Hey i just wanted to say the first generation of medium alice bags actually have d rings in the bottom of the bag i believe under the radio pocket to make the bag smaller.I have an alice bag from 1974 in my closet with the alligator snaps on the outside of the bag which has that feature of making the bag smaller.
I have my grandson a small ALICE pack so he could have one like his daddy’s Medium ALICE pack (that I gave to him). They use them for the deer woods. The mini is great for little guys/gals to get them started.
Yea tbh, carried the old style usmc radio bag from the late 60s/early 70s. Theres a tiny pic online that calls it a small alice pack in an old u.s. army manual, but my dad said he got them from that big munition storage depot when he was in the marines in 1973. Said there were big piles of em, and was surprised when i told him pictures were scarce online. Used one as a bookbag from 4th grade to 9th grade. Was a good bag but only held 3 books maximum. Edit: the old waxed canvas radio bags only have one big pocket. And no its not one half of the old split bags. It mounts onna alice frame numbnuts!
I was wondering if that was the reason, relatively small but very heavy - hence the frame. I guess you can add a Modular Sleep System Molle II Sleep System Carrier under it, but as Luke says might as well get the Medium size pack instead.
my thoughts exactly. Also maybe saw sue with medics strapping their kit to the free space underneath perhaps? Any idea if the frames are actually smaller than the regular ones? Been looking for a small frame for a small pack, brought me here.
@@claymorelessbag3042 He said it was a replica... meaning a replica of a real bag that existed back when they used Alice packs... back around when that guy would have been in...
It makes perfect sense. Look at the amount of space you have below it, you could strap in an ammo can under it to store sensitive items in an air tight waterproof container like a surplus ammo can. You could fi the 50 cal can under it and maybe even a larger 40mm can. I think it's a great idea.
Thinking the same here. I have a wood burning stove made from a "fat 50" ammo box. Can strap it on the bottom while using an Alice frame shelf. I find this guy has reviews to be rather false. He didn't like the dutch camo tent. I have two and everything he picked about it was wrong.
Coming into this late but I actually had a buddy who was also an army medic in airborne infantry with me back in the day. He bought one of these and modified an m9 aid bag to mount sideways below it so he had a 3 day pack plus his aid bag. The nice thing was the aid bag was external to the ruck which meant he didn’t have to open the pack to access his aidbag on extended dismounted patrols. He kept an extra uniform with socks and tshirts and his gortex jacket in it which all barely fit. And used the external pouches mainly for stripped MREs. Then attached his waispack as well with 7.62 link inside which was standard for everyone across our company
To my knowledge, having a backpack with an external frame makes it easier to cross bodies of water since the weight isn't shifting internally, and since these kind of systems were used by GIs in Vietnam it would make sense. Also the frame means you can strap on equipment that doesn't necessarily need to be covered by a bag. The bag itself might seem small, but i'm sure it was designed with a purpose in mind
It looks like it would be a good munitions pack for claymores in the pack and LAWS strapped underneath on the frame. Grenades in the pouches. You put a dozen claymores in that pack and it'll pretty much load it out. The frame could handle (or at least looks to) six LAWS. Supply missions only. But yeah, I wouldn't use it for camping. Nope. Thanks for the review. Keep up the good work, sir.
TOGR, This pack was designed & modeled after a pack used by the NVA in Vietnam. It was originally meant to be carried by our LRRP units & originally had two aluminum stays, instead of using the Alice frame.
All the Alice packs evolved from the lightweight rucksacks developed and used in Vietnam. The m67 mlce and rucks were further improved and became adopted as the Alice lc1 system around 1973. This pack is probably a copy of the small Alice pack that was cut by the army during development. They felt it was too small and the medium and large were adequate.
@@brianlanglois2776USMC designed a small pack in 1967, but it never passed the experimental stage. There's a guy, Collector Nick with one, and one other really hilarious review. Just CZcams USMC M67 pack. According to both reviewers the Marines revamped their M41 haversack in nylon and went with it. There's a lot of confusion about rucksack development in the Vietnam/Cold War era. Fertile ground.
There is a model of ALICE packs with D-rings in the bottom for converting a medium ALICE into a smaller assault pack. It takes a medium down to about 2/3 size. They all used to be able to do this.
@@tsoliot5913 Yes, there are 4 small d-rings in the bottom of the pack along with some ties. You just fold the pack and tie the strings to the d-rings. Here is a video link - czcams.com/video/w4XM8gF91pY/video.html.
That's the LC 1. LC 2 got rid of that feature. But you can use the mounting straps through the square web bars to cinch it up. I haven't tried this on the frame, but it could work.
