This pack is a medium Alice: it is meant to use with a kidney pad- which is meant to ride high, because when this pack was being used, GIs were using a web gunbelt which rode on your hips. The sternum strap is easily removed and moved down below that stitching.
kal...THANKYOU! why so many people wear these packs without researching how to use it i don't know. even before i went to basic (over 30 years ago cough-cough) i knew ya needed the frame for optimum usage. i have close to 20 different backpacks and the alice w/frame always calls me home. i have both the original medium alice pack and a spec ops alice in multicam. love them both.
Kal El agreed. I have a Kifaru pack that has a belt which carries almost all the weight when adjusted correctly. But I can't use it with webbing. Webbing is still good for patrolling and in hot conditions, where you want lots of air circulation. But you have to then consider a pack that will sit above your pouches.
I have this pack, in black, and would definitely say that your issues with the sternum strap and waist belt (not hip belt) relate to body dimensions. The waist belt is just that, it is not a load bearing hip belt, but a waist belt that will secure the pack to the user in a fast moving or climbing situation where you do not want pack sway or flop. That it rides a bit high also keeps it above a gear or gun belt you may be using. Also, you will find that the top flap secures better if you take the two straps out of the "X" configuration and weave them straight across through the molle webbing and down to the buckles. It also makes it easier to use the lid's molle webbing for attachments. I've put a molle-backed Velcro loop rectangle in the center of the lid for ID patches, for example. On one side, I've threaded the handle of a tactical tomahawk down through the molle, with tool pouches on the other side. One final note: By hitting a clearance sale and using accumulated bonus points a couple years ago, I picked up this pack for about $60.
Living Survival I think that's an aspect of pack design that gets short shrift -- at least with the larger tactical packs. Not unusual for dedicated backpacking packs to come in different torso lengths or with adjustable length suspensions. But with packs such as Spec-Ops Brand, Maxpedition, Tactical Tailor, etc. make, I usually only see the OSFA, which means it only fits a narrow segment really well, and "good enough" for those on either side of the sweet spot.
@@livingsurvival 4 the sides of Spec-Ops Recon Ultra Alice Pack Hybrid I highly recommend going with 4 Coyote Brown/Tan MOLLE Pouches taking 2 MOLLE/PALS webbing right-left, 3 MOLLE/PALS webbing up-down as well as on the Main Compartment Open Flap I highly recommend going with 2 Coyote Brown/Tan MOLLE Pouches taking up 4 MOLLE/PALS webbing right - left, 3 MOLLE/PALS webbing up-down & that's as minimumlistic of a External Open Flap Loadout, Sides Loadout I can possibly/realistically give ya!
On an Alice-style pack the belt is supposed to sit on top of your belly button, the purpose being to give your abdominal and back muscles something to push against, lowering your risk of injury.
I like the BIG pouches in the front, also the big main compartment. Easy to store stuff and pull it out. The hip belt on my pack is slightly too high, too, but it's all about different sized people. Thanks for the review!
As another viewer noted, the belt is not a hip belt. It goes around your lower torso and is only intended to keep the bag from flopping around when you are running. I carried an ALICE pack for a brief time when I joined the Army in 2003 (our unit received MOLLE rucks soon thereafter). I don't recall ever using the belt.
The belt's main purpose is to provide support for your abdominal and back muscles to prevent injury. The reason I suppose many service members get back injuries is 1: too much weight in loadout, and 2: improper carrying of the ruck.
This is the same problem all of us tall guys have with the Alice pack Frame. It’s just too short to fit correctly. I cut the frame, installed a smaller diameter pipe inside the frame aluminum pipe and, essentially, telescoped the frame longer so the kidney pad sits correctly when I have the shoulder straps adjusted correctly....
That's a nice pack. Unhook the strap keepers from the sternum strap then move it down and re-thread the straps back threw the keepers. You can more then likely do something similar to the waist belt.
As far as the chest compression strap is concerned I would exchange those out for the fire force Alice compatible straps, same color, way more adjustable and they still use metal instead of plastic
I forget if I bought mine as a result of this video or Luke's of TOGR but I've had mine for 2-3 years and really like it. I put it on my Pack Rabbit frame, also reviewed on this channel, and it works great. I've got quite a few miles on mine now.
