The ALICE Pack, short for “all-purpose lightweight individual carrying equipment” pack, was designed by the US Army in the 70s and was subsequently used by the Navy, Air Force, National Guard, and several State Guards.
It is a timeless classic of militaria that still offers civilians a lot of functionality today. But how you use it is critical to its value. You can load one the wrong way, trust us.
So how do you load it the right way?
The Sleeping Gear
All else being equal, your sleeping gear, which is usually inclusive of a sleeping bag and pad, is the bulkiest and heaviest of the gear you’ll be carrying.
It’s also gear you need to access at most once per day, and moreover, there’s never going to be an emergency that requires you to have exigent access to your sleeping gear.
Therefore, you can do one of two things. Either roll them up and stuff them way down at the bottom of the ALICE pack (if you have room) or (and this is preferable) lash them over the top flap or to the bottom of the pack.
The bottom works best because it will help keep weight low.
Other Heavy Stuff
Anything else you’ll be carrying in your ALICE pack that’s heavy, like cookware, tools, and spare footwear, should go at the bottom of the pack, or right on top of your sleeping gear. Just make sure it’s clean!
Other Clothing
Other clothing, like jackets, spare shirts, shorts and socks, can go right on top of the other “heavy” stuff, somewhere around the middle of the pack.
It should be here because there’s no reason to have fast access to it, so it will keep the rest of your gear at the top within easier reach.
Lightweight Essentials
Anything else that you might need to access (and is lightweight) can go at the top of your ALICE pack. This includes but is not limited to sunglasses, hats, maps, compasses, signaling devices, and essential tools like knives (although you’d be better off carrying them on your person).
Anything You Need Immediate Access to
With respect to everything else that you might need immediate access to, that stuff probably shouldn’t be in your ALICE pack at all, but on it.
You can strap holsters and other carriers to the belt of your ALICE pack, which will afford you much better access to things like tools, canteens, and communication devices.
And of course, if you need even more immediate access, you should carry the item in question in its own holster for easier access.
Here for a New ALICE Pack?
Have you landed here because you’re looking for a new ALICE pack or perhaps for some MOLLE field gear?
There’s one place to check out that has everything you need for outdoor pursuits, from paintball to camping to hunting. It’s Fatigues Army Navy. Check them out via the previous link and get in touch with them if you have any questions.
