I've looked at them. Nice, but I'm looking for something for cold weather use, I've already got a summer ruck I'm happy with. And the price is in the "very wow" range for what it is- my current THE is that big and hurt a lot less to buy. What I need is a pack big enough to carry all my summer gear, plus cold weather gear (clothing, slightly different food), that isn't so long the dry bag for my sleeping gear is banging at my knees and the top isn't higher than I am. It would also probably be used in the summer without the dry bag on the bottom, which I prefer.

My ALICE is as old as I am- I had to do some stitching on it when I switched packs a few weeks ago, so I'm thinking it is ready for retirement. When and if I can afford it, I'm leaning towards the Tactical Tailor MALICE 2 with full length PALS panels on the side, and possibly without the claymore pouch on the lid. That will let me carry on of the various LRRP/Patrol-type buttpacks (like this one without it being too high. I'd love to get it with a PALS panel where the radio pouch would be, but I've already spoken with TT and they say it is a no can do- when I finally do this, I'm probably ask if they can put PALS on the lid. Yeah or nay on that, I'll hang a HUMP in the frame to give me some padding and to carry a 100 ounce bladder and wrap the frame in paracord so it more comfortable.

What having the smaller pack on the top does is (with a little bit of custom cut straps- I can do that easily enough) give me more than my vest can carry by popping a few side release buckles. I know that the straps of the lid of an ALICE are a perfect fit for any PALS pouch that is four channels wide, just lace them through and make sure the guide tabs on the lid are placed so the pocket doesn't slide around on you. Grab that, and when I have a moment, either loops the straps and slide on pads (which would be under the butt pack when it is carried on the big pack) or with the back adapter for my vest added just clip it on.

The goal is my core survival kit, a small FAK, 24 hours of food and 2 liters of water without real shelter in the vest. Double those consumables, plus a water filter, tyvek tarp, poncho and liner, when the butt pack and vest are together. 3 liters in a bladder, plus five days of food in the big bag, plus my sleeping bag, big FAK, heavy tools and stove. Scalability is a good thing. If I need EVEN MORE stuff, the full length PALS panels give me maximum versatility down the road.