The ALICE may be dated but at least it gives good ventilation
for the back-- at least when wearing SBO webbing. It probably
doesn't matter given the new LBV. The newer internal frame packs
like those that the USMC is using will definitely be hotter.
Anyway, we shouldn't just blindly copy other countries like the US
because they have to deal with cold weather situations and we
don't. I think at most a 50-60 L pack (like we have now) is more
than enough.
Ehh. The spartan pack is the trial pack that was manufactured by
Force21 and issued to 6SIR for trial-- after that they simplified
it to become our new field pack. Some former 6SIR guys like my
cousin still have them. Our new field packs are actually pretty
functional I guess, given the fact that they cost only 35 emart
credits each. I'd definitely buy my own bag if I could get away
with it though :D
Agreed about Blackhawk-- their stuff may be the cutting edge in
Singapore, but over in the US/UK there are so many much better
backpack and military kit manufacturers. However blackhawk is
probably the biggest, and most international, which is why in small
countries like ours thats about all we get.
Bro, you know that ACU digital is that grey and white crap that
the US Army is using now right? It definitely will stick out in
camp, especially since everything else we use is mostly green. If
it were me, I'd either get OD or Woodland. A pity that camelbak
doesnt make HAWGs in OD anymore-- if there were I'd definitely buy
one. If you desperately want a digital pattern though, I'd
recommend the USMC Woodland MARPAT. I think it most closely matches
our uniform colours.
Hmm.. the guy is not a neutral party-- his company actually
produces the digital pattern design for the Jordanian army, so I'd
take anything he says with a bit of salt. Still, regardless of who
invented it, digital camou is probably a slight improvement over
normal camou patterns-- However I don't think that the cost and
confusion of changing over is worth it.
Ed, you are right that Alice has certain ventilation....but the
funny part is that it's wasn't intended. It's not some funky Deuter
design by default; it was just so that the frame and actual pack is
kept away from the body as there are no backing for this vintage
design...
In terms of ergonomics, Alice failed with our SBO, due to the
back pouch htting into the lambar support, unless you are using the
US or Israeli webbing. I actually modified my SAF std issue SBO
backpouch by removing it and reattaching it to the front so that I
can wear Alice comfortably.
But that means I have an enormous 'breast' in front that is
lopsided. Convenience for maps and other accessories though.
Check out the Camelbak BFM. It's 45 li and much better than
Maxpedition or Blackhawk. And if you are a water bag person, you'll
know that Camelbak makes a damn good bag around the water pack
while others merely build a space for water pack into the bag. Also
check out the antenna/radio slots in BFM. Everything is top
notch!
