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[Last Edit: Liam1970]
[#1]
Originally Posted By joeviterbo: I am all for retro and custom gear, but how much work is a viable option before just spending money for a new store bought military pack? View Quote Obviously it depends and there is a threshold. However a lot of packs geared towards the military are hellishly expensive and many users still end up going back to the ALICE format. For the right price its ruggedness and simplicity still takes the win. The external pouches allow for practical organization and ease of access, by adding extra pouches or a MOLLE compatible hybrid system one can take organisation to the next level. For someone like me that always meant simple things like spending my 15 minute break getting a quick brew on or doing foot admin rather than spending almost all of it unpacking and repacking my main pack to get some or other item. It really helps having necessary items organised and accessible in the dark so you don't end up with your pack contents strewn around. For me and I suspect many a hybrid concept ie traditional ALICE with added PALS is the sweet spot. Additionally if you update the suspension system and add load lifters (to the pack itself) not the frame there's not much that a modern system can offer that supercedes the balance of ruggedness and ease of use over the ALICE. I have a very simple concept for eliminating the one glaring shortfall of the ALICE system, which is the fact that the frame is only suited to people of average height and hope to work with a fabricator to make a reality soon. As someone said, the manufacturer who can develop and build quality versions and sell these at an affordable will be on to something. There will be huge crossover appeal with for instance the Bushcrafting community etc. |
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[#2]
Originally Posted By joeviterbo: I am all for retro and custom gear, but how much work is a viable option before just spending money for a new store bought military pack? i am guilty as well as the pack i have photographed earlier in this topic is a large alice pack with circa 2004 TT Mods (reinforced stitching, storm flap, buckles, extra pocket sewn on the side, IV bag) which has served me extremely well, but costed a lot, i don't remember but maybe the Blackhawk SOF ruck in the end was comparable in price and it had proprietary frame and straps. That said, in my experience i have a close friend that ran a Blackhawk Sof Ruck and it had the tendency of tearing up and busting stitches in some places when the stiff closed cell foam padding pushed thru the nytaneon (their cordura material). it is something i experienced also on other blackhawk rigs over time (that served me and others very well) View Quote BECAUSE WE HAVE TO HAVE THE BEST THAT'S WHY. Plus looking cool in the apocalypse is 90% of surviving. Honestly, I'd be happy with my Hill People Gear packs if I weren't trying to integrate them with a set of belt kit. My bigger HPG rucks won't work with a set of belt kit, so I'm re-thinking my whole gear setup. I really like my crossfire pack, at least the frame and suspension. The bag is NOT bad, it's 90% of what I want, I'd actually be ok with it. However, it's not QUITE large enough, and I can't add all the pouches exactly where I want. So I'm re-thinking that. But that's down the road. Right now it's my main ruck for belt kit related work. The Medium ALICE is a project I'm working on, because I don't have a good 'patrol pack'. Something between the minimalist assault pack setup I have and my Crossfire ruck. I have a HPG pack (the Umlindi) that technically would work, but it doesn't have any exterior pouches that I'd like to have for that kind of thing. I have a British surplus NI patrol pack and an oldschool Becker Patrol Pack, but without the frame liner. Those technically would work, but I do want something nicer. I'd actually consider one of the new Becker packs, the Bongo Gear ones, or one of the British patrol packs, but since I am sewing now, I might as well sew me up something there, especially if other people want a few, doing some for them will pay for my pack. I'm going to do the modded medium alice on a frame, and eventually convert that design over to one with internal stays to eventually make an internal framed patrol pack, see which one I end up liking the best. So because of my sewing, I'm a bit different than other people. I think a smartly modded medium alice will make a great patrol pack. Something akin to the British gucci packs, the munro and such packs I think they are called? Something of a mix between those, a medium ALICE, and a becker patrol pack. I'm going to play around with them on a frame at first, then see about the internal framed ones. |
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[#4]
Is there anything I can use to treat the inside of a pack lid to fix this?