I like civilian backpacking packs because of the weight distribution and the organization but I also like military like pack because they are basically bombproof. I would like to see your opinion on the Tasmanian Tiger 45 l pack. The one that looks like a civilian giking pack but is made of 700d cordura. It looks great but I can't find that many reviews on it. Great review. Love your channel. Have a nice day.
If you want better support, get a 1606MC packframe from Down East Innovations. It’s the same frame used for the FILBE USMC pack. It’s ALICE compatible. And will accept this pack. Trust me, I have mine set up this way. It is VERY comfortable.
Ben congratulations on the second channel. I subscribed. Your review of miller brothers m8 knife was so good I ordered one. Haven't received it yet but did call the the brothers twice and found them to be truly genuine people. They talked to me for over half an hour both times with some great advice. I was hoping you could do a review on the silverfire scout and the Goliath pen fishing rod. Thanks for the great reviews!
+Living Survival I must have missed the silverfire scout video been watching for a while now. I did tell the miller brothers your video was how I found them. Thanks for all the great reviews.
Great review Love that is made in the usa hope they update and fix the straps and the knife sheath part. It looks like it would be a good pack if they did fix it.
SpecOps was great, but never changed, upgraded anything. I have a S.O.B. buttpack, T.H.E. pack, dry cell, wallet, organizer, and an x 4 pouch. They never added Molly straps to the buttpack, for instance. Anyway, you better like their stuff, because it lasts forever and is too nice to toss out.
Mount that to a diy or longer after market frame. Attach a Molle 2 hip pad and enhanced shoulder pads. You can line the inside with a cut down short closed cell foam matt for dual purpose. Get that pack high bro. That's a kidney belt, get rid of it and the sternum strap. You don't need it. Or resew it lower. Just buy a real medium Alice pack for way less. A surplus medium Alice pack can also allow a Molle two sustainment pouch to be attached to each side to increase pack volume. I spray paint my kit to blend in to my locale and tone down that GI color.
Great video review Ben. Like when you cover the spec's and give an honest opinion of fit, ride, and practicality. I've been looking for a good pack and am leaning toward Blackhawk's or Frost River's that you have shown in the past. Also, excellent camera resolution in your videos... Sub'd the second channel also. Keep up the great work!!
Have 2 of these backpacks in different colours and use them together with an external aluminium frame. Have replaced shoulder straps by better padded ones and mount a thick padded hip belt as well. I havn't any issue with the position of hip belt if you use an external frame. I really like the optional frame and the MOLLE webbing, which I use to attache some other pouches. ATB. Franz, bugikraxn
I absolutely love that pack, but I have to say, what you said about the sternum strap and waist belt would drive me nuts. For a woman, that issue with the sternum strap would be even worse. If they could fix that, I can see this being just an amazing pack.
Sweet pack! I like the traditional A.L.I.C.E packs! Great for just a dump pack! Now combined with an assault pack could be better. I wonder why they have the MOLLE the same as the knife sheath. They should thought that one through more!
Like that you say it as it is. Weight is an issue too. I got a direct action bag and it was too heavy. The sternum strap on this was a deal breaker. Hey wait...... can't you undo and put those choking sternum straps down lower??? Looks like you can making the criticism invalid.
Wow! That is perfect for me! I appreciate your honesty. I would throw my frame and ILBE Straps on that and make it awesome. Thanks, I would also like to see hy-vis on the inside.
From here, that sternum looks removable...if it is just lower it Mate...Adapt, Improvise, Overcome. The perfect backpack to fit Everyone Perfectly..... will never be made.
I bought his because I could get a ALICE pack in multi cam. I fixed the whole straps problem by taking them all off and putting the pack on a ALICE frame with Molled II straps. The downsize, as was mentioned before, is the dimensions are wrong. The lid on top is too small and short. If you try to tuck a sleeping pad under it you expose the inside of your pack to rain and dirt. I ended up giving it to my kids.
This looks like a knock off. It appears to be missing the top flap map pocket. It does appear to have the "radio/hydration" compartment in the main compartment. Can you advise if the AXE sleeves are present between the three outer pouches and the main portion of the bag like what comes with the real medium A.L.I.C.E. packs?
they should have gone with an additional zipper on the outside pockets instead of velcro. Especially a zipper that locks with another zipper because stuff falls out on jumps or being transported via baggage handling etc.
dude, as for the chest strap. un-feed the buckle, move down a stitch, and carry on. In the adjustability of the hip strap, you have adjustability in front. Just outside the buckle.You may want to cut and lower your hip belt IF you can handle that. Otherwise I would love to take it off your hands for you.
