Hey Rob, just got my alice the other day. I found a good place to hold the axe on the pack. Behind the two larger pouches on either side, it's hollow and an axe fits great behind that!
At about 18:00 : I also modified my Alice to accept the snap clips and kept the old hardware on the strap as originally intended. This does two things....upgrades the pack for speed and convenience while keeping its original components in place ...and 2...you still have a back up if the snap clip for whatever reason may fail/break. The only difference is I utilized two zip ties and just clipped off the excess end for each clip instead of using the 550 cord as you did. Same result. Great job!!
I'm not sure which would last longer. I always keep zip ties in my pack anyway...and the original hardware is still there. Of course w/your method now you have some 550 cord in an emergency.
I've done all those mods except for the ax mod that's an excellent repurposing of those ammo pouches and I'm also with you on the pocket would need to clip there I am going to put the chest strap across the sternum strap that's a good quick idea also thank you
My alice is a get home ruck. Most times I'm anywhere from 25 to 100 miles from home while working. So I chose to keep it centered toward moving fast and staying light, its a 3 season load. heaviest bit is food, water, and ammo. Everything else is kept to a minimum.
Nice mods, thanks for going into detail of how you're doing them. Really like my medium Alice pack and looking for ways to improve it and how to carry everything I want in it.
Bet ya a usmc coyote brown mag pouch would hold a axe well with a hole in the bottom. It is already missing the sides of the flap. Works great for handheld walky talkys too. I modded a molle etool cover to fit a handled folding shovel. Had to cut a hole in the bottom and sew on a edgeing. But works great for a europian shovel .
@@robertsbushcraft I ordered a sample kit that came with about 8 bottles. I think I got it from ebay. I've had the same kit since 2015 and they have not dried up any. I use them alot, especially on front site post.
If you use parachord and run it through the loops on the bottom of the pack and use a Canadian hitch, you can cinch the sleeping bag carrier down and unleash quickly.
Have you seen people fit a sleeping pad into the Alice frame? I was wondering if there is a trick to this? This video is the reason I got a large Alice pack. Thanks.
You put the sleeping bag in a compression bag and either run it under the straps on the lid and cinch it down that way or get an Alice Sleep Carrier to attach it on the bottom like a sling. Or you can just get some webbing and buckles or 550 paracord and run it yourself through the webbing on the bottom. 🍻 I run my mat on the bottom and my bag on top of the lid under the compression straps.
I like this model for the lid straps but I am wondering why not use the slider buckles to help with keeping the excess straps from just hanging and being in the way I did and it works fine and helps a lot let me know what you think please.
Wish I had made a video on how I took a medium alice ruck and made a small out of it ! Turned out really nice but it took 4 days between take down to rebuild ! Your mods are really slick !
I just couldn't cut them off. They are still serviceable and just didn't make sense to do it. Thanks for watching, commenting, and subbing Woodslore Shady!
Super cool mods man. Gonna have to try some out myself on my new Alice. I suggest you get the newer mss carrier. It'll fit better through the webbing and to the frame itself. No tying 550 cord. Thanks for the video, you earned a new subscriber.
Thanks for taking the time to watch, comment and sub Chris! I agree with you about the new MSS carrier, since this video I've used it a couple of times on this rig.
The best mod I did was take the hoop from an ALICE frame and attach it to a MOLLE II frame. Leave the LC2 straps on the pack and it will go on and off the frame, just like its supposed to. You can adjust ride height and standoff, have a lot of extra room on the frame and itll come off and be ready to go, with its own straps, for frameless wear. I have a plastic waste basket that just fits in the main compartment, that I use occasionally. Also put a paracord carry handle on it.
Hi Nice Video. I like watching your video's, BUT why didn't you just use the one of the built in axe holders that come pre installed on all the A.L.I.C.E. packs. I do not know if you are aware but behind the three outer compartments there are pass through's that are there for axes, entrengthing tools, collapsable fishing rods, etc... just add a piece of 550 cord or a bungy around the axe head and tie it over the pouch and around the bottom of your axe and you are done. I think there are three pass throughs on the medium and two on the large A.L.I.C.E.
We are aware but decided not to go that route. Sometimes we'd cross logs, boulders, go through honeysuckle thickets, and so on, and would get caught up by the longer handles sticking out and down from that sleeve. It sort of made us into a tripod when wearing the packs. So, it was just easier to reach and place the axes/hatchets along the side of the pack.