![]() Or is it just grab a stiff brush and scrub it all off? |
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Did you just assume my anatomy? - Cowbell
No Tyrant has ever found itself guilty of tyranny in its own court. - ohland Weapons of war are our birthright - Dark_zero_x The dildo of consequences rarely arrives lubed - Lube |
[#5]
Originally Posted By alphajaguars: Is there anything I can use to treat the inside of a pack lid to fix this? https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/1245/IMG_0424_jpeg-3225085.JPG Or is it just grab a stiff brush and scrub it all off? View Quote Scrub it all off. They have replacement panels specifically to replace that piece. Someone is selling them on ebay. It's a relatively easy swap from what I can tell. Otherwise just scrub it off. It's the waterproof coating they used back in the day falling apart and flaking off the inside of the lid. It's worth replacing one way or the other, whether you do it with the made for the lid replacement piece or getting some cordura or something with a waterproof coating to replace it with. |
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[Last Edit: joeviterbo]
[#6]
Spray flexseal?
![]() Quick & easy repair to your old ALICE pack lid ![]() ALICE PACK lid repair UPDATE! replacement lids exist since 1987 as a standalone military issue item. If you want you can buy a surplus One that Is most likely intact, unstitch the old One and sew the new One. Flap, pouch, field pack 8465-01-248-0979 for the medium Od One 8465-01-248-0978 for the large od One 8465-01-333-9772 for the (medium or radio carrier) woodland one |
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[#8]
Originally Posted By joeviterbo: Spray flexseal? ![]() ![]() replacement lids exist since 1987 as a standalone military issue item. If you want you can buy a surplus One that Is most likely intact, unstitch the old One and sew the new One. Flap, pouch, field pack 8465-01-248-0979 for the medium Od One 8465-01-248-0978 for the large od One 8465-01-333-9772 for the (medium or radio carrier) woodland one View Quote 2 Pack replacement lids, $11.00 https://www.ebay.com/itm/305066358196 |
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[#9]
Originally Posted By marnsdorff: Scrub it all off. They have replacement panels specifically to replace that piece. Someone is selling them on ebay. It's a relatively easy swap from what I can tell. Otherwise just scrub it off. It's the waterproof coating they used back in the day falling apart and flaking off the inside of the lid. It's worth replacing one way or the other, whether you do it with the made for the lid replacement piece or getting some cordura or something with a waterproof coating to replace it with. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By marnsdorff: Originally Posted By alphajaguars: Is there anything I can use to treat the inside of a pack lid to fix this? https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/1245/IMG_0424_jpeg-3225085.JPG Or is it just grab a stiff brush and scrub it all off? Scrub it all off. They have replacement panels specifically to replace that piece. Someone is selling them on ebay. It's a relatively easy swap from what I can tell. Otherwise just scrub it off. It's the waterproof coating they used back in the day falling apart and flaking off the inside of the lid. It's worth replacing one way or the other, whether you do it with the made for the lid replacement piece or getting some cordura or something with a waterproof coating to replace it with. ![]() Scrubbed it off. |
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Did you just assume my anatomy? - Cowbell
No Tyrant has ever found itself guilty of tyranny in its own court. - ohland Weapons of war are our birthright - Dark_zero_x The dildo of consequences rarely arrives lubed - Lube |
[#10]
Originally Posted By alphajaguars: ![]() Scrubbed it off. View Quote And if you are so inclined, the Flexseal mod does work decently if you have realistic expectations. It leaves the lid a touch stiff, and will eventually crack and peel, as well. But it does work. Still, for these old sacks, I see a good, sturdy, contractor grade trash bag as being an even easier, and more weather proof, option yet. |
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[#11]
Originally Posted By Ex_Sanguine_Nation: And if you are so inclined, the Flexseal mod does work decently if you have realistic expectations. It leaves the lid a touch stiff, and will eventually crack and peel, as well. But it does work. Still, for these old sacks, I see a good, sturdy, contractor grade trash bag as being an even easier, and more weather proof, option yet. View Quote I do this with the contractor (or trash compactor, which is better, if you have a small enough pack) bags in all my packs. It's worth it. |
