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My friend called me yesterday and asked me to keep an eye out for a cheap pack for her little cousin...........I get the feeling they can't really afford one and were hoping I had any extra around the house....he is just needing it for boy scout trips etc.....let me know if you have anything and I'll be more than happy to throw beer, cash, or good vibes your way

jr

How big of a pack are they looking for? How tall is the cousin? Where are they located? May be able to hook you up with one.

Another option is to go to the army surplus store. My son's first pack was one of the ruck sacks. Was able to find one that fit real well, swapped out some shoulder straps and a better hip belt and it worked great. Got it real cheap too.

Its the A.L.I.C.E. pack system. Its been in use since the 60's. I think Osprey or Gregory or one of the other pack manufacturers actually made it. Its good quality stuff although heavy. You can get the large(it has to have a frame) or the medium (it doesn't have to have a frame) The frame can also be fitted with a shelf (about 8 bucks) I have loaded all of my climbing gear, about #60 and then had a friend of mine get on top if the pack. He wieghed about #135. I then carried him on my pack up an approach trail about a half of a mile. Thats almost #200!! The pack frame creaked a little but held up fine!
Another incident where A.L.I.C.E. saved the day was when some friends of mine were going camping. They were basically car camping but wanted to get away from the road. They didn't want to have to walk all the way back to the car to get a beer. So, we utilized the shelf on the pack, strapped the cooler to the pack and I hiked it in to camp.Again uphill the whole way! The A.L.I.C.E. pack system is really strong and durable. There are not too many packs today that can take that kind of punishment.

I'll ditto on the joys of A.L.I.C.E. If he can get a medium, w/frame, kidney pads and hip belt you're set pretty well. The large is <b>large</b>. The first time I loaded it up I was suprised that trad rack, draws, rope, harness, shoes, helment, 3 litres of water, and food all fit in there.

For a first backpack go with a.l.i.c.e. You can use a medium as just a rucksack. The shoulder straps dettach from the frame and fasten to the fabric pack. perfect for light day-packing. Reattach the frame and it is a serious weight mover!

He's maybe 13 or so.......5.3ish but a chunky little kid where could I get an alice??

If you are in Lexington/Winchester/RRG then Stuff military surplus will have them. Used ofcourse but in pretty good shape. They're open 0900-1700. If you are feeling really generous then here:
http://uscav.com/productinfo.aspx?produ ... =75&pos=11
and here:
http://uscav.com/productinfo.aspx?produ ... D=75&pos=5

Does an assault rifle come with the pack and frame? If so then that's a helluva deal. Get a few 30 round clips, 3000 rounds of ammo, a keg of beer and you're ready for the revolution, bayonet optional.

bayonets cost $14.95. Well worth the extra fifteen buck!

thanks for all the help scobro..........bastard!!!!!.....wait a sec......do you think someone can send me your pack after you die in Rock Mtn Park?? that would be a nice free pack.......