Great video and great job! I have a medium Alice that I added 2 more of the pockets from a doner pack added to each side, now 5 pockets all around, works great, still can slide a hatchet or anything else down behind them on the sides, changed to fastex buckles too. Is that the Husqvarna forestry axe? I have and live that axe! You and your dad keep the great videos coming!
Hey thanks, Rat! That is the Husqvarna forestry axe! I think they call it the multipurpose axe now, but, the exact same axe. It's a beast and I love it!
For day hikes or long weekend trips in the warmer months we tend to go with the smaller ALICE or the USMC 3 Day pack. Most of the reason for this is we don't have to carry as much clothing and sleeping bag layers. The sleeping bags we use have a three season bag as well as an outer bag and bivy. Mid/late spring, all summer, and early fall, we can get along fine with just carrying the three season bag, minimal clothing, and food, with the ALICE or USMC 3 Day pack. The colder months require much more gear and we go with the FILBE. That said, we'll haul the three season gear around in the FILBE as well. The FILBE weighs more than the ALICE so that is really the biggest factor in it all. Can we haul what we want with the lighter pack? When the answer is yes, most often, we go with the ALICE or 3 Day.
Having an ALICE on hand is like having a .45 in my opinion. Everyone should have one. Get an ALICE and see if it suits your needs. I'm willing to bet that in most cases it certainly will do just fine. For larger demands? That FILBE is well suited for it.
@@robertsbushcraft I have the same sleeping system. I got everything new for $150! That's tough to do right now! Lol My bag is a "get home bag" I travel a lot for work so I might be caught having to walk home 300+ miles. Or hitch a ride. I got the tactical tailor 3 day assault pack and I think it's too small. I might be able to whip everything together but the suspension would probably kill after a few days. So it's down to 3 bags. Alice, FILBE, or the tactical tailor MALICE. It needs to hold my sleep system, sleeping pad, hill people mountain serape, pillow, firebox, lighting, batteries, first aid kit, some clothes, water filter and water packs, french troop tent ($50 at Coleman's right now!), Maybe some boots, and some extra small gear. Also, about 20lb of food... What, I like to eat.
Yes. The issued one broke and I decided to use a newer type buckle. I cut away the old buckle by snipping the ends of the plastic. I did not cut the strap itself, only the buckle. Once removed I then just used paracord to loop and tie the new buckle onto the strap.
My man. You let rust soak in a vinegar/ water solution. And beyond that, I understand caring for your gear, and maintenance. But, Rucksacks are $5 - $10 a pop. It don't matter if you get a little oil on it
Please don’t add Chinese made plastic buckles to a pack that has been designed with metal clasp for a good reason. My Alice Pack has lasted me 20 years in the Corps and 2 wars. If you’re going to add civi mods at least use metal American made buckles, if you must. My 2 cents.
Since this video, I've added the buckles that are used on the USMC 3 Day Assault pack (part of the FILBE system) and they are holding up! Thank you for your service, Don! OOH RAH! Thank you as well for taking a moment to watch and leave a comment!
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Hey Rob, just got my alice the other day. I found a good place to hold the axe on the pack. Behind the two larger pouches on either side, it's hollow and an axe fits great behind that!
@@Appalachianhorrorshow0428 It absolutely does! I do prefer it on the side of the pack and not the back though.
thank you. this is the only video that explains how to modify buckles without damaging the originality of the ALICE pack
That was a goal from the start of the mods, and that was to keep those intact. No need to ruin perfectly serviceable items on this pack.
At about 18:00 : I also modified my Alice to accept the snap clips and kept the old hardware on the strap as originally intended. This does two things....upgrades the pack for speed and convenience while keeping its original components in place ...and 2...you still have a back up if the snap clip for whatever reason may fail/break. The only difference is I utilized two zip ties and just clipped off the excess end for each clip instead of using the 550 cord as you did. Same result. Great job!!
Right on! Do you think those zip ties will last you a long time? Thanks for watching and for the comment! - Gabriel
I'm not sure which would last longer. I always keep zip ties in my pack anyway...and the original hardware is still there. Of course w/your method now you have some 550 cord in an emergency.