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[Last Edit: Liam1970]
[#12]
Originally Posted By marnsdorff: Boys, I present to you....the Sacrificial ALICE. One of our members on here graciously donated a spare ALICE that is just beat up enough but also intact enough to make a good sacrificial ALICE pack for this project. I'll be taking it apart and pulling the pattern from it. I plan on open sourcing the pattern btw. (Eventually I'm going to be open sourcing most if not all my patterns along with how-to walkthroughs on making each item) So mega thanks to the guy who sent it to me. You know who you are. I still need to get a few more items to use for T&E on the project. I've collected most of the stuff I need already. I still need a 1606 frame and a set of MOLLE 2 straps. Otherwise I'll be ready to go on the ALICE project as soon as I get this current run of belt kits finished. https://i.ibb.co/3S2DrbG/signal-2024-05-27-163341-002.jpg View Quote May I suggest also lengthening the pack to the full legth of the frame, or adding an additional "claymore" pouch at the bottom for rain covers or a place to put the trash that needs to be carried out of the AO? |
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[#13]
Originally Posted By Liam1970: May I suggest also lengthening the pack to the full legth of the frame, or adding an additional "claymore" pouch at the bottom for rain covers or a place to put the trash that needs to be carried out of the AO? View Quote I'm planning on trying to come up with a workable sleep system carrier pouch that will tuck in under the pack and fill the rest of the room on the longer frames like that one. Which you can use for whatever, not just your sleeping bags. |
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[Last Edit: raf]
[#14]
Originally Posted By marnsdorff: I'm planning on trying to come up with a workable sleep system carrier pouch that will tuck in under the pack and fill the rest of the room on the longer frames like that one. Which you can use for whatever, not just your sleeping bags. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By marnsdorff: Originally Posted By Liam1970: May I suggest also lengthening the pack to the full legth of the frame, or adding an additional "claymore" pouch at the bottom for rain covers or a place to put the trash that needs to be carried out of the AO? I'm planning on trying to come up with a workable sleep system carrier pouch that will tuck in under the pack and fill the rest of the room on the longer frames like that one. Which you can use for whatever, not just your sleeping bags. Bonus points for extra-cost features which will protect sleeping system from complete water immersion. GI "Dry bags" and very stout (thickness) commercial trash bags are fine while supply is available. |
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[#15]
Originally Posted By raf: "Separate" Sleep System Pouch", if not an easily available MOLLE (Molle 1 Sleep System Carrier or MOLLE "Waistpack for a far smaller system) items ought to be easily attachable/detachable from bottom of pack, assuming pack (like ALICE packs) has/have such provisions. Such pouch is an "independent" item, capable of "reasonably" protecting the "sleep system" from the elements, and ought to have appropriate "D" rings for independent transport via shoulder strap. Bonus points for extra-cost features which will protect sleeping system from complete water immersion. GI "Dry bags" and very stout (thickness) commercial trash bags are fine while supply is available. View Quote I will be making it compatible with the MOLLE sleep pouch. And I'm throwing around the idea of an option of making a sleep system pouch out of one of the nice military spec X-pac fabrics - which is truly waterproof and seam-tapable. IE, you can have a roll-top, completely waterproof sleep system pouch. |
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[Last Edit: NotIssued]
[#16]
Originally Posted By Diz: Joe I think you do a helluva job witha da Anglish. If I tried to talk to you in Italian, it would end badly. View Quote You just hafta tok wit da Italian accent... So the removable sleep system idea. Didn't the early ILBE have something similar? Or was that the Army system? Personally (and I say this from years in Boy Scouts and thousands of miles hiked.... I am NOT infantry), I like something sized like the current assault packs (either the FILBE or the MOLLE 2 versions, the smaller daypack ones). Make them frame compatible- maybe even shrink the frame a little vice squeezing them into the current frames, and plus them up with get to medium ALICE volume. If those add-ons can attach to the frame, instead of the pack, you can cut weight by not having tons of MOLLE strapping. Have a single strap to attach to the pack to improve stability (maybe 3 points of attachment 2 to frame and 1 to pack?). Smaller frame, less straps, and you have a modular system that sheds weight but allows versatility. Just a thought after a tall beer sitting in the airpory. |
