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Any way to make the ALICE pack more comfortable for ruck marches/hiking.
I'm just doing this as exercise and preparation for military should I decide to enlist. I don't have a frame for the pack, is that something I should get? When I put a 35 lb plate in there it pokes out because there is no backing for the pack. Heavy solid objects don't seem to sit very well in ALICE packs. Any advice?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Shane on -
It was a really sarcastic way to say this; no guy I know has ever said anything nice about the ALICE pack. We're not really comfortable with it, we just kind of get used to it. On the other hand, most of the women I've known who have used one, never minded it. My personal theory is it sits better on female hips. The females I know who didn't like the ALICE pack were tall and/or thin.
That being said, you shouldn't be carrying around plates in a pack. You should load it appropriately. Maybe Sean can help you out with a Ranger load, I don't know the keywords to find a gear list. I know you need six fucking pairs of socks, not five plus the pair you're wearing. You can also make your own sand bag using sand for weight and rubber mulch as filler.
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Permalink Reply by Sean O' on -
Shane is tracking on this. It's not just the weight, but also the bulk. When you do most military training (FTX, Schools, etc) you will have a prescribed list of what needs to be in your ruck. For right now I would suggest getting rid of the plates and going with sandbags. Start light...35 pounds is OK...and then progress both in wight and distance. Do not run with a ruck if you plan on having knees/lower back in your older years.
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Permalink Reply by Sean O' on
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You need a frame. After you get a frame then pack the weight so that it sits high in the ruck and close to the body. There is a pocket for a radio that was purpose built for putting the weight close and high.
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Permalink Reply by Aaron Howard on -
Frames are key, also as was already pointed out, the weight goes on top. finally, 35 lbs isn't even the minimum weight for a ruck run, 45 is. i'd recommend getting used to 65 if you are going to join the infantry. If you aren't joining the Infantry, well then what are you doing?
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Permalink Reply by G. H. Vaughan on
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Ditto on everything Aaron and Sean said. Get a frame, make sure the belt is tight around your waist, carry the heaviest part of your load up high on the pack. The only thing I would add is find a mental "happy place" to go to when you are on the move.
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Permalink Reply by Sean O' on
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I would say experiment with the belt/hip pad. I know some that it works well for. I can't use it well. I find it puts too much pressure on my hips and tends to rub me raw after awhile. It also makes it difficult to dump your ruck if the tactical situation calls for it.
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Permalink Reply by David F. on
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Load it with sand or corn.
At an outdoor outfitter they used sandbags to help check packs when I was shopping. But corn may be better as it is a little less dense then ground rock. This should fill out your back better.
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Permalink Reply by Clinton R. Ausmus on -
The frame will help, but the pack was built for a specific torso length. If your torso isn't that length it'll never fit the way a good pack should.
My suggestion, go and get measured at an outdoor supply store, and buy a pack that can be sized to fit you. Once you do, it'll change your whole perspective. However, once in the military you'll have to use what they supply.
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Permalink Reply by Bryant Herrera on -
Ok, this is from a former Marine Grunt. Get the frame. Also use the belt. The A.L.I.C.E. Pack was designed to rest on the hips. Not the shoulders. Makes a worlds of difference. Also, for added weight, use 1 gallon water jugs. Water is very heavy. Also serves multiple purposes. You can drink it as you go, thus it helps with hydration. Its easy to lighten the load for your return trip.
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Permalink Reply by Mat Bisesto on
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I agree with the posters above. Heavy items up top. Get the plates out.
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