Not every ruck on the rack tells the same story. Old-school ALICE packs carried generations of troops from Vietnam to the Gulf, while the modern Advanced Mountaineering Pack was engineered for high-altitude assaults and back-country expeditions. Below, we pit these two load-haulers head-to-head so you can choose the mountaineering pack that matches your mission.
What Makes an ALICE Pack Tick?
The All-purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment (ALICE) system is pure U.S. military heritage. Our U.S.-made medium ALICE pack holds up to 50 lbs. in a 20" × 14" × 6.5" main compartment, backed by three tunneled exterior pockets and a weather-repellent nylon shell. Simple, tough, and field-repairable—exactly why war-fighters still trust it for rucking and hunting camps today.
ALICE Highlights
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Rugged 420-denier nylon shrugs off abrasion
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External metal frame (optional) for load transfer
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Three quick-access pockets keep ponchos, chow, and stove fuel handy
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No zippers to fail—everything secures with lashing straps and buckles
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Proven over decades of combat and countless thru-hikes
Inside the Advanced Mountaineering Pack
Need more capacity and modern comfort? The Advanced Mountaineering Pack swallows 66 L / 4,016 cu in and rides on a fully padded back panel with a ladder-style torso adjustment for dial-in fit. Hydration-compatible side pockets, MOLLE webbing, and a built-in rainfly make it mission-ready from Rockies winter ascents to week-long field exercises.
Advanced Mountaineering Highlights
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Ladder Torso Shoulder-Strap System reduces back strain
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Dual 25.5" × 15" × 10.5" side-zip hydration pockets with service ports
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Integrated rain cover and storm-flap closure protect critical kit
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Padded kidney belt and lumbar support for heavy hauls
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MOLLE fields and compression straps to lash helmets, ice tools, or skis
Mountaineering Pack Showdown at a Glance
|
Feature |
ALICE Pack |
Advanced Mountaineering Pack |
|
Capacity |
50 lbs / ~40 L (medium) |
66 L / 4,016 cu in |
|
Frame |
External metal (optional) |
Internal stays & padded back |
|
Access |
Top-loading with buckle flap |
Zippered main + side hydration ports |
|
Pockets |
3 outer + map pocket |
2 hydration pockets + internal mesh |
|
Comfort |
Minimal padding, rugged simplicity |
Ladder torso adjust, cushioned straps |
|
Best For |
Rucking, reenactment, bushcraft |
Alpine routes, long expeditions, SAR |
Which Mountaineering Pack Is Right for You?
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Choose ALICE if you prize battlefield-tested durability, value, and repair-in-the-field simplicity. Perfect for hunters, preppers, and historical collectors who like their gear rough-and-ready.
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Choose Advanced Mountaineering if you need max volume, modern ergonomics, and hydration compatibility for multi-day climbs, search-and-rescue ops, or thru-hikes where comfort matters as much as capacity.
Either way, you’re hauling with heritage, Army Navy Sales has supplied both packs to soldiers, guides, and hardcore outdoorsmen for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mountaineering Packs
What does ALICE stand for?
ALICE means “All-purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment,” a U.S. military rucksack system dating to the 1960s.
Can I add MOLLE pouches to an ALICE pack?
Yes—use MOLLE-to-ALICE clips or MALICE straps to attach modern pouches to the ALICE’s web loops.
Is the Advanced Mountaineering Pack waterproof?
Its nylon shell is water-resistant, and it ships with an integrated rainfly for full weather protection.
Will the Advanced Mountaineering Pack fit a 3-liter hydration bladder?
Absolutely. Each side pocket is hydration-compatible and ports tubing to either shoulder.
Do I need the ALICE metal frame?
For loads under 35 lbs., many users go frameless. Beyond that, the frame transfers weight to your hips and is highly recommended.