I bought one at the Army Surplus store here in Las Vegas Nevada for $32 including straps I never had no problem with it I like it's a badass little backpack
It reminds me of the Swedish LK35 Hospital. Bid advantage is, that i could put my Woolblanket and Bedroll Setup underneath the Pack, so I dont need much space above and the frame would help with the weight of woolblankets. Its a pitty the quality of the pack is not that high, otherwise it would be perfect for my setting and the lk35 Hospital is very rare to purchase :/
During the Vietnam war small medium and large Alice packs were made! The small was larger than the one you showed here! They were short lived what was left were used as ammo bags etc! The most popular in the USMC was the medium and large! They also made an extra large that didn’t last long! I still have my medium and large with frames! Great video!
I used a smaller sized ALICE back in the 90s in the Canadian army, no idea who made it. It was perfect for mounting on a ‘64 pattern frame and carrying the platoon radio. I used it when we were in combat load and not humping a full pack load.
Add a complete mss on the bottom of the frame. Axe attaches underneath against the back on the frame. Keep clothes in the main of the pack. Attach a mess kit and water on the sides of the pack with the webbing. A tarp would fit nicely under the straps at the top of the main flap. Keep knife, fire kit, sewing kit and first aid etc in a belt kit. Everything else you can think of in the 3 small pockets. It's a viable minimalist 4 season setup.
What you have there sir is a jungle ruck. The small Alice was designed as what you would see now as an assault pack. Light infantry from a base camp or an add on for LRRP (long range reconnaissance patrol). Normally not used with a pack frame designed for medium or large rucks. Used mine with just the straps.
This is 100% styled after the tropical/jungle rucksack from Vietnam Edit: as far as I know they were typically used in conjunction with web gear with a butt pack They also seem to move away from the rucksack part and moved towards being a radio pouch Edit 2: I was looking at different photos of how these types of packs were set up, and it would appear that your tent supplies would go under the pack on the frame. And typically they would have a claymore bag in front of the tent supplies and all that wedding on the sides and front would be filled with different pouches and canteens and different types of grenades. I will see if I can post link to pictures.
I would ditch the frame and straps and use it as a large field bag or messenger type bag. I recall seeing it used with the metal shelf for the PRC-77 (like Vietnam era) to carry extra batteries,aww with a sheet of Vis-Cleen on top to keep the radio dry.
I have the Rothko canvas pack, earth brown in color, that’s similar size, but no frame that I use for deer hunting. All I use it for is to carry a few extra rounds of ammo, field dressing knife, saw, poncho, first aid kit, a Nalgene bottle of water, a few granola bars, and some jerky. Been using it for about 4 years now. No problems so far, but I only carry it for 4 weeks out of the year.
I just wanted a backpack to carry the bare essentials and that wouldn't hang down too low and interfere with pouches on my belt so this is just the right size. Thanks.
I agree with you. When you are in combat, one carries a lot gear, period. If one enjoys day hikes, the pack needs to be large enough to carry the essentials!
And you'd think the little feller making the video would stop complaining about how small it is. He got a free pack. And it fits him perfectly. It doesn't look like a mini on his back... Lol
the original military version would have better double stitching used in it, instead of single stitching like most copies of military gear. that pack is usually used as a battle/patrol pack, while you are away from your camp, loaded magazines in the outside pockets, water canteens om the side straps, rain gear and one or two dehydrated meals carried inside the main pouch, maybe extra socks etc...the frame could be used with the medium size pack and or large size packs. sleeping bags would be mounted either on top or bottom of the pack.
All three of my drill sergeants in Basic used the actual mini without the frame on all of our speed marches and our patrol exercises. Our senior drill was a Pathfinder and he had a surprising amount of gear in his ruck.
If you coupled that pack with a “cargo shelf” it could definitely be handy. Maybe as a car pack with a small tool box strapped to it on top of the shelf, would be the best use I could see it as
In the Canadian Army, we had OUR version of the Alice pack, called the "64 pattern rucksack." The main bag is similar to, but usually a little bigger than this mini pack, but it also does leave a good chunk of free frame space for a separate sleeping bag sack to strap on there, called a valise. But of course you could use the free real estate for any number of things.. I actually like the idea, rather than having the whole frame taken up by the backpack, thus reducing adaptability.
Makes sense to me. Put some basic gear that is seasonally universal in the mini pack such as filters, firemaking, medical, fishing kit, ammo etc. Then you put your sleep system in a big dry bag underneath. It seems like it would accept a multitude of breakout systems while still matching the profile of the alice frame therefore keeping bulk down.
Looks like you could stow a bed roll or MSS under the pack, foods stove & rain jacket in the pack. Connection points for LRRP or bottles on the outer side. I get it....(And want one)
The Real Deal Military ALICE pack that this pack is most likely copying is the ALICE UNICOR 1H2P2 PRC Woodland Radio Backpack. This pack would fit standard frame, but the pack would be shorter than normal woodland medium packs. This would allow for a shelf to be added to bottom of pack frame, and on that shelf would be a 30 cal ammo can straps to the shelf. Also the lid on the original woodland radio pack would have a split in it on one side that acts as a flap for the antenna on the radio. The NSN 5826-01-322-3477 is Airborne Radio and Television Communication Equipment, issued around the 90's. Not a lot of info out there about this pouch, on the web. Hope this info helps someone, if you were interested.