I am definitely going to add zip ties to inside my pack. Thank you for the idea W ALKERONE! - Gabriel
I've done all those mods except for the ax mod that's an excellent repurposing of those ammo pouches and I'm also with you on the pocket would need to clip there I am going to put the chest strap across the sternum strap that's a good quick idea also thank you
That's awesome to hear, irmuggle! That sternum strap is a game-changer for the ALICE pack and is one of my favorite mods.
My alice is a get home ruck. Most times I'm anywhere from 25 to 100 miles from home while working.
So I chose to keep it centered toward moving fast and staying light, its a 3 season load.
heaviest bit is food, water, and ammo. Everything else is kept to a minimum.
Sounds like you have decent load out, Elizabeth! We tend to go more on the hardware side as well.
Can you attach an ALICE carrying shelf AND a sleep system at the same time or will it get in the way?
Nice mods, thanks for going into detail of how you're doing them. Really like my medium Alice pack and looking for ways to improve it and how to carry everything I want in it.
You are very welcome! I have a lot of fun with this pack. - Gabriel
The axe holder is a great idea.
It has proven to be quite handy, Max!
Bet ya a usmc coyote brown mag pouch would hold a axe well with a hole in the bottom. It is already missing the sides of the flap. Works great for handheld walky talkys too. I modded a molle etool cover to fit a handled folding shovel. Had to cut a hole in the bottom and sew on a edgeing. But works great for a europian shovel .
You had me at USMC coyote brown!
i was planning on doing all of these modifications to mine and this video has great instructions
Thanks! Glad the video was helpful, W!
Q tip should be good to use on those small buckles and tensioner, snaps. Just a thought
Nice job young man be proud and God bless you it does my heart good to see your work long live the republic
Amen and amen, Edward! Thank you for watching and the encouragement!
OV innovations make great buckle kits for the Alice pack
We'll check those out, thanks for the tip!
You should have used instant gun blue on the alice pack buckles. That Remoil will dry up. Testors model paint is good stuff too.
Testors model paint used to be in every store. Those days are gone (at least around here).
@@robertsbushcraft I ordered a sample kit that came with about 8 bottles. I think I got it from ebay. I've had the same kit since 2015 and they have not dried up any. I use them alot, especially on front site post.
Have you ever found replacement grommets for that old ALICE gear?
If you use parachord and run it through the loops on the bottom of the pack and use a Canadian hitch, you can cinch the sleeping bag carrier down and unleash quickly.
Thanks for the tip, Carl!
Use a q-tip to do your buttons and snaps with your Rem oil. Probably could do everything else with a q-tip also. You would have a little more control.
Fantastic suggestion, Dave! Thanks!
How long is the ax?
It's the 26" multipurpose Husqvarna axe
Have you seen people fit a sleeping pad into the Alice frame? I was wondering if there is a trick to this? This video is the reason I got a large Alice pack. Thanks.
You put the sleeping bag in a compression bag and either run it under the straps on the lid and cinch it down that way or get an Alice Sleep Carrier to attach it on the bottom like a sling. Or you can just get some webbing and buckles or 550 paracord and run it yourself through the webbing on the bottom. 🍻 I run my mat on the bottom and my bag on top of the lid under the compression straps.
The first fastex buckle is a 2 inch . Anyways , thanks for the vid👍
nice I used a condor flashlight holder and cut the bottom off it has a retention strap
That's an excellent idea, I need to check that out! Thanks for the watching and the comment!
Excelente..mochila 🎒🎒🎒..Alice..lo más 👌.. felicitaciones..... saludos desde Argentina 🇦🇷🇦🇷👏👏👏👏
Thank you, Damian!
Good job on the mods. Keep it up.
Thanks, Rattlesnake Joe!
God bless you gentlemen. Long live the Republic. See you at the ramparts 👊🏼💥
Right on, Behind the Spotlight!
Good job on your pack
The ALICE is still one of my absolute favorites. It's dated, for sure, but still a reliable tank of a pack.
I like this model for the lid straps but I am wondering why not use the slider buckles to help with keeping the excess straps from just hanging and being in the way I did and it works fine and helps a lot let me know what you think please.
Just an FYI, behind the 3 front pouches you can slip and axe or shovel through.
We tried that, but never quite satisfied with it being in the position that it was in.
Understood, everyone needs to tailor things to their own uses. I do like what you came up with though, love seeing ingenuity!@@robertsbushcraft
Awesome set up brother
Thanks for taking the time to watch and leave a comment, Bryce!
