Whats with the military gear?

[Expatman]

I like the large better. It gives you more room and you can always carry less if you want but with the med. you cannot carry more but are limited.

As for the Hellcat, I have not really followed it that much so I am not too familiar with it. From what I have see, I do not feel that it offeres that much over the very basic pack as it comes in the original form. I did just fine with a stock ALICE pack.

[Astronomy]

Second the motion on the Large over the Medium.

I've owned and used a Medium on occasion, but found it to be pointless in comparison to my issued Large. You're carrying the same sized frame, waist belt, and shoulder straps regardless. Why limit your interior volume cubic inches? It's easier to operate out of a roomier pack compartment than trying to monkey stomp everything into a smaller space. Medium = 2350 cu inches (38.5 liters) vs. Large = 3800 cu in (62 liters).

That extra volume becomes crucial during cold weather when you have need for a sleeping bag and winter clothing layers.

[andersed]

I second the kidney pad not being optional. if you get out on a trail, the metal frame is going to destroy your lower back without one. When I wear my Alice pack, the strap on the kidney pad that wraps latches on the front is above my belly button.

[TimHaar]

I always set my kidney pad first, then sinch down the shoulder straps where they need to be. the kidney pad is vital to comfort and function.

[Marineguy]

I know this is off topic but spmeone may be able to use this info. I bought a few of these radios for more than they are charging here. I got one with cell phone charging. I have nothing to do with this company. I'll post this in a "gear" thread also.

http://tinyurl.com/aww5k5v

[the cow]

Originally Posted by Expatman

I like the large better. It gives you more room and you can always carry less if you want but with the med. you cannot carry more but are limited.

As for the Hellcat, I have not really followed it that much so I am not too familiar with it. From what I have see, I do not feel that it offeres that much over the very basic pack as it comes in the original form. I did just fine with a stock ALICE pack.

The hellcat basically gives you more comfort in the straps. Something that was taken in consideration for newer packs. I find the ALICE straps adequate up to 40-50 pounds. You still have the option of using a medium or large ALICE on the system. I have Blackhawk straps on my SOF ruck and they're much nicer than standard ALICE. Though I'm not a fan of the plastic used in the Blackhawk (personal preference there). As for the Large/Medium. The medium is more of a day pack to a short camp while the large is more long term.


My gear has changed quite a bit since this thread started. however, the few things that have stayed military are still my boots, gloves, and sleep system. Those are still some of the best bang for your buck items out there.

[D2]

Originally Posted by Expatman

As I have posted before.....the kidney pad IS NOT UNNECESSARY......you do indeed ned it. You pack will not wear right if you go without it. It may feel fine as you stand in your living room but once on the trail and walking it will shift around and become uncomfortable as well as the metal of the frame may become damaging to your other gear that it rests upon over time. Afix the kidney pad to the pack and lower your pistol belt/suspender set up. You will thank me.

This will also give you the option to wear the pack without your pistol belt and suspenders if you choose. The way you are describing it, it would be near impossible to wear the thing without first putting on your pistol belt.

For the record, I was in the Infantry and have an intimate relationship with ALICE gear.

I agree it is needed.

[TimHaar]

Originally Posted by the cow

The hellcat basically gives you more comfort in the straps. Something that was taken in consideration for newer packs. I find the ALICE straps adequate up to 40-50 pounds. You still have the option of using a medium or large ALICE on the system. I have Blackhawk straps on my SOF ruck and they're much nicer than standard ALICE. Though I'm not a fan of the plastic used in the Blackhawk (personal preference there). As for the Large/Medium. The medium is more of a day pack to a short camp while the large is more long term.


My gear has changed quite a bit since this thread started. however, the few things that have stayed military are still my boots, gloves, and sleep system. Those are still some of the best bang for your buck items out there.

I turned my large alice into a Hellcat but ultimately ended up putting the straps and kidney belt back onto the molle 2 rifleman they came off of. I might go back to the Hellcat Alice sometime but right now I like the molle. I miss the pockets from the large alice. But made up for that by just attaching more molle pouches to the rifleman ruck. It's internal sleep system carrier is great.
The Alice straps get The job done, but using The molle is actually COMFORTABLE. something I couldn't say with the Alice.

[Harward]

I really love that Mtpatriot started a thread to bash military gear and now it's a military gear discussion thread.

[TimHaar]

Originally Posted by Harward

I really love that Mtpatriot started a thread to bash military gear and now it's a military gear discussion thread.

And that's exactly what should have happened.