The No.1 Survival Backpack

[@GruntProof]

ALICE: my best girlfriend ever! I still have my issue one

[@Bulwark1911]

The shelf on that frame pack is priceless. Everyone should have one of these packs !

[@danmahoney8106]

The metal rings inside the medium Alice are to compress the pack to make it an assault pack. You can find instructions on ‘you tube’ how to configure this. I share your enthusiasm for the medium Alice having had a new modified pack with Fastex buckles installed instead of the standard configuration. I have a (now) discontinued ShellBack frame which doesn’t allow the shelf, my only regret. You’ve provided me with valuable information in the past, and I thank you, sir.

[@TheMisterMonkeyman]

From what I was taught, the small inside pouch is for a radio. The d-rings and cords attached at the bottom are used to make the pack smaller or an "assault pack". I've had my medium for 25 years and it's still in great shape. Better if you consider the new straps with extra padding I now have on it. I've picked up a few more over the years for family. I just wait until I find one for a great price in good condition. Peace.

[@SensiblePrepper]

It really changes the potential of this already excellent pack. The shelf option is huge for Preppers. Thanks~

[@The.Alabama.Woodsman]

I just purchased a large ALICE pack with frame and straps.... $50! The most expensive part was the frame. Actual pack was new at $15. MAN I LOVE IT!!!! My wife just inherited my hikers pack that cost $150.00.

[@CivilianSheepdog631]

I have the same size Alice Pack picked one up in 1983 still use it and to this day. everything you've said is 100% correct, rugged, roomy, strong, and many other uses besides a back pack and worth every penny. Great vid I have a lot of good memories and a couple not so good using the Alice Pack ;)

[@MexicanMovie]

I used them daily in the 80's in the military before I switched over to the USAF and left the infantry behind, but the Alice Pack is still my number 1 pick for a survival backpack today.

[@SensiblePrepper]

Yeah, it's an oldie and I need to replace it. Doing the review has motivated me as well! Lol! In the end, it may come down to black powder. Take care Bro

[@1guyin10]

You can also pick up the frame alone with the shelf very reasonably. Every time I see one of those I think of Dick Proenneke toting in firewood in those great videos. That was well before the Alice pack, but it is the same idea. I picked up a large Alice with new belt and the wider straps for less than $30. What a great deal.

[@williamgarrison6060]

God Bless America and long live the Republic!

[@Oldcoinsandstuff1]

Now I can understand why those packs are so good. The shelf makes it all come together.

[@justinbianchini9697]

I got my Alice Packs(Med. and Lrg.) a while back and it was because of this KZbin video. I drooled over it for what seemed like days and couldn't wait to use em. Almost want to get the Tactical Tailor Molle version but ehh...might as well save my money for something really nice.

[@lamunecadog]

Scored one at swapmeet for 8 bucks!! This guide is what I NEED, thanks S00tch!

[@andychicken]

Cargo shelf = mind blown. Awesome discovery! Thanks so much for sharing. I have an Alice Pack already but heck if I don't want to get another one now...

[@ceciladams5429]

I've still got mine I was issued over 40 years ago when I enlisted in the Marine Corps. Still in excellent shape . One thing I really like is being able to fold a Field Jacket and tie it inside of the frame with para cord . Also, to keep the snaps on the 3 outer pockets front corrosion is to put a very light coat of grease on them .

[@678way]

Sootch--nothing but the best from you. quality video,--quality gear--patriotism--everything. I bought my Large ALICE pack, brand new, (at least) a decade ago for all the same reasons. However---its that shelf that you profiled, that makes all the difference.. rock-on brother. Keep these high-class, quality vids coming. My best to you and yours.

[@SensiblePrepper]

I have never been a big soda drinker until my wife started keeping the DEW around... Now I have a 1 year supply for SHTF! Lol!

[@djay6651]

I've had my ALICE medium for 20+ years. I got it when I was a Reservist and I took it to Europe with me and went on my first deployment with me. My wife hates it cuz it's what I travel with when we go on vacation or back out west on leave.

[@yisushc9822]

30 yet?

[@djay6651]

@@yisushc9822 31 now

[@akihide.uchida]

I bought a medium ALICE pack, and I'm not sure if I've just been spoiled by modern hiking packs, but I can't stand wearing it under heavy loads for medium-long periods of time, and I'm a fairly experienced backpacker/rucker. For now I'll be sticking to some other, more modern packs

[@semco72057]

I have one of the newer backpacks which I purchased from the area Army National Guard Exchange and it is great and I got it at a bargain price. The brand is now used by the military and that was the reason I purchased it from them. The pack have the insert for a bladder, but I didn't get that and chose to use an extra canteen when going camping. The pack has plenty of room and is designed to be zipped up in each compartment and has the outer cover on it to secure my goods.