Nice Video Ben! I like the pack itself, but the sternum strap would be a problem. That alone would keep me from wanting to buy one. I dont want to get choked out by my pack!!
Another spin on the Alice pack, without a frame. Some ingenuity, however I have seen better hand made mod's to the Alice system. Those straps and belt might fit better with a frame. Thanks for sharing Ben.
I love spec ops. They rock. I really have the wants for this one. I am looking for an Alice frame and upgraded shoulder straps.i think that would be how they designed it.a frame and shelf.waist belt and shoulder straps and I think this might be the best one. Good review.
Love the videos. but not liking this pack at all....for some thing that's "mill spec" I would have thought better design, I have a Summit gear "Kimberley" back pack (it's 18 years old) and it would poop all over this thing, plenty of external pockets, the top flap has 2 pockets, 1 on the out side and 1 on the inside with tie down straps (and the top flap has been modded to be zipped off ans used as a dump and run pack) it has a fully adjustable internal frame, the back padding is set up as to have a channel down the middle for air flow, the hip and belt webbing is so well padded and adjustable with pull on straps, clips and webbing on the hip straps for water bottles or other smaller items, deep pockets at the side with webbing to hold other items, shoulder straps are very well padded with 2 hook/clips on them (wish i could find a picture on the net its a great pack). you've another subscriber.
I honestly only use swiss army and kershaw knives since I am a boyscout. I got to test a knive (Semi auto as you would call it) at dick's sporting goods. probably first semi auto knive I have tested, but anyway, It is called the Kershaw Leek Drop Point Knife. It has a great feeling the the handle and the blade comes razor sharp out of box aparently. Getting my self one for christmas.
I was about to buy this now I’ll just get the med. ALICE instead it’s less $ anyway. This one is cool but I’m a small woman so I’m thinking this will probably not work for me
The best part of the ALICE pack is the frame, or an ALICE style pack. You are in the USA so what is stopping you from building the ultimate ALICE for cheap? Just add MOLLE 2 straps and belt, voila! Instant bad ass pack for cheap. Even in Canada that would cost right around $100 so still not bad.
I can still not find this other channel? Beside for that I really like this review I like that bag and I am fairly short 5/8 do you think I would be a good fit? only thing I don't like is the waist belt.
I wanted this pack until i seen this video, the sternum strap and waist belt would keep me from using it. Also i would like the bottom straps on the bottom of the bag would be nice if they were adjustable.
I like the pack and its overall design but apparently it needs some tweaking. No matter how good a design looks, if its not functional then its no good. If they redesign the adjustment issues, they would have a better product.
I had the same issue with the sternum strap on my Vulture II. Fortunately, I was able to undo the straps and drop it to a lower spot. Is that not an option on this pack?
my post came off snarky. didnt mean that. i just get frustrated with good companies like this or tactical tailor "improving" the alice without doing so. for instance, replacing lightweight and easy to care for nylon with heavy cordura. cordura is great, but not everywhere. im currently working on a frankenstein alice pack with the improvements i think it needs. thanks for highlighting this pack. it helps me with my experimentation.
I'm sorry, but, I normally agree with your gear reviews. This time, not so much. I love the pack, but your understanding of how PALS/MOLLE works seems to be lacking. That sheath can easily be secured to the pack's side webbing, either with cordage, or zip ties, or any similar method. This is common knowledge. And, that 'high visibility' yellow liner idea on the pack..horrible. That one's just a minor gripe, to be honest. I don't like neon type colors inside or outside of a pack. They are capable of drawing the eye. In a bugout situation, you do not want to draw eyes. Period. If you need contrast for interior visibility, you can color your interior items to contrast with the pack's liner. It's not that hard. You're right about the waist belt. The ruck is essentially designed to fit a frame, and it is probable that the maker thought about the waist belt as more of an afterthought, so it does not necessarily fit everyone. Really, though, you may want to brush up on your understanding of PALS/MOLLE webbing, because, it seems a good deal of your reviews cover items with it. It may not be much in the way of quick-release, but people routinely lash things to webbing without the straps lining up. The rule of thumb is, if you can secure it so that it won't flop around or fall off on it's own, you're good.
