The Best Prepper Back Pack

***This is from my Sensible Prepper Channel but has been so well received that I decided to add it to the Sootch00 Project.
Sensible Survival Presents: "The Best Prepper Backpack" which is the Military Surplus Alice Pack. It's high value for the money spent, it's extremely rugged and Durable, it's highly versatile and the add on Cargo Shelf takes this pack to a whole new level.
The Alice pack has been used by the U.S. Military to over 20 years until the '90's and has proven itself in tough situations. Found at yard sales, surplus stores, gun shows and Ebay, they run anywhere from $25 - $50 and a great buy for the quality received.
Thanks for watching! Sootch00

[@uscgalpha91]

Great video I worked at Tactical Tailor in Tacoma. We repair Alice packs from all over the world. Air born jumps with an Alice on a teather. God you ought to see what they do to them. I picked up a medium from the Goodwill store in Seattle for $1.99 w/o frame. I wash the pack in the bath tub with Dawn dish soap. Let it sit for a couple of hours in warm water and rince twice with cold. Let dry overnight. (No dryer). Do the same with the straps off the pack. If you clean the straps they will get more springy. So much gear gets tossed because nobody cleans it. Lastly all the Alice compatable gear is now at giveaway prices with many years of servicable life left . What could be more agreeable with a budget.

[@Billman66]

I remember those days! The Alice pack that I took on Robin Sage must have weighed one hundred pounds! Two weeks in the woods of beautiful North Carolina playing Contra rebel for SFQC candidates. This video really takes me back. I'm glad that our old gear is still appreciated in this era of high dollar equipment.

[@akeeperofoddknowledge4956]

Thanks for sharing! I have an ALICE pack in my shed. Maybe it's time...

[@rgrstevenolan8337]

My care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow. Ever gear that around TT? I did the same detail on a medium ruck yesterday

[@jacobgaidemak6828]

A boys camp was upgrading and they threw away 30 Alice packs. I saw them out there and i asked if i could take one. The owner of the camp said take them all. So I took them all and I have been issuing them to every friend that i have. The frame is only $30.00 make's a great bug out bag.

[@Detman101]

Oh man, that's awesome.

[@TakeTheRedPillChicago]

Same here

[@paulmood308]

Lucky dog!!

[@Banzaiactual]

Mine has been from Vietnam to Falluja and still going!

[@petyrpetrov7906]

the best success that i've had was by using the Micaden survive system (just google it) definately the most helpful survival that I have ever followed.

[@rogerg0834]

had one throught my time in the U.S. Army 04-13. Best damn bag ever. I could fit 2 full ACU uniforms with boots no prob. Rain gear Plenty of room. Rugged, just awesome. I am going to buy one with frame just to have again.

[@youropinionisinvalid4960]

I own a A.L.I.C.E Pack that was in action in Vietnam. That damn thing holds up VERY well. Went on a little 10 miles hike and it didnt hurt my back at all.

[@cloudsrain8753]

You rock, keep it up. Just looked at one alice pack today. May have to get one for the collection soon.

[@7Storm7]

I agree Sootch! I really like mine. Glad I never got rid of it. Great Vid.... Thank you.

[@bowmaster24]

That platform for the frame is the best idea ive seen on a pack yet. It would make carrying large loads of firewood back to basecamp a breeze. Great video Sootch

[@thomasmaraschiello1156]

After watching your video I found a 1976 issue Alice pack at Salvation army for $7.00 wow! The frame had four bad rivets,so I put new rivets in and mixed mineral spirits and silicone to waterproof and sewed new webbing on the bag with quick disconnects for the outside pockets and top flap. I replaced the hip belt with a Molle hip belt and sewed a top carry strap on the frame too. Thank you for your video and giving me the joy of modifying one. I think this will last me my lifetime!

[@MyersSgt]

Very nice video! I still have my old LC-1 Medium with frame, and you are correct that all the accessories are readily available and using MOLLE attachments with the ALICE is easy. I'll have to get a shelf; you really showed the usefulness of it well.

[@stephenmeaney9531]

great video; it brings out the old days when I was in the army. yes the alice pack was great out in the field for the ground pounder. I use one today for my bug out bag.