[@casualpreparedness2347]

I have one, I love it. Rugged and durable.

[@XGCPR3D4T0R]

I like em "very flexible and very open" to sootch! lol great vid of a great pack, my grandfather gave me his from vietnam era when he was on tour and i still have it! love your vids!

[@michaelh4307]

Just bought a medium for $20. Already have a large and love it. I even hiked an ultra with int in 2016. They are definitely great packs!!!

[@d-port9020]

a lot of military guys still love & use the ALICE pack. I prefer it because of the external frame. If you want to haul over 80lbs on your back external frame is a MUST

[@LutherDesigns]

Found one at a garage sale, original owner, with frame $15! Another great vid sootch!

[@001tonbushcrafting]

as a self proclaimed back pack snob i like the Alice pack it is my go to bag for bags for outer people and i carry my heavy winter clothes i keep in my jeep in a large Alice pack

[@OutdoorAdventureandGear]

I just got this whole setup , shelf included, in great condition for free from a friend. Thanks for putting up the vid with all the useful info about my new pack.

[@rukadore]

I carried one for years with the 82nd. Jumped out of airplanes with one of those between my legs dozens of times. I was going to spend some money to get a newer one but I think I'll go out to my surplus store and pick up an old Alice pack.

[@TheDD563]

To clean a musty ALICE Pack we always used hot water with vinegar added . Killed the funky smell .. These packs are EVERYWHERE and VERSATILE and EXPANDABLE. We made 8" X 18" bags to fit on each side giving even greater capacity . Everyone who is retired military knows these packs well ..

[@ReiMonCoH]

I got issued mine in 1984 and it was 6 years old then. It’s still going and in great shape. Heavy Duty Quality. Unmatched. Yours is an original.. Vietnam era. Mine is the upgraded version with the newer style buckles

[@fishingwithfredneck3127]

Just remember, anytime you attach Alice clips, secure it with paracord

[@jameshargroder7090]

I don't are haven't yet had a problem with my alice clips opening up without a paracord/alice clip combo?

[@ronaldrobertson2332]

​@@jameshargroder7090Zip ties work as well.

[@359badger]

Good points Sootch, I still have my issued Large Ruck and have since encorperated the Alices packs into our family TO&E. I have yet so see another type do as meny things better and still show up no matter what day in and day out. you can sub out the alice clips for (zip ties or paracord)

[@pyramonitor]

my LARGE Alice will be getting an second internal compression strap. i carried a regular alice over many snowy ridges in Berlin Brigade , more durable than ANYTHING out there !

[@gilleslanstroffer3518]

What wonderful bag ! Strong compact ... Thanks.

[@phillipmerritt1428]

I've watched you two different channels I passed it on everybody I know thanks for the information on the Alice pack I've got an ALICE pack as a result of your video. I really like your multiple use household item series tell everybody that I think of about it and send them copies of it. I'm a big supporter 👹💀👍

[@SensiblePrepper]

I have a BOB and Get home bag video on my Sootch00 channel but an Urban bag would be a different set up......Thanks for the comment. I'll get started.

[@heathenous81]

Tactical Tailor will modernize your Alice pack. They do good work. I also found sleeves for hydration bladders online. Alice packs are a very practical choice and there isn't a pen holder or any of those small pockets cluttering up the larger one you see in so many packs these days.

[@SensiblePrepper]

Sorry my friend but this is a keeper. Thanks for asking.

[@QRFCombatVET]

Love my Large Alice pack!!

[@mwlanga6338]

Wow this vid was very informative. totally took me by surprise with the wealth of information all the way to the presentation.. and I have seen alice pack reviews in my time i can vouch for that. have one myself..

[@ChrisBrown-kh9wz]

Clean your Alice pack in soap and water, rinse with clear water and allow it to "DRIP DRY". Do not put your pack in a dryer. The Nylon fabric will shrink and harden making your pack unusable. Only drip dry! A lot of troops find out the hard way and a pack that had been damaged by heat could not be "D-X'd" so they would have to buy a replacement at Clothing Sales.

[@TruthSeeker529]

Old school but still very useful, 3 thumbs up!

[@NickVarn]

Alright alright I’ll go buy one.

[@patrickturner6878]

Today I'm 43 and I still have the same ALICE pack dad carried in Nam. If you squint you can still make out the sharpie graffiti.

[@icanadianx]

I have a different version of this pack. It has a similar design but there are some subtle differences. the one I have is the '83 style canadian rucksack. great rucksack

[@MysticKnight38]

I think the Canadian one of the same era is a little better. For one it has a quick release on the left shoulder strap. Also, the radios (PRC 125 and PRC 150)would be carried on you front if you are with a pack. Its a pain in the ass, but it can be done.

