التحديد، لنا العسكرية، يمكنك أن تطلب منهم حول "US Medium A.L.I.C.E.backpack" وأنهم ربما يفهم وقد تكون قادرة على مساعدتك في العثور على واحد. - وهناك أيضا شركات التخييم في الهواء الطلق والذي صنع النسخ، ولكن نوعية عادة ما يعتمد على الأسعار.
@adrianmoreno68418 жыл бұрын
Can the same modification be made to the large. I myself have used a wide array of backpacks but never an ALICE type. I'm interested in buying the Large version, but I feel it'll be too big to carry (without the frame) and I feel the Medium version would not be large enough.
@justinsomerset55878 жыл бұрын
+Adrian Moreno Thanks for watching. Yes.(but see #2 bellow). I understand your frustration at trying to find the right pack. I would, of course, recommend the versatile medium. I think you would be shocked at exactly how much you can load the thing. But I also have, and have had, a wide variety of packs and debated over trying to figure out what works best, so let's see if I can help sort these for everyone. - #1 The "super large ALICE" - CFP-90 - is probably the best, and biggest I've found. 4225 cu in compartment, an insane 6590 overall capacity, not counting the little detachable Ranger pack. Most of the Molle stuff spun off of those, but are heavier than its 8 lbs, and the Rifleman pack, for example, only packs 4000 cu in. The CFP-90 has an adjustable yoke, but is its only weak point as the plastic dry rots. I had mine remade out of leather at a good biker shop. But to me, it and all of the Molle packs are way too large and heavy, and stuck in their configurations. Even the Marine patrol pack seemed fine, but I did not like the way it expanded straight out from the back, not up or out, and you still had to strap things to it externally and it would wag badly. At that point it's internal frame became inadequate. I'm sure you would be told to go up to the full size, but those are all huge things only good for long range-time. You are really a pack mule with any of them. These have all literally given people back problems. #2 to answer your question about modifying the Large ALICE, yes you can, but you will have to be industrious and install the featured rings and cords. I have actually installed shoulder strap rings at the top so I can wear it off the frame when not fully loaded or with a very bulky but light load. But you are right, anything heavy and it should really go on a frame per normal. The large was originally designed as an arctic pack to fit the majority of equipment internally and was spec rated for something like 90 lbs but I have seen guys probably load to twice that, that's why you see so many bent frames around. Geekprepper.org has some good stats. 2,800 cu in main compartment and a total of 3,800 cu in counting all the pockets and map flap, and you can still strap things externally and squeeze a little more onto the frame. #3 The medium is my favorite because it is designed to be so versatile, and we pushed that a little further in this video. It was the most issued (with the frame) for that reason. It was spected for something like 70+ lbs when you add the frame. Over about 45 lbs without it is easy but usually not comfortable. it has a 2075 cu in main compartment and 2412+ cu in with all the pockets, flap, and is meant to have a lot of stuff, like sleeping bag, strapped on the outside. Additionally there is the frame shelf and cargo straps and all the cool stuff you can do with those. (future vid to come) So you can see there is quite a bit of cross over zone between the two, especially given a frame. #4 There is one cool video here on KZbin where a guy actually puts ALICE straps on a 3 day Training Pack (or M1967). also there are a few vids of a Training Packs on a frames, including Dave Cantebury's, which all work quite well, but that is limiting internal capacity and depending on the frame. #5 If comfort is an issue on a larger pack a lot of guys have been doing the "Hellcat" mod where they use the new thicker Molle straps and belts on an ALICE pack. A lot of guys I have known who had to carry the modern packs hated, and broke, the Molle frames... a lot. They prefer the old but still light weight and strong metal frames and Alice packs but with the new suspension. So, after much long windedness, and I can talk about this stuff literally all day, I would give the medium a chance. As you saw you can get it down pretty small but with the frame you can add a lot of stuff, its more modular than anything else I think, don't be afraid to use the frame, its actually quite small and comfortable if adjusted correctly. Just put things like you're sleeping bag on the outside. If you have a USGI the Gortex bivy will keep it dry, otherwise get a waterproof stuff sack, and a lot of people forget the pack covers (tire covers to most people) are supposed to be sprayed with waterproofer. Don't forget the liner bags. But wait! I understand you and other's apprehensions, so given all this I see I should probably make a demo video so you can all get the idea before you all commit hard earned money. You want to make sure it is the best for you and be worth money spent, not collecting dust in a garage.