Just because he doesn't like it doesn't mean it's bad kit. And it's not designed to go on a frame. The U.S. Government DID issue a small/mini Alice pack. I personally like it as it does appear (I recreated the main compartment size out of cardboard 14x12x7") that it'll hold everything I need in it's main, three exterior pockets, and top & bottom strap down points. It also has room for Alice clip/molle attachments. If I need to carry anything extra, I have a couple of butt-packs and a web belt. From reading many of the comments, it seems more than a few folks agree with me. I didn't see that it was falling apart. I recently acquired a Snugpak Jungle Hammock that the zipper section ripped. Snugpak is renowned for quality. I happened to get a single bad one. Not going to condemn the entire line for that. Going to return it for a replacement. Maybe he has a lot of fancy expensive kit because like here, it was sent to him. A "Made in America" Alice pack (no frame) is in the $100 & up range.
Don't know. Putting the quality issue aside, not too shabby a concept. Too often, the bigger the pack, the more 'stuff' will be found to put in it .. "Any Volume WILL be filled .. and to full capacity and more" 😏. There is additional space on the Frame for 'add-on's'. As a Day / 'To the Bone' Overnight Pack .. could work.
It’s a patrol pack. You slap a box of ammo on a shelf on the bottom of the frame. Also radios and extra batteries fit well with this. Additionally you can build out a detachable sleep system to go under it.
Yup. Thanks Maxwell! I enjoy the military Wednesday and have purchased a lot of gear based on Luke’s reviews. So appreciate those who send in the products so I know the real ones from look a like.
That may be a replica, but there was an actual small ALICE pack, but it was not put in large production. Too small? It appears no smaller than a assault pack or at least a patrol pack.
I like the mini Alice pack. I don't use the frame. Nice small pack when you don't need everything including the kitchen sink. I also like my arvn ruck, bout the same size. When I bought my mini Alice it didn't come with a frame, and it cost 25 dollars in woodland camo. This was 20 years ago and its still in great shape. Maybe they were built better back then.
I bought one 20+ years ago. The exterior pouches hold an issue canteen. I used it for a day pack for a couple years. No frame though I think I paid $15 for it. It was brand new.
This seems like it’s good for someone using a more traditional bedroll, or if you’re bringing some basic gear in to carry out some meat. Definitely looks like a good choice for a little one who wants their own bag too.
This would be great with a cargo shelf at the bottom, or maybe a valise with a sleep system strapped underneath! In fact the Canadian 64 pattern rucksack is a lot like this.
When I first joined the army some Vietnam Vetrans used a small A Alice pack which was bigger than that one. They had a different frame to the Alice frame and the pack fitted at the bottom of the frame with the top of the frame where you attached extra gear like the 77 set radio and sleeping bag. That looks like a knock off but smaller.
Old Vets like me know this about ALICE. The Strings and D-Rings in the bottom of the Medium Alice was to cinch the bottom half up to use it as an Assault Pack. One Day max. BUT you would have to take it off the Frame to make it work, and since that was a Pain, most Soldiers just left it alone or just used the ALICE Harness with a Butt Pack, ammo pouches, canteens, etc. But I recommend you ditch the Fake Pack, get a Surplus Pack Shelf and some Webbing and use the frame to haul Cargo like Water Cans, Fire Wood, etc. Hope this helps.
Blah blah. People like having cool stuff for camping, we're not trying to be Rambo or Survivorman. Not every outing has to be a bushcraft peepee measuring contest, get over yourself
Dude, it's a replica of the mini ALICE Pack supplied to the Contras in Nicaragua during the 1980s war made for people smaller than us. I guess the frame and kidney pad/belt was supplied by Fox while the Pack and straps from Rothco? Use your brain and strap the sleeping gear and tent on the lower half of the frame, you could even attach a shelf or a butt-pack
It could see some use as a combat type pack if used in conjunction with a Alice pack shelf. The shelf could carry a .30 cal can or something similar while maintaining somewhat of load. That may actually be what it was designed for? I have never seen a real military version of a mini in use though.
Most of my hikes are in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. For any summit hike, even a day hike, you need a pack with much more capacity that that. Too often, we see hikers going out on long and and/or strenuous hikes with too little gear (sometimes even with just fanny packs!) We have a lot of SAR missions...
If quality was there it could be used with other 782 gear to form a field transport type pack, ( my 1st issue). medium Alice is the way to go IMHO. I do own a smaller Alice style buttpack which works well in that configuration.