[@Freedomring-uk6yd]

Agreed, the utility shelf is quite handy. While in the bush, I've bungied cut dead fall and transported back to camp.

[@WallyMerc06]

I used the large frame alice for many years in the army before it was replaced by the new MOLLE ruck. As an infantry soldier, I've lived out of it, humped it across mountain and desert alike, and filled it with more weight than I cared to put on my back or feet. It's been all over the world with me and through all types of climates and I still adore it today as it is my go to pack. Just make sure you water proof everything inside your alice and it will sustain you for a long time.

[@williamvan909]

i Double up on these i have one on my back.... and one.... in front of me can carry a lot more .

[@fishfishington7886]

My local surplus store was selling them all rusted and beaten up for 79.99 for the medium one. walk into the gun store down the road from me, large pack, frame, and all for 25$!! bought it in a heartbeat!

[@buryurfear14]

Lol I LOOOVE how you model your gear Sootch. It makes me laugh every time. but It really is a great addition to your videos, beyond the humor aspect.

[@MMCUSN]

Modded and "upgraded" my regular and large ALICE packs - fastex buckles, replaced alice clip webbing with molle/pals webbing etc. Sewing machine made it all easy. I even put a regular size pack with frame onto a LBV type vest. They are just so easily modded and for budget happy prices they are a great alternative to the more pricey options.

[@keithfillinger3182]

I love my ALICE pack. However, I modified it into the Hellcat variant to make it more comfortable. The Hellcat modification means the shoulder and hip straps get replaced with the MOLLE 2 straps and a sleep system carrier is installed on the bottom of the frame. I highly recommend those modifications as they make the pack more comfortable.

[@PennsyltuckyBubba]

+Keith Fillinger A good link on how to set up the Hellcat mod for those interested:libertytreeblogs.blogspot.com/2011/04/building-hellcat-hybrid-ruck-from-us.html

[@Billman66]

Thank you. I think that must have come about after I got out (1989).

[@jeffersononetwo]

I have 4 of these plus the Desert Camo rain covers ... excellent Prepper Pack and really comfortable to wear. Superb quality - these were made to go through a WAR!

[@pinkiewerewolf]

I just bought a new medium ALICE pack so I'm glad that you like them and did this video, it'll let me know more about what'll show up at my door. LOL I'm planning to use it on short day hikes and a bit of EDC.

[@Gamers-wk3tr]

I know this is an old video..but you sir just got another committed subscriber! looking forward to more of these fantastic videos

[@THETASKFORCE151]

Just picked up one from amazon sootch... awesome!!! great review buddy.

[@Roadmax69]

Spraying a little silicon on those buttons and any zippers really helps!

[@mrrustygray]

Having used this in the 80's and 90's I can concur. This is a great pack and in a medium one, I could load close to 80 pounds of gear. I finally gave mine away in 2010.

[@Joecgml]

I love the face you make during the demonstration in the beginning.

[@rosspipelines1]

Awesome pack. Have had mine for years.

[@semistacker7118]

Very nice video. I got the medium pack like you have for the wife, I got the large. I have sleeping bags and bedrolls strapped to the bottoms of the frames. The shelf is what really caught my eye. I feel like the best fit for us is a seperate frame assembly for the shelf system. With multiple people, everyone carries something. The frame I get with shelf will be dedicated to ammo cans. I too love the ALICE packs! Thanks, great video.

[@poolee77]

Sometimes simpler is better. I've used Kifaru, and Mystery Ranch (Overload, an $800 pack), along with the modern issued packs. Still come back to the ALICE. Something refreshing about its simplicity and versatility.

[@EastCoastSOG]

i bought a brand new alice pack at a thrift store for 50 cents. there's all kinds of awesome deals out there.

