Field Pack, Large, Alice, DPM

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Field Pack, Alice, Green

History

In the early 1990s, the New Zealand Defence Force began producing the large ALICE pack in temperate DPM (Disruptive Pattern Material) as a replacement for the earlier green version. Aside from the camouflage fabric, the overall design remained consistent with previous iterations.

The initial production runs featured a lighter DPM print that, due to New Zealand’s intense UV conditions, this would fade to a mustard-yellow tone over time. This issue was eventually addressed, and later ALICE packs were manufactured with a deeper, more UV-resistant colorway.

This DPM ALICE pack was unique to New Zealand and not standard in other NATO countries. However, it was occasionally seen in use by British paratroopers stationed in Belize, who preferred it over the bulkier PLCE Bergen due to its lower profile and better suitability for jungle environments.

Officially, the pack underwent few design changes throughout its service life. Unofficially, however, soldiers often customized their packs—adding pouches, modifying the frame, attaching extra lids, and making any field-expedient upgrades that improved utility and comfort.

By the late 1990s, this version of the DPM ALICE pack was replaced by a larger and improved model.

Description

The pack’s lid is fabricated with two types of nylon fabric: DPM 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. This pocket was commonly used by soldiers to store rubbish and wrappers from ration packs.
Closure is provided by two webbing straps secured with metal ladderlock buckles.

The main compartment is also fabricated with DPM 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. These were often repurposed by troops to store canned ration meals. 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.

Examples

Example One

Example one is a standard-issue version of the Field Pack, Large, ALICE, DPM, stenciled on the back with the word “Disposal”—indicating it was removed from army stores.

This example has been extensively modified, significantly increasing both its carrying capacity and its external organization potential. One of the most notable modifications is the addition of a secondary lid beneath the original top flap. This secondary lid—which has been removed from a improved version of the Field Pack, Large, Alice, DPM —suggests that the only worth while part of the improved version was the actual lid, stripped down. The second lid features a thick PVC base, likely intended to reduce staining and leakage if used to store rubbish or waste.

At the top of the pack, the closure straps are fitted with four male side-release buckles, all facing inward toward the center. This configuration implies the pack may have been designed to secure an additional “bug-out” bag or external load above the main compartment. The closure straps themselves have been further modified with webbing extensions that incorporate side-release buckles. These extensions effectively convert the original metal ladder-lock buckles into backup emergency closures, allowing the pack to remain functional even if the side-release buckles fail.

Additionally, the center of the lid features another set of side-release buckles on each side, potentially intended for attaching long items such as an M72 LAW (Light Anti-Tank Weapon).

The original front magazine pouches and side webbing loops have been removed. In their place are six ALICE-style side pouches arranged for improved load access and external organization. The outermost pouches are secured with side-release buckles, while the inner ones use adjustable straps with metal dome fasteners. The lower row consists of three large pouches—one on each side and one centrally placed—with an additional side pouch fitted between the center and side pouches on the front face. Notably, all additional top and bottom pouches have been hand-sewn using a traditional infantry sewing awl, suggesting this was a deliberate, field-level modification rather than a depot-level refit. The precision and placement of the pouches indicate that the soldier had carefully considered the layout and functionality they wanted from their pack.

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