Medium ALICE Pack Refurbishing and Mods

This was a fun project for sure. The pack was usable as is when I got it, however I decided to make a few "improvements".
Brent0331- / brent0331

[@geraldmiller8973]

if i have a problem with army gear and want to remedy the problem i go to a shoe repair because they have the equipment to sew heavy canvas and are able to do minor stiching. keep that in mind when you need heavy stiching.

[@gruntgearreview6490]

That's good to know, thanks.

[@mikebillman8089]

Adding the quick release buckles is a great mod but it's better to leave the original metal hardware in place so if a buckle breaks you can use the original hardware until the buckle can be replaced.

[@dickhurtz1862]

Its a radio ruck. That flap is for the antenna also that pocket in the back with all the straps are for securing a prc

[@LoneWolf051]

On my ALICE, I threw on a sternum strap, added two paracord bracelets on the top on the frame to act as a carry handle, ran paracord through the eyelets over the pouches and added karabiners on the cord for additional attachment points, I also added a mesh back pad that fits against the frame, seperating it from your back when wearing it, adding to the comfort from the frame. also David Canterbury introduced the concept of inserting a small 7 gallon trash can into the bag to keep your stuff neat and organized aswell as giving the pack structure. I also added leather bedroll straps to the bottom nylon attachment loops, as well as a frame shelf for lashing random things to it when the bedroll straps arent being used

[@dave-d-grunt]

The trash can is just unnecessary weight

[@nomadmarauder-dw9re]

​@@dave-d-gruntMRE cardboard works to make the pack stand up. You can also trim a sleep mat and use inside the pack. A pro for the trash can is you've got a bucket. If you're unloading the pack at a camp, it's nice to have a bucket handy. You've got a chair, a sink, a bear hanger, and a toilet. With wag bags of course. 😅😅

[@dave-d-grunt]

@@nomadmarauder-dw9re the buckets not a bad idea. I just wonder about the weight. As for cardboard, I used to cur cardboard to fit my haversack to square it for inspections. Worked well

[@Janko630]

Add a DEI 1606AC frame! Great tip on the flexiseal.

[@gruntgearreview6490]

Credit goes to brent0331 on the flexseal trick

[@firstnamelastname9293]

I have similar type of buckles on my ALICE pack. I mean you want to talk about a night and day upgrade for just a few bucks totally worth it.... I may try that flex seal, I always just put a trash bag in mine and twisted it closed to keep everything dry. Cool vids keep them coming.

[@gruntgearreview6490]

I saw another video (after doing this), the guy left the metal buckles on as a backup incase the plastics broke. Kinda wish I had done that.

[@firstnamelastname9293]

Grunt Gear Review for what those buckles cost if one broke I’d just tie it off in the field and replace it when I got back.

[@gruntgearreview6490]

@@firstnamelastname9293 or carry an extra for what they weigh

[@1Splat]

Good vid. You need a Speedy Stitcher sewing Awl, my friend. I've went thru double layers or webbing, leather, and all kinds of materials with that thing. It's not fast but once you get the hang of it it's not hard to make good, sturdy repairs or mods on your gear. Highly recommend.

[@bartwalker6093]

Just use super glue where the stitching fabric under the buckle is coming loose. Put a bunch on the fabric and hold it down without moving around for about a minute. It works great! It makes that stitching seam stronger that any other sewn on stitch on the ALICE pack.

[@robertbriglia4805]

There radio packs ..i had one and still do there great

[@maineiachomestead7550]

Those inside straps must have been added by a past user. I have my original ruck from the 70s as well as a woodland camo from the 80s/90s and neither have them. And you're correct about the inside pouch. Its for a PRC radio I think a 33. Still want to replace those buckles with side release and I'll be grabbing some Flexseal soon. I added the MSS carrier and a padded molle waist belt to mine. World of difference.

[@georgiobenelli4854]

PRC 25 the straps are factory, my 1967 USMC Alice radio ruck has them

[@ryanfryman4029]

Youre right on the radio strap. My large alice pack has a metal buckle there for me to loop that strap through. As for sewing, look up a quickstitch. Theyre made for sewing leather, canvas, and other thicker materials.

