I agree with Andy's post. Also, for lighter loads, you can make a "sheet frame" for an ALICE by carefully cutting to fit whatever comes to hand so that it fits very closely inside the pack - it goes on the side next to your back. A scrap of sleeping pad is good (and has other uses, such as a sit pad). If you have it, adding a scrap of tempered masonite (1/8" - if pegboard it's a little bit lighter) stiffens it even more. If you have neither, 3-4 layers of corrugated cardboard tightly duct-taped together work well and a few "free" tyvek envelopes from the USPS (Priority Mail or Express Mail) and a little more duct tape make the cardboard fairly water resisitant and it, too can be used as a sit pad. You can experiment with other ideas along those lines if you've followed me so far.<br><br>BTW, I feel it's well worth getting GOOD duct tape. The cheap stuff is fine for kids playing around with, but get the high-quality stuff for "the real world" - it's almost not the same tape, it's so much better.<br><br>Regards,<br><br>Tom