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[#17]
Originally Posted By NotIssued: You just hafta tok wit da Italian accent... So the removable sleep system idea. Didn't the early ILBE have something similar? Or was that the Army system? Personally (and I say this from years in Boy Scouts and thousands of miles hiked.... I am NOT infantry), I like something sized like the current assault packs (either the FILBE or the MOLLE 2 versions, the smaller daypack ones). Make them frame compatible- maybe even shrink the frame a little vice squeezing them into the current frames, and plus them up with get to medium ALICE volume. If those add-ons can attach to the frame, instead of the pack, you can cut weight by not having tons of MOLLE strapping. Have a single strap to attach to the pack to improve stability (maybe 3 points of attachment 2 to frame and 1 to pack?). Smaller frame, less straps, and you have a modular system that sheds weight but allows versatility. Just a thought after a tall beer sitting in the airpory. View Quote Dunno about the ILBE, but the MOLLE 2 system has a removable sleep system carrier pouch. LBT has a much nicer one. Also twice as much. I've dabbled around with the idea of a streamlined assault pack sized pack on a frame, that you can add a bigger over-pack onto as a full sized ruck. There are a ton of issues with that idea though. Extra weight, balance issues, access to the smaller pack's contents with the bigger pack on there, etc. It's still something I keep running around in my head. I'm going to be playing around with this medium alice idea, with the removable sleep system pouch under the alice. I'm also going to play around with the idea of a food sustainment pouch to go on top, under the newly floating lid this new ALICE is going to have, nestled in the top of the pouch. So you can dump you bulky sleep system and your heavy food supply pouch at a basecamp, then roll with your patrol / plused up assault pack (the Medium ALICE) This will let you extend the medium ALICE to something akin the size of a Large ALICE if you need to, while retaining the classic size of the Medium ALICE. |
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[Last Edit: raf]
[#18]
Originally Posted By marnsdorff: Dunno about the ILBE, but the MOLLE 2 system has a removable sleep system carrier pouch. LBT has a much nicer one. Also twice as much. I've dabbled around with the idea of a streamlined assault pack sized pack on a frame, that you can add a bigger over-pack onto as a full sized ruck. There are a ton of issues with that idea though. Extra weight, balance issues, access to the smaller pack's contents with the bigger pack on there, etc. It's still something I keep running around in my head. I'm going to be playing around with this medium alice idea, with the removable sleep system pouch under the alice. I'm also going to play around with the idea of a food sustainment pouch to go on top, under the newly floating lid this new ALICE is going to have, nestled in the top of the pouch. So you can dump you bulky sleep system and your heavy food supply pouch at a basecamp, then roll with your patrol / plused up assault pack (the Medium ALICE) This will let you extend the medium ALICE to something akin the size of a Large ALICE if you need to, while retaining the classic size of the Medium ALICE. View Quote I don't recall if USMC ILBE pack had a separate Sleep Sys Compartment at its' bottom or not. Excellent pack if not wearing body armor; possibly one of the best US Mil packs. USMC FILBE pack similar to Army MOLLE II. Both current issue. MOLLE I Sleep Sys Carriers have not been made for some time, although still available at reasonable prices--for now. Concept is still valid, especially given "adaptation" of such pouches/carriers to the older ALICE platform. Suggest having new-made ALICE packs be capable of using old MOLLE I Sleep Sys Cariers, as well as possibly new and improved Sleep Sys Carriers. Being able to integrate "Legacy" gear onto new-built platforms causes some headaches, but expands the potential number of buyers, since at least some of their existing gear is not made obsolete. Recall that the MOLLE system was specifically designed to incorporate as many ALICE items as possible, with only a few "adaptors" needed for "legacy" items, including ancient M-10 belt-hook items. Likewise, some MOLLE items could be retrofitted onto ALICE platforms. In some sense, what you are trying to do with re-imagining an improved ALICE Medium pack is reminiscent of how the MOLLE I pack was originally configured but using an