Having obtained recently an industrial strength sewing machine, I am comtemplating making such a pack to replace my large ruck (which I also love-after replacing my too small issued kidney pad). In my search for pack cloth, I have not run across anyone making ALICEs. Seems that dear ALICE is considered anachronistic...even her bones are being replaced by (shudder) plastic...I've still got my issue frame (and cargo shelf insert), and while I've popped a few rivets over the years due to over-enthusiastic exits via 'chute and 'copter strut, I've never managed to permanently damage my pack.

Another option is to outsource. A friend of mine wanted a double-depth map case (he was a bit of a pack-rat when it came to checklists), contacted a company in Korea, had it custom made. Price was about what you'd expect, about triple the cost of a single map case, plus shipping.


The only thing holding me back is un-sewing beloved ALICE to make a pattern...don't know if I can do it. We've been through a lot together, and I hate divorce...even if I'm leaving her for the ultimate trophy wife