[@ProjectDanH]

Amen

[@THENEWWRANGLER]

Did you see the video from waypoint survival where he took a alice pack and ditched the frame in place he used a folding hunting chair as the frame. really awesome set up, in the process of building one myself.

[@ethanh2392]

In combination with 782 gear, yes. By itself the pack sucks compared to modern packs

[@danbailey5908]

The D rings are not for a radio. they match up with some cords at the bottom that allow you to cinch to pack so its not as bulky

[@Dephire]

11:36 I thought he was considering taking a piss when he stopped. then he thought "Oh wait.. im filming a video"

[@umyashure]

I keep a low profile camel pack tucked into the frame for added cushion and the option of the whole gray man look.

[@uberbeast625]

for a prepper bag In my opinion I would suggest a Duluth pack rustrum gear cruiser

[@luisizquierdo9293]

Very good review and educational too.

[@WayOfTheWoods]

I'm from the UK so I use a NI issue 30L rucksack :) from the 60s!

[@geraldmiller8973]

I have two medium alice packs and picked up a frame for one last year. I managed to find two sternums which I attached to the front of both packs. It gives it a much tighter carry and distributes the weight more to the top of the pack. I see you have the pack with the spring loaded snaps. They are the vietnam era alice pack. If i would fill up the pack to its maximum load it would be as much as I could carry. Medium is just fine for me.

[@redriverscout4404]

How is the quality of the nylon on these old ALICE packs? I have an old Canadian Pattern 82 ruck and it is great until you get a tear or puncture then it is fraying all over the place. Guys in the infantry would use lighters to melt the ends of the webbing to keep it from fraying.

[@jay-rus4437]

I really like this pack and the simple design, versatility, and durability. I was highly considering this, but had to consider the many different scenarios in which I would need to grab my go bag. While some instances it wouldnt matter, there are other circumstances that this pack may result in unwanted attention. I love the frame versatility, that was a big one for me. But again, during many situations (like natural disasters, smaller localized emergencies), then this pack would likely cause “some” of the people to take notice of you and ultimately make assumptions that arent true. Those assumptions may result in even more unwanted attention to myself. There are just too many people that have unjustified fears that end up being directed toward those that they deem as a threat in any form.

[@MrRobertSlaughter]

I have a medium pack plus LBE belt for BOB. I was told that the top bar needs to be just a smidge above the shoulders or the pack will not ride correctly and wear you out in short order. Looking to get a large pack at some point.

[@SensiblePrepper]

Great minds think alike. I'm building a tote cart now using one of the 3 wheeled running strollers. The wheels are large for rough ground and it folds up. I could be used for a million purposes. I bought it at a flea market for $24 already stripped. Thanks for the comment

[@StatenIslandPrepper]

Loved the Alice Pack review,,, I was just waiting for you to take out a black powder pistol .LOL This must be a old pack,,, I used one just like it... Great Job!

[@hardwaylearnt]

Remember when lubrication metal hardware that petroleum products greatly reduce the strength of nylon in short order. You would be better off applying a durable finish to the hardware.

[@rab1978uk]

I've never used an Alice pack, but I'm ex british army and we were always taught (and I learned through personal experience!) to pack my Bergen /pack high and light stuff in the bottom, heavy stuff at the top. It balances things out and makes it feel lighter. By leaning your body slightly forward, rather than pulling you back. As I've said, I've never used an Alice pack, but they do look low loaded and uncomfortable?

[@Steve5404]

Alice Packs are great! While I don't have the one I used when I was in the USMC, I do have several. I have one large Alice Pack, which can carry a LOT of gear. I also have two medium packs, having just received the second one today. Never used the cargo shelf, but I might pick one up. Sportman's Guide usually has great deals on these mil-surp packs.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Love your bloopers at the end, we're all human. You did a great review of this, worthy of the 281K views in the decade that it's been posted. I tie wrapped my cargo shelf onto the bottom of my pack just to keep it outside the pack for when I'll need it. I used to keep it inside the pack.

[@Mr808islands]

i had to get 2. admire and loving it.thanks update.

[@elviso68]

So ok - I did not wait until end of video to see that you locks buckle :-)

[@weeral1]

Always loved my A.L.I.C.E. pack. Turned onto it while running with packs full of sand with a green beret friend of mine for exercise. His pack was ridiculously nicer than mine the way it felt.. so I ran out and bought one. I never knew about the shelf!

[@ChrisHunt-hg3kn]

The ALICE is an Interesting and solid pack. I use the Canadian Forces P82 Pattern Rucksack which is rugged , adjustable and has many good features.