ALICE Medium pack as a basis. Might be worth your while to take a look at MOLLE I User's Manual for inspiration. See HERE Allow me to suggest that before going "all-in" on re-creating Improved Alice packs, obtaining a genuine MOLLE I pack might be to your best interest. Still around but pay close attention to Vendor pix. The two types of packs require somewhat different frames, but the MOLLE I pack can be mounted on easily obtained plastic frames, as long as the user uses easily available MOLLE Shoulder Straps and Waist Belt. Typical ALICE pack can use metal or specifically made plastic frames, but affordable shoulder straps and waist belts for most metal frames are scarce. Suggest you investigate making affordable, DECENT shoulder straps for metal ALICE frames, as that could be a "bread-and-butter" money-maker in the long run. OK, been blathering long enough. I'm a big fan of your and Diz efforts. All best wishes! |
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[#19]
Originally Posted By raf: Just to add: The MOLLE I pack had a shorter main pack with detachable Sleeping System Carrier, while the MOLLE II had a much longer pack, which had a zippered compartment for the sleeping system. IIRC, the MOLLE II pack has an internal divider which used adjustable paracord and which could separate top and bottom of pack, or the paracord could be removed altogether and then the MOLLE II was a simple bloody great sack with no internal division. I don't recall if USMC ILBE pack had a separate Sleep Sys Compartment at its' bottom or not. Excellent pack if not wearing body armor; possibly one of the best US Mil packs. USMC FILBE pack similar to Army MOLLE II. Both current issue. MOLLE I Sleep Sys Carriers have not been made for some time, although still available at reasonable prices--for now. Concept is still valid, especially given "adaptation" of such pouches/carriers to the older ALICE platform. Suggest having new-made ALICE packs be capable of using old MOLLE I Sleep Sys Cariers, as well as possibly new and improved Sleep Sys Carriers. Being able to integrate "Legacy" gear onto new-built platforms causes some headaches, but expands the potential number of buyers, since at least some of their existing gear is not made obsolete. Recall that the MOLLE system was specifically designed to incorporate as many ALICE items as possible, with only a few "adaptors" needed for "legacy" items, including ancient M-10 belt-hook items. Likewise, some MOLLE items could be retrofitted onto ALICE platforms. In some sense, what you are trying to do with re-imagining an improved ALICE Medium pack is reminiscent of how the MOLLE I pack was originally configured but using an ALICE Medium pack as a basis. Might be worth your while to take a look at MOLLE I User's Manual for inspiration. See HERE View Quote Sorry, you're right, MOLLE 1 carrier. Yea, kinda. Not specifically, but that flavor is there. The Medium ALICE is a tried and true pack, especially with a few little tweaks. The ability to expand space below it for a sleep system carrier without destroying the qualities of the original ALICE pack would be mint. I'm not trying to re-invent the wheel, just tweaking a good design. I will not, however, compromise what made the original Medium ALICE so good. BTW, I found a source for actual 400D High Tenacity packcloth, in Ranger Green and Coyote, for when I get around to making these, if anyone wants to go that route. It's not expensive either. I'm also going to potentially play around with 420D ROBIC, which is a new-ish ripstop packcloth that's supposed to be pretty legit. |
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[#20]
Originally Posted By marnsdorff: Sorry, you're right, MOLLE 1 carrier. Yea, kinda. Not specifically, but that flavor is there. The Medium ALICE is a tried and true pack, especially with a few little tweaks. The ability to expand space below it for a sleep system carrier without destroying the qualities of the original ALICE pack would be mint. I'm not trying to re-invent the wheel, just tweaking a good design. I will not, however, compromise what made the original Medium ALICE so good. BTW, I found a source for actual 400D High Tenacity packcloth, in Ranger Green and Coyote, for when I get around to making these, if anyone wants to go that route. It's not expensive either. I'm also going to potentially play around with 420D ROBIC, which is a new-ish ripstop packcloth that's supposed to be pretty legit. View Quote FWIW, I would not be so "insistent" in my remarks if I didn't support your efforts, and also consider you a friend. |
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[#21]
This is really true but many still have an affinity for old ALICE. Including myself.
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It's all about the fiddle factor.