[@alexanderweaver4838]

The Alice Pack, especially the large with frame like yours, is an awesome pack. For prepper purposes I would agree that it is one of the best for bug out purposes. I am well into bushcraft camping and have found the Scandinavian military rucksacks best for my uses. The large, even cavernous, bucket holds everything I need for my overnights fits inside the bucket. My axe and Silkie Gomboy are in the pass-through sleeves behind each side pocket. In my large Alice Pack my load outs averaged 45, maybe 50 pounds for winter. My Norwegian Army Rucksack averages 25 in the warmer weather (as low as 20 on overnighters) and 32 pounds in the winter months. The Alice pack, my old USAF duffle bag and a range bag are set up for when the SHTF. If I was still on the Big Island right now they would be in use. Great informative channel!

[@stevebyrd8165]

Sootch I'm subscriber and I find your information videos very informative. Thank you sir. I like the reviews and gear you talk about. Keep up the good work.

[@arlenewolf5260]

Hi Don, I have repeatedly watched this (and your other videos) over the years. GREAT VIDEO! I am a big fan of the Alice pack. FYI one of the restoration tips for the water resistant map compartment / top lid on the A.L.I.C.E packs is to mask it off and spray it with Flex Seal. Also another not well known gear location on the A.L.I.C.E. packs, is in-between the three outside compartments and the main compartment.. There are slots behind the three outer compartments (behind two of them on the large A.L.I.C.E. packs. That location is perfect to slide a hatchet or small axe etc... into.

[@loynation]

I bought one of these from the surplus store right before I ets'd from the army in 2010...When I first enlisted this was the issue pack, around 2007/2008 they started issuing the new polymer frame acu color packs, even though we'd been issued the new packs, my unit used the ALICE packs until they were basically pried from our hands. On extended ruck marches (8,10,12,16+ miles) the alice pack is SO MUCH more comfortable, it allows weight to be built up higher than the ACU packs...

[@distruktocon]

Ive had a medium alice pack for many years, since I was 12. Used it all the way through boy scouts, school, lots of hiking/fishing/etc. I have BEAT THE SHIT out of that pack and Its still kicking.

[@Mike82ARP]

Great review! I remember when these were first issued, ~late '76. Prior to that we had the web gear with butt lacks which didn't carry much. The ALICE packs were a god send.

[@flatworm00]

I've had my Alice back pack for years and would not trade it for anything. They are great.

[@Jenjo21701]

I was looking for a new pack and got a medium alice after watching this. I love it. Its everything i was looking for. Got it on ebay for 22 bucks with frame and straps. Great vid.

[@saitohhajime83]

You are the reason i bought Alice Pack!

[@DennyRec]

Another open an honest review like always. It seems to be an oldie but goodies. Thanks. Have a good day

[@lastman29728]

great review no bul and honest you get what you see no ads

[@rickyburton4642]

Excellent review and tips! Thank you Sir! 👍👍😃👌

[@colliniams9784]

When I was on my way out of the Marine Corps (late 2011, early 2012) deploying guys got issued large ALICE packs because the issued ILBE's and plastic frames were breaking (including mine). For my money, the ALICE is still the most versatile pack, and the external frame is awesome.

[@kenwatson4012]

Nice job. Love watching your videos. Keep it

[@rickymellottsr4461]

hey scooch love ur videos. I have 2 Alice packs ur right u can't beat them.I like just about all Vietnam era military issue equipment.I have a load gearing vest that is very adaptable.like it alot. keepdoin what ur doing.b safe.

[@SilverGram]

Best video so far, thanks. I have learned a lot from your videos.

[@kenwatson4012]

Nice job. Love watching your videos. Keep it up

[@bones020694]

Im an Eagle Scout, and through all of my years camping, my large ALICE pack was my favorite bag. And the cheapest!

[@ymp5000]

Love my large ALICE pack. I carry it in my work truck set up as a 7 day pack.

[@Bill11812]

I have both the medium and the large, love them. I use the medium one as my BoB/hurricane bag and replaced the straps with the molle II straps. Much more comfortable.

[@user-gz5vv6mp6s]

Great vid Sootch, thanks.

[@801revolutionary]

Keep up the great videos. Alice packs are awesome and can handle anything you can throw at them.

[@Mostnproved]

I agree ! Great valued pack. I still use Alice clips on my more modern gear. The frames are great for hauling meat out of the woods! Great vid sootch

[@epspecialist]

I'm going to have to pick up a few those Alice packs . Thanks for a well informative video.

