Field Pack, Alice, Green

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History

In the mid-1980s, the New Zealand Army embarked on developing a new field pack to replace the existing Field Pack, Combat, Canvas, a modified version of the Australian field pack. This new pack, named the Onward pack, was designed and produced entirely in New Zealand. However, during the transitional period, the large Alice pack was chosen as an interim replacement until the Onward pack could be standardized and issued to soldiers.

Initially, the US issue LC-1 large Alice pack and its parts were utilized. However, by the late 1980s, New Zealand was compelled to procure commercially made Alice packs from South Korea. This shift was prompted by New Zealand’s declaration of nuclear-free status in 1987, leading to the severance of ties with major NATO powers.

By the late 1980s, the manufacturer and designer of the Onward pack went into receivership, halting its production. Consequently, the Onward pack design was put on hold, and the large Alice pack was adopted as the standard-issue field pack for the New Zealand Army.

Early iterations of the commercial Alice pack sported a yellow-green hue, which gradually faded to a more dominant yellow over time due to sun exposure. Subsequent versions featured a deeper green color, which better retained its hue. By 1990, the green Alice pack was superseded by a version produced in Disruptive Pattern Material (DPM).

Although the green Alice pack received some criticism from soldiers, it represented an improvement over its predecessor. Unfortunately, its only significant drawback was the quality of its manufacturing, which fell short compared to similar packs from other Western countries at the time.

Description

The pack’s lid is crafted with two types of nylon fabric: green nylon duck on the exterior and a PU-laminated nylon underside. It features a spacious flat pocket nestled between these layers, accessible via hook and loop fastening tape at the front. Secure closure is ensured by two webbing straps and metal ladderlock buckles.

The main compartment is also fabricated with green nylon duck and features a nylon draw cord around the mouth that adjusts with a fix-lock buckle. Within this compartment, a large open-top pouch comfortably accommodates a PRC-25/77 Field Radio, securely fastened with a nylon webbing strap and self-clamping buckle. For added functionality, the radio pouch is equipped with three small brass D-rings attached to its base, enabling the pack to be shortened with three nylon cords situated at the base of the Pack.

On the external side of the Alice pack, there are three 30rd 5.56mm magazine pouches at the front, each closing with a metal dome and capable of holding two magazines. Additionally, the pack features a large front pouch secured with an adjustable webbing strap and two metal domes. The two side pouches are tunneled at the back, allowing items like skis and a machete to be conveniently carried on the pack. Their mouths are fitted with grommets and draw cords for secure closures, and their lids close using the same method as the front pouch.

The outside of the pack also features nylon webbing loops at the sides and above the side pouches, allowing Alice web pouches and other items with M-1910 web hangers to be fitted to the pack’s external side. Additionally, nylon webbing loops are present at the sides and base of the pack, enabling items to be secured to the pack with utility straps.

At the top of the pack, situated at the back, there’s a large nylon duck envelope that plays a crucial role in anchoring the pack to the top of the frame. This envelope is thoughtfully lined with nylon mesh, providing additional padding to the top section of the frame. Directly below this envelope, you’ll find a transparent plastic ID window for easy identification purposes.

Moving on to the shoulder straps, they are fabricated from nylon duck and internally padded with nylon mesh for enhanced comfort during wear. These straps are attached to the top of the frame using a webbing strap and metal ladderlock buckle, while at the bottom of the frame, they are secured with a webbing loop. Notably, the left shoulder strap is equipped with a quick-release buckle for convenient single-handed release.

Furthermore, running across the bottom of the pack is a strip of webbing, ensuring secure attachment of the pack to the frame at the sides.

The lumbar strap, also fabricated with nylon duck and padded internally with nylon mesh, is attached to the bottom of the frame using a nylon webbing strap and metal ladderlock buckle.

Completing the pack’s design is a nylon webbing waistband, although not fitted. This waistband attaches via loops on the ends and can be secured around the waist using the same style quick-release buckle as found on the left shoulder strap.

Examples

Example One

Example one has undergone a modification where its lid straps were intentionally shortened, and coarser black nylon webbing straps were added to them. This adjustment was made to prevent the straps from slipping in the buckles.

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