+ChrisC30 I know all about PALS/MOLLE and yes you can attach it using zip ties or cordage but if you are going to put molle on something the rows would be better if they lined up, horizontal to horizontal etc. Maybe you missed my point. On a sheath that large just saying vertical would be better especially from the same brand.
Garbage pack. That fabric wears easy I. Salt water environment. The design doesn't actually supports the Special Tactics or Special Forces community. When you get this ruck weighing 60+ pounds it sucks!! Would be better to have a place to place your wet clothes and gear like an external tie down to the bottom that is larger then the one provided. Not designed for STRLLS system that is used for military free fall.
Have 2 of these backpacks in different colours and use them together with an external aluminium frame. Have replaced shoulder straps by better padded ones and mount a thick padded hip belt as well. I havn't any issue with the position of hip belt if you use an external frame. I really like the optional frame and the MOLLE webbing, which I use to attache some other pouches. ATB. Franz, bugikraxn
Ben that was an awesome review and loved it...Until I saw this I hadn't realised that Spec Ops made anything but wallets, ID holders and a face wrap...I loved my old ALICE pack and I am going to have to try this one out very soon
This pack is a medium Alice: it is meant to use with a kidney pad- which is meant to ride high, because when this pack was being used, GIs were using a web gunbelt which rode on your hips. The sternum strap is easily removed and moved down below that stitching.
kal...THANKYOU! why so many people wear these packs without researching how to use it i don't know. even before i went to basic (over 30 years ago cough-cough) i knew ya needed the frame for optimum usage. i have close to 20 different backpacks and the alice w/frame always calls me home. i have both the original medium alice pack and a spec ops alice in multicam. love them both.
Kal El agreed. I have a Kifaru pack that has a belt which carries almost all the weight when adjusted correctly. But I can't use it with webbing. Webbing is still good for patrolling and in hot conditions, where you want lots of air circulation. But you have to then consider a pack that will sit above your pouches.
I have this pack, in black, and would definitely say that your issues with the sternum strap and waist belt (not hip belt) relate to body dimensions. The waist belt is just that, it is not a load bearing hip belt, but a waist belt that will secure the pack to the user in a fast moving or climbing situation where you do not want pack sway or flop. That it rides a bit high also keeps it above a gear or gun belt you may be using. Also, you will find that the top flap secures better if you take the two straps out of the "X" configuration and weave them straight across through the molle webbing and down to the buckles. It also makes it easier to use the lid's molle webbing for attachments. I've put a molle-backed Velcro loop rectangle in the center of the lid for ID patches, for example. On one side, I've threaded the handle of a tactical tomahawk down through the molle, with tool pouches on the other side. One final note: By hitting a clearance sale and using accumulated bonus points a couple years ago, I picked up this pack for about $60.
+Random Button Pusher Great deal on the pack. It is a good pack just not correct for my body as you said.
Living Survival I think that's an aspect of pack design that gets short shrift -- at least with the larger tactical packs. Not unusual for dedicated backpacking packs to come in different torso lengths or with adjustable length suspensions. But with packs such as Spec-Ops Brand, Maxpedition, Tactical Tailor, etc. make, I usually only see the OSFA, which means it only fits a narrow segment really well, and "good enough" for those on either side of the sweet spot.
@@livingsurvival 4 the sides of Spec-Ops Recon Ultra Alice Pack Hybrid I highly recommend going with 4 Coyote Brown/Tan MOLLE Pouches taking 2 MOLLE/PALS webbing right-left, 3 MOLLE/PALS webbing up-down as well as on the Main Compartment Open Flap I highly recommend going with 2 Coyote Brown/Tan MOLLE Pouches taking up 4 MOLLE/PALS webbing right - left, 3 MOLLE/PALS webbing up-down & that's as minimumlistic of a External Open Flap Loadout, Sides Loadout I can possibly/realistically give ya!
ill stick to my alice rucksack
I just don't see enough differences to swithch out my US issue alice Med.
On an Alice-style pack the belt is supposed to sit on top of your belly button, the purpose being to give your abdominal and back muscles something to push against, lowering your risk of injury.
