What is the right size of ALICE Pack Frame?

When purchasing an ALICE Pack Frame you may be presented with several different sizes. Do not let these sizes fool you, all ALICE pack frames are the same size. It is the actual ruck sack that attaches to the frame that differs in size.

**There are some real differences in ALICE frames that can make a bigger difference with mounting a 1:1 proton pack.

"Real" ALICE frames are tall, as 'most' are, and the center, vertical bar is almost an 1/8" thick, aluminum, being very strong. These mostly also should come with two holes drilled out already in the base flat bar of the frame. The 'gold' frames usually come with all this would be a good purchase, along with some black paint. These work well for attaching a pack directly against the frame or using 1" spacers as done in the movies. (Spacers were to help ensure actors would not injure their heads as the top part of the pack sits directly behind the head...and is quite painful to headbutt accidentally.

Some ALICE frames are shorter than usual, but still have a strong center bar. Depending on wearers height this may work, but doesn't work too well with an entire 1:1 pack replica. This can be confusing and if enough attention is paid you can notice the difference and save yourself from having to buy another frame.

The "cheaper" ALICE frame comes painted black, at the correct height, but with a very thin, much weaker center bar. This can become a problem as the weight of a 1:1 pack mounted to the center bar, as it was in the movie, will cause sway back and forth as the wearer walks, which could cause injury, or just a down-right annoyance, to the wearer. Unless some rubber bumpers are placed between the proton pack and the alice frame, OR the pack/motherboard is attached to the ALICE frame via another method besides the center bar, the pack will definitely sway back and forth. These "cheaper" frames also do NOT come with the lower two holes already cut out.