These cheapo things have been around since the early 90’s, maybe earlier. I paid around $60 for one via US Cav or Brigade Quartermasters back then, and immediately returned it for a refund. It was obvious from the moment I unpacked it that the quality was shoddy. There was a prototype small Alice made, but I doubt it ever went into production. The ORIGINAL medium Alice had tie downs similar to 550 cord on the INSIDE that enabled you to fold and lash it down to a smaller size. There is a cool vid here on CZcams showing how to do it.
All I can find of these are two Rothco crap-tastic ones-- a canvas one that's fairly cheap, and a nylon one that's way too expensive, more than you'd generally pay for a genuine surplus medium ALICE. I'm looking for something similar to the M1967 USMC combat pack, worn on the back above the buttpack. Putting together a modular belt system for bushcraft and camping. The actual M1967 are hard to come by. EDIT: I see that you get down to the brand and mention Rothco. I don't have anything from Rothco that I'd trust for anything where I'd actually need it.
Again, while there was a Small Alice; it never went much past Prototype/Testing. This Mini is merely a commercial shrunkdown version of the Small or Med. Alice.
I read that the small Alice was never put into production and this 'mini' is even smaller than it was. Locating info about an actual small alice is very hard to find. - Luke
Wouldn't this pack be more useful if you have the radio/cargo shelf on the bottom so you can put stuff there and put the pack on top? The pack by itself makes little sense but it would be more sensible to carry small stuff in addition to the big stuff you carry on the cargo shelf.
Has anyone yet mentioned that this could be a good setup for hunting? A pack that appears to be just big enough to pack in ammo, game processing stuff, and rifle maintenance, coupled with a frame for packing out heavier loads (like meat). If you add the shelf to the frame, I could actually see this being pretty nice in that role. Sucks that the quality isn't there though.
Want more military surplus videos? Don't worry, I've got some cool gear coming your way, see you next week!
- Luke
Hey i just wanted to say the first generation of medium alice bags actually have d rings in the bottom of the bag i believe under the radio pocket to make the bag smaller.I have an alice bag from 1974 in my closet with the alligator snaps on the outside of the bag which has that feature of making the bag smaller.
Where is the battery rack? Guessing ya never humped a PRC77 back in the day.
There is a shelf or Rack that clips on the bottom of frame. I can send you a picture of it.
If you dont want the mini alice pack may i have it?
Yeah, no... you missed the mark on this one bro. Think I'll get my military surplus vids from guys who have been there lol
I have my grandson a small ALICE pack so he could have one like his daddy’s Medium ALICE pack (that I gave to him). They use them for the deer woods. The mini is great for little guys/gals to get them started.
But he is a little guy... Lol
Yea tbh, carried the old style usmc radio bag from the late 60s/early 70s. Theres a tiny pic online that calls it a small alice pack in an old u.s. army manual, but my dad said he got them from that big munition storage depot when he was in the marines in 1973. Said there were big piles of em, and was surprised when i told him pictures were scarce online.
Used one as a bookbag from 4th grade to 9th grade. Was a good bag but only held 3 books maximum.
Edit: the old waxed canvas radio bags only have one big pocket. And no its not one half of the old split bags. It mounts onna alice frame numbnuts!
I was communications in the Marines and that pack is made for a radio and extra batteries. That’s it’s only function.
I was wondering if that was the reason, relatively small but very heavy - hence the frame. I guess you can add a Modular Sleep System Molle II Sleep System Carrier under it, but as Luke says might as well get the Medium size pack instead.
US Army 31C. I've humped the PRC77 a few times.
my thoughts exactly. Also maybe saw sue with medics strapping their kit to the free space underneath perhaps?
Any idea if the frames are actually smaller than the regular ones? Been looking for a small frame for a small pack, brought me here.
thank you for your service but I don't think they existed at the time you are in these are just school bags from Rothco
@@claymorelessbag3042 He said it was a replica... meaning a replica of a real bag that existed back when they used Alice packs... back around when that guy would have been in...
It makes perfect sense. Look at the amount of space you have below it, you could strap in an ammo can under it to store sensitive items in an air tight waterproof container like a surplus ammo can. You could fi the 50 cal can under it and maybe even a larger 40mm can. I think it's a great idea.
Thinking the same here. I have a wood burning stove made from a "fat 50" ammo box. Can strap it on the bottom while using an Alice frame shelf. I find this guy has reviews to be rather false. He didn't like the dutch camo tent. I have two and everything he picked about it was wrong.
ya seems like a really cool setup
You don't want to carry heavy item that low, maybe a sleep system.
I think it’s a great idea too. It’s nice to attach other bags, etc outside the main compartment. Less junk to sort through.