I like the BIG pouches in the front, also the big main compartment. Easy to store stuff and pull it out. The hip belt on my pack is slightly too high, too, but it's all about different sized people. Thanks for the review!
As another viewer noted, the belt is not a hip belt. It goes around your lower torso and is only intended to keep the bag from flopping around when you are running. I carried an ALICE pack for a brief time when I joined the Army in 2003 (our unit received MOLLE rucks soon thereafter). I don't recall ever using the belt.
thanks for the info
The belt's main purpose is to provide support for your abdominal and back muscles to prevent injury. The reason I suppose many service members get back injuries is 1: too much weight in loadout, and 2: improper carrying of the ruck.
This is the same problem all of us tall guys have with the Alice pack Frame.
It’s just too short to fit correctly.
I cut the frame, installed a smaller diameter pipe inside the frame aluminum pipe and, essentially, telescoped the frame longer so the kidney pad sits correctly when I have the shoulder straps adjusted correctly....
The pack is meant to sit high and not sag, hence why the sternum strap is at your neck.
That's a nice pack. Unhook the strap keepers from the sternum strap then move it down and re-thread the straps back threw the keepers. You can more then likely do something similar to the waist belt.
They make some great stuff. I have several of their sheaths, pouches and butt pack as well as the T.H.E. pack and love it..
As far as the chest compression strap is concerned I would exchange those out for the fire force Alice compatible straps, same color, way more adjustable and they still use metal instead of plastic
I forget if I bought mine as a result of this video or Luke's of TOGR but I've had mine for 2-3 years and really like it. I put it on my Pack Rabbit frame, also reviewed on this channel, and it works great. I've got quite a few miles on mine now.
I like civilian backpacking packs because of the weight distribution and the organization but I also like military like pack because they are basically bombproof.
I would like to see your opinion on the Tasmanian Tiger 45 l pack. The one that looks like a civilian giking pack but is made of 700d cordura.
It looks great but I can't find that many reviews on it.
Great review. Love your channel. Have a nice day.
+Carmen Cruz I've tried to get one of those with no success so far.
It’s a military backpack it’s meant to have a gun belt on your hips That’s the way they have belt ride so high
If you want better support, get a 1606MC packframe from Down East Innovations. It’s the same frame used for the FILBE USMC pack. It’s ALICE compatible. And will accept this pack. Trust me, I have mine set up this way. It is VERY comfortable.
Ben congratulations on the second channel. I subscribed. Your review of miller brothers m8 knife was so good I ordered one. Haven't received it yet but did call the the brothers twice and found them to be truly genuine people. They talked to me for over half an hour both times with some great advice. I was hoping you could do a review on the silverfire scout and the Goliath pen fishing rod. Thanks for the great reviews!
+wayne Schamehorn tell them I sent ya :)
+wayne Schamehorn i did a review on the silver fire scout, search my videos. I'll look into the fishing rod.
+Living Survival
I must have missed the silverfire scout video been watching for a while now.
I did tell the miller brothers your video was how I found them. Thanks for all the great reviews.
Great review Love that is made in the usa hope they update and fix the straps and the knife sheath part. It looks like it would be a good pack if they did fix it.
SpecOps was great, but never changed, upgraded anything. I have a S.O.B. buttpack, T.H.E. pack, dry cell, wallet, organizer, and an x 4 pouch. They never added Molly straps to the buttpack, for instance. Anyway, you better like their stuff, because it lasts forever and is too nice to toss out.
Mount that to a diy or longer after market frame. Attach a Molle 2 hip pad and enhanced shoulder pads. You can line the inside with a cut down short closed cell foam matt for dual purpose. Get that pack high bro. That's a kidney belt, get rid of it and the sternum strap. You don't need it. Or resew it lower. Just buy a real medium Alice pack for way less. A surplus medium Alice pack can also allow a Molle two sustainment pouch to be attached to each side to increase pack volume. I spray paint my kit to blend in to my locale and tone down that GI color.
Looks like a good backpack but I'm happy you also mentioned the downsides of the pack.
+Erwin De Laat i try to only review stuff i like or use but if there are negatives I will point those out as well. thanks for the comment!
AWESOME PACK....like bbq grills,,,,you can't have too many packs. Like the second channel.