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[#22]
Originally Posted By raf: Well, I've made my "pitch" towards at least examining MOLLE I pack as a possible substitute for a modded ALICE. It's for sure ALICE packs are "going away" due to age and use. Unfortunately, so are the folks who used ALICE packs in their youth and have an affinity for them. IMHO, and owning many iterations of Lg and Med ALICE packs, with various frames, the MOLLE I pack is far better, with a few tweaks, than any ALICE Medium pack. With Sleeping System Carrier and side-mounted Sustainment Pouches affixed, better than even the LG ALICE pack. The MOLLE packs have the advantage of using decent, cheap, and available frames, shoulder straps, and load bearing waistbelts. You owe it to yourself to closely examine a MOLLE I pack and see what you think. FWIW, I would not be so "insistent" in my remarks if I didn't support your efforts, and also consider you a friend. View Quote Naw man, you're fine. I'm a guy who's very open to legit criticism and ideas / suggestions, as long as people aren't an asshole about it. I'll see if I can find a MOLLE 1 pack cheap and take a look at it, never hurts to see if I can find some improvements. Realize that a modern, modded ALICE is going to be a different beast than a stock ALICE, especially if I can figure out a good sleep system addition for it. I'm also planning on using the available frames, shoulder straps, and load bearing waistbands that are out there for the various packs and such. Also, I have a guy who's going to pay me to clone a FILBE pack in Woodland camo. So I'll be playing around with the FILBE too. |
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[Last Edit: raf]
[#23]
MOLLE I packs are getting hard to find, since MOLLE I was superseded by MOLLE II.
Again, posting as a friend and supporter; I would not make so much of a fuss unless I didn't think it worth your considering. This might be a MOLLE I Main Pack: https://thunderheadoutfitters.com/molle-main-pack-woodland/ There's a few MOLLE I Main packs for sale on eBay. Inspect pix closely; you are looking for a MOLLE Main Pack without the integral, zippered sleep system compartment found on the MOLLE II Main pack. Round arc of zipper for sleep system compartment on MOLLE II is a tell-tale. As always, ask questions of vendor. Most MOLLE I packs were made in Woodland camo, but some "collectors' items" were made in Desert Camo. Yeah, I have examples of both. |
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[Last Edit: ARmory04]
[#24]
Originally Posted By raf: This might be a MOLLE I pack ensemble, but suggest contacting vendor to make certain: https://bandmmilitarysurplus.com/product/complete-woodland-camo-molle-pack-system-on-sale/ MOLLE I packs are getting hard to find, since MOLLE I was superseded by MOLLE II. Again, posting as a friend and supporter; I would not make so much of a fuss unless I didn't think it worth your considering. View Quote @raf, I think something is wrong with the hot link. Says site is unsecure/unavailable. Second link after the edit brings a "404 Error". |
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Do you even OODA loop?
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[Last Edit: raf]
[#25]
OK, thanks. Did not get that msg personally but deleted suspect link.
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[#26]
Understood. I have many leather USGI 1911 holsters. Some new-made, some antiques. All treated with Pecard leather oil to forestall/reduce leather cracking /deterioration. That said, I have more "modern" holsters for "field " use.
Time marches on. |
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[Last Edit: raf]
[#27]
Originally Posted By ARmory04: @raf, I think something is wrong with the hot link. Says site is unsecure/unavailable. Second link after the edit brings a "404 Error". View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By ARmory04: Originally Posted By raf: This might be a MOLLE I pack ensemble, but suggest contacting vendor to make certain: https://bandmmilitarysurplus.com/product/complete-woodland-camo-molle-pack-system-on-sale/ MOLLE I packs are getting hard to find, since MOLLE I was superseded by MOLLE II. Again, posting as a friend and supporter; I would not make so much of a fuss unless I didn't think it worth your considering. @raf, I think something is wrong with the hot link. Says site is unsecure/unavailable. Second link after the edit brings a "404 Error". |
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[#28]
![]() Radical Kit & Cedar Sewing Co: ALICE Pack Mod (MOLLE/PALS wrap and Strap Kit) This popped up in my feed today. Basically they stripped the pockets off and replaced it with a layer of laser cut molle. I know we mostly frown upon that, but just figured I would share. |
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[#29]
Originally Posted By cap6888: ![]() This popped up in my feed today. Basically they stripped the pockets off and replaced it with a layer of laser cut molle. I know we mostly frown upon that, but just figured I would share. View Quote Yea, I saw that too. Cool idea, even if I'm not a big fan of the laser cut molle. Out of the box thinking if nothing else. |
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[#30]
Has anyone thought of a "hybrid" PALS set-up, with nylon webbing being on top and bottom, and laser cut items in-between?