[@gruntgearreview6490]

Ahhh yes I forgot about these, I may have to invest in one. I figured thats what the strap was for, thanks for clarifying.

[@ryanfryman4029]

@@gruntgearreview6490 I picked up a knock off quick stitch at harbor freight for $6.

[@gruntgearreview6490]

@@ryanfryman4029 Harbor Frieght is not good to my wallet. I think I will do that.

[@ppspsd]

That is a radio pack issued to Marines! There are a few things different about it but a medium pack never the less, the lid was issued that way! Good pack have 2 of them.

[@gruntgearreview6490]

*update* I believe I just did a shitty job, but the flex seal has started to peel and come off.

[@tomhickman1006]

Good video, The modifications you have done should work out for you. The top cinch cord keeper is superior to the modification you thought you might do, I've lost those when a cord pulled through, they are also not as robust. The reliability of a top load pack is rock solid, when your life or safety are on the line.

[@JoelGouvion]

I also put plastic buckles on my Alice pack, but I left the original fasteners on as a backup in case my cheap plastic buckle broke. The USMC FILBE packs have an Alice style fastener in the same way for redundancy

[@poppaluv]

I've been pricing 3 day packs, but i think i might just ahead and work on my med and lg alice packs. I have good frames, new molle harnesses and belts, just have to put it all together. The only thing i don't like about the large is that it hold TOO much stuff! Lord knows i can pack it so it looks like i'm smuggling a couple of kids in there. Also, maybe the pack can be turned inside out and sprayed as well?

[@gruntgearreview6490]

First off thanks for the input dude. As for day packs, my personal is an m81 woodland MOLLE 2 patrol ruck with condor utility pouches on the sides. Paid 15 dollars for it at a surplus store with a small hole I patched, and 15 for the sleeping bag carrier that goes with it. For a med bag i have an old CamelBak back pack. Its very small but has just enough organization. Its my first truama bag I've ever made so I cant speak on it too much. I feel you on the large ALICE, ever since I got my med ALICE, its size just makes more sense for me. If you wanna go the med alice route which I reccommend for a budget, the older mediums have a feature that allow you to convert them into day pack size and they can be used without a frame. Hope all this helps and lemme know if you have any other questions.

[@poppaluv]

@@gruntgearreview6490 If i could put my hands on any reasonably priced surplus, i'd jump on it! I like the tactical parts of the new stuff so it's not all in one sack. Would you know of anyone building some sort of modular/tactical insert for the alice's for gear separation by chance? Thanks for the reply

[@gruntgearreview6490]

@@poppaluv No I can't say I do. One thing you can do is put your items in seperars "ditty" bags, or seperate pouches. Ive got an ALICE pack water proofing bag for my clothes towards the bottom and then a few pouches for other stuff (hygiene, water aqquisition, etc).

[@poppaluv]

@@gruntgearreview6490 I can see it now, me pulling out assault bags, pouches, hydration sacks one by one out of the alice. lol

[@gruntgearreview6490]

@@poppaluv You just grab what you need. It works for me. You might also like the Eberlestock FAC Track Pack. Very organizational

[@marcusfoshie4642]

The top inner pouch is to hold the radio in the straps of the security and extra batteries to keep everything from flopping around and you could spray the whole pack with shoe waterproofing turn it inside out spray the inside and then spray the outside and the whole thing is waterproof once again

[@BorderCowboy66]

Big Q.....where can a Jarhead find the shelf piece for carrying ammo cans?

[@nomadmarauder-dw9re]

They're all over the place. Google cargo shelf for Alice rucksack. Be aware, there are 2 types. The LC 1 shelf fits either frame, but the LC 2 shelf friction fits on the bottom or middle cross pieces and it's a bit larger. LC 1 has cut outs and an end piece that fits around the horizontals on the frame. Get the LC2.

[@nomadmarauder-dw9re]

I meant the verticals on the frame. A little drunk.

[@outdooroutpost6061]

The plastic clips where did you get those ? I’m looking to do the mod myself. Thank you

[@gruntgearreview6490]

They came from a buckle repair kit for either my chest rig or my FILBE. Search for ITW Nexus repair buckles.

