Let ALICE carry it!!

Ok - so it's winter and I'm bored. I've been thinking of a way to get all my saw gear back in the bush for making trails on my property. It's a PITA to hand carry all the stuff. Finally came up with an idea. . . . let ALICE carry it all!
For you guys that were in the ARMY like I was, you know ALICE - - great pack system. So starting with the basic ALICE frame and optional shelf, and using stuff I had laying around - I came up with this compact and light backpack to get my saw, brush axe, fuel and oil and a kit that will hold chains, bar wrench, extra plug etc. and other necessities back in the sticks.
Best part is I built it for under $50 and that included buying the frame.
I talked my son into wearing it for me.

Al

I've been thinking about making something like that to carry firewood up the hill. Great build!

Well now that's thinking... nice pack.

Right off I'd say you need a water bottle for the operater and a rag to wipe down your saw after you used it, cause that board won't look so good after you strap a saw with 2 tanks thru it onto it, lol.

As a backpacker, when I read the title post, I was prepared to poo-poo your ALICE idea. I was going to say that I know good packs and ALICE is not one of them (I was in the Army, too). However, after seeing your pics, that is one clean professional-looking setup you have there. Good job! Oh and congrats on raising your son the right way...his ball cap isn't on backwards.

You're right!

SilverBox said:

Right off I'd say you need a water bottle for the operater and a rag to wipe down your saw after you used it, cause that board won't look so good after you strap a saw with 2 tanks thru it onto it, lol.

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Probably need a way to bungie my chaps on there rolled up too. Anyway I suppose I'll be messing with this for some time as there is always more that COULD be added. . . I just don't want it to get too heay.

Al

If i would be in the forrest and run into you, you would scare the hell out of me!!

Just kidding, nicely built, good thinking. Should be able to sell your idea?

Lex

Thanks.

litefoot said:

As a backpacker, when I read the title post, I was prepared to poo-poo your ALICE idea. I was going to say that I know good packs and ALICE is not one of them (I was in the Army, too). However, after seeing your pics, that is one clean professional-looking setup you have there. Good job! Oh and congrats on raising your son the right way...his ball cap isn't on backwards.

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I probably should have said Great Pack for $25!! Sure, there are better packs but good Old ALICE fit the budget!

Al

I thought Alice was going to be your wife. LOL That looks like it should work just fine.

litefoot said:

Oh and congrats on raising your son the right way...his ball cap isn't on backwards.

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Prolly only because the bill would hit the top of the pack.


Man, you're making me feel old. My Army career predates the Alice stuff.

US Army (E-5) retired. Vietnam '70 - '71

That is freaking kool!!

K9-Handler said:

Prolly only because the bill would hit the top of the pack.

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I thought about that, but I'd rather give Al the benefit of the doubt.

Nice post. Nice photos.

Philbert

Don't think I'll build anything like it, but I'm impressed.

That is really cool very professional looking!! You should make some up and sell them!!

Great job! Some rep headed your way!

I looked at the alice packs on line, and they wanted a lot more for them. I think just the basic frame was eighty or ninety dollars. Did you find it locally? I've got one started out of a regular backpack frame but haven't quite figured it out. I need to get it figured by snowmelt or it'll be pack The Barbie Saw on the shoulder again, and that hurts after a while.

Yours is great.

Very nice!!!

I would just ad some waterbottle to the rack, because not only is the saw thirsty after 1/2hr hard work.

7

I use this, certainly cost more but I didn't pay for it. I haven't used it in a couple of years. It's primary use was trail maintenance. I could carry a saw and supplies all day.

http://www.forestry-suppliers.com/product_pages/View_Catalog_Page.asp?mi=2173

Got Mine in Ohio. Army surplus

slowp said:

I looked at the alice packs on line, and they wanted a lot more for them. I think just the basic frame was eighty or ninety dollars. Did you find it locally? I've got one started out of a regular backpack frame but haven't quite figured it out. I need to get it figured by snowmelt or it'll be pack The Barbie Saw on the shoulder again, and that hurts after a while.

Yours is great.

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SLOWP - Google Gunny's Supply. Pack frame with straps was $20 and shelf was another $3-$4. Shelf just clips to frame - I added two pop rivets to hold it in place. The shelf carries the weight of the saw while the board carries the accessories.

Al