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[#31]
Originally Posted By raf: Has anyone thought of a "hybrid" PALS set-up, with nylon webbing being on top and bottom, and laser cut items in-between? View Quote That would work if you knew exactly what size pouches were going to be on there. Additionally, it kinda messes with the whole idea of laser cutting - not having to sew webbing on straight. If the panel were big enough, sure, it would make sense. But most pouches aren't going to be bigger that a few slots, and doing a row of webbing + a panel + another piece of weebing? instead of just 3 pieces of webbing. |
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[#32]
Originally Posted By marnsdorff: Naw man, you're fine. I'm a guy who's very open to legit criticism and ideas / suggestions, as long as people aren't an asshole about it. I'll see if I can find a MOLLE 1 pack cheap and take a look at it, never hurts to see if I can find some improvements. Realize that a modern, modded ALICE is going to be a different beast than a stock ALICE, especially if I can figure out a good sleep system addition for it. I'm also planning on using the available frames, shoulder straps, and load bearing waistbands that are out there for the various packs and such. Also, I have a guy who's going to pay me to clone a FILBE pack in Woodland camo. So I'll be playing around with the FILBE too. View Quote So once you've worked out your patterning etc, would you be open to making one in classic Tiger Stripe? That's be sick! |
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[#33]
Originally Posted By Liam1970: So once you've worked out your patterning etc, would you be open to making one in classic Tiger Stripe? That's be sick! View Quote Ya, definitely. I'm planning on Woodland, Multicam, Ranger Green, Atacs ix, Multicam Tropic, and Tiger Stripe to be standard color options. But I will do them in whatever camo that is available if someone wants. I might add more standard color options if demand is there. |
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[Last Edit: Liam1970]
[#34]
Originally Posted By marnsdorff: Ya, definitely. I'm planning on Woodland, Multicam, Ranger Green, Atacs ix, Multicam Tropic, and Tiger Stripe to be standard color options. But I will do them in whatever camo that is available if someone wants. I might add more standard color options if demand is there. View Quote OK great! Has to have Tiger Stripe webbing too. ![]() Edit: Multicam Tropic, Tiger Stripe, M-81 hmmm. |
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[#35]
This just came to my attention, it looks similar to your project https://smithssurplusandsupply.com/product/molle-4000-airborne-ruck-issue/
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I know I'll never go home.