Coming into this late but I actually had a buddy who was also an army medic in airborne infantry with me back in the day. He bought one of these and modified an m9 aid bag to mount sideways below it so he had a 3 day pack plus his aid bag. The nice thing was the aid bag was external to the ruck which meant he didn’t have to open the pack to access his aidbag on extended dismounted patrols. He kept an extra uniform with socks and tshirts and his gortex jacket in it which all barely fit. And used the external pouches mainly for stripped MREs. Then attached his waispack as well with 7.62 link inside which was standard for everyone across our company
To my knowledge, having a backpack with an external frame makes it easier to cross bodies of water since the weight isn't shifting internally, and since these kind of systems were used by GIs in Vietnam it would make sense. Also the frame means you can strap on equipment that doesn't necessarily need to be covered by a bag. The bag itself might seem small, but i'm sure it was designed with a purpose in mind
It’s roughly the size of the old WWII style haversack we had before ALICE. 1973-77.
It looks like it would be a good munitions pack for claymores in the pack and LAWS strapped underneath on the frame. Grenades in the pouches. You put a dozen claymores in that pack and it'll pretty much load it out. The frame could handle (or at least looks to) six LAWS. Supply missions only. But yeah, I wouldn't use it for camping. Nope.
Thanks for the review. Keep up the good work, sir.
Right, good for hauling heavy equipment below the pack...maybe use the shelf that is out there in MIL-SURP world.
If it will hold a 12 pac of brew,,, we good
I got a small Alice pack. They were made for radios. If this pack was 20 dollars, it’d be an ok buy.
They WERE 20$...20 years ago. I never bit.
It was 25 bucks 20 years ago. I believe they were made better back then , mines still great after hundreds of camping trips and years of use.
@@tonykaczmarek278 Just as Luke said: it's Rothco. Some good, some bad.
TOGR, This pack was designed & modeled after a pack used by the NVA in Vietnam. It was originally meant to be carried by our LRRP units & originally had two aluminum stays, instead of using the Alice frame.
Kind of a variation of the jungle ruck fitted to the ALICE frame? I saw something similar in TM 10-276 (1970).
All the Alice packs evolved from the lightweight rucksacks developed and used in Vietnam. The m67 mlce and rucks were further improved and became adopted as the Alice lc1 system around 1973. This pack is probably a copy of the small Alice pack that was cut by the army during development. They felt it was too small and the medium and large were adequate.
@@majorhykroutdoors19861970 would be the lightweight rucksacks. They were the precursors and slightly different.
@@brianlanglois2776USMC designed a small pack in 1967, but it never passed the experimental stage. There's a guy, Collector Nick with one, and one other really hilarious review. Just CZcams USMC M67 pack. According to both reviewers the Marines revamped their M41 haversack in nylon and went with it. There's a lot of confusion about rucksack development in the Vietnam/Cold War era. Fertile ground.
ARVN ruck.
this product is great for military patrols and short missions, couldn't ask for a better product to be honest
Mini Alice Pack ... the thing the young lady took with her to Wonderland.
(you got ‘That’ look)
But for a kid of a young age it be cool
and midget preppers.
@@shaunwild8797 little people lol
@@shaunwild8797 them midget preppers a evil little feckers
There is a model of ALICE packs with D-rings in the bottom for converting a medium ALICE into a smaller assault pack. It takes a medium down to about 2/3 size. They all used to be able to do this.
I have that model but can't find how to do it. Any tips?
@@tsoliot5913 Yes, there are 4 small d-rings in the bottom of the pack along with some ties. You just fold the pack and tie the strings to the d-rings. Here is a video link - czcams.com/video/w4XM8gF91pY/video.html.
@@stvnbryan5542 thanks man! Don't know how I missed that
@@stvnbryan5542 I appreciate the response 3 years on
That's the LC 1. LC 2 got rid of that feature. But you can use the mounting straps through the square web bars to cinch it up. I haven't tried this on the frame, but it could work.
I bought one at the Army Surplus store here in Las Vegas Nevada for $32 including straps I never had no problem with it I like it's a badass little backpack
The mini Alice pack looks interesting, can't ride my bike with large Alice!
I just found a MILITARY ISSUE mini (small) alice on Ebay. I didnt even know that existed. I'm very tempted to buy it just for the sake of its rarity.
It reminds me of the Swedish LK35 Hospital. Bid advantage is, that i could put my Woolblanket and Bedroll Setup underneath the Pack, so I dont need much space above and the frame would help with the weight of woolblankets. Its a pitty the quality of the pack is not that high, otherwise it would be perfect for my setting and the lk35 Hospital is very rare to purchase :/
OutdoorMinimalist I made a post like this and saw yours after! I’ve been searching for a medic LK35, so hard fo find!
During the Vietnam war small medium and large Alice packs were made! The small was larger than the one you showed here! They were short lived what was left were used as ammo bags etc! The most popular in the USMC was the medium and large! They also made an extra large that didn’t last long! I still have my medium and large with frames! Great video!
I would use that for a fishing pack. Be nice to use
I like the idea of the mini Alice
I used a smaller sized ALICE back in the 90s in the Canadian army, no idea who made it.
It was perfect for mounting on a ‘64 pattern frame and carrying the platoon radio. I used it when we were in combat load and not humping a full pack load.