[@outdooroutpost6061]

Grunt Gear Review roger thanks for the quick reply brother

[@gruntgearreview6490]

@@outdooroutpost6061 for sure, just let me know if you need help finding the buckles but I think I saw some on ebay

[@outdooroutpost6061]

Grunt Gear Review I just checked and found a set for $8

[@huyhoangviet5966]

Mr i would like to ask where did you managed to get such a cheap deal for an alice pack with frame. the best i had was a Korean Alice pack in pretty mint condition but without straps or a frame.

[@gruntgearreview6490]

That pack alone was $40 USD, the frame I have had for a couple years (just broke actually) but I got it for around $40 USD, and the straps and waistbelt were about $150 USD from Tactical Tailor. The pack and frame came from surplus stores.

[@huyhoangviet5966]

@@gruntgearreview6490 do you know any molle type or any other type of frames that would be able to be outfitted with alice? I had an arvn frame but it was too small for my large pack.

[@voraciousblackstn]

Deals are out there, but you have to find and usually talk into them. I got a Large ALICE Rucksack with frame and straps for $50. Looking at grabbing a medium without anything so i can swap the frame to either.

[@huyhoangviet5966]

@@voraciousblackstn Can you point me to the right direction? I'm looking but now the prices are so inflated, a student with 200 dollars monthly allowances like me can't barely afford food, not to say militaria for cosplay and being a poser.

[@voraciousblackstn]

Surplus stores, flea markets, garage sales, fb marketplace. Ebay has some deals also. As for alice straps, you can actually get after market straps. Frame is the hardest, they are usually expensive since they are in high demand. However, a medium alice can be used with just the shoulder straps until you can get a frame. I got my Large Alice complete at a gun store. Gun shows are another good place to look. Also the MOLLE II ruck straps can be used with the alice frame. They take some tweaking to use, but they are actually more comfortable. Called the Hellcat mod.

[@trollsandgoblinsgoblin320]

hello great review can I ask where you bought those plastic straps? again awesome video.

[@gruntgearreview6490]

What straps are you referring to?

[@williamschlosser77]

Thanks. I've decided on one of these.

[@wmsollenberger8706]

THE RADIO FLAP IS STANDARD NOT CUSTOM, i HAVE 3 OF 'EM YOURS LOOKS TO BE IN NICE CONDITION!

[@gruntgearreview6490]

OKAY THANKS

[@hamsticklehq]

i have the medium camo alice too :)

[@nomadmarauder-dw9re]

Would like to see, or do, replacing the pouches and LC bars with PALS webbing. 3 compression buckles. Add a bigger lid as on the Helikon Matilda.

[@datnotme9921]

The loop in the back, on outside has a knot & inside no knot where you attached a strap n buckle for you water bladder. The green and white geared cinch strap out front goes thru the inside no knot then, pull it thru, cinch and raises the bottom of bag a little and closes off better👍👀

[@mikedalton2752]

I just put a DEI 1606MC frame on my large ALICE and it works great!

[@FloppaAppreciator]

I did some work on a woodland ALICE that wasn't the radio version like yours is (by default), they still issue those out from what I've seen but that's not a mod. I know someone already pointed that out in the comments. In doing my own mods I went a little more in depth in some areas while omitting in others. I did a combination of hand sewing, using a machine that's not powerful enough, and a bit of super glue admittedly. I did not get rid of the ladder lock system, but I did cut the ends off of the straps so they'd slide freely though. Since you used the QASM buckles, I highly suggest putting a one inch strip of webbing to route the other end of the buckle on so they stay flush on the pack. I re-did the lid waterproofing too, but I do NOT believe in flex seal. I think it ruins the value of the pack and is too messy. I did two layers of ripstop nylon so I actually took the lid off of the pack and went through the hassle. Now it's a waterproof pocket on the top and the bottom and the lid bowls in more so it looks better packed up. Next time I would do the lids of the pockets but that was too in depth of a project for the time. I unstitched the radio pocket by mistake instead of cutting it out and not compromising the side stitching so I had to do that by hand with some thick thread because it's like 5 layers of material but I did it on the inside and not the outside. You can't tell now unless you flip it inside out. Taking that length of top webbing from the radio pocket I did a different thing than you as well, instead of leaving the webbing open and using a buckle I cut it, doubled it over, opened the stitching and sewed it into the collar so it's just a short loop that a bladder where the cap has a hook tab it can slide through. Pretty cool to see people making these work for them too.

