When I started, I used an ALICE pack and LC-2 frame. I had the entire frame wrapped in paracord, just to save my spine. Even with a civilian frame, I've done the same thing.

You are attaching the biner to your drag handle? Who's pack are you using? I've never seen a pack I was comfortable hanging that way fully loaded, I've always used either a bungie cord or a chinch strap around the frame to anchor it to things.