"The problem is, I LIKE how my large ALICE is made. Sure, I'd love PALS webbing on the lid and replacing the radio pocket, but I can survive. But I can't find one other than the MALICE packs (the "wow" price) and Blackhawks SOF (I've seen their stuff fall apart before, so no) that is 1000D cordura. I like the material, it is over built and I don't have to worry about it."

The PALS webbing, or something like it can be stitched on. Similarly the radio pocket can be removed, replaced or modified as need be. All of this can be done by hand. Saving both the cost of the new pack and a sewing machine.

A lot of makers are either very proud of their product, are used to government purchasing agents who don't ask the price or they think I'm stupid and/or made out of money.

I have noticed that the more 'tactical' they project their products to be and the more pictures there are of tough guys who look like they are smelling farts the more the stuff costs. I keep thinking they are selling 'high-concept' art and retail manhood more than practical gear. They can keep their tactical 'sizzle'. I want the steak.

Don't entirely give up on less than perfect gear. The difference between top line and good is often stitching and details of assembly. The actual materials used are often identical. Which means if you learn how to sew, and take the time to do it right, you can make discount gear entirely reliable and already reliable stuff match the top-dollar gear in performance. At a fraction of the price.

Once you get into modifying your gear I can fine tune it to suit me. If the pocket is too large or small or in the wrong place I can break out my seam ripper and move or modify it. If the stitching looks a little weak it is easy to add another line or two. Once you get into the swing of things it is simple to convert patch pockets to tunnel pockets, add webbing or reinforcements and make it work the way you want it to.

Even the high dollar stuff can benefit from a little added stitching in places. Nobody is perfect.