Great video review Ben. Like when you cover the spec's and give an honest opinion of fit, ride, and practicality. I've been looking for a good pack and am leaning toward Blackhawk's or Frost River's that you have shown in the past. Also, excellent camera resolution in your videos... Sub'd the second channel also. Keep up the great work!!
+tkowalski221969 thanks for the comment and the sub :)
Have 2 of these backpacks in different colours and use them together with an external aluminium frame. Have replaced shoulder straps by better padded ones and mount a thick padded hip belt as well. I havn't any issue with the position of hip belt if you use an external frame. I really like the optional frame and the MOLLE webbing, which I use to attache some other pouches.
ATB. Franz, bugikraxn
It looks like a good rucksack
I absolutely love that pack, but I have to say, what you said about the sternum strap and waist belt would drive me nuts. For a woman, that issue with the sternum strap would be even worse. If they could fix that, I can see this being just an amazing pack.
I like the redesign of the good old alice pack, but I think I may like the sheath better than the pack. Good review with honest pros n cons.
Thanks for the Great job! I'm subscribed to both channels. Look forward to more reviews.
Super Nice Camera !!!!
Can you lower the sternum strap below the Stitching(Lower on the Shoulder Strap)?
Sweet pack! I like the traditional A.L.I.C.E packs! Great for just a dump pack! Now combined with an assault pack could be better. I wonder why they have the MOLLE the same as the knife sheath. They should thought that one through more!
+Jason McDaniel not sure on that one, would be perfect otherwise.
Subscribed to both!! Thanks for the videos!
Like that you say it as it is. Weight is an issue too. I got a direct action bag and it was too heavy. The sternum strap on this was a deal breaker. Hey wait...... can't you undo and put those choking sternum straps down lower??? Looks like you can making the criticism invalid.
Wow! That is perfect for me! I appreciate your honesty. I would throw my frame and ILBE Straps on that and make it awesome. Thanks, I would also like to see hy-vis on the inside.
+Teds Outdoors HoodCraft Survival thanks for the comment my friend.
From here, that sternum looks removable...if it is just lower it Mate...Adapt, Improvise, Overcome.
The perfect backpack to fit Everyone Perfectly..... will never be made.
I bought his because I could get a ALICE pack in multi cam. I fixed the whole straps problem by taking them all off and putting the pack on a ALICE frame with Molled II straps. The downsize, as was mentioned before, is the dimensions are wrong. The lid on top is too small and short. If you try to tuck a sleeping pad under it you expose the inside of your pack to rain and dirt. I ended up giving it to my kids.
+Colorado Teacher yeah they need to re-work this one for larger people.
This looks like a knock off. It appears to be missing the top flap map pocket. It does appear to have the "radio/hydration" compartment in the main compartment. Can you advise if the AXE sleeves are present between the three outer pouches and the main portion of the bag like what comes with the real medium A.L.I.C.E. packs?
they should have gone with an additional zipper on the outside pockets instead of velcro. Especially a zipper that locks with another zipper because stuff falls out on jumps or being transported via baggage handling etc.
good point.
dude, as for the chest strap. un-feed the buckle, move down a stitch, and carry on. In the adjustability of the hip strap, you have adjustability in front. Just outside the buckle.You may want to cut and lower your hip belt IF you can handle that. Otherwise I would love to take it off your hands for you.
+David Tansy Yeah it could be done but many don't want to go through this when selecting a pack and I speak for the masses.
+Living Survival In majority, the masses don't see the puzzle to a problem at hand. Hence survival coarses and "HOW TO START FIRE" videos.
David Tansy HAHA, true.
looks like one of dayz standalones backpacks
Looks like you can undo and move the sternum straps down to the next molle. Right? If so your criticism would not be valid.
Nice Video Ben! I like the pack itself, but the sternum strap would be a problem. That alone would keep me from wanting to buy one. I dont want to get choked out by my pack!!
+Ed Casta yeah, not a good feeling when hiking. i'll see what else i can do to adjust it but i will most likely just get a frame for it.
Love this channel bro
+DpKxREVO thanks man.
Another spin on the Alice pack, without a frame. Some ingenuity, however I have seen better hand made mod's to the Alice system. Those straps and belt might fit better with a frame. Thanks for sharing Ben.