[@floydcrase625]

Flex seal is the same formula as plastidip thinned down for spray The pat. ran out I have tools that I plastidipped in the 80s still holding up

[@acquisitor1]

The radio Rick also has larger outside pockets to make up for the room taken up by the radio.

[@GaMt13]

Any source for water resistant bags?

[@gruntgearreview6490]

No but I've found them in surplus stores dirt cheap

[@donjuanpasion8607]

The two straps inside might be for making the medium Alice into a assault pack,

[@gruntgearreview6490]

Refer to the comment section, we determined this is not exactly a medium ALICE, but meant to carry a PRC Radio

[@maineiachomestead7550]

@@gruntgearreview6490 Actually it IS a Med pack.

[@alphapatriot8405]

💯👊

[@treefrog361]

Thats part of the AN/PRC119F radio set, its a manpack.

[@gruntgearreview6490]

Do you mean the entire pack was meant for a 119F?

[@gruntgearreview6490]

Holy shit you are right it looks like. I found a "119F carrying case" on ebay. Thank you good sir, seems I have a correction video to make.

[@treefrog361]

No problem, the artillery generally uses those bags as advance party bags.

[@gruntgearreview6490]

@@treefrog361 You wouldn't happen to know where I can find more info on the subject would you? I wanna put up a video on the subject

[@treefrog361]

There is most likely a BII or AAL listing for it based off of the radio. The actual nomenclature for the bag is " Radio Carrying Case " and the NSN is 5895-01-461-4505. I'll get on my laptop here in a minute and see what I can find in the manual. I know it's just an modified LC-2 Medium ALICE pack.

[@carls2354]

these were US issued radio packs

[@ksmvelikan5907]

🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷👀👀

[@dalevodden1359]

Well when I was in the Army I had a medium Alice pack and those straps inside the pack that you were wondering about, I have no idea what those were in there for they were in there for something but I could never figure out what it was probably for a piece of gear that goes with it but was never issued or something and besides that Alice pack you got is not a military one that's a civilian all Ellis packs were OD Green they never made a camouflaged one civilian market yeah but not the military

[@patrickbateman312]

That's blatantly untrue. The Army still, in 2022, issues those medium ALICE packs with the M81 pattern camouflage as radio bags. I have a brand new one I just got from supply last week that was still in the packaging.

[@michaelhursey9]

I agree with you I was issued a CAMMO one in the early 90’s ( USAF ) in Germany

[@tomford5416]

im a paranoid borderline psycho that has a heavy assed medium A.L.I.C.E pack by my bedroom door if i hear explosions or gunfire im ghosting to the woods shit my medikit is in the car & ive got to fill water bottles

[@Rustyshackleford85]

You got a great deal.

[@Bustamaru]

Where can I find the quick release buckles?

[@gruntgearreview6490]

Look for ITW nexus buckles, or "replacement buckles"

[@Bustamaru]

@@gruntgearreview6490 Looked and found them, really thanks.

[@domp5014]

Seems like a robust bag. Will it hold a gas mask?

[@gruntgearreview6490]

I don't see why not.

[@domp5014]

@@gruntgearreview6490 great! Might pick one up sometime

[@gruntgearreview6490]

@@domp5014 any specific gas mask in mind?

[@domp5014]

@Grunt Gear Review I was thinking about the m40a1 gas mask. I have one and was looking for a good bag for stowing it besides it’s carrier

[@gruntgearreview6490]

@@domp5014 a medium ALICE seems a bit over kill for a single M40. Check out the MOLLE II patrol pack. The outer pouch is specifically made to hold a gas mask and I believe CBRN auto injectors.

[@tsoliot5913]

Those internal straps were added by someone in the past

[@nomadmarauder-dw9re]

Issue. It's a version for carrying a radio.