Wish I had made a video on how I took a medium alice ruck and made a small out of it ! Turned out really nice but it took 4 days between take down to rebuild ! Your mods are really slick !
I'd like to see that vid, let us know if you get a chance to do another medium ALICE pack like that! Thank for watching and commenting ppspsd!
Great mods bro, can’t beat good old alice gear. Aloha 🤙🏽
I agree with you 100%! Thanks for the watch and for the comment! Aloah! 🤙🏻 - Gabriel
Glad u left those original clips on...Those Fastex buckles will break in freezing weather.I subscribed
I just couldn't cut them off. They are still serviceable and just didn't make sense to do it. Thanks for watching, commenting, and subbing Woodslore Shady!
@@robertsbushcraft Right I see alot guys cuttem right off and and sew a strap around them buckles
@@MarkShelby2025 not me, I certainly don't want to fix it until it's broken! Leave'm on I say unless they are at severe risk of failure.
Beautiful job man
Thank you very much! I am very happy with how this pack turned out!
Why wouldn't you just attach it to the bottom of the pack where the mounting points are?
Super cool mods man. Gonna have to try some out myself on my new Alice. I suggest you get the newer mss carrier. It'll fit better through the webbing and to the frame itself. No tying 550 cord. Thanks for the video, you earned a new subscriber.
Thanks for taking the time to watch, comment and sub Chris! I agree with you about the new MSS carrier, since this video I've used it a couple of times on this rig.
Great mods!
Glad you like them, Brent!
There is a sleep shelf that attaches to the ALICE pack.
Good point, John!
The best mod I did was take the hoop from an ALICE frame and attach it to a MOLLE II frame. Leave the LC2 straps on the pack and it will go on and off the frame, just like its supposed to. You can adjust ride height and standoff, have a lot of extra room on the frame and itll come off and be ready to go, with its own straps, for frameless wear. I have a plastic waste basket that just fits in the main compartment, that I use occasionally. Also put a paracord carry handle on it.
Sweet mods, Spring Bloom!
What is the number for the Sleep System carrier bag?
It's actually the NBC suit carrying protective ensemble bag NSN 8465-01-216-6259 ebay.us/qsPvZX
Roger that. Thanks for responding. So many don't
Why didn't you just use the Army axe sheath.
I didn't have one. The mag pouch I used instead was damaged and it worked out well for what I wanted it do.
Hi Nice Video. I like watching your video's, BUT why didn't you just use the one of the built in axe holders that come pre installed on all the A.L.I.C.E. packs. I do not know if you are aware but behind the three outer compartments there are pass through's that are there for axes, entrengthing tools, collapsable fishing rods, etc... just add a piece of 550 cord or a bungy around the axe head and tie it over the pouch and around the bottom of your axe and you are done. I think there are three pass throughs on the medium and two on the large A.L.I.C.E.
We are aware but decided not to go that route. Sometimes we'd cross logs, boulders, go through honeysuckle thickets, and so on, and would get caught up by the longer handles sticking out and down from that sleeve. It sort of made us into a tripod when wearing the packs. So, it was just easier to reach and place the axes/hatchets along the side of the pack.
Great video and great job! I have a medium Alice that I added 2 more of the pockets from a doner pack added to each side, now 5 pockets all around, works great, still can slide a hatchet or anything else down behind them on the sides, changed to fastex buckles too. Is that the Husqvarna forestry axe? I have and live that axe! You and your dad keep the great videos coming!
Hey thanks, Rat! That is the Husqvarna forestry axe! I think they call it the multipurpose axe now, but, the exact same axe. It's a beast and I love it!
Great job!
Hey thanks couchcamper!
So would you use the ALICE pack or the new FILBE?
For day hikes or long weekend trips in the warmer months we tend to go with the smaller ALICE or the USMC 3 Day pack. Most of the reason for this is we don't have to carry as much clothing and sleeping bag layers. The sleeping bags we use have a three season bag as well as an outer bag and bivy. Mid/late spring, all summer, and early fall, we can get along fine with just carrying the three season bag, minimal clothing, and food, with the ALICE or USMC 3 Day pack. The colder months require much more gear and we go with the FILBE. That said, we'll haul the three season gear around in the FILBE as well. The FILBE weighs more than the ALICE so that is really the biggest factor in it all. Can we haul what we want with the lighter pack? When the answer is yes, most often, we go with the ALICE or 3 Day.