I love spec ops. They rock. I really have the wants for this one. I am looking for an Alice frame and upgraded shoulder straps.i think that would be how they designed it.a frame and shelf.waist belt and shoulder straps and I think this might be the best one. Good review.
+paul DiDonato right, would be perfect with that.
Tactical Tailor makes an upgraded Alice frame and hip pad- fantastic; and yes it will absolutely work with this ruck.
Cool thanks. I'm thinking about the old grouch hell cat conversion
Love the videos. but not liking this pack at all....for some thing that's "mill spec" I would have thought better design, I have a Summit gear "Kimberley" back pack (it's 18 years old) and it would poop all over this thing, plenty of external pockets, the top flap has 2 pockets, 1 on the out side and 1 on the inside with tie down straps (and the top flap has been modded to be zipped off ans used as a dump and run pack) it has a fully adjustable internal frame, the back padding is set up as to have a channel down the middle for air flow, the hip and belt webbing is so well padded and adjustable with pull on straps, clips and webbing on the hip straps for water bottles or other smaller items, deep pockets at the side with webbing to hold other items, shoulder straps are very well padded with 2 hook/clips on them (wish i could find a picture on the net its a great pack). you've another subscriber.
+Iron Forge Knives yeah I would like to see a pic of that pack. thanks.
Very good and honest review. Thanks for posting.
+BertisKing2086 thanks for watching.
Bubba… it’s meant for a Alice frame 🤦 I promise it will be way more comfortable with the frame. No malice meant by this btw all love 🤙
Great review! So if you had to choose between the Spec Ops Recon Pack or the Condor Elite Titan Assault Pack which would you chose? Thanks!
+snakemonkey555 haven't really played with the condor elite other than what i saw at shot show.
+Living Survival thanks.
Still haven’t found a video out were it’s used with the frame... why would you NOT want a frame and hip belt?
I honestly only use swiss army and kershaw knives since I am a boyscout. I got to test a knive (Semi auto as you would call it) at dick's sporting goods. probably first semi auto knive I have tested, but anyway, It is called the Kershaw Leek Drop Point Knife. It has a great feeling the the handle and the blade comes razor sharp out of box aparently. Getting my self one for christmas.
good video showing that this pack would be better with the frame attached, sternum strap and hip belt as shown are useless.....
+ben terwellen unless you have a short torso.
I was about to buy this now I’ll just get the med. ALICE instead it’s less $ anyway. This one is cool but I’m a small woman so I’m thinking this will probably not work for me
The best part of the ALICE pack is the frame, or an ALICE style pack. You are in the USA so what is stopping you from building the ultimate ALICE for cheap? Just add MOLLE 2 straps and belt, voila! Instant bad ass pack for cheap. Even in Canada that would cost right around $100 so still not bad.
+TurtleWolf Pack yeah, that would work although I like this pack better than an alice pack but the frame would make a lot of difference.
Living Survival is there a realistic way to properly frame it? If not I can't really see a lot of usefulness in this pack.
+TurtleWolf Pack it would be great with a frame, yes. works with the alice pack frame & straps.
Living Survival good to know! Thank you.
I can still not find this other channel? Beside for that I really like this review I like that bag and I am fairly short 5/8 do you think I would be a good fit? only thing I don't like is the waist belt.
+Tony Quartermain livingsurvival2
+Living Survival thanks I found it
Presumably your pack was the incorrect size for your torso length. I guess the pack is not torso length adjustable.
I wanted this pack until i seen this video, the sternum strap and waist belt would keep me from using it. Also i would like the bottom straps on the bottom of the bag would be nice if they were adjustable.
Awesome!!
Looks nice, too bad they want you to have a 15in torso lol
+Jaysun Duran yeah..
Sweet ruck man love the throwback to the Alice. I think it'd work for me as I have a shorter torso. Thanks Ben another great video. Be well my friend!
The chest strap and belt wouldn't work for me, decent pack though
+MCKwilly for those it will work for definitely a great pack.
I like the pack and its overall design but apparently it needs some tweaking. No matter how good a design looks, if its not functional then its no good. If they redesign the adjustment issues, they would have a better product.
+David Mm Or put it on a frame and it would be fine.