[@fordrocks1986]

Great review I love this channail and long live the republic

[@spacejihadist4246]

I bought an Alice backpack last month so I can put my clothes in it and tools for my bike. I went to visit my grandma about 350km away. When I arrived at her house, I was feeling a minor back pain.

[@nextexhale]

Another great vid. Thanks.

[@TheMajorActual]

Ouch -- I feel old, watching a basic instruction on how to use ALICE clips, because I know that there are people out there who never heard the term until watching this video.....

[@srspower]

the frame needs detachable wheels ...

[@uscgalpha91]

Great video. I have been using Alice packs for 4 decades. Got the super shoulder straps from Tactical Tailor. What a difference !!!!

[@houseoffire72]

Ahhhh the alice packs do rock and are of great value and quality..!!! Many many options there indeed and affordable... I have two - one small and one med... I decided to upgrade to something as good or better which I found the Eberlestock Warhammer that is built using the alice frame... its a bit spendy for the whole system and all the options but dang buddy its a great pack system worth every penny...!!! Check it out when you can - you will enjoy:)

[@ph03nix34]

The Mountain Dew can at 2:37 is awesome. Just saying.

[@tsoliot5913]

The shelf also allows the pack to stand

[@whitebuffalo2847]

Did you mention you can put a machete or axe behind the pockets ?

[@mikehenthorn1778]

the only thing it needs is a chest strap. i love my LG alice pack. it has served me for many years.

[@vulcangunner58]

Well done Sootch, I love my ALICE pack. I own the large version, and I agree that the cargo-hauling versatility and value are great. Mil-surp is the way to go for the working man.

[@StopFear]

How many pounds is the bag when empty? And/or how heavy or light is the frame on its own. In my case I need a rucksack for daily use in the city because I have severe scoliosis and damaged lower back. Even half a pound makes a huge difference.

[@mihaiilie8808]

I like the romanian army rucksack much better.Has real thick leather,thicker cloth.

[@UltraAnalisis]

I was worried about weight, but air you say it's worth it, durable replaceable parts nice,

[@Mendezfarriercompany306]

You should review the Canadian 82 pattern rucksack

[@derealovesurvival7549]

You are making a difference!!!

[@JFSTL]

sootch are still using it ? this vid was load on 2012 ! and i was wandering if you are always use it :)

[@maineiachomestead7550]

Don't know about Sootch, but I still have my original issue LC-2 pack from my Army days about (40 years ago) and yes, I still use it. In fact I'm upgrading the straps and belt for the frame I finally decided to buy for it. Plus the same set up for my wife. I've tried different packs, but I just keep coming back to ALICE.

[@Bigdirtification]

Great video thanks

[@RaceGun75]

i have had some good times with those

[@knightman1956]

OK..I am looking at beginning prepping. My wife anmd I live in an apt....any suggestions omn how this can be done?..Any sites? I really enjoy the ifo you bring. It is informative and sensible.

[@GamingLoadown101]

looks good, i was looking at something that your could go through a river with and it will still be dry inside

[@joshm3484]

I hated the ALICE pack so much...until we switched to MOLLE.

[@СерафимТроицкий]

You are idiot.

[@usernameunknown-gq3pf]

Коля Нахимов the molle packs are garbage

[@noneya6334]

Just ffkkng buy a Mystery Ranch pack you cheap ffkks

[@swaghauler2893]

If you do use one of these. Get yourself some silicon spray and hose down the whole pack. The material the ALICE pack is made from is easily waterproofed with silicon (unlike some more modern synthetic packs).

[@nobodyinparticular709]

Today I collected 3x lC2 packs in unused condition here in South Africa. I have always been a fan of the SADF pattern 83 pack but am loving the simplicity of the alice.

[@EdTheJarHead]

I've got miles and miles logged with one of those on my back, I never got a chance to use the new stuff they have now. I guess you could say I'm old Corps, no molle, no acog scope just my flak jacket, alice pack , kevlar helmet, and trusty A2 M16 with iron sights!! Good stuff. I need to get me one I have been shopping around.

[@ourtechwriter]

Thank you very much! I needed the nfo...

[@justinbianchini9697]

I got my Alice Packs(Med. and Lrg.) a while back and it was because of this KZbin video. I drooled over it for what seemed like days and couldn't wait to use em. Almost want to get the Tactical Tailor Molle version but ehh...might as well save my money for something really nice.

[@Tomadair1]

Very informative and good reasons to buy an alice pack ,I am considering teaming the pack with The Tatonka Freighter,or Lastenkraxe heavy duty frame pack as its known for exactly the reasons you have given,sure its a few more bucks but it appears to be a good investment,anyway thanks for a really good and fun video ,regards Tom Adair in sunny Australia.

[@pujo28]

Is the pack comfortable on a multi day hike or will it dig into your back in different spots?