My ALICE Hellcat Pack...

[SR69]

It's a standard Woodland Camo Medium USGI ALICE Pack & Frame with MOLLE II shoulder straps & waist belt and an MSS Carrier.
My Mods: Hydration Pouch w/Source WXP 3L Bladder, 200RD SAW Pouch, USGI E-Tool/Pouch, Condor iPouch on left shoulder strap, IFAK,
(2) 30RD Mag Pouches, OD/Camo King Cobra Weave Paracord Handle, ITW Fastex Buckle Conversion and black webbing replaced with OD.

[Niblick]

Nice mods to a really cool pack. Out of curiosity, how much does a conversion like this run? Also, what's inside?

[GunsUp]

One of the nicest looking franken-pack I've seen.

What's the empty weight?

The canteen holder and saw pouch look like they'd get caught up on shit.... I'd remove them if possible.

[6UNF1GHTER]

Well done on the Hellcat mod!

Couple of observations and comments/questions here, if I may.
Interesting approach on positioning the hydration pouch, hanging it off the side like you did.
One thing I noticed, is that your canteen is rigged on the same side as the bladder pouch.
Depending on your load, that could possibly throw the pack weight off balance.
But if it works for you, roll with it. Have you tested it that way?

Also, you might try turning the MSS carrier so that it opens outward, instead of up.
I have a medium ALICE done up pretty much the same way, but it's on a 1606AC frame...
so that advice may or may not work for you if you are using the issue frame. YMMV.

Cheers!
T

[SR69]

Nice mods to a really cool pack. Out of curiosity, how much does a conversion like this run? Also, what's inside?

The Hellcat was $55.+$15. for shipping/$70.The pouches came out
to $65. and the paracord handle was $10. So, everything was $145.

Inside? Whoa...Okay, I'm sure I'll miss some stuff but here goes...

First Aid Kit Dry Box (filled with typical survival goodies, signaling, sewing, etc...)
USGI IFAK
USGI Dry Bag
ALICE Pack Cover
Otterbox 2500/Fire Kit
Sourc WXP3L Bladder
USGI Mess Kit w/Esbit Stove (200RD SAW Pouch)
10'X12' Woodland Camo Tarp w/stakes and 180' paracord
USGI Compass Cammenga 27
USGI Woodland Camo Poncho
USGI MSS: Modular Sleeping System
10" PVC Fishing Kit
(2) Rat Traps
USGI Ontario Machete
USGI Entrenchment Tool
16" Hatchet
Holy Bible
Survival Guides
7' Ugly Stick/Abu Garcia Cardinal

I'm almost done. Still need a 12GA, .22lr & .45 to fill it out.
Need some waterproof bags and a SealLine Liner just to
be 100% watertight for submersion if it should happen.
But, if I had to bug out into the sticks, I'd be alright.

Along with that goes this...





Contents:

• 1 qt water bag
• 4 H20 tablets
• 8 strike anywhere matches
• 1 trick birthday candle
• razor blade
• 2 fishing hooks w/starter lines
• P-51 can opener
• Bobby pin
• TOPS Whistle
• Button Compass
• Fresnel Lense
• Dog Tag Signal Mirror
• 3'X1' tin foil
• 3'X2" duct tape
• 2 ranger bands
• antibacterial ointment
• alcohol wipe
• aspirin/allergy/diarrhea pills
• ESEE Survival Tips Card

[SR69]

One of the nicest looking franken-pack I've seen.

What's the empty weight?

The canteen holder and saw pouch look like they'd get caught up on shit.... I'd remove them if possible.

Thanks!

I don't know the empty weight. As is (without books, water, food), it's 38lbs.
As for the Canteen pouch, that's going to find it's way to the other side.
The SAW pouch looks a lot worse than it is in person. The pack is as
broad as my shoulders are which I believe is the standard.

For me, that and weight balance are the most important thing.
But, I'm still playing with the placement of the pouches so don't be surprised if I move stuff.

[SR69]

Well done on the Hellcat mod!

Couple of observations and comments/questions here, if I may.
Interesting approach on positioning the hydration pouch, hanging it off the side like you did.
One thing I noticed, is that your canteen is rigged on the same side as the bladder pouch.
Depending on your load, that could possibly throw the pack weight off balance.
But if it works for you, roll with it. Have you tested it that way?

Also, you might try turning the MSS carrier so that it opens outward, instead of up.
I have a medium ALICE done up pretty much the same way, but it's on a 1606AC frame...
so that advice may or may not work for you if you are using the issue frame. YMMV.

Cheers!
T

See last post for weight distribution and canteen placement.

Yes, I've tested it. I can run in it, climb with it, bend,
twist; it's like part of me. And yes, I tested it fully loaded.