[@Ranger4321]

I will say, the A.L.I.C.E. pack is a great budget pack. I actually have two of them, ones a medium that I used when I was in ROTC, the other is a Large. The large alice is big enough to carry a couple of toddlers in it! I dont have any plans of getting rid of either pack because of their versatility! Great vid Sootch00!

[@JonahGsurvival]

Great video , just ordered my alice I can't wait till it gets here.

[@laxdrew9]

I love my old Alice pack. Some great points in the vid, I would also add, that on the long tie down straps I added a couple of high quality snap buckles so I can more easily open the pack top. The new molle is great equipment, but this pack is still bomb proof.

[@nerphirlim]

Hey I got one of those! Didn't know it was so good. I lack a frame, guess I'm buying one of those now.

[@0megaseeker]

You can never go wrong with the A.L.I.C.E.!

[@redhorse7458]

The ALICE pack was the issued backpack when I was active duty Army. It is very rugged and durable. When I got out I bought one at a surplus store that was in like new condition along with the frame. Sadly I cannot use it because after years in the gym my shoulder area got so broad that the straps literally dig in and leave deep bruises on my inner bicep area and it makes for a very uncomfortable carry. I still keep it on hand because it's always good to have extras or a pack I can loan to someone in a pinch.

[@SoCalPreppers]

Alice Packs are great for the versatility and weight for sure. not to mention the affordability factor. Nice review Sootch!

[@wyrdflex5863]

It took me a long time... But, watching this, I realized that I always come to this channel for pack/prepper advice. I guess I better subscribe, huh? :)

[@TheTsarsTailor1910]

I just got my Alice pack the frame was ten dollars and the bag was 15 they didn’t know what it was I am very glad I did and bought it so fast

[@1rookieprepper]

Great packs. Had them in the Marines in '77, got a couple more and retro-fitted them to be saddlebags for my M.C. for a cross country trip from Oregon to Florida. Never went back. The packs are still in my closets & I still use them from time to time. I need to get frames, tho.

[@johnandstephanie377]

Old grouch surplus has some large with frame for 27.95 plus shipping. They had mediums, but sold out. Great video by the way. We still had these in 88 when I went in the service. I was running around in the woods as a kid with one in the early 80's. Back before it was some kind of mischief, like today.

[@CunoWiederhold]

Sootch, Another great video! I've had mine for many years and they are great! I loaned my friend mine while dove hunting 20 years ago. I either need new friends or a new pack (hehehe). Time to get another one because I do miss it. One more thing, when the world is not being threatend with total anialation, you can easily carry a case of your favorite ice cold beverage to any BBQ, tail gate party or camp site. ;-) Endless uses, price, durability plus the cool factor makes this an incredible deal!

[@MikeM0331]

I stil have one of these. Snipers and Recon Marines still use these packs or new packs that use the frame. I only replaced the shoulder straps on mine with straps that had longer padded portions

[@Wetworks_Arclight]

Great video Sootch! Just one feature you neglected to point out-- The quick release pull tabs on the shoulder harness. It's a great feature if/when you ever need to dump off your pack in a hurry. I love the A.L.I.C.E. pack. I used my dad's old issue ruck sack back when I was in Boy Scouts. You could stuff 2 MREs in each of the smaller ouside pockets and you were good to go. ;)

[@ds10363]

Nice review! I'm definately going to pick one of these up at my local Army / Navy store.

[@jjfick55068]

Hi Sootch! Thanks for all the great videos and information. I really enjoy your channel. I did a Google search: ALICE PACK HELLCAT and found some threads that discuss adding MOLLE II shoulder straps and kidney pad along with the modular sleep system carrier to an ALICE pack. I'm in the process of doing that to my ALICE pack and I think it's a great idea. Just wanted to let others know about it. Keep the good videos coming! YOU ROCK, SOOTCH!

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

I love my Alice. Thanks.

[@magicdaveable]

Sportsman's Guide sells new surplus. I have had a used Medium and a used Large for years. Both are great packs.

