Joe,<br><br>If you're on a budget, $25 for an ALICE pack isn't bad. Scrutinize before you buy to make certain that it is in good shape. Special attention should be paid to straps, pads and seams. Find someone with military experience to check if you're unfamiliar with the system. I don't care for the ALICE system myself, but that may be because I have carried one many miles for Uncle Sam. <br><br>Make sure that you get a frame for it. The military issue frame isn't that great, but it will serve; just be sure to check the straps regularly, they have an annoying tendency to let go at inoportune times (often painfully). With light loads, a frame isn't really neccessary, but you'll have to pack carefully to avoid getting jabbed in the back by hard or pointy items. Tom Ayers mentioned something awhile back about modifying a Camp Trails "Freighter" frame to work with the ALICE pack with good results. If I thought I'd be carrying one much longer, I'd look hard at that. Good luck.<br><br><br>Take care,<br><br>Andy