Add a complete mss on the bottom of the frame. Axe attaches underneath against the back on the frame. Keep clothes in the main of the pack. Attach a mess kit and water on the sides of the pack with the webbing. A tarp would fit nicely under the straps at the top of the main flap. Keep knife, fire kit, sewing kit and first aid etc in a belt kit. Everything else you can think of in the 3 small pockets. It's a viable minimalist 4 season setup.
What you have there sir is a jungle ruck. The small Alice was designed as what you would see now as an assault pack. Light infantry from a base camp or an add on for LRRP (long range reconnaissance patrol). Normally not used with a pack frame designed for medium or large rucks. Used mine with just the straps.
I imagine this would be excellent for a desert camp.
This is 100% styled after the tropical/jungle rucksack from Vietnam
Edit: as far as I know they were typically used in conjunction with web gear with a butt pack
They also seem to move away from the rucksack part and moved towards being a radio pouch
Edit 2: I was looking at different photos of how these types of packs were set up, and it would appear that your tent supplies would go under the pack on the frame. And typically they would have a claymore bag in front of the tent supplies and all that wedding on the sides and front would be filled with different pouches and canteens and different types of grenades. I will see if I can post link to pictures.
I would ditch the frame and straps and use it as a large field bag or messenger type bag.
I recall seeing it used with the metal shelf for the PRC-77 (like Vietnam era) to carry extra batteries,aww with a sheet of Vis-Cleen on top to keep the radio dry.
I have the Rothko canvas pack, earth brown in color, that’s similar size, but no frame that I use for deer hunting. All I use it for is to carry a few extra rounds of ammo, field dressing knife, saw, poncho, first aid kit, a Nalgene bottle of water, a few granola bars, and some jerky. Been using it for about 4 years now. No problems so far, but I only carry it for 4 weeks out of the year.
I just wanted a backpack to carry the bare essentials and that wouldn't hang down too low and interfere with pouches on my belt so this is just the right size. Thanks.
Finally the small alice pack, now the sizes are complete,
*Small* , medium, large
This is what happens when after washing it you throw it in the dryer lol
Looks more like an over the shoulder pack for a day of fishing or bird hunting or may be picture taking . Happy Trails
I agree with you. When you are in combat, one carries a lot gear, period. If one enjoys day hikes, the pack needs to be large enough to carry the essentials!
And you'd think the little feller making the video would stop complaining about how small it is. He got a free pack. And it fits him perfectly. It doesn't look like a mini on his back... Lol
the original military version would have better double stitching used in it, instead of single stitching like most copies of military gear. that pack is usually used as a battle/patrol pack, while you are away from your camp, loaded magazines in the outside pockets, water canteens om the side straps, rain gear and one or two dehydrated meals carried inside the main pouch, maybe extra socks etc...the frame could be used with the medium size pack and or large size packs. sleeping bags would be mounted either on top or bottom of the pack.
All three of my drill sergeants in Basic used the actual mini without the frame on all of our speed marches and our patrol exercises. Our senior drill was a Pathfinder and he had a surprising amount of gear in his ruck.
I always wanted to use 2 of these for hot weather locations forcing me to downsize lose pounds, for such trip with no cold danger really.
If you coupled that pack with a “cargo shelf” it could definitely be handy. Maybe as a car pack with a small tool box strapped to it on top of the shelf, would be the best use I could see it as
In the Canadian Army, we had OUR version of the Alice pack, called the "64 pattern rucksack." The main bag is similar to, but usually a little bigger than this mini pack, but it also does leave a good chunk of free frame space for a separate sleeping bag sack to strap on there, called a valise. But of course you could use the free real estate for any number of things..
I actually like the idea, rather than having the whole frame taken up by the backpack, thus reducing adaptability.
The pattern 64 rucksack is a copy of the earlier vietnam era lightweight rucksack
Makes sense to me. Put some basic gear that is seasonally universal in the mini pack such as filters, firemaking, medical, fishing kit, ammo etc.
Then you put your sleep system in a big dry bag underneath. It seems like it would accept a multitude of breakout systems while still matching the profile of the alice frame therefore keeping bulk down.
Luke, I think this is a radio operator pack maybe. Or is this a patrol pack.
Looks like you could stow a bed roll or MSS under the pack, foods stove & rain jacket in the pack. Connection points for LRRP or bottles on the outer side. I get it....(And want one)
The extream cold weather sleep system is huge. I think it straps to the bottom.
The Real Deal Military ALICE pack that this pack is most likely copying is the ALICE UNICOR 1H2P2 PRC Woodland Radio Backpack. This pack would fit standard frame, but the pack would be shorter than normal woodland medium packs. This would allow for a shelf to be added to bottom of pack frame, and on that shelf would be a 30 cal ammo can straps to the shelf. Also the lid on the original woodland radio pack would have a split in it on one side that acts as a flap for the antenna on the radio. The NSN 5826-01-322-3477 is Airborne Radio and Television Communication Equipment, issued around the 90's. Not a lot of info out there about this pouch, on the web. Hope this info helps someone, if you were interested.