[@LMGAS2004]

These packs are awesome. And they are still in use by the US military. It he large held enough stuff to hold me over for 7 days plus mission essential gear.

[@d.l.hemmingway3834]

I've carried my grandpa's M1 ten inch bayonet in the eyelets behind the middle outer pouch on mine for years.

[@AlphaKilo6]

Just recently got a ALICE pack of eBay for $32 shipping included to free a nice internal frame pack. Once loaded up as my bug out bag I realized I should of spent that $30 ages ago. I didn't know about the cargo plate, thanks! For that kind of money it's perfect to be packed up and put away for a time when things get rough...

[@Gh..o..s..t]

I have this pack... I bought a camp camel pack and it fit perfection on top of the Alice pack ..I live it best pack I've ever had

[@uscgalpha91]

Hey Sootch00, Just picked up a couple of Woodland shovel pouches. One holds my Estwing camp axe and on the other side one holds my Glock. Pretty dam covert and handy

[@tylerewing7591]

I got a frame in really good shape with straps and hip pad at a gun store for $5 and a large pack for $15

[@teridacktaljones4553]

Explained very very well , thank you for the vid

[@d.l.hemmingway3834]

In past times when I didn't have a car I used to use my ALICE to haul groceries home from the store.

[@RebelWithACausePodcast]

These ALICE packs are great. Great find at any gun show or Army surplus store.

[@CarloGoiff666]

Nice video thank you for sharing it.

[@falloutm134]

Very cool plan I have and old one and after seeing your vid I now plan to restore it for using it as my oficial bug out bag. I just need to buy a frame and remake the rain cover inside the flap.

[@visamedic]

Couldn't agree with you more. Like you I have a number of packs. I own the large Alice Pack. its my go to, even over my $275 hunting pack for BOB

[@solidsnake4904]

ur video made me buy one and i think u r right

[@pawoutdoors9290]

Have a Mille and an Alice. Keep going back to the Alice Nice video. I subbed

[@Skellanuts]

I agree. The main reason why it’s the ultimate pepper pack is because it is basic. Not made to be comfortable, not made to be convenient, and last but not least not made to be posh for anyone who wants survival to be a walk in the park. Yes it’s not the most advanced equipment. However it is the most budget survival equipment. It’s totally worth the buy IF you are not a high maintenance survivalists which sorta is a contradictory honestly. I love cheap well made multi functional gear that make survival hard BUT possible. Thank you sensible prepper for the wonderful review

[@jaclyngilford3607]

Love this bag

[@64gunner1]

Excellent video. Very informative.

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

I'd take an ALICE pack over a civilian recreational pack costing 10 times as much any day of the week. I used to have an ALICE Hellcat modified to the hilt (medium ALICE, MOLLE II shoulder straps & waist belt, Fastex Buckle conversion, 200RD SAW & canteen pouches, hydration pouch, rain cover, dry bag, King Cobra Weave Paracord Handle...all USGI and all in matching Woodland Camo). Outstanding piece of kit. It can be customized to any number of configurations. Loved mine.

[@K0diak314]

Great vid boss! Semper Fi!

[@assassinblackop]

I have a med. Alice pack with the frame and I was thinking about swapping it for a normal low-key backpack but the storage and durability of an Alice pack is simply unrivaled.

[@Kurtsyoutube]

Very nice back pack Don. How are you. I hope all is well. Have a nice day. :)

[@nmcop6]

Thanks Brother!!................Great video!!

[@RamSkirata]

interesting to hear your thoughts about it, keep up the work :)

[@joexg50]

nice demonstration Sir

[@mikebee02]

Kelty makes several external frame packs which mimic the old Alice pack. They have more modern design and materials, but don't have the benefit of the Alice clips/webbing and availability of replacement parts. I think the old standby is better by far and the fact that companies continue to mimic the Alice pack testifies to its greatness. (The old Alice bags can be attached to a newer Kelty frame though, which can be a great option.)

[@MrPaco12009]

Excellent video thanks brother

[@oneeyedpatriot]

Nice pack!

[@d.l.hemmingway3834]

I still have the ALICE I've used since 1984!

[@russell28533]

I used my ALICE pack this last weekend for camping :)