I've played several ways with the MSS Carrier.
It took me a few times installing and re-installing just to get it right.
There's not much I can do there, but I can live with it. I'd only have
to deal with removing the MSS one a day. Besides, I have no problem
taking it out or putting it in. I hang the pack when I do it. Piece of cake.

But definitely thanks for the advice. I've been thinking about the 1606A mod.
Do you have that pack on here? I'd love to see it. How much of a difference
has it made for you?

Thanks!

[ghost792]

Well done on the Hellcat mod!

Couple of observations and comments/questions here, if I may.
Interesting approach on positioning the hydration pouch, hanging it off the side like you did.
One thing I noticed, is that your canteen is rigged on the same side as the bladder pouch.
Depending on your load, that could possibly throw the pack weight off balance.
But if it works for you, roll with it. Have you tested it that way?
T

See last post for weight distribution and canteen placement.

I'm working on a Hellcat mod based on a Large Alice. I lucked into a good deal on a complete MOLLE pack, so I'm using the MSS and the two sustainment pouches. Because of the sustainment pouches, I don't have room on the sides of the pack for a hydration system. However, I also lucked into a closeout deal ($9.99) on the SpecOps Brand H.U.M.P. pouch. This pouch is specifically designed to attach to the ALICE system in the dead space between the waist belt and the frame (same sort of configuration as the old 5 qt canteen).

The nice thing about the H.U.M.P. is that it holds the entire hydration system, carrier and all, so that the carrier can be removed without needed to reconfigure the ruck. It also puts the weight of the hydration system right on the centerline of the ruck, so it has little effect on the overall balance of the pack. It was kind of interesting to attach to the frame, because of all the straps from the MOLLE shoulder straps that use that same space, but in the end, it worked out very nicely.

I'm still trying to work out where to put my e-tool. I'm using a WWII style with a Vietnam era M1956 carrier with ALICE clips. I have a USGI Trifold, too, but I really don't like that style and would prefer not to use it. I think I'm going to end up removing one of the MOLLE sustainment pouches so I can mount the etool and my 2 qt canteen. Either that or the 2qt will go in the radio pocket inside the pack. Right now, I actually have the e-tool carrier connected to the MOLLE waist belt. I tried the pack on and that configuration is surprisingly comfortable and balanced.

[Crimson Phoenix]

If it causes problems, I'd suggest moving the SAW pouch and canteen carrier to the webbing on the belt, assuming you have enough clearance between the pouch and the pack not to cause problems. Doing this would have the additional benefit of making those items closer at hand without needing to remove the pack while moving. As suggested earlier, I too recommend the Spec-Ops Brand HUMP (while supplies last) to move your hydration carrier to the center of the pack. I don't know if you're in the market for 2 quart canteen carriers, but you can still find Safariland MOLLE compatible ones in woodland on eBay every now and then for less than $10, and if not, Supply Captain still sells them brand new for $9.99 each. If I recall, SOP was to place one 2 quart canteen opposite your entrenching tool on the ruck. I tend to carry two 2 quart bladders, one on each side, and my spade on the center of my MOLLE ruck if I'm out for more than a couple days. I tend to have a problem with packing heavy.

[6UNF1GHTER]

See last post for weight distribution and canteen placement.

Yes, I've tested it. I can run in it, climb with it, bend,
twist; it's like part of me. And yes, I tested it fully loaded.

Cool, thanks for that info!
I always felt that ALICE medium rode way better than the large, and was less likely to be overloaded.

Now, these days many will say that the issue frame is just pure .
A back killer designed by real men, for even tougher men.
After blowing the dust off my old hunting pack, and swapping that said "tubular torture device" for the 1606ac -
I'd almost agree with those folks harping on the old frame, and for the price it's a massive upgrade.

Yep, I do have a little bit of info and a few pics about mine on some threads here... just basic webbing routing etc.
Here is one

T

[ghost792]

Has anyone attached one of the newer type ALICE buttpacks to the lid of their pack. I just realized last night that my old canvas buttpack fits perfectly to the strap guides for the closing straps, but I'm concerned the clips might hurt them.

[Psycosis]

Now, these days many will say that the issue frame is just pure .
A back killer designed by real men, for even tougher men.
After blowing the dust off my old hunting pack, and swapping that said "tubular torture device" for the 1606ac -

T

LOL now that's funny

[dynomike]

What kind of hydration bladder pouch is it? I've never seen one like that in woodland camo. brand?

[ghost792]

On another forum, I'm pretty sure SR69 said it was a Voodoo Tactical MOLLE hydration carrier.

Also, just added a paracord grab handle to my Hellcat. This may be the best mod yet. Makes moving the ruck so much easier.