Just because he doesn't like it doesn't mean it's bad kit. And it's not designed to go on a frame. The U.S. Government DID issue a small/mini Alice pack. I personally like it as it does appear (I recreated the main compartment size out of cardboard 14x12x7") that it'll hold everything I need in it's main, three exterior pockets, and top & bottom strap down points. It also has room for Alice clip/molle attachments. If I need to carry anything extra, I have a couple of butt-packs and a web belt. From reading many of the comments, it seems more than a few folks agree with me. I didn't see that it was falling apart. I recently acquired a Snugpak Jungle Hammock that the zipper section ripped. Snugpak is renowned for quality. I happened to get a single bad one. Not going to condemn the entire line for that. Going to return it for a replacement. Maybe he has a lot of fancy expensive kit because like here, it was sent to him. A "Made in America" Alice pack (no frame) is in the $100 & up range.
Don't know. Putting the quality issue aside, not too shabby a concept.
Too often, the bigger the pack, the more 'stuff' will be found to put in it .. "Any Volume WILL be filled .. and to full capacity and more" 😏.
There is additional space on the Frame for 'add-on's'.
As a Day / 'To the Bone' Overnight Pack .. could work.
Someone sewed three pockets on a Butpack, that’s to cute 👍🏻🇦🇺
It’s a patrol pack. You slap a box of ammo on a shelf on the bottom of the frame. Also radios and extra batteries fit well with this. Additionally you can build out a detachable sleep system to go under it.
Yup. Thanks Maxwell! I enjoy the military Wednesday and have purchased a lot of gear based on Luke’s reviews. So appreciate those who send in the products so I know the real ones from look a like.
I'll stay with my medium alice pack and my large alice pack . I love my military gear . Great review .
That may be a replica, but there was an actual small ALICE pack, but it was not put in large production. Too small? It appears no smaller than a assault pack or at least a patrol pack.
Well, the link to the frame is a good thing since it would be good for someone who needs a replacement frame or if you want to make your own pack.
I think this would be cool if you were running a lbe with a big buttpack and wanted a short pack to plus up on gear that would ride above it
I love your honesty.
I like the mini Alice pack. I don't use the frame. Nice small pack when you don't need everything including the kitchen sink. I also like my arvn ruck, bout the same size. When I bought my mini Alice it didn't come with a frame, and it cost 25 dollars in woodland camo. This was 20 years ago and its still in great shape. Maybe they were built better back then.
I like the mini. Perfect for simple hikes. I wouldnt carry the frame.
I bought one 20+ years ago. The exterior pouches hold an issue canteen. I used it for a day pack for a couple years. No frame though I think I paid $15 for it. It was brand new.
Looks like a good day pack or a short trip in the woods pack
This seems like it’s good for someone using a more traditional bedroll, or if you’re bringing some basic gear in to carry out some meat. Definitely looks like a good choice for a little one who wants their own bag too.
I use a lot of the polyester stuff for my paintball gear. I feel they're easier to clean than canvas.
It'd be the perfect schoolbag for a very young military enthusiast/COD gamer.
Looks like there's just enough room room underneath to attach the frame shelf and carry a couple 50 cal ammo cans or a 40mm can.
Probably meant for a PRC77 radio.
it's a book pake period. 4 years ago and still makes since. Happy Trails
I love that pack so awesome.
Very useful in my opinion my friend .
Thanks so hi h for sharing Luke
Extras go on that frame for instance a rifle and sleeping bag or the bag is for a light weigh supplys, food, even maybe for females or close support.
This would be great with a cargo shelf at the bottom, or maybe a valise with a sleep system strapped underneath!
In fact the Canadian 64 pattern rucksack is a lot like this.
When I first joined the army some Vietnam Vetrans used a small A Alice pack which was bigger than that one. They had a different frame to the Alice frame and the pack fitted at the bottom of the frame with the top of the frame where you attached extra gear like the 77 set radio and sleeping bag. That looks like a knock off but smaller.
Old Vets like me know this about ALICE. The Strings and D-Rings in the bottom of the Medium Alice was to cinch the bottom half up to use it as an Assault Pack. One Day max. BUT you would have to take it off the Frame to make it work, and since that was a Pain, most Soldiers just left it alone or just used the ALICE Harness with a Butt Pack, ammo pouches, canteens, etc. But I recommend you ditch the Fake Pack, get a Surplus Pack Shelf and some Webbing and use the frame to haul Cargo like Water Cans, Fire Wood, etc. Hope this helps.
