Alice vs Molle II backpack

hexosan

Looking at getting a new backpack and was considering a used ex US military Alice pack w/frame or a Molle II pack w/frame.
What are people's thoughts or are there others worth considering bearing in mind both of the above can be picked up relatively cheap on eBay.

BreadnBuddha

I've never been a big fan of external frame packs. Unless you're carrying out a load from a hunt, or weird shaped heavy gear in military use, I don't really see the benefits. A good anatomical fit with an external frame isn't as easy to achieve either.

There's also the issue of the extra attention mil-spec bags can attract. Nobody bats an eyelid when you have a Deuter/Lowe/Osprey type internal frame pack, even up around the 60-80L sizes, but carry a military type pack and it'll draw peoples attention and that's not always a good thing.

Tabnabs

If it were me, I'd be looking at the British Army bergen. Plentiful supply from old to new right on the doorstep and lots of mods and additions easily available too. If you don't fancy that, then the German or Dutch bags are also worth looking at and handy to get hold of.

I've never seen an alice pack in the flesh, but hear mostly negative comments about them when compared to off the shelf rucksacks.

hexosan

Tabnabs wrote: »

If it were me, I'd be looking at the British Army bergen. Plentiful supply from old to new right on the doorstep and lots of mods and additions easily available too. If you don't fancy that, then the German or Dutch bags are also worth looking at and handy to get hold of.

I've never seen an alice pack in the flesh, but hear mostly negative comments about them when compared to off the shelf rucksacks.

What sort of prices can you expect to pay for the Bergen and any recommended sites.

Tabnabs

There's a German one for a decent price (use parcel motel) http://www.ebay.ie/itm/GERMAN-ARMY-BERGEN-FLECKTARN-CAMO-65L-/171524416323?pt=UK_Collectables_Militaria_LE&hash=item27efa6e343

I've used that ebayer a few times with no problems.

From Endicotts; a British http://www.endicotts.co.uk/component/virtuemart/rucksacks-packs-kit-bags-92/load-carry-ruck-sack-bergen-british-infantry-90-patt-o-g-2123-detail?Itemid=0

and a Dutch bag http://www.endicotts.co.uk/component/virtuemart/rucksacks-packs-kit-bags-92/load-carry-ruck-sack-dutch-l-a-sting-d-p-m-2464-detail?Itemid=0

I've never dealt with Endicotts myself, but their reputation is excellent and sending stuff to Ireland hasn't been an issue before. It's a small shop, so it might take a phone call to get a response, their website is a nightmare to navigate, so not sure what their email skills are like...?!

hexosan

The Dutch sting Bergen looks the job alright.

ShadowFox

I've used a UK Bergen loads of times very comfortable pack and made to last keep an eye on adverts.ie I've seen them there a few times. Also keep an eye on eBay sometimes 2nd hand maxpedition bags come up on it but you will have to beat me to them :P they are expensive new but last my pygmy falcon one is used daily and looks like new after over 5 years