[Tobias05]

Hey, sweet hellcat! We are like distant cousins or something



I need to buy one of those sweet paracord handles after seeing yours. I have 100ft but i would probably end up hanging myself if I tried to make one.

[Shaper]

Well, since everyone is posting pics of their Hellcat...

Large Alice with 1606 frame...

[TacAir]

Has anyone attached one of the newer type ALICE buttpacks to the lid of their pack. I just realized last night that my old canvas buttpack fits perfectly to the strap guides for the closing straps, but I'm concerned the clips might hurt them.

Run the 'upper' set of straps uder the LC-2 frame top, thru the ALICE ruck "D" rings and back to the butt pack.

The lower straps can be fed thru the top cover gudies, then on down to the magazine carrier loops.. Might be easier to run the lower straps out ot he sides and tie into the side loops. Make it a bit easier to get inside.


As you see, that can make for a tall package - and in underbrush or in the trees, can make it difficult to travel.


Using the magazine loops to hold the 'top' straps on the butt pack - the bottom straps go down to the bottom of the ruck using the bag carrier loops.
This setup will pretty mcuh cost you the use of the middle outer pocket. You gain easy access tot he top of the ruck. The butt pack here is full of freeze dried chow, any real weight that far 'back' on the ruck would make it far more misrable to carry - no mean feat in an ALICE.

If not carriing a MSS/or bag apron, you could try attaching the butt pack to the bottom of the ruck, much like the OP has done with the MSS carrier.

You'll have to decide what terrian you'll be in while you carry the ruck, what is the load and so on. Good luck, the LAICE system does offer the many possibilites for configuration.

(Ninja edit)

It is possible to attach sustainment pouches to the side of an ALICE ruck, - this really limits what goes into the outside pockets on each side. The pouches will also flop around a bit. (Shrug) YMMV. Just thought it was interesting to see.

Over the years I tried to see how little I can carry vs how much. For a BOB, I can see where how much you can load up matters....

[ghost792]

The Large ALICE Hellcat is the car camping/wannabe INCH bag. With the MSS in the carrier and the sustainment pouches on the sides, it's pretty darned big. I think I'm going to wave off on the externally carried buttpack for it. I like the idea of attaching the buttpack to the bottom of the ALICE, though. I think I'll do that with the medium ruck. I also haven't decided if I'll use MOLLE sustainment pouches on the medium or if I'll do SAW pouches on the sides. I'm not really a fan of increasing the amount of stuff that's being carried by adding pouches, but I really like the options it gives me for organization and quick access. For instance, I was able to fit my entire set of cooking supplies, alcohol stove and Esbit stove in one sustainment pouch with some room left over for spices and whatnot.

ALICE and MOLLE are sort of like Legos, aren't they?

[Guy Fawkes]

I love my Hellcat ALICE with MSS carrier. Really awesome, cheap, durable, and light setup.

[Niblick]

On another forum, I'm pretty sure SR69 said it was a Voodoo Tactical MOLLE hydration carrier.

Also, just added a paracord grab handle to my Hellcat. This may be the best mod yet. Makes moving the ruck so much easier.

Are you guys weaving the paracord? If so, can you post a how-to? I'm familiar with the cobra stitch but it's not clear to me how to start and finish it, or how tight to make it.

[dynomike]

Do you guys use the mss sleeping bags with the carrier or use another bag? I've heard the mss sleeping bags are heavy.

[Skull_Hide]

http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww31 ... AG0555.jpg

Since we seem to be posting Hellcats.

[Kutter_0311]

Do you guys use the mss sleeping bags with the carrier or use another bag? I've heard the mss sleeping bags are heavy.

Yeah, they ain't light, that's for sure. But they work very well, and you get awesome performance for a decent price.

As usual, you can have it light, warm, and cheap. Pick two.

My budget requires cheap, and my climate requires warm, so I take the weight penalty.

If you get one, keep it in the bivy, it's waterproof. I can't tell you how shitty it looks to hump a soaking wet one. I remember lifting wet bags when I washed them, my kids are lighter. With practice, you can roll it up so all the openings are on the inside. A civ compression sack from Gander adds another layer of WP, and squeezes it down smaller than a basketball.

[ghost792]

On another forum, I'm pretty sure SR69 said it was a Voodoo Tactical MOLLE hydration carrier.

Also, just added a paracord grab handle to my Hellcat. This may be the best mod yet. Makes moving the ruck so much easier.

Are you guys weaving the paracord? If so, can you post a how-to? I'm familiar with the cobra stitch but it's not clear to me how to start and finish it, or how tight to make it.

This is how I did mine. I just looped the paracord around the frame on the outside of the load lifter straps for the MOLLE shoulder straps.