There was a similar pack with two exterior pockets used in vietnam. The bottom part of the ruck had extra ammo pouches, canteens and smoke.
perfect for a minimalist approach
I really want to like it. A little pack with some open frame to work with. The lack of bag quality is a deal breaker though.
Perfect for training. You could put some weights. Some 10s or 25s. Now im looking for one but can't find the mini
I’m Vietnam we had medium Alice packs and in my unit we had to carry m60 ammo in one of the front pouches
Makes a great range bag !
Too small? Just how much junk do you need? Remember, the more you know, the less you need.
Blah blah. People like having cool stuff for camping, we're not trying to be Rambo or Survivorman. Not every outing has to be a bushcraft peepee measuring contest, get over yourself
I think this is a recreation of the original ARVN packs made for the South Vietnamese Army. The medium ALICE was scaled up from that original design.
That looks similar to the pack my uncle carried in Vietnam for two tours.
Dude, it's a replica of the mini ALICE Pack supplied to the Contras in Nicaragua during the 1980s war made for people smaller than us. I guess the frame and kidney pad/belt was supplied by Fox while the Pack and straps from Rothco? Use your brain and strap the sleeping gear and tent on the lower half of the frame, you could even attach a shelf or a butt-pack
Very cool. Similiar to the cotton canvas two pocket alice type pack carried by the south vietnamese.. those are going for 3 to 400 on ebay nowadays
The term 'useless as a condom in a convent' comes to mind...because a 3-day pack is larger!
It could see some use as a combat type pack if used in conjunction with a Alice pack shelf. The shelf could carry a .30 cal can or something similar while maintaining somewhat of load. That may actually be what it was designed for? I have never seen a real military version of a mini in use though.
Most of my hikes are in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. For any summit hike, even a day hike, you need a pack with much more capacity that that. Too often, we see hikers going out on long and and/or strenuous hikes with too little gear (sometimes even with just fanny packs!)
We have a lot of SAR missions...
This setup would be great for a QRP ham rig
If quality was there it could be used with other 782 gear to form a field transport type pack, ( my 1st issue). medium Alice is the way to go IMHO. I do own a smaller Alice style buttpack which works well in that configuration.
I ordered a woodland camo Alice Pack and it turned out to be a small radio version. Legit Milsurp.
Excellent review. Truth telling, much appreciated!
It seems like you could attach it to a plate carrier as long as you ditch the frame. I would use it only for that purpose on a plate carrier.
These cheapo things have been around since the early 90’s, maybe earlier.
I paid around $60 for one via US Cav or Brigade Quartermasters back then, and immediately returned it for a refund.
It was obvious from the moment I unpacked it that the quality was shoddy.
There was a prototype small Alice made, but I doubt it ever went into production.
The ORIGINAL medium Alice had tie downs similar to 550 cord on the INSIDE that enabled you to fold and lash it down to a smaller size. There is a cool vid here on CZcams showing how to do it.
All I can find of these are two Rothco crap-tastic ones-- a canvas one that's fairly cheap, and a nylon one that's way too expensive, more than you'd generally pay for a genuine surplus medium ALICE.
I'm looking for something similar to the M1967 USMC combat pack, worn on the back above the buttpack. Putting together a modular belt system for bushcraft and camping. The actual M1967 are hard to come by.
EDIT: I see that you get down to the brand and mention Rothco. I don't have anything from Rothco that I'd trust for anything where I'd actually need it.
It's like the Vietnam lightweight rucksack, for a P-66 frame.
Looks Like the swedish lk35 medic Pack.
There are definitely uses for this
Again, while there was a Small Alice; it never went much past Prototype/Testing.
This Mini is merely a commercial shrunkdown version of the Small or Med. Alice.
They was actually widely used in Vietnam by the raido man. Put the pack on the bottom and raido on top.
I read that the small Alice was never put into production and this 'mini' is even smaller than it was.
Locating info about an actual small alice is very hard to find.
- Luke
Wouldn't this pack be more useful if you have the radio/cargo shelf on the bottom so you can put stuff there and put the pack on top? The pack by itself makes little sense but it would be more sensible to carry small stuff in addition to the big stuff you carry on the cargo shelf.
Has anyone yet mentioned that this could be a good setup for hunting? A pack that appears to be just big enough to pack in ammo, game processing stuff, and rifle maintenance, coupled with a frame for packing out heavier loads (like meat). If you add the shelf to the frame, I could actually see this being pretty nice in that role. Sucks that the quality isn't there though.
Reminds me of the medic version of the LK35. Sleeping bag takes up almost half of my pack anyways so doesn’t seem so bad
You can get the Rothco mini Alice pack just like that without the frame for $25 on Amazon the frame is $43
I'm actually looking for a small frame like this for my own custom pack set up lol. Sorry you dont like it but it seems awesome for what I want!
I used just the pack to carry a spare uniform and socks when I was in EMS
it needs a mini frame to go with it, good for those kids that want a pack like dads.
It's cute. What's not to love?