Hi Ironraven,

I have some information for you that may help your search for a larger/tougher pack but since I have never handled an ALICE pack before I hope I am not sending you off in the wrong direction.

From what I have seen on the internet I think the US ALICE pack and the Canadian model 64 patern pack are very similar (near sisters)?

There is a well established company called CP Gear by Wheeler (Canadian Forces ex-member), in Fredricton, New Brunswick that makes military issue type equipment mostly directed at Canadian Forces personal. I have handled a few small items from this company and they are of excellent quality and well designed.
Link to model 64 pattern pack at CPGEAR:http://www.cpgear.com/default.asp?mn=1.19.56&f=pd&pid=218

This 64 Pattern pack is constructed of 1000D Cordura nylon, assembled in Canada, available in olive/Cadpat Desert/Cadpat Woodland, is 20% larger than the original pack bag and can be bought in pieces or the entire pack assemble.

The cost for the bag alone is $93.54 rising to $268.00 for the entire pack.

Question for you; Is this style of pack really as good as people on the Internet forums say it is and worth spending this amount of money on, with all the other high-tech models of pack available today? I would appreciate your input as a person who has actually used one a lot; as I also am looking to purchase a rugged outdoor pack.

Thanks and hope this helps,

Mike