Nice pack... But my wife would kill me if i got another pack lol
+Hudson lol
DO U KNOW THE STERNUM STRAP CAN BE UNSTRAPED AND MOVED DOWN?
I've herd that more than twice now. That is true right? It looks like it could be.
Yes you can reposition the sternum strap, I have 2 of these, recommend you get the alice pack frame, or just use it as a light assault pack
I wonder if this pack is a perfect fit for women.
+barnowlperry shorter people in general without a frame.
I had the same issue with the sternum strap on my Vulture II. Fortunately, I was able to undo the straps and drop it to a lower spot. Is that not an option on this pack?
+illbilly you could modify it but there is no getting around the hip belt being too high.
Drinking Game. Do a shot Everytime he says High Quality.
I just found a used one on ebay :)
Is it good for a day pack or a school pack ? 😅
Hey Ben, do you know if this pack will accommodate a 1606 (plastic) frame?
Thanks Ben.
+snakemonkey555 I don't but you could cut to fit.
+Living Survival Thanks Ben!
Nice review and pack but I thinl some main engineering mistakes speciallu for tall guys.
+François Lataste with a frame it would work great.
so its a medium alice pack. just not as good and more expensive
+Renaissance MarineTV a more modern version, yes.
my post came off snarky. didnt mean that. i just get frustrated with good companies like this or tactical tailor "improving" the alice without doing so. for instance, replacing lightweight and easy to care for nylon with heavy cordura. cordura is great, but not everywhere. im currently working on a frankenstein alice pack with the improvements i think it needs. thanks for highlighting this pack. it helps me with my experimentation.
Renaissance MarineTV agree completely man.
Just ditch that chest strap. Its useless anyways just gets in the way.
Nice bag
+jason dixon thanks.
I have a condor backpack
+jason dixon nice.
I'm sorry, but, I normally agree with your gear reviews. This time, not so much. I love the pack, but your understanding of how PALS/MOLLE works seems to be lacking. That sheath can easily be secured to the pack's side webbing, either with cordage, or zip ties, or any similar method. This is common knowledge. And, that 'high visibility' yellow liner idea on the pack..horrible. That one's just a minor gripe, to be honest. I don't like neon type colors inside or outside of a pack. They are capable of drawing the eye. In a bugout situation, you do not want to draw eyes. Period. If you need contrast for interior visibility, you can color your interior items to contrast with the pack's liner. It's not that hard.
You're right about the waist belt. The ruck is essentially designed to fit a frame, and it is probable that the maker thought about the waist belt as more of an afterthought, so it does not necessarily fit everyone.
Really, though, you may want to brush up on your understanding of PALS/MOLLE webbing, because, it seems a good deal of your reviews cover items with it. It may not be much in the way of quick-release, but people routinely lash things to webbing without the straps lining up. The rule of thumb is, if you can secure it so that it won't flop around or fall off on it's own, you're good.
+ChrisC30 I know all about PALS/MOLLE and yes you can attach it using zip ties or cordage but if you are going to put molle on something the rows would be better if they lined up, horizontal to horizontal etc. Maybe you missed my point. On a sheath that large just saying vertical would be better especially from the same brand.
You're too tall for that bag.
Great video. I like the pack. Perhaps, I'm getting one. Gracias.
+Carlos Sepulveda cool, thanks.
nice pack review
I didn't like it either.
+Steven Perez put a frame with it and it is a super solid pack.
Garbage pack. That fabric wears easy I. Salt water environment. The design doesn't actually supports the Special Tactics or Special Forces community. When you get this ruck weighing 60+ pounds it sucks!! Would be better to have a place to place your wet clothes and gear like an external tie down to the bottom that is larger then the one provided. Not designed for STRLLS system that is used for military free fall.
Have 2 of these backpacks in different colours and use them together with an external aluminium frame. Have replaced shoulder straps by better padded ones and mount a thick padded hip belt as well. I havn't any issue with the position of hip belt if you use an external frame. I really like the optional frame and the MOLLE webbing, which I use to attache some other pouches.
ATB. Franz, bugikraxn
+bugikraxn awesome, thanks for the feedback.
Ben that was an awesome review and loved it...Until I saw this I hadn't realised that Spec Ops made anything but wallets, ID holders and a face wrap...I loved my old ALICE pack and I am going to have to try this one out very soon