So set fire to your ships, and past regrets, and be free. |
[#36]
Originally Posted By TNC: This just came to my attention, it looks similar to your project https://smithssurplusandsupply.com/product/molle-4000-airborne-ruck-issue/ View Quote Yea, that's the new airborne rucksack. Got a buddy who has one, he likes it. It fixes alot of the issues the MOLLE 2 pack had. It's bigger than the Medium ALICE though. It's close to a large ALICE. |
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[Last Edit: raf]
[#37]
Originally Posted By TNC: This just came to my attention, it looks similar to your project https://smithssurplusandsupply.com/product/molle-4000-airborne-ruck-issue/ View Quote "* Jump Harness sold separately **May be delivered unassembled" Probably a blessing for most, as the harness is quite heavy. If removing the jump harness (as most non-jumpers are likely to do), take many pix and notes since re-installation is quite complicated. Like many GI packs, the MOLLE 4K can benefit from some user-installed horizontal compression straps with dual-adjust side-release QD buckles. MOLLE 4K pack may be vertically unsuitable (too long) for most "Belt-Kits". Perhaps MOLLE "Medium" pack as more suitable. Y/T vid on rigging MOLLE 4K for jumping: ![]() Rig MOLLE 4K into Jump Configuration |
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[#38]
Originally Posted By marnsdorff: Sorry, you're right, MOLLE 1 carrier. Yea, kinda. Not specifically, but that flavor is there. The Medium ALICE is a tried and true pack, especially with a few little tweaks. The ability to expand space below it for a sleep system carrier without destroying the qualities of the original ALICE pack would be mint. I'm not trying to re-invent the wheel, just tweaking a good design. I will not, however, compromise what made the original Medium ALICE so good. BTW, I found a source for actual 400D High Tenacity packcloth, in Ranger Green and Coyote, for when I get around to making these, if anyone wants to go that route. It's not expensive either. I'm also going to potentially play around with 420D ROBIC, which is a new-ish ripstop packcloth that's supposed to be pretty legit. View Quote @marnsdorff I’ve got a goruck bag in the 420d robic nylon. It’s super light & comfy to wear. It’s my dad bag so it pulls a lot of duty hauling water & snacks. I’m the 1 or 2 rain storms I’ve been in with it noting on the inside has gotten wet. I’ll probably do some spray on waterproofing before fall sports start. |
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[#39]
Originally Posted By bdover: @marnsdorff I’ve got a goruck bag in the 420d robic nylon. It’s super light & comfy to wear. It’s my dad bag so it pulls a lot of duty hauling water & snacks. I’m the 1 or 2 rain storms I’ve been in with it noting on the inside has gotten wet. I’ll probably do some spray on waterproofing before fall sports start. View Quote Yea I'm going to play around with that a bit. Also I found a source for Ranger Green packcloth, the good stuff like used on the oldschool ALICE packs. But in Ranger Green. |
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[#40]
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[#41]
The Molle 4,000 is legit, but if you ain't jumping it, get rid of all that shit! We're probably talking a couple of lbs of webbing and hardware. I'd even cut out the two attachment straps and metal hardware. It will also fit nicely on a CF frame, just sayin'.
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It's all about the fiddle factor.
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[#42]
How well does the Molle 4000 work with belt kit?
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[#43]
It's not bad. Some factors to consider. Which frameset you choose (ALICE, DEI, CF, other); your lumbar measurement (16-17" optimum); type of belt kit (Brit PLCE style optimum); and what load out you have to carry (over 45 lbs will suck no matter what you do).
So yeah, if you have a decent belt kit, and a decent frameset, the 4K is a decent rucksack. It's just not quite what I would do, not that that means anything. I started nibbling around the edges, and ended up taking it completely apart. But that is just because I prefer to do things a certain way, not that it wouldn't work, as is. But for sure, after that first 10K hump, you're gonna want to dump all that cool-guy jump shit. |
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It's all about the fiddle factor.
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[#44]
Originally Posted By marnsdorff: Nice Sinister. And yea, if @KaerMorhenResident wants something like that, I can probably do that for ya. Remove the old external pouches and add MOLLE to the outside of the pack and the lid (or make you a new lid might be easier) I'm serious about doing a run of modernized medium ALICE packs if I get a couple people interested. Especially if you just want one covered in MOLLE. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By marnsdorff: Originally Posted By Sinister: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/18978/DSC01680_JPG-3208161.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/18978/DSC01677_JPG-3208162.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/18978/DSC01679_JPG-3208163.JPG https://www.1911addicts.com/attachments/alice-wmollemedframe-jpg.1561931/?hash=b14781bd87dbfa1e423e4f7e2dd14f6f Nice Sinister. And yea, if @KaerMorhenResident wants something like that, I can probably do that for ya. Remove the old external pouches and add MOLLE to the outside of the pack and the lid (or make you a new lid might be easier) I'm serious about doing a run of modernized medium ALICE packs if I get a couple people interested. Especially if you just want one covered in MOLLE. |
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1995 M1025A2 5SFG GMV ODA525 "Hammerhead"
1995 M1025A2 3SFG GMV ODA391 "Roughnecks" 1984 Chenowth M1040 Fast Attack Vehicle 061 " Horney Toad" |
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