The pack was smaller than I had antispated, and the fasteners are the old "Vietnam" era style (rather than the Gulf War era I had been issued) but all in all it's built great. It feels good on my back and is very tough. For the price I can't imagine you could find a better pack anywhere else.

Its worked just fine for me. I have used it many times loaded with 40 and 50 pounds and have had no problems yet. so dont let the low price scare you off.

The Alice pack is awesome. I am currently a ground pounding infantryman in the Corps and the MOLLE system is flimsy, loose, falls apart, and is far too bulky with all of the weight on your shoulders. With the ALICE pack, the frame distributes that weight and uses your legs, not your shoulders. The pack also has multiple pouches, vice the MOLLEs one pouch and can be easily modified to add pouces, straps and size at your local general store. A must have for the field.

used this for years with the army infantry. did a few tours in iraq, lots of use and abuse around ft hood tx, and still stood the test of time. there are more comfortable and reliable out there(tac tailor, ranger joes) but this did me just fine. well worth 35 dollars.

Have tried a total of nine ALICE packs over the years from places other than CTD, all have failed with moderate use (loads under 35 lbs). The first thing to go is usually, but not always, the plastic quick release buckles on the shoulder straps. The nylon material "corrodes" easily with sweat so that the pack literally falls apart. The upper back pad where the frame goes into rips out easily with little provocation, again here, under loads of less than 35lbs--even more so when the frame is not used so definitely go with the frame. Some of the snaps on the outside pockets break easily so I had to replace them with some new modern heavy duty fastex style buckles; more fastex buckles on the main straps because the old fashioned metal buckles don't adequately secure the top flap closed under actual useage. Stitching throughout is flimsy, must be the cheap thread used by the lowest bidder (sound familiar?). Also, not very abrasion resistant, and not enough padding on the shoulder straps (can be remedied by foam rubber and duct tape but will be ugly as heck). Not worth more than $5-$10 tops, in my opinion. I now use a Kelty which has stood up for 10 years and running with no sign of failure yet, and is FAR more comfortable than the ALICEs. If you do use an ALICE, be sure to pack along plenty of paracord, duct tape, and a stitching awl, all available from CTD. Just my $.02.

The medium ALICE pack is a great General Purpose pack. I have used one for over 20yrs. It's not really intended for long stays in the field without support, though it can be done. The issue straps are not very comfortable, best to get some aftermarket should straps from Tactical Tailor or add some dense foam padding to them or use with a LBV. Good for smaller framed person who can't carry or don't need a large pack. You can also run the pack without the frame, or add a cargo shelf to the frame for carrying bulk items, ie: case of this or that or jerry can, etc. The frame alone usually retails for $35, so with a pack it's a great value.

i bought this backpack used, most damage was just holes which where sewed up, but when i took this on a backpacking trip, the belt kept sliding down on me. i ended up with ripped up, sore shoulders that night because of this, it fit everything i needed for a 1 day trip though, that i liked. i used the straps that hold the main flap down to hold a mattress while my sleeping bag could attach to the bottom with extra straps i bought. though it was a 2- man hike and my dad carried most of the all of the tent except the fly,stakes, and poles, it worked. i would buy this used if it is for short trips but nothing really big. i dont know what it is like new though...

IMHO the ultimate military style backpack in the world. If you can't afford or don't like the newest MOLLE gear, this is the backpack for you. I own one in size large with the metal frame and I have never once regretted buying it. Only the MOLLE system beats it.