Loaded my new tent and sleeping bag into my hiking pack, featuring my SKS
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Loaded my new tent and sleeping bag into my hiking pack, featuring my SKS
Having two Cold War-era Army vets for parents and as a result of having grown up surrounded by various pieces of '70s and '80s-era military gear, I have a special nostalgic fondness for ALICE packs.
What to Keep at the Top of Your ALICE Pack
Backpackers know that, regardless of whether they’re carrying a lightweight MOLLE day pack, a legit external-frame backpacking setup, or even an antiquated rig like an ALICE pack (which will be the focus of the post) packing properly is not just the key to success, but comfort.
Heavy items and things you don’t need to pull out every day go either at the bottom of the pack or, if you run out of room, in the middle.
The top of the pack is reserved for things you might need at a moment’s notice, or at least several times throughout the day, along with other light items. Here are some of the things you should pack at the top of the pack to ensure easy access.
Top-of-ALICE-Pack Essentials
You’ll want instant access to the following items, so place them at the top of your ALICE pack - that is, pack them last:
First aid essentials: Circumstances don’t play by your rules. A slip, a fall, a sprain, a laceration - these all need immediate attention. Therefore, your first aid kit should be front and center at the top of your ALICE pack, if not clipped to the outside of it.
Lip balm: Same thing here; when your lips get dry and you need relief, you won’t want to dig around looking for it. Besides, a stick of chapstick or lip balm takes up little space or weight. You could even stash these in a pocket.
Sunscreen: The same notes apply here. Keep the sunscreen front and center.
Bug repellent: The bugs don’t know or care how you got there; nor should you. What you need to know is where your bug repellent is, when you need it.
Sunglasses: Either keep them at the top of your pack, or wear them. One way or the other, you want them within easy reach.
Hat or bandana: That is, if you aren’t wearing your hat or bandana to begin with.
Snacks: Sometimes you need a pick-me-up on the trail, so pack these close to the top.
Water: Healthy hydration on the trail is a necessity for comfort as well as to prevent fatigue. Keep your water close.
A map and compass: You might not need to refer to them constantly but if you do, you don’t want to be digging around in your pack to find them.
Rain gear: The reason here should be abundantly obvious.
Flashlight: Light and compact, it won’t aggrieve you much to keep your light at the top of your pack.
Camera (if you have one): If you carry a camera, it pays to be prepared for a photo opp, should one arise.
Your ID/phone/wallet/keys: Always have these within easy reach.
Here for a New ALICE Pack or Other Camping Essentials
Whether you’re here in search of a new backpacking rig like an ALICE pack or just need some last-minute essentials for the trail, Fatigues Army Navy can help you out. Visit their website first, stock up on what you need, and bookmark their page for future ventures in the woods.
For more information about Utility Belt and Tiger Stripe Camo Please visit: Fatigues Army Navy & Surplus Gear Co.
ALICE Pack Loadout: Getting It Right
The ALICE Pack, short for “all-purpose lightweight individual carrying equipment” pack, was designed by the US Army in the 70s and was subsequently used by the Navy, Air Force, National Guard, and several State Guards.
It is a timeless classic of militaria that still offers civilians a lot of functionality today. But how you use it is critical to its value. You can load one the wrong way, trust us.
So how do you load it the right way?
The Sleeping Gear
All else being equal, your sleeping gear, which is usually inclusive of a sleeping bag and pad, is the bulkiest and heaviest of the gear you’ll be carrying.
It’s also gear you need to access at most once per day, and moreover, there’s never going to be an emergency that requires you to have exigent access to your sleeping gear.
Therefore, you can do one of two things. Either roll them up and stuff them way down at the bottom of the ALICE pack (if you have room) or (and this is preferable) lash them over the top flap or to the bottom of the pack.
The bottom works best because it will help keep weight low.
Other Heavy Stuff
Anything else you’ll be carrying in your ALICE pack that’s heavy, like cookware, tools, and spare footwear, should go at the bottom of the pack, or right on top of your sleeping gear. Just make sure it’s clean!
Other Clothing
Other clothing, like jackets, spare shirts, shorts and socks, can go right on top of the other “heavy” stuff, somewhere around the middle of the pack.
It should be here because there’s no reason to have fast access to it, so it will keep the rest of your gear at the top within easier reach.
Lightweight Essentials
Anything else that you might need to access (and is lightweight) can go at the top of your ALICE pack. This includes but is not limited to sunglasses, hats, maps, compasses, signaling devices, and essential tools like knives (although you’d be better off carrying them on your person).
Anything You Need Immediate Access to
With respect to everything else that you might need immediate access to, that stuff probably shouldn’t be in your ALICE pack at all, but on it.
You can strap holsters and other carriers to the belt of your ALICE pack, which will afford you much better access to things like tools, canteens, and communication devices.
And of course, if you need even more immediate access, you should carry the item in question in its own holster for easier access.
Here for a New ALICE Pack?
Have you landed here because you’re looking for a new ALICE pack or perhaps for some MOLLE field gear?
There’s one place to check out that has everything you need for outdoor pursuits, from paintball to camping to hunting. It’s Fatigues Army Navy. Check them out via the previous link and get in touch with them if you have any questions.
For more information about Camo Shirt and Shemagh Scarf please visit:- Fatigues Army Navy & Surplus Gear Co
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Alice Pack for EDC
Alice Pack for EDC
A product I often used in (and outside) the Army was the Alice pack. For the money, you can’t go wrong with an Alice pack. Medium or large, the Alice pack will fit almost any application, whether you just need an EDC bag, a bushcrafting bag, hunting pack, or going on an expedition, it doesn’t really matter. However, for the purposes of this review, I’ll skip to the reasons why I love the…
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My large A.L.I.C.E. pack with MOLLE II shoulder straps and kidney pad.
Dads old alice pack. Meet your new tactical tailor frame, straps and kidney pad.