Having an ALICE on hand is like having a .45 in my opinion. Everyone should have one. Get an ALICE and see if it suits your needs. I'm willing to bet that in most cases it certainly will do just fine. For larger demands? That FILBE is well suited for it.
@@robertsbushcraft I have the same sleeping system. I got everything new for $150! That's tough to do right now! Lol
My bag is a "get home bag" I travel a lot for work so I might be caught having to walk home 300+ miles. Or hitch a ride. I got the tactical tailor 3 day assault pack and I think it's too small. I might be able to whip everything together but the suspension would probably kill after a few days. So it's down to 3 bags. Alice, FILBE, or the tactical tailor MALICE. It needs to hold my sleep system, sleeping pad, hill people mountain serape, pillow, firebox, lighting, batteries, first aid kit, some clothes, water filter and water packs, french troop tent ($50 at Coleman's right now!), Maybe some boots, and some extra small gear. Also, about 20lb of food... What, I like to eat.
@@robertsbushcraft also, your channel has been crazy helpful! Thank you!
You're welcome!
Did you change the buckle on the belt and if so how did you go about doing it?
Yes. The issued one broke and I decided to use a newer type buckle. I cut away the old buckle by snipping the ends of the plastic. I did not cut the strap itself, only the buckle. Once removed I then just used paracord to loop and tie the new buckle onto the strap.
Great ideas.....my ALICE will be happy...
That's fantastic, Jay! Thanks for watching and leaving us a comment. I hope the ideas work well for you.
Totally awesome!
Glad you think so, @slickwillie3376!
Dont line up because its a newer NBC sute bag not sleeping bag bag its ok i use it too like that
NBC carrier it is!
i am going to steal the axe pouch
Right on!
Nbc sute bag i have one too for my sleeping bag too
I discovered a while back that the bag I have mine placed inside of in this video is the NBC chemical bag. So far it's been a great setup!
Mil surplus awesome stuff ones gear need not cost a small fortune.
Outstanding mods !! 👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I agree agree 100%! We find gems like this on occasion and delight in cleaning and modding them. Thanks for watching and for the comment! - Gabriel
badass !
🤙🇨🇵👍🌲🏕⛺🌳🐾🌲🏕⛺🌳🤙👍super sympa....!!!!
Merci, Frederic!
i have 3 medium alice packs they are very nice packs. all of mine need some tlc,
It'll be well worth your time Manitoba! - Gabriel
You are aware that you can just slip your axe handle behind one of the 3 external pockets, no need for a separate carrier.
Absolutely! I prefer it on the side and not in the sleeve at the back.
White vinegar will do the same
Is that the same m1967 pouch as your dad has on his pack
No, turns out that this is a chemical suit carrier and not a sleeping bag carrier. It does however work well with both.
Personal bookmarks
25:31
33:40
309 is a better product for making your ALICE water repellant. Also you could of added some 200rd SAW pouches on the sides.
I've not tried 309 and the SAW pouches idea would work! Thanks, David!
Use some Vaseline in them snaps its petroleum based an lasts long
A fantastic suggestion, thank you!
I would not have cut the top pockets open
mopp suit carrier bag
That's exactly what that is!
My man. You let rust soak in a vinegar/ water solution. And beyond that, I understand caring for your gear, and maintenance. But, Rucksacks are $5 - $10 a pop. It don't matter if you get a little oil on it
I know what you mean man! But I'm going to get my money's worth out of it! Thanks for the comment!
can i own your alice pack please
This one has to stay with me, riodokumenter! Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!
Oh no you got rem oil on your Alice pac material its gonna stain
Turns out it's all ok :D
Paraclete means Holy Spirit
Yes indeed it does, Justin!
Please don’t add Chinese made plastic buckles to a pack that has been designed with metal clasp for a good reason. My Alice Pack has lasted me 20 years in the Corps and 2 wars. If you’re going to add civi mods at least use metal American made buckles, if you must. My 2 cents.
Since this video, I've added the buckles that are used on the USMC 3 Day Assault pack (part of the FILBE system) and they are holding up! Thank you for your service, Don! OOH RAH! Thank you as well for taking a moment to watch and leave a comment!
In America is called woodsmanship ! Not bushycrat !
Bushcraft is a widely accepted name for what we woodsman do. Woodcraft, bushcraft, all the same.