5ive Star Gear Mil-spec Alice Pack, Large, Green

Truth be told, I wasn't expecting this pack to be a great is it really is. I bought this knowing full well that it was just the pack, and that the frame, kidney belt, and shoulder straps had to be purchased separately. That, to me, was a plus, as I fully intended on using this pack to do the hunting seat modification, which is using a folding seat as the pack frame, itself. That worked out incredibly well for me, but is neither here nor there as far as this review is concerned.From other reviewer's comments, I was a little concerned that this was going to be a flimsy pack that was made with weak polyester which would rip very easily. If this was the case, I planned on using it as a pattern to make my own pack out of sturdier waterproof material and seam seal it. NOT the case! It's thick and sturdy stuff that far surpasses my expectations, so no need to make my own unless I just feel like it. (I may in the future!).Another plus, the pack has loops top and bottom on it to attach the shoulder straps directly to it, I assume so it could be used without the pack. This bode very well for me in utilizing the chair as a frame, but I honestly don't know how well the pack would perform without any kind of a frame at all. It's made for a frame, so should best be used with one, methinks. I haven't tested that, so YMMV.The black strap tightening devices others called "flimsy metal" are more robust than I had expected. This makes me think that the people criticizing this pack really had no idea what they were getting into. They're just fine, and as sturdy as the original issue ones. Sewing up two additional straps with fastex buckles allowed a simple mod to be done with the "black flimsy metal" tabs so as to not alter the pack permanently, so there's that, too.Honestly, I can't think of any real flaw to this pack as of yet. It's miles above what I was expecting, so I'm very pleased, and would certainly recommend to anyone interested in the old-school ALICE pack system. I give it 5 stars across the board, but mind you, I have not tested the bag for water resistance yet. I expect it to be resistant but not waterproof, as the originals are/were.

really large pack, has a drainage hole in the bottom of the bag, great buy

good product

The first time I put an actual load in the ruck the cheap single stitch seams blew out and and the entire pack separated from the back panel. I wasn't even close to the fighting load I used to carry professionally. It may look like an alice pack, but its not. 0/10 Would not recommend